To the Reader: This is a work of fiction. I created the original work in 2000 and have decided to revise the work as a sort of farewell to my readers. I am a woman approaching my 40th birthday. Unfortunately, I have been dealing with a malignancy that began as a spot on my lung. My nasty little friend seems to have progressed rather quickly. I have decided that the hell of chemotherapy is not for me.
I have selected this story to revise because it is my personal favorite. No, I am not planning to leave this life in the manner that takes Jeanine (my alter-ego, heroine). I lack her courage. When the time comes, I shall give myself a Potassium Chloride cocktail and suffer a quiet but fatal arrhythmia. Those few of you who know me personally can anticipate my funeral sometime in mid-May of 2006. I have a very few months remaining and have selected this work as my legacy to this community.
Goodbye and may God bless you,
Jeanine M. Benson

I'm Innocent!

Preface:
In the last years of the last decade of the 20th century, a subtle change began to happen in the hearts and minds of Middle America. The change, well intended at first, was aimed at correcting a trend toward a lawless and godless society (as some put it). The changes were moving the country in a decidedly conservative direction. As the century turned, the memory of a US President who disgraced himself and his country motivated a grassroots effort to embrace moral and family values. New and very tough laws were enacted to deter crimes against the public welfare these statutes were often referred to the "Clinton Bills". The "Clinton Bills" covered fraud, abuse of public trust, and corruption in public office. The laws were named for the unchallenged master of public disgrace. These laws were accompanied by other conservative legislation aimed at making America a more moral homeland.

Chapter 1

Jeanine Adamson was surprised and shaken when the Michigan State Police entered her workplace with a warrant for her arrest. She was badly shaken when a few minutes later the police took her out of the building in handcuffs. It was Monday, September 21, 2015. The arrest warrant had specified the newly defined crime of Public Corruption as Jeanine's offence. Public Corruption was a very broadly defined crime. It covered any public official or employee who did anything that involved misappropriation of public funds or resources, abuse of power and fraud. The crime was covered by one of many new laws enacted since the very corrupt 1990's.
After the turn of the century, the old-line conservatives of the country had cried, "enough of adultery and corruption”. A US President who had cheated, lied, and stolen while in office had disgusted them. The conservative backlash had surfaced and in the 15 years since the turn of the century, a host of tough new laws had emerged. Jeanine Adamson was about to learn just how tough the new laws could be. Jeanine was a small attractive woman. She was 35 years old, with very dark brown hair worn in a medium length, just brushing her shoulders. Her fair complexion and brown eyes gave her a wholesome mid west look. She stood just over 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighed about 118 pounds. She was never able to have children so her figure was on the girlish side with a trim waist and small breasts. Jeanine worked for a state education agency that administered school budgets and special education programs. She was an administrative assistant to the chief financial officer and had access to most of the state contracts for consulting and outside agencies. Jeanine was a primary contact for vendors and suppliers. She approved a great deal of the cash disbursement directed by education contracts. Unknown to Jeanine, her boss had been redirecting funds to a number of offshore accounts for years. Jeanine was the fund supervisor of record but knew nothing of the scheme. The State Accounting Office had begun investigations several months ago based on an anonymous tip. Many of Jeanine's funds and contracts showed discrepancies. Mr. Roy Carlton, Jeanine's boss was aware of the investigation. He had provided the anonymous tip to the police. Roy made certain that more than enough evidence incriminating Jeanine was found. Jeanine was taken to the local magistrate and arraigned. She was quickly taken to a local detention center where her interrogation was started. After some preliminary investigation, Jeanine was moved to the Criminal Courts Center in downtown Detroit. Shaken, Jeanine asked for a lawyer and was told that she would be assigned council after her plea was entered. Once a person was accused of the crime of corruption, the new anti-corruption laws removed many individual rights. In fact, Jeanine was very much on her own to prove her innocence.
This was a big departure from the old "innocent until proven guilty" view from the previous century. All of this activity took place within a few hours on a normal workday. Bill Adamson, Jeanine's husband, knew nothing of his wife's arrest. Jeanine pleaded to be allowed to call her husband but the police continued with their draconian procedure as they processed her through the system. Bill Adamson and Roy Carlton had been friends since childhood. They often took fishing and hunting trips together. They shared many of each other's secrets. They knew about each other's mistresses. When Roy came up with a scheme to make a lot of money and to get his friend Bill free of a strained marriage, things began to happen. Bill's contribution to the scheme was offering Jeanine to take the fall. Bill was home when Jeanine was allowed to call. "Bill", said a shaken voice in the phone, "Bill, I've been arrested. Please help me, I need a lawyer."
"Jeanine", Bill said, "what the hell are you talking about? Arrested for what?"
"They think I stole some money", Jeanine cried, "Bill, I didn't do anything, I don't know what they're talking about”. Jeanine was crying, obviously very upset.
"Try to take it easy honey", said Bill, "I'll be right over. I'm sure we can straighten this whole thing out in no time. Where are you being held?" After he got off the call, Bill got in touch with Roy. "Roy, they arrested Jeanine today", he said, "why didn't you get in touch with me?"
"I was out all day, just got home a little while ago", said Roy, "It looks better if you're surprised. This is the big one Ol' Buddy."
"What did they get her for", asked Bill. "The total amount is just over 5 Million", said Roy, "she's a cooked goose."
"5 Million Dollars", exclaimed Bill, "my God that's a capital offense." The laws governing public theft were very rigid with their mandatory penalties. The 5 Million that Jeanine was accused of stealing could require a very long prison term or even a sentence of death by hanging. "Looks like you're a free man, Ol' Buddy", said Roy, "and a rich one, your cut will be 2 Million. You and your new honey can do well on 2 Million."
"I know but I feel sorry for Jeanine", said Bill, "I mean she could be locked away for a long time or even face a death penalty”.
"You said you wanted out, pal", said Roy, "well, you're out”. By the way, she will face the death penalty; we have another card to play. Just play your part of the shocked, grief stricken husband. I need to finish planting the evidence of her seeing a boyfriend."
"My God, they'll charge her with a violation of the Clinton-Lewinsky Adultery statute", exclaimed Bill.
"That's right Ol' buddy", said Roy, "she's already as good as dead. You know this won't work without you so keep it together."

