Jury Duty

"Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  winner, 8/21/09


“Sir, you’re gonna have to tone it down, or I’ll have to call security.” The Bailiff’s face reddened as he warned the loudmouth for the third time.

“Let’s get this show on the road, and I’ll quiet down. I came here for jury duty, not to sit around and wait for Christmas to come with this bunch of bozos.”

Everyone in the courthouse waiting room was fed up with Mr. Bigmouth

“Listen, mister, I’m paying a sitter while I’m here doing nothing, so button your lip. I’m tired of listening to your bull.” The lady in the pretty yellow dress had reached her limit with all his bragging and prejudicial slurs.

I was not too happy either. The jury notice said to be at the courthouse promptly at 8:30 this morning. That was almost an hour ago.

“Well, I have to go to the bathroom, or I’m gonna float,” declared the very pregnant-looking girl in the back row.

“Go out the door and turn right. I’ll let them know if we’re called.” The Bailiff walked toward the door to open it for her as his cell phone rang. “Yes,” he said. “I’ll bring them in.”

In the courtroom, a clerk handed us questionnaires asking our personal views on different things. The attorneys selected six of us and an alternate. Mr. Loudmouth got up to leave, and several faces lit up with smiles.The Bailiff ushered us to the jury room.

An older woman with glasses spoke up. “Let’s go around the table and introduce ourselves. I’m Jeannette Taylor. I hope this doesn’t take long. I’m supposed to leave tomorrow to visit my daughter.”

Suddenly, the Judge entered the room. “You’re all being excused. You can go home.”

Seeing our astonishment, he continued, “A plane has crashed into one of the Twin Towers.”