Fantasy fiction; Science fiction; Subconsciousness -- Fiction
The judge shook his head. "Your husband hasn't missed a trick today. I
never saw anyone so hell-bent for criminality."
"I want a divorce!" Julie cried. "I...."
The judge held up a hand. "Just a minute!" he cried. "I'm losing
track." He consulted the sheaf of reports before him. "Now, taking it
from the beginning, your husband's crimes, since only this morning,
include possession of lewd pictures, jail breaking, destruction of
private property, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace, assaulting
seven officers, collusion in an automobile theft, lewd and immoral
conduct, two attempts at murder, harboring criminals and, now, grand
larceny and perhaps an insurance swindle." The judge paused for breath.
"That's just hitting the high points."
"I want a divorce!" Julie insisted.
"You certainly shouldn't have any trouble getting one," the judge said
firmly.
The skinny nudist, stirred uneasily. "Your honor," he said timidly,
"what about our leaves? Now, they're beginning to dry out. They may
even fall!"
The judge started, banging the gavel with reflexive nervousness. "Your
leaves are entirely your own responsibility!" he snapped. "If they're
drying out, then just don't rustle them."
"That doesn't allow us much freedom of movement," the nudist said.
"From what I've heard, that's probably all for the best. And if I hear
any rustling I'll know what to make of it." The judge turned back to
Julie. "After your husband answers the charges...."
At this point, Marc, responding to treatment, sat up and opened his
eyes. He looked around at the assemblage and smiled bewilderedly.
"Fiend!" the judge thundered.
"Hold him back!" Julie screamed. "Don't let him near me!"
Marc started violently, and Floss put out a hand to steady him.
"Get your sticky hands off that man!" a voice hissed.
* * * * *
Everyone turned in surprise to see Toffee, newly reinstated to the
realm of reality, move forward.
"I was only tryin' to help," Floss said defensively.
"I saw you palm that wallet," Toffee said hotly. "Put it back, you
camp-following kewpie before I crack your plaster!"
"Okay," Floss said, replacing the wallet, "but I guess I've got as much
right to him as you."
"You've also got a right to be carried out of here feet first!" Toffee
said. Doubling her fists, she stepped forward. "What kind of flowers do
you want on your coffin?"
"Why, you redheaded hellcat...."
The gavel banged thunderously. "Just what's going on here?" the judge
roared, leaning across the bench. He pointed to Toffee. "How did you
get in here?"
Toffee moved sinuously toward the bench. "Don't upset yourself with
worrisome details, judge," she smiled. "Let's just stop flubbing around
here and get on the ball."
"What!" the judge yelled.
"You're far too upset to handle the situation sensibly. Anyone can see
that."
"Are you in contempt of court?" the judge wheezed.
"Please don't ask me that, judge," Toffee said sweetly. "Let's be
friends."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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