Chapter 2

Later that evening Bill called the family lawyer, Charles Moore, who was refused access to Jeanine. She was to get a court appointed lawyer in a few days. The new laws were very biased against the accused. The public had long ago demanded equal treatment of criminals. That meant everyone got the same lawyers. No high priced talent to the upper classes, everyone had to make do with a public defender.
Roy made a call that same evening. "OK babe, we're rolling. They arrested her today,...yea, you'll be hearing from lover boy soon, just be cool. No!...for God's sake stay away from him. No personal contact, if anyone suspects we're all dead on this one. OK...bye." Roy hung up the phone. "Just be cool", he thought.
Bill was able to see Jeanine the next day. She was being held in a wire cage in the State Criminal Courts Center in Detroit. Jeanine was extremely shaken. She was dressed n a pink denim dress with short sleeves. The dress reached to just above her knees. On her feet were slip-on canvas sneakers. She wore a plain cotton bra and cotton panties under the dress. This was the standard prison uniform in the Criminal Courts Center. "Oh Bill, what's going on", she cried, "they said I took so much money. I swear I didn't take anything." Jeanine was in tears. "We'll get to the bottom of this, honey", he assured her, "Did Charlie talk to you?"
"No", she sobbed, "I asked for him and they told me I'd get a state lawyer."
"Look honey, I'll ask about getting you out", he said, "but I don't know how it will go. They seem pretty serious about this thing. They wouldn't even tell me what you did exactly."
Jeanine was sobbing, "they said I stole 5 Million Dollars from the state. I didn't do it, I swear I didn't do it."
"My God, Jeanine, 5 Million Dollars", gasped Bill, "they can hang you for that!"
"Bill, please believe me, I didn't do it. I don't know what they're talking about." She was getting hysterical in her distress.
"Jeanine... honey, please try to calm down", he said softly, "I'll try to get to the bottom of this. We'll get you cleared, I promise." He left her sobbing in the detention cage. The next afternoon, Bill was back to see Jeanine. She brightened as he came in to the Visitors' area. Jeanine was, by regulation, being kept in the wire cage in the Visitors' Room, and there was no touching allowed. "Honey, what's wrong", asked Jeanine as Bill approached. He had an angry expression on his face. "Who is Gordon McKenna", he asked in an angry voice.
"Honey, I have no idea", said Jeanine, "why do you ask? What's wrong?"
"Don't lie to me", said Bill, "I saw the pictures of the two of you, and the letters and the plane tickets. I heard your phone messages."
"Bill, I swear I don't have any idea what you're talking about," said Jeanine, her voice shaking. Roy had done his work well. There were high quality photo manipulated pictures of Jeanine with a man. Roy's hobby was creating photo manipulations of women being executed by various means, mainly hanging. He published his work under various pseudonyms for several specialty Internet web sites.
There had been a brisk interest in death penalty victims for more than a decade. Roy had been in the web site business for years. He used his considerable skills, which would fool the most intense scrutiny, to close the case against Jeanine. There were several letters and airline reservations complete with tickets for Jeanine and Gordon McKenna. There was even a forged passport for one Jeanine McKenna. Roy had even managed a collection of phone message recordings of Jeanine and the person known as Gordon McKenna. The evidence had been found by the police and shown to Bill. Even in the last century, this would have meant a risky trial. Today, it was Jeanine's death warrant. "How long has this been going on", asked Bill, "was he worth all this?"
Jeanine was pleading with Bill to listen to her, "It's a lie", she screamed, "I'm innocent, you've got to believe me. I need you."
Bill looked at her in anger and disgust, "pictures don't lie, recordings don't lie", he turned to go, and then he turned back, "get Gordon to help." He turned and left. Jeanine slumped to her knees in the cage. "Oh God, no", she cried, "I didn't do it, I didn't do it."

Chapter 3

Jeanine's trial began a week later. It was 9:00 on a Wednesday morning, September 30th, as the State of Michigan Vs Jeanine Adamson opened in Detroit, Michigan. Jeanine appeared in court wearing a black silk suit, with a white silk blouse, dark hose and soft, knee high, black boots with low heels. She had a gold neck chain and a gold bracelet. The six clergy on the jury privately enjoyed the short skirt and knee high boots that Jeanine wore. She looked very attractive. Her lawyer had requested some court clothing from Jeanine's husband. She had been allowed to change from the prison uniform before coming up to the courtroom. Even thought she was upset and very frightened, she felt good to be wearing real clothing and her own underwear. The down side was that the court was presented with an expensively dressed defendant in a case involving misappropriation of public funds. The holding cells for the Criminal Courts were in the lower levels of the building so Jeanine's trip to trial was a short elevator ride away. Even so, the seriousness of her situation was made clear to her by the fact that her wrists were cuffed to a chain around her waist.
The cuffs and chain were removed in the courtroom in full view of the 6-person jury. The message was not lost on the jury members. Jeanine sat with a court appointed lawyer; a young woman named Sara Johnston. She had been allowed to meet Sara for the first time until the day before. Sara was 26, blond and stood just about 5 feet 5 inches tall. Sara had a slender build and looked 10 years younger than she was. She liked Jeanine immediately but was very worried about the prospects of success in this case. Jeanine was not feeling at all confident, in fact, she was badly frightened, and her nervousness was very noticeable. One of the jurors, a respected Lutheran Bishop, thought to himself, "Is this a sign of a guilty person found out? Perhaps...perhaps."
Jeanine sat in shock with a sick feeling in her stomach as the charges against her were read. In addition to multiple counts of misappropriation of public funds, Jeanine was charged with possession of forged documents (a passport made out Jeanine McKenna bearing her signature), fraud, and abuse of public trust and perhaps worst of all, the crime of Adultery. The plea was entered as "not guilty". Sara had advised her to plead guilty and beg for mercy. "No", she had said emphatically, "I didn't do it; I didn't do any of it. They have to believe me." Sara, who felt sorry for Jeanine, realized that there was very little hope of an acquittal. Her hopes for a merciful sentence were dashed forever when Jeanine's husband had his lawyer approach as a friend of the court with an emergency petition for a divorce. Bill Adamson was playing his role to the hilt. As an injured spouse, he was demanding a divorce at the worst possible time for Jeanine. Astonishingly, the court halted the prosecution and granted the petition on the spot. Bill Adamson was distancing himself from Jeanine to avoid being held liable for restitution. Sara felt that the husband was convinced that Jeanine would be convicted. She thought, "This bastard is deserting Jeanine at the worst possible time. I wonder why." Jeanine was shocked but did not understand the full impact on her case. Sara knew then and there that Jeanine was a dead woman. She chose to keep this from Jeanine. "Better to let her keep some hope for a little while than to let her know the truth", she thought. The trial proceeded with a ruthless efficiency. Jeanine heard herself accused of things that were inconceivable to her. The live television coverage and color commentary from well-known religious and moral leaders had all but finished her on the first day of the trial. At 5PM the court recesses and Jeanine was led in shackles back to her cell. Here she was required to change into her prison uniform of the short pink denim dress and sneakers. She was given a copy of the Divorce Decree. Attached to the Divorce Decree was a notarized document officially changing her name to Jeanine Morrison, her maiden name. Through bitter tears, she asked, "what's this all about?" The jailer told her, "I just have my orders, and I was to see that you got these. If you want my opinion, I'd say they want to make sure the state can't claim restitution from your husband." Jeanine was in total despair. She cried her heart out.
Earlier in the week, she'd asked to be allowed to contact her parents. The Morrisons were retired and living in a Florida community for seniors. The request had been refused. "Surely they must have seen the news", she thought, "why haven't they tried to contact me?" In truth, Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were aware of Jeanine's plight but Mr. Morrison was afraid of any official investigations and liability being directed at them. He forbade his wife to make any contact or to acknowledge and communication. Mrs. Morrison listened to her husband. Later, she'd regret abandoning Jeanine to her fate.

