19: Tate Busted

(originally posted 10/02/2011)

The next evening, John takes me out to the bar. He seems to like this one more than the dance club. I'm happy about going out. When we get there, however, he explains to me that I need to be 'bait.' He asks me to call Tate and ask him to come over to the bar. I get a sinking feeling in my gut.. I hate even thinking about this man, let alone talk to him.

Tate: Hi, Elena. I'm glad you called. I wanted to talk to about something.
Me: Um, okay.

John comes out of nowhere and tackles him.

Tate: What the?

Tate tries to fight John off, and John punches him in the nose.

I'm just standing there a little too close, but it's like a train wreck..I can't help but watch.

Tate: Mother F-
John: You're not going anywhere, Tate. I'm taking you in!

What? I'm thinking.

I dust something off my skirt to hide how furious I am. I told him to get off Tate for what he did. I just want it forgotten. I've TOLD him that.

Tate: Are you EVER gonna lay off, man? You don't have a thing on me. You nearly got fired the LAST time you tried to take me in. I don't think your superiors will be too happy about this.

Last time?

John: The evidence is rock solid this time, Tate. Kiss the regular world goodbye because from now on you'll be seeing it through a jail cell. Elena, back away.

I do. I am SO MAD. Rock solid? He better not be expecting me to take the stand. This obsession with getting Tate is really getting on my nerves.

Tate: You have GOT to be kidding me.
John: So you're not coming easily?
Tate: I'm not going anywhere with you, crazy.

John pounces.

Wha? This fight doesn't seem to be looking too good for John.

Tate: I've been working out, John. You're not taking me anywhere single-handedly.

John wins, but barely.

John: Yep, that's it. Get going. My partner has the squad car waiting.
Tate looks over at me: I thought you'd forgiven me, Elena.

I just stand here trying to form words, but nothing comes out.
I'm so upset I need to work off some steam. I see a co-worker at the foosball table.

Raquel: I'm so glad that scumbag is getting put away. One time when I went into the hospital he tried to seduce me and everything. Told me he was going to divorce his wife for me, all I had to do was ask.

I say nothing. John has his partner take Tate in, and he walks back into the bar just as Raquel says all this.

Raquel: I hope they lock him up for good. I'd love to be there. I'll laugh in his face.

John calls Raquel over to the bar. I have just about HAD IT with my husband. So THIS must've been what he was working on so hard over the past few days. I'd never seen him so obsessed about work before. He even canceled the sim fu training with Marie for a few days.

John: If you really want him put away for a long, long time then perhaps you can help me.
Raquel smiles: I'd LOVE to help you any way I can, John.

John: I'd like to get an official report from you, if I can. We'll need all the help we can putting this man behind bars.

He looks over at me as he says the last part. I just glare back. He turns his attention back to Raquel.

Raquel: Sure, anything. Right now good for you?

So Raquel tells the sordid details of her misadventure with Tate. Some of the more drunk patrons of the bar are listening really closely, apparently getting something out of this. I want to go home. So much for 'going out.' He's sleeping on the couch tonight.
 



Friday

Well, nothing exciting as this happens in our town so Tate's court date is the next day. Last night John had tried to apologize, but I wouldn't have it. He finally just sighed and stomped down the stairs to his new place of rest...the couch. I heard him throwing every book off the bookshelf and cursing under his breath...knocking everything off the coffee table and the chess set. It was all clean by this morning, however.

Tate was getting escorted in when John and I arrived at the courthouse after work. (I guess he's back undercover at the hospital.)

John: Well, I see it's time to take out the trash.

Maybe I can try to be a character witness for the defense...
(I hate this pic... I should've had them move around a bit and reset Sabrina...oh well, can't fix it now.)

As you can imagine, even with my help, Tate's trial didn't go so well. (Ok, so it really wouldn't have gone this fast irl, but I need to get the story moving. ) There were 3 ladies that accused Tate. I was not one of them. One was Ophelia Moves, the other Raquel, and one other person I didn't know. He was sentenced for such a long imprisonment that he'll not be seen again. ( ) In one way I feel sorry for him, another I'm glad to see him go. He DID apologize, but apparently I wasn't his only victim. Poor Brook and Janie.

That night, I get a phone call.

Greg: Elena. You left yesterday before I could talk to you.
Me: I think you've said enough.
Greg: Not hardly. I NEED to talk to you again. Come over here. Can you?

My heart pounds in my chest.

Me: I can't.
Greg: Please?
I sigh exasperatedly: I'll tell you what, I'll need to go to the grocer tomorrow. I could....spend a little more time out than expected.
Greg: I guess I'll just have to go to sleep until then. I can't wait to see you.
Me: Okay. See you tomorrow.

John still sleeps on the couch.