Zur Schau gestellt (1) - Sexgeschichten

Zur Schau gestellt (1)

... immigration laws and civil codes. I realize that you may

not have intended any harm, and that you are foreigners; but I must hold you

accountable under our laws. You will be given a hearing before the police

magistrate in a day or two. I advise you to obtain a local lawyer to represent

you. I could hold you until the hearing; but I do not feel that you are a

threat to the community, and if you agree to report for the hearing I am

prepared to release you in your husband's custody if you will post a small

bond, leave your passports with me, and agree not to attempt to flee the

island."

"Mr. Melona, I understand your position, and your offer is quite generous, and

we will accept it", Ralph replied. Fortunately, he had the means to post the

modest bond, and they left to go back to their hotel.

That evening, they consulted with George Hamran, the attorney they had now

engaged to represent Nancy at her hearing.

"Mr. Hamran," Nancy asked him, "is this really a serious set of charges? Of

course, I know what I did, but I really did not know of all these legal

entanglements. I've been in places before where I had failed to get a permit

or something, and usually we straightened it out with a small fine, or a fee,

or sometimes even a bit under the table for some official. Besides, they took

my camera and all my notes, so what can they do to me? Deport me?"

"Don't try that here" George Hamran responded. "There has recently ...

... been quite

a scandal on corruption and even the suggestion of a bribe will get you in more

trouble. Since they have your photos and notes, and you were caught in the act

of illegal photography, and since you obviously do not possess the required

authorizations, there is little defense. I can try to argue that your

intentions were not malicious, but don't be hopeful. This government wants to

be seen as operating strictly by the law, and they don't want to encourage

other foreigners to bypass the rules. You are almost certainly going to be

convicted, but I will try to get as light a sentence as possible."

"What will that be?", Ralph anxiously inquired. George went on, "The charges

will likely call for a jail sentence of about six months to a year; but I think

it is likely that you will be given something less, in your circumstances.

Probably four to six months, after which you will be escorted to the airport

and required to leave. "

"Four to six months?" Nancy was outraged. "Four to six months out of my life

on this forsaken place? Surely there must be an alternative. Can we not

arrange a fine?"

"A fine, alone, is not likely", George went on. "Prison time is what is

expected. And the prison here is not as bad as it could be. You will not be

mistreated, because the government is sensitive to human rights issues. Your

husband can visit regularly, and...."

"Four to six months! And maybe more! Give me some other option - ...