Chapter 4

Thursday, October 1st was a very damaging day for Jeanine. The prosecutors continued to present a mountain of damning evidence against Jeanine. Contract after contract bearing her signature was produced. Bills and payments for the bills, checks that had passed through Jeanine's hands were all presented. Offshore accounts in her name and fund transfers to other accounts were all presented. Finally, the evidence of Adultery was introduced. Jeanine sat in total shock as she heard herself damned as the lowest type of slut. Sara said very little. There was very little to say. Jeanine's dress for today was more conservative than her short-skirted suit from Wednesday's session. She wore a gray wool skirt that reached mid calf, white silk blouse and a burgundy vest. Her stockings were very sheer and she wore trim burgundy pumps on her feet. Sara had suggested that a conservative look might help with the jury. That evening, the press had branded Jeanine as a "female Clinton". She was accused of initiating the rape of public trust for her own profit. She was accused of sacrificing her marriage to this great lie. “She's out for her own profit over us all." said one commentator." That evening in her cell, Jeanine sobbed in her despair. The jailers had been observing her over the past week and were all very sorry for her.
They were all closely following her trial. She seemed so innocent and trusting. It was hard for them to believe she was the monster portrayed in the press and in court. "You just never know about people", they said among themselves. "She had a good life and look what she did with it", said one matron. Still, Jeanine's total guilt was hard to believe if you got to know her. Roy and Bill were keeping a very low profile as they watched the trial unfold. The two were sitting back and playing their roles to the hilt. Roy, the shocked and disappointed bureaucrat promised a full investigation and even offered to resign from his position in the State Accounting Office. Bill was the injured husband. He told the press that he had never suspected any wrong doing but that he would continue to cooperate fully with the authorities in this personal tragedy. Bill went on to remember some sudden calls and trips that Jeanine had made in the past year. Naturally the receipts, made out to one Jeanine McKenna, were made available to the prosecutor. Roy and Bill were having drinks at Roy's house when Roy asked, "Have you seen Jennifer recently?" Jennifer was a close friend of Bill's. Bill had been seeing her for the past three years. "Good God no", said Bill.
"That's the sprit", said Roy, "one stupid slip could upset everything".
"How long will they take with Jeanine", asked Bill, " I mean with her appeal and all it could be a year or two before the end."
"No way Ol' buddy", said Roy, "this is one of the first cases on these statutes in Michigan. I was talking to the Governor today, he wants to make a very big example of your pretty little ex-wife."
"What do you mean", asked Bill.
"Well”, Roy explained, “no one expects a pretty young woman to be executed for a white collar crime. The big surprise is that the appeal will be denied immediately. The bitch will hang in public very shortly after her trial is over. What's more, they're planning to televise the execution live. If we play it smart, we could get in on the deal."
"I guess I didn't expect it to go so fast", Bill said, "I mean, she's really an innocent bystander in all this."
"Don't go soft on me now," said Roy, "you're in this up to your neck. The deed is done; someone has to take the fall. Would you rather be standing on the gallows in her place?"
"No, of course not", said Bill, "I just hate to see her in this mess”.
"Look, she'll be out of the mess for good in a week or two. She has to be sacrificed if we are to succeed. I promise she won't feel a thing after the execution", said Roy, "I told you before, you and Jennifer can have a good life on $2 Million. With the right deal our payday can be a lot more."

Chapter 5

On Friday, October 2nd the prosecution concluded its case. The evidence was incredibly detailed and damning. The prosecution witnesses included Roy Carlton and Bill Adamson. Both acted shocked and saddened on the stand. Sara was frustrated, on Wednesday and Thursday she had been unable to raise any meaningful objections to evidence and did almost no cross-examination of witnesses. In fairness, the case was so complete; she had nowhere to go. She was a fairly new lawyer but she had never heard of a case so complete. From her brief experience with Jeanine, Sara couldn't believe that her client was so careless so as to leave such a plain trail back to herself. Sara was also puzzled as to Bill Adamson's behavior. "How could a husband turn his back even if Jeanine had been unfaithful", Sara wondered. "Somehow Jeanine doesn't seem to be the type to cheat."
The prosecution arguments took most of the day and the court recessed for the weekend with the final damming points of the District Attorney ringing in the jury's ears. To make things worse, the press was broadcasting the points of evidence to the public as if the case were already decided. The six clergymen jury members were bombarded with information through the weekend. Jeanine had written to her parents several times. She did not know that the letters were all returned unopened. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were very afraid of being connected to this crime hence were not there for their daughter. Alone in her cell, Jeanine knew in her heart that she was truly lost. She still tried to hold on to a glimmer of hope but in her heart, she knew that all was lost. "Maybe I can get an appeal", she thought, "surely they won't sentence me to death." Jeanine was her own best support. She still had faith that the system of laws would protect the innocent. She was very frightened but kept her faith in the law and the system.
Due to the nature of the 21st century legal system, Jeanine was not allowed any contact with her lawyer during the weekend. Sara had to prepare Jeanine's defense in a complete absence of mitigating evidence. In point she had no defense. Sara knew it was much too late to change a plea and hope for mercy. She knew her defense presentation would be short and ineffective. Jeanine was as good as dead right now.
On Monday morning, October 5th, 2015, the defense opened its case. There was very little to offer other than Jeanine's previously spotless record. This record was easily challenged with evidence that showed a pattern of secret contract manipulation going back several years. In the end Sara was left with a simple plea to the jury for mercy. The defense rested its case at 11:30 AM. The jury went out to deliberate at 11:45 AM. Jeanine was dressed in the same black suit that she had worn on the opening day of the trial. Her short skirt and high boots were certainly attractive to the jury but the message was a bad one to send to a group of clergy. At 1 PM the jury returned with a verdict. Jeanine was told to rise and face the judge. Sara stood beside her. The verdict was guilty on all counts and charges. Jeanine felt her knees tremble, she felt light- headed and let her head drop. Her breath became very fast and she began to faint. Sara helped her to sit. Jeanine was crying softly. She looked at Sara, "I'm innocent, I didn't do any of those things", she said softly, "please tell them, I'm innocent."
There was a storm of voices; everyone was talking at once. The judge rapped his gavel several times, "order, order in this court", he commanded, "we will have order." At last, there was silence. Jeanine sat sobbing in her chair. "The prisoner will rise", said the judge, "bailiff, secure the prisoner." Two burly bailiffs came forward and put cuffs and a waist chain on Jeanine. They stood one on either arm; she looked tiny standing between the two men. The judge looked uncomfortable, he saw a small, terrified woman standing before him. Since the Governor's call this morning, he knew that there was no leeway in the sentence. "Jeanine Morrison", the judge began, "you have been found guilty on all counts in the indictment before this court. Do you have anything to say before this court passes sentence?"
Jeanine looked up tearfully, her face was very pale, and her lips trembling. "Please...please, your honor", she began, I'm innocent. Make them listen", she said as she nodded at the jury. The judge looked at the small trembling figure, "it's a shame that she is caught in this", he thought.
"Miss, there is just too much proof against you", he said, "you should have considered the consequences of your actions. This jury has found you guilty of defrauding our schools of badly needed funds, you claim innocence, but the facts are plain. You abused public trust for personal gain, you scoffed at your marriage vows, and you are not wanted in our society. Jeanine Morrison, it is the mandatory sentence of this court that you shall be taken to the State Detention Center at Lansing, Michigan. You will be held there until such time as it pleases the State of Michigan to process a warrant of execution. At that time and on that day specified, you shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy on your soul." Jeanine collapsed and was caught by her guards. She had to be carried from the courtroom in a dead faint.

