FAMILY TIES

BY:  ROSE CARR

CHAPTER FOUR

Javert came back to the moment and realized that he was crouched in the center of a hostile, out of control mob. Fontenot still slumped against him. The Chief Inspector struggled back to his feet, heaving the FREECOMS leader up with him, lest they both be crushed in the frenzy.

Even as he gained his feet, he was nearly knocked down again by the panicked rush of retreating demonstrators. The Security Squad was routing the mob, stunning many with blows from their nightsticks and taking them into custody. Others scattered and escaped through the narrow streets. In only seconds, it seemed, he was left alone, still supporting the leader. Montreal and Bouchet were still on their feet nearby. Both young men had obviously been in the thick of the fray; their uniforms and hair were disheveled, and Montreal was bleeding from a cut over his eye.

“We’re very sorry about this, Chief Inspector! exclaimed the young officer. “But we warned you, sir, against having any contact with the demonstrators.”

“Your warning was received,” Javert said. “I chose to speak with protesters. The decision was mine and I take full responsibility.”

A security officer took the arm of the still unresponsive FREECOMS leader. “We’ll take him into custody, sir.” Javert loosened his grip and gave him over to the uniformed guard.

“I wish to make it clear,” Javert said, “that this man did not order the mob to attack us. In fact, he ordered them to stop several times. They ignored his requests.”

“Certainly sir,“ the security officer said, beckoning to a subordinate nearby. “I’ll be sure to put that fact in my written report.”

Javert stood for a moment longer, watching as Fontenot was placed inside the black carriage. then he turned back to the two young officers. “Let us go back inside the compound,” he said.

to be continued....

© 2005 Rose Carr

Contact the author:  Rosematuse@aol.com

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