Chapter 6

Jeanine was taken to a holding cell where the guards revived her. She awoke to the ammonia odor of the smelling salts. She immediately realized where she was and tried to raise her hands to her face. The handcuffs prevented this movement. "Easy dear", said a woman's voice, "just rest easy. Do you want some water?" The woman was perhaps 50 years old and wore a uniform of the state prison system.
"Who are you", asked Jeanine.
"I'm Mrs. Rogers", said the woman, "I'll be taking you to the Detention Center in a little while." In about 30 minutes, Jeanine was helped into a closed prison van for transport to Lansing. Lansing was about 80 miles west of Detroit. The drive would take just under two hours. Jeanine needed help to enter the van because she had had light leg irons put on her ankles and attached to her waist. The leg irons were secured over her boots. She was startled to discover the leg irons when she came out of her faint. "It's a good thing your boots are thin leather", said the matron, ""we'd have had to take the boots off to get the leg irons on you. Its regulation that you have to wear them for the trip." Jeanine said nothing; she just stared blankly ahead. Two hours later, the van came to a halt. The doors opened and two guards helped Jeanine to get out. The guards took Jeanine and the matron to a waiting room. Walking was difficult for Jeanine because of the short steps she had to take. Several other people in the room were unable to avoid direct stares at the attractive woman in cuffs and leg irons. After another 30 minutes, Jeanine was escorted into an office. Jeanine was introduced to John Bigley, Warden of the State Detention Center.
Warden Bigley came right to the point. "Miss Morrison, we do not know how long you will be with us. Let me advise you that if you cooperate, you will be treated well. We do not wish to make things more difficult than they are already. You've already met Mrs. Rogers. She will be assigned to you while you are here. Do as she says and your stay will be comfortable." Jeanine asked, "can I see Sara...my lawyer?"
"I have just received your judicial orders. I must tell you now that you must not think of appeals or reversals of your sentence. Under the new laws, your sentence has already been appealed and that appeal has been denied. The sooner you accept your sentence the easier your time will be", the Warden was very firm in his statement.
"Please", said Jeanine, "I'm sure Sara can do something to help."
Jeanine sat in trembling fear as the Warden continued, "Miss Morrison, you came here to die, you will not leave this center alive. Try to accept that fact and your final days will be easier on you and us. You no longer need a lawyer, the Chaplain can do much more for you now." He looked at Mrs. Rogers, "That's all, take her for processing into the Center."

Chapter 7

Jeanine was barely able to walk as the matron and the guards took her through the halls to a moderately large room. The room was perhaps 10 feet by 25 feet. At one end of the room there was an open shower stall. At the other end, opposite the shower was a door to what looked like a smaller room. There was only a bench and a table in the big room. On the wall there was a graduated scale of height in inches. The tile floor and walls made an echo. There was a small paper bag and a large plastic bag on the table. "Here we are, dear, time to check you in to our Center", said the Matron, "Let's get all your things off. Put your jewelry in the small bag and use the large bag for your clothing." The cuffs, leg irons and the waist chain had to be removed. Jeanine rubbed her wrists as the cuffs came off. Jeanine just stood there, not comprehending. "Wake up, dear", said the matron," we don't have all day. If you don't want to undress, the guards will do it for you."
"But they’re in here, watching", said Jeanine. "Of course they are", said the matron, "they won't see anything new will they?" The guards laughed. "Come on then, get your things off." Shaking, Jeanine removed her suit jacket. "Jewelry first, dear", put it in the paper bag. Jeanine removed her earrings, watch, rings, and bracelet. She undid the gold neck chain and put all of her things in the bag as directed. "Are you wearing contact lenses, dear", asked Mrs. Rogers.
"Yes, I need them to see", said Jeanine.
"We'll have to have them out now, you'll get your glasses later today", said Mrs. Rogers. Jeanine's purse and other personal things were being inventoried at the Detention Center prior to being confiscated. Sitting on the bench, Jeanine removed her boots. She felt the cold tile through her stocking feet. She stood to drop her skirt and slip and removed her blouse. She stood trembling as the guards watched her remove her pantyhose, then her camisole. She stood in her bra and panties. "Please", she said, "no more."
"All your things, dear", said the matron. Jeanine sobbed as she undid the bra clasp and removed the bra. She slid her panties down her legs and stepped out of them. She was completely naked.
"There, wasn't that easy, dear", said the matron, "now, into the shower with you, hurry." Jeanine stepped into the shower and in full view of the matron and the two guards, took a cool shower. When she stepped out of the cool water, her hair was plastered to her head and her nipples were erect. She stood there dripping on the tile. The matron said, "the doctor will be in to see you in a minuet. Just stand here quietly and we won't have to put the cuffs on you." Mrs. Rogers left Jeanine with the guards. The naked girl stood in front of leering guards. Jeanine shivered in the cool room. Her skin was all goose bumps. Jeanine tried in vain to hide herself from the guards lascivious staring. She stood with her right arm over her breasts and her left hand over her crotch. This torture went on for 35 minutes.
Finally a young doctor arrived. "Very nice", he thought as he approached Jeanine's naked, trembling figure. Mrs. Rogers returned just behind the doctor, she carried a camera. "Let's get your picture first, dear", she said. Jeanine was positioned in front of a screen marked in inches. She stood flat on the floor with her hands at her sides as Mrs. Rogers took a front and profile view of her face, then full body shots, front and profile. "Now go with the doctor, dear", said Mrs. Rogers. Jeanine was led into the smaller room in which was an examination table. Still conscious of her nudity, she was in a daze as the doctor told her to hop up on the table and lie back. She did as she was told and soon had her legs raised in cold metal stirrups for a gynecologic examination. Normally, a woman would be draped for this examination. The Detention Center did not go for such niceties. She felt the doctor's hands spread her thighs then a pinching in her groin. She made a sound and tried to pull away. "Hold her", said the doctor. The guards held Jeanine's shoulders while the doctor inserted a cold speculum in her vagina. Jeanine cried as the doctor roughly and inexpertly examined her. "Very nice", said the doctor as he removed the speculum. Jeanine winced as the speculum was roughly pulled from her. She felt a gloved finger probing her rectum; it was uncomfortable but not painful. Her legs were removed from the stirrups then she was told to sit up on the table. The nightmare examination continued as the guards looked on. Jeanine was feeling more and more remote from the scene. It seemed to her that she was a spectator at some horrible, perverted peep show. Her mind kept saying, "this isn't real, it's just a sick dream."
"So far, you're an excellent specimen", said the doctor to Jeanine. He felt her breasts and looked in her eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. He admired her muscle tone; "looks like you keep yourself in trim shape." He squeezed her thigh and ran his hand down her leg. He admired her small, high arched feet. "All in all, a fine specimen", Mrs. Rogers, "she's fit enough to hang. It seems like a waste though. I'll see her again before her big day." Jeanine was still in a dazed condition. Since this morning, she had experienced too much horror, too much fear. Her system simply shut itself off. She slumped back on the table in a dead faint.

Chapter 8

Slowly, the haze lifted and Jeanine drifted into the light. She gagged at a sniff of Ammonia. "Where am I", she thought, "what a horrible dream." She was suddenly cold. She realized she had no clothing on. Her eyes opened to a tiled room from her nightmare. "Oh, God, it isn't a dream", she said to no one in particular.
"Easy dear", said Mrs. Rogers, "you need to get some food in you. It's been a hard day. Up you go now." Jeanine felt a hand on her arm helping her to sit up on the table. "Let's get you to 'C' wing so you can settle in", said Mrs. Rogers. Jeanine stood on shaky legs. "Stand still, dear." The waist chain and handcuffs were put on Jeanine. "That's a good girl, now pick up your bags", Mrs. Rogers indicated the bags containing her clothing and jewelry. "Can I have something to wear", asked Jeanine.
"You'll get your uniform over in 'C' wing", said Mrs. Rogers Jeanine was led out into the wide corridor; naked and chained she carried her clothing. She was embarrassed and shaking as she walked. She tried to hide herself as much as possible but the waist chain and handcuffs severely restricted her ability to move her hands. The passers by, both men and women knew where this unfortunate girl was going. The group was still in the administrative area of the center so most of the passers by were clerical workers. The destination was 'C' Wing; the 'C' stood for Condemned. They were headed for Death Row. At length, the procession came to a set of heavy doors. Once inside Jeanine was taken to a room where she exchanged her packages for a thin cloth dress of white cotton and a pair of stretchy satin slippers also white in color. She was then escorted past a number of empty cells then they passed two cells containing a man in one and woman in the other. The prisoners looked at the newcomer with interest. The man and woman were very quiet; they were dressed in some sort of white clothing. Jeanine was put in a cell, her shackles were removed, and the barred door clanged shut. "You can get dressed now, dear", said Mrs. Rogers, there's a food tray for you, you should try to eat something." Gratefully, Jeanine pulled the thin white dress over her head covering her nakedness. The dress was made of light cotton, somewhat like a long, baggy T-shirt. It came to just above her knees. There was a black stripe around the scoop neckline and on each short sleeve cuff. A broad black band ran around the hem. The slippers were Isotoner, size 5 and fit her well. The softly padded insoles felt good on her feet. After walking on hard tile and concrete for the past several hours, her feet were a just a bit sore. The light in the cell was dim and since it was nearly 7 in the evening the sky outside was dark. It was very quiet here. Jeanine looked out of the small window in her cell. She could make out some sort of large courtyard. There was a large, dimly outlined shape about 50 feet from the window but in the darkness Jeanine could not see the shape clearly. She sat on her bunk and picked at her modest meal. She was still sick with terror but very near exhaustion from the emotional trauma of the day. After she finished eating, she lay on her bunk. As tired and spent as she was, sleep wouldn't come. She looked around her cell and out into the corridor. She noticed a large sign that said 'SILENCE'. "That explains the unnatural quiet of this place", she thought. Her cell had a small metal sink and toilet in addition to her bunk. "God, this is my world now", she thought. She lay back on the bunk. Eventually a troubled sleep came to her. The rule on Death Row was "SILENCE". The row was a mix of men and women condemned for various crimes. The convicts facing their end ware expected to spend their remaining time on earth in prayerful contemplation of their sins. The center allowed a minimum of distractions. No visitors, no lawyers, no books, or media of any type (except a bible) were permitted. There was one outlet, a Final Needs Councilor. This was a combination spiritual advisor and psychologist assigned to each prisoner. This person was there to ease the transition from life to death by helping the condemned tie up loose ends. In the last 10 years, the number of crimes that warranted death had dramatically increased. The time allowed for an inmate's appeal had dramatically decreased. The average death row stay was down to 90 days. In special cases, the condemned were put to death much faster. The prosecutors could and did argue that a massive evidence collection and the absence of mitigating circumstances should receive special attention.
Unfortunately for Jeanine, her case had been a classic overkill by the prosecution. The evidence had flooded the court and the crime was a test of the new moral America. Jeanine's stay on Death Row would be very short. The 21st century philosophy of punishment included reducing the prisoner's will to resist the inevitable. Death Row inmates were placed in an environment designed to cut them off from the world so as to ease their transition into eternity. In reality, the procedure made the prisoners very docile and easily controlled and frequently produced a confession thus eliminating many costly appeals processes.

Chapter 9

"Damn it, they're going to take all of her things, even the jewelry I bought her", said Bill in a frustrated tone. He and Roy were having a drink at Bill's house. "I have to provide an inventory by the end of the week. Clothes, shoes, everything she owned have to be on the list."
"Of course they will need an inventory", said Roy, "the State of Michigan wants to seize all of her assets. You're lucky the house is in your name and she's not on the deed."
"Yea, I guess so", said Bill, "when we got married, I already had the house, we never got around to putting Jeanine on the deed."
"Even thought she made most of the mortgage payments", laughed Roy, "what about her life insurance? Did the prosecutor say anything about who gets her insurance?"
"He said its still anybody's guess", said Bill, "I might get some consideration since I cooperated with the investigation. The State still wants some restitution since she stole their money. Hell, I practically turned her in, I should get all of her property."
Roy got himself another drink. "Do you think you'll go see her...a...you know...when they do the hanging?"
"I don't know, Jennifer says it would bring closure for me, she thinks it would be a good thing for me to see", said Bill. "I think I could watch, I mean if it's not too gruesome. Have you ever seen a hanging?"
"Hell no", said Roy, "that's not something I could watch live and in person. We pay taxes to have people to carry out executions so we don't have to watch." "You only go for pictures on the Internet", said Bill, "they're talking about televising the execution, you know."
"I'm afraid I don't have the stomach for that sort of thing, even on TV", said Roy, "I'll probably tape it though."
"When can we get the money", asked Bill, "Jennifer wants to take a trip after the...well after everything is all over. She thinks we will need a bit of a break after all of the excitement."
"Will you cool it about the money", said Roy harshly, "you and your new bimbo will have to wait for a while. Remember, you're the injured party who is still grieving the loss even though she was a tramp." "Don't say that about her", said Bill, "We set her up for this."
"Oh hell, I'm just trying to keep us in character", said Roy, "if we go soft, somebody might start looking into places where they don't belong. Well, I have to run. Here's to your about-to-be-dead ex-wife." He raised his glass and then downed the contents in a big drink.
After Roy left, Bill had another drink. He was feeling some guilt over Jeanine. He was a bit lonely so he called Jennifer. "Jen, hi it’s Bill", he said to the phone. "Hi Bill", said Jennifer, "I miss you."
"I know but you know the rule, we need to cool it till this mess blows over", he said, " I just missed hearing your voice." "I know, honey", she said, "I miss you. Oh, I have a new client to see tomorrow, my boss called, he says it's a rush job", she giggled. "The word is that my client, it's a 'she' by the way is getting a priority ticket to Endsville."
"No, oh God, you're seeing...Jeanine ", he said, " for God's sake be careful of what you say."
"Don't worry, they are so screwed up and scared by the time I see them they can hardly remember their own names", she said. "Just be careful", he said, "we don't need attention just now."
"Don't worry, it'll be fine. We need the admission of guilt to keep us clear of problems later. She'll do what we want her to do. I have an early day tomorrow so good night, honey", she said. "Good night". He hung up. "Damn", he thought, "of all the rotten luck. Jennifer was to be Jeanine's Final Needs Councilor”.
Jennifer thought a moment then made a call, "hi, its me...he called just now. I think he's upset...I know that we have to be careful. Look, you said he was perfect for this...OK, OK, I'll keep him in check. I just wish this were over. Yes...I'll start her sessions tomorrow...OK, bye." She hung up Roy put the phone down. He'd have to keep a close eye on Bill.

Chapter 10

Sara Johnson was very frustrated. She had left the court immediately after Jeanine had been sentenced. Sara had a very sick feeling in her stomach. She felt that there was something very wrong with the case against Jeanine. How could her client have been so unconscious of her actions that she didn't even try to cover her tracks? The answer was simple, Jeanine wasn't unconscious or stupid. Some of the evidence was so obvious and so transparent that anyone should have known that it was a set up. The phony passport and travel plans for example, why would Jeanine leave such things where they could be found with a cursory search? Why was Bill Adamson so eager to accuse his wife of several capital crimes?
The divorce papers were very promptly served, almost as if the whole plan was made ready in advance. Sara had been told very clearly that the case of Morrison Vs the State of Michigan was over and that she should move on. She was not to pursue any more appeals. In fact, she had rushed back to her office today to start on an appeal but had been told that the appeal had already been denied by the Governor's Office. She had asked for permission to visit Jeanine but was refused. "The Morrison girl", Sara was told, "can have a visit from the clergy, and her Final Needs Councilor. She doesn't need any false hope, she needs to get her affairs in order." Sara left the office in tears. Jeanine was on an express train to oblivion unless a miracle happened. Sara placed a call to Jeanine’s mother to beg her for help.
The next morning, Jeanine woke to a muffled sound of a cart being wheeled down the corridor. This was the breakfast-cart for the Death Row prisoners. She was given a tray with milk, cereal, and tea. Jeanine was somewhat surprised at how soundly she had slept. "It must have been the emotions from yesterday", she thought. Jeanine looked out of her window and saw the dark form from the night before. In daylight, she recognized the sinister shape of the gallows. "My God, its only 100 feet away from my window", she thought with a shudder. After breakfast, Jeanine washed her hands and face in the small sink in her cell. She wished she had a comb or brush for her hair. Just then Mrs. Rogers came down the hall. " Hello, dear", said the older woman in a cheerful voice, "we have your toilet kit." Jeanine was pleased to get her brush and comb and even her toothbrush. "I have your glasses too", said Mrs. Rogers. Jeanine was glad to be able to see clearly again.
"Mrs. Rogers, when can I get a shower", asked Jeanine.
"Tomorrow morning", said Mrs. Rogers, I should give you the rules and activities information, dear. Oh, you also have some people to meet with today and every day while you're hear with us." That last comment made Jeanine shudder, "who will I meet with?"
"Well, you'll see the chaplain every day, he'll be a comfort to you. You also have a Final Needs Councilor who you'll see in about an hour.
"What is a 'Final Needs Councilor'", Jeanine asked in a timid voice, as if dreading the sound of the words. "That's someone who ...well...gets you ready to face the end of things", said Mrs. Rogers, "they help you sort out your feelings and help you to understand what's going to happen to you." Jeanine was not clear but the hesitation in Mrs. Rogers' voice and the words themselves filled her with dread.
"This is some one to get me ready to be killed", she thought. Jeanine started to shake and cry softly.
"Now dear, don't take on so", said Mrs. Rogers, "here's your chance to send and messaged to loved ones and to make things right with the State."

Chapter 11

Jeanine was led out of Death Row by two guards and Mrs. Rogers. As always, she was shackled with a waist chain and handcuffs connected to the chain. This restraint was mandatory anytime death row inmates were out of their cells. Jeanine 's soft slippers made no sound on the institutional floors as the group walked down the halls. At length they came to an office. The name on the door read "J. Donnelly, Ph.D.". Jeanine was let in to the office and met a young woman in her late 20's. The woman was an attractive blond about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches tall. The woman smiled at Jeanine. "Hi Jeanine, I'm Dr. Donnelly. I'm here to help you with your transition." Dr. Donnelly put out her hand and grasped Jeanine's shackled right hand. "Please have a seat", she said to Jeanine. The office was furnished in an institutional metal with a desk, several chairs, and some file cabinets. Jeanine nervously sat. In addition to her fears and general upset at her situation, she was feeling very self-conscious about her attire. Her she sat in a thin gown as her only garment and slippers while the other woman was dressed fashionably in an expensive pants suit and kid pumps. "Let's review your case", said Dr. Donnelly, "you've been convicted and that conviction has been upheld by the appeals judge. The sentence is a bit unusual but then you are the first person ever convicted of a violation of the Corruption in Office statute. To make things more difficult, you've also violated the Clinton-Lewinsky Adultery statute. I see your husband filed for divorce." Jeanine was near tears, "none of that is true, I'm innocent." She was operating on emotions now.
"There's nothing we can do about the court records", said Dr. Donnelly, "I'm not here to act as a legal councilor. I'm here to help you understand that there is a price to pay for breaking the law. The sooner you accept your fate, the easier your transition will be." "What transition", asked Jeanine, she was in tears, "what am I transitioning to or from?"
"My dear, you are in transition from this life to a better world", said Dr. Donnelly. She watched Jeanine's eyes widen in shock and disbelief. "You're here so we can help you to accept your death." Jeanine was in complete disbelief. "This can't be happening", she thought. Her heart was pounding as she sat there. "They're going to kill me and there is to be no further discussion. My God how can this be?" "I want to see my lawyer", Jeanine said.
"I'm sorry, that is not allowed in here", said Dr. Donnelly, "you have no need of an attorney any longer. We can discuss any of your needs. I think you need some time to think over your situation. We can meet tomorrow to discuss your needs."
Jeanine was taken back to Death Row. Her emotions were overflowing. She was shaking and barely able to walk as the guards took her back to her cell. Jennifer Donnelly was pleased with the first session. She had been able to start the emotions with almost no effort. "Within a few days, Jeanine would be open to any suggestion", Jennifer thought, she'll probably be ready to confess to the 'crimes' we mention just to prepare herself to cross over." A statement of confession was not necessary since Jeanine had been convicted on a preponderance of evidence. Such a document even in a letter would be helpful if ever the conviction were questioned. Jennifer wanted a guarantee that Jeanine's ghost would never rise from the grave to challenge the plans that she had made with Bill Adamson. A confession in this case would be as valuable as a dying declaration since the condemned was aware that she was facing her death. Once given, a confession from Jeanine could never be recanted since Jeanine would be dead. Jennifer's only complaint was that she could not wear any of Jeanine's clothing or even her shoes. "She's such a damn runt", Jennifer thought.

Chapter 12

The days on Death Row passed for Jeanine. Her daily sessions with Jennifer had produced a mutual dislike between the two women that actually created resistance to the Final Needs program. Jeanine refused to be gulled into a confession, even when she was permitted to send a letter to her parents. Jeanine maintained her innocence. She viewed Jennifer with suspicion and distrust. As a consequence, Jennifer was not able to make any meaningful progress with acceptance of the crime. Jeanine had come to a vague suspicion regarding Jennifer. The suspicion was rooted in a number of questions that Jennifer had asked over several sessions. The questions all related to Jeanine's husband, his likes, dislikes assets and so on. Despite all the terror surrounding her situation, Jeanine wondered why a psychologist preparing her for her execution would be interested in her ex-husband and her ex-boss. Jeanine started to ask Jennifer about the sudden interest in things so remote from the crime and punishment. By the following Monday Jennifer began to fear that, given sufficient time, Jeanine might begin to see through the scheme and worse begin to discuss possible perpetrators. Jennifer relayed her fears to Bill Adamson who discussed things with Roy Carlton. Roy had an inspiration and called the Governor on Monday evening. The Governor liked Roy's plan and agreed to move things up a bit.
"What's this new plan", asked Bill as he and Roy sat in Bill's kitchen.
"Its, simple and easy and could be a money maker for us", said Roy, "we've moved the execution forward."
"OK", said Bill, "but how does that make us money?"
"We're going on television, national television, this is the first televised execution in the history of mankind. This is really big. Saturday before the Ohio-Michigan game, they want to do a special on the execution", said Roy, "in fact, the start of the game will be delayed an hour so they can show your pretty little wife hang."
"OK, but what's in it for us", asked Bill, he was still confused as to the benefits.
"Look dummy", said Roy, "Jennifer says that Jeanine is not cooperating and may even be getting suspicious of her. Well if Jeanine hears news of her impending execution, she'll be too unnerved to think about Jen. She'll be gong nuts with fear. No time to think about us. The other half of the deal is that we could get a Million or two each from the TV folks. The best part is that the state gets a big cut of the TV money and will probably get off your back on the restitution thing."
"When will they let Jeanine know her execution date", asked Bill.
"Probably by tomorrow, the special show will be on the news so the guards will know. They'll tell her about it and that'll shake her up pretty good", said Roy.
Early on Tuesday morning, the Governor called Warden Bigley and told him to prepare for an execution for the coming Saturday. It was to be public and televised. The TV folks would be in touch. The Warden called his staff and told them to get things ready for a Saturday hanging. "When will you tell the prisoner", asked one staff member. "After I get the official execution order", said the Warden.

Chapter 13

Ann Morrison was on a plane between Florida and Michigan. She cursed herself for being fool enough to listen to that worm that she had married. She didn’t know what, exactly she might do to save her daughter but she had to try.
Sara Johnson met Ann at the Detroit Airport. Sara explained the situation and both women cried. There was little that could be done to save Jeanine. The Detention Center allowed no outside contact for condemned prisoners. The new laws were designed to speed the condemned into eternity. New evidence might delay or even halt the proceedings but neither woman had any idea how little time they had.
On Wednesday morning, Jeanine noticed some workmen around the gallows. They were working on the front, which faced away from Jeanne's window. She assumed that either man or the woman in the other cells was due for execution. She vowed not to watch. A little while later, the Warden came down the hall. He stopped at Jeanine's cell. She suddenly had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Jeanine Morrison", said the Warden, "I have here an order for your execution by hanging. Said execution to take place on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 1PM." She felt a surge of fear, then her world spun to blackness. Jeanine fainted and collapsed on the spot.
The back of her head hurt as she came out of the blackness. She was on a stretched, actually hand cuffed to a stretcher. She heard voices. "...must have hit her head when she fainted. She'll be OK in a bit. She'll probably have a headache." It was the doctor from her first day here. "They're going to hang her on Saturday, poor dear", said Mrs. Rogers' voice, "I guess that came as a shock to her."
"Saturday, you say", said the doctor, "that's fast even for this place. Somebody important must be involved." Jeanine tried to sit up. "Easy, there", said the doctor, "that's a nasty bump".
"Please, you've got to help me", said Jeanine, "please call my lawyer and tell her what's going to happen." "No need to, dear", said Mrs. Rogers, "you're on the noon news. The TV networks are advertising a special for Saturday afternoon, you're the star."
"Oh God", said Jeanine.
"Let's get you back to the unit", said Mrs. Rogers.
Later back in her cell, Jeanine watched through her window as her gallows was prepared for her. Mrs. Rogers was there with her. "Will there be many people, Mrs. Rogers", she asked.
"Probably, dear", replied Mrs. Rogers, "you're a unique case for them. They never had a corruption case. It was a very popular sentence that they gave you".
"I keep telling you, I'm innocent, why won't anyone believe me", said Jeanine. "Some do believe you, dear", said Mrs. Rogers, "its just that others want you dead and the others rule things. You can't do anything to stop this. You can only help yourself if you accept the sentence."
Later, Jeanine had a visit from the chaplain. They talked for some time. It didn't help Jeanine. Jennifer Donnelly tried to see her but Jeanine refused to speak to Jennifer. Thursday was an empty day with another visit from the chaplain. Jeanine was still praying that this whole thing was a bad dream. Meanwhile, her life clock was quickly running out. Jeanine decided to face this thing with as much courage as she could muster. She knew that there was no chance for her to live but maybe there was a chance to uncover the truth behind all of this. "I have to stop this hysterical fainting", she thought to herself. She had an idea. It wouldn't save her life but it just might get her some justice. Since her sessions with Jennifer, she had been given access to writing materials. She was supposed to pass any notes through Jennifer but that would not work for the notes she had in mind. Jeanine spent the next few hours composing notes to her mother and to Sara Johnson. She felt that if Sara and her mother got together and had knowledge of her own suspicions, they just might be able to create some movement to clear her name and to involve the guilty parties. Jeanine was going to solve the case after her own death. She carefully constructed her case and the logical deductions as to who was involved. She guessed that Roy had his hands in the case and in the contracts. All that evidence was probably somewhere on the Internet. Sara would know where to look. "Sara", prayed Jeanine, "please, please have some of the courage that you had in court."
Later that evening, Sara learned of the impending execution. Sara was shocked that the hanging was coming so soon. She contacted Ann who had tried, unsuccessfully, to see Jeanine at the Detention Center. All that the women could do was to watch the tragedy unfold.

Chapter 14

On Friday morning Jeanine's routine changed. The center was beginning her preparation for execution. Early n the morning, Mrs. Rodgers came in with a scale. Jeanine was weighed and measured. She weighed 110 pounds and stood 5 feet, 2 and a half inches tall. Jeanine knew why she was being weighed and measured. She began to feel a fluttering in her stomach.
Later in the morning, the Warden came to visit. He wanted to ask Jeanine if there was any small comfort that he could provide. She was scared but still had some fight left in her. Jeanine said, "Warden if you want to comfort me, can you get me a stay of execution and a chance to prove my innocence?" The Warden tried to ignore the comment. He said, "Just cooperate with us and everything will be quick and painless for you tomorrow. Just forget about any stays of execution."
Jeanine was getting angry, "why, so you and the Governor can make some profit from murdering me on television?"
The Warden left in an angry hurry. Later, Mrs. Rogers came in to Jeanine's cell. Jeanine was glad to see the older woman. Even as her jailer, Mrs. Rogers tried to be kind to the poor girl. They talked for quite a while. Eventually Jeanine asked, "what will it be like tomorrow?"
"Well dear, we have to get you up early to give you your enemas", said Mrs. Rogers.
"Enemas", said Jeanine, "what are they for?"
“Everyone gets enemas till clear before their execution", said Mrs. Rogers,” it's to prevent messy accidents outside."
"Oh", said Jeanine, "what else will happen?"
"You'll get a shower after your enemas, and some clean clothes."
"Will I be given my own clothes", asked Jeanine.
"No dear, they have been taken by the state. We'll give you a clean gown, like the one you're wearing now", said Mrs. Rogers.
"I can't go out in public in this, I won't feel dressed", said Jeanine.
"Those are the rules, dear", said Mrs. Rogers. Jeanine sat quietly for a long moment as if thinking. Then she said in a quiet voice, "will it hurt...the hanging I mean?" She cast her eyes down.
Mrs. Rogers looked sadly at the girl, "I don't think so dear, they seem to go pretty quick. I don't think there's time to hurt much." She felt badly about this lie. Mrs. Rogers knew that hangings at the center did not go quickly or painlessly for the condemned. She simply saw no point in adding to the terror that this poor child was already feeling.
"What will happen to me after...after it’s all over", asked Jeanine in the same little girl voice.
"They'll let you hang for a while, just to be certain that you’re gone, then they cart your body to the morgue. My son works over there, he'll take care of you. Later if your family wants to claim you, they can take you for burial."
"What happens if no one claims me”, she hesitated, “I mean my body", asked Jeanine.
"Well, they might send you to the State University anatomy lab or bury you in the Center's cemetery. You won't know any of it though, you'll be in a better place."
"Please don't let them do either of those things with me", said Jeanine, "call my mother. Ask her to claim my body and bury me decently, please tell me you'll do that."
"Dear, that's against regulations...I'll do it for you", said Mrs. Rogers.
"Thank you", said Jeanine, "you've been so kind to me. I know it’s asking a lot but can you do another small favor for me? I wouldn't ask but...well...since I won't be here tomorrow… can you get some notes to some people for me?"
"You know that those things are supposed to go through Dr. Donnelly", said Mrs. Rogers.
"Yes, I know but I don't trust her", said Jeanine, "in fact, I think she is seeing my husband." There it was out; Jeanine looked straight at Mrs. Rogers. Neither woman spoke for a moment.
"You know it won't stop anything tomorrow", said Mrs. Rogers.
"I know, but maybe someone will remember me as an honest decent person", said Jeanine, "it will help me to die easier if I know that."
"Yes child", said Mrs. Rogers, "I'll do it for you."

Chapter 15

Early on Saturday morning, as Mrs. Rogers had said, they came for Jeanine. She was taken to a special preparation room where she received her enemas and was able to shower. Jeanine was not hungry but did take some tea. After her tea, Jeanine was taken to an examining room where the doctor pronounced her fit for execution. He required her to bend forward over the examination table and he inserted a large cotton plug in her rectum. Jeanine winced as the plug was inserted. "Just a sanitary precaution my dear", he said. The doctor then gave Jeanine a tampon for her to insert into her vagina. “Another sanitary precaution for you, we don’t want any embarrassing leaks”, he said. Jeanine was, by now beyond embarrassment, so she took the plastic applicator and inserted the tampon. She felt full inside because of the rectal plug. The tampon string extended about an inch from her labia.
She was given a clean dress. The dress resembled the Death Row uniforms but was made of a thin silky cloth, like rayon. The dress pulled on over her head; it had the same short sleeves with black stripes and came to just below her knees. This dress had a simple drawstring under the breasts to make a tighter fit. The effect was almost like an empire gown. Jeanine put new white stretch satin slippers on her feet. The slippers were similar to the Isotoner slippers that she had been wearing but were much thinner. The thin leather soles had no padding. Jeanine thought they seemed like a disposable garment. The guards placed her in the holding cell.
In a few moments, the chaplain appeared and she talked with him. Mrs. Rogers was nearby. The staff was surprised at Jeanine's calm demeanor as she faced her final hours. "Maybe she doesn't believe it will really happen to her", some thought. At 11:30, the TV crew appeared to begin filming their coverage of the event. The live broadcast would begin at 12:30. Mrs. Rogers helped Jeanie to brush her hair and pin it up on her head. Jeanine accepted some make up. She was offered a drink to bolster her sprits. She chose a small glass of Cream Sherry. A reporter asked to speak with the condemned woman. The guards refused permission. "Any statement would be given on the gallows", the guards said. Jeanine sat and tried to maintain a brave front. She was horrified that these monsters were about to kill her but she realized that there was no way out. These were her final minutes of life. There was no point in leaving the world as a hysterical, screaming madwoman. She talked quietly with Mrs. Rogers.
At 12:30, the network cut into regular programming with the "Justice is Served" event as they billed the execution. A local newscaster spoke to a network anchorperson recounting the trial and events leading up to the execution everyone was about to see.
Jeanine was still sitting quietly in the cell at 12:45. The Warden entered with several guards. "Its time Ms Morrison", he said. The guards opened Jeanine's cell and entered. She rose to her feet, trembling a little and held out her wrists. "Behind your back this time, miss", said a guard. Jeanine complied and her wrists were securely fastened behind her back. The binding on her wrists was tight and it made her wince. “Sorry miss”, the guard said, “it has to be secure so it doesn’t come loose later”. The Warden pointed to her feet. “Make sure you get those slippers off when she gets to the platform”, he said to a guard. . “If she kicks one off, the crowd will be rioting for the damn thing as a souvenir”. The guards took Jeanine's glasses from her. "You won't need these", said the Warden as he placed the glasses in his pocket. The guards fastened a web cuff to Jeanine’s arms above her elbows. They buckled the cuffs together, securing the girl’s elbows and forcing her to stand very straight. Jeanine said goodbye to Mrs. Rogers who tearfully acknowledged and embraced her.
Two guards grasped Jeanine, one on each elbow and led her from the cell. The procession slowly walked out of the holding area to a wide door. Jeanine looked very small surrounded by burly guards. The group went outside and down three steps to a large courtyard. There were perhaps 3,000 people crowded into a fenced in area. The crowd fell silent when she appeared. Many onlookers were expecting to see a criminal type, this small attractive woman was a surprise to them.
Jeanine noticed the chill October air. Her nipples immediately stood out. She felt the cold concrete walkway trough the thin soles of her slippers as she slowly walked the 100 feet to the Gallows. She felt goose bumps on her arms as they walked. She felt very self-conscious of her scanty clothing. The thin gown was very nearly transparent in daylight. The rectal plug and the tampon in her vagina made her feel very full and despite her terror, she felt a tingling and a wetness in her groin.
She felt the eyes of the world on her body. "This will soon be over", she thought. The Gallows platform stood about 7 feet above the ground. The front of the platform was hinged so as to drop from under the condemned. Above the hinged portion of the platform hung a single, thick rope with a noose at the end. Jeanine was holding herself together by her own will power. She was absolutely terrified but did not want to be dragged kicking and screaming to her death. "God, give me the strength to do this", she thought, "let me die like a woman." She saw the TV cameras and looked past them. The crowd stood very close on either side of the cement walkway. Jeanine noticed that no one she looked at would meet her eyes with his or her own. At the foot of the Gallows steps, she hesitated. With some help balancing, because her hands were bound behind her, Jeanine climbed the 8 steps. On the platform, she continued to walk toward the waiting noose but was stopped by the guards after three steps. She could see the trap with a black X close to the front, just under the noose. One of the guards knelt behind her, he tapped her left ankle. Jeanine raised her foot and the guard removed her slipper. Then a tap on the right ankle, the guard ran his thumb along the sole of Jeanine’s foot as he removed her right slipper.
She was urged forward to the noose. “Stand on the X” said a guard. Curiously, the hinged trap on which Jeanine stood was made of a slippery white plastic material. Jeanine noticed warmth on the soles of her feet. The sun had warmed the plastic surface.
The Death Warrant was read by the Warden. A guard serving as a hangman asked her, "Do you have any last statement?" Jeanine shook her head no her heart was pounding in her chest. She looked out over the heads of the crowd and straight into the lens of a television camera. The Warden said, "Let justice be served, proceed with the execution." Jeanine’s position on the trap was adjusted so that she stood facing the crowd.
A voice from behind her said, “put your feet together miss”. She felt a strap fastened around her ankles, then another around her dress just above her knees. The heavy noose was pulled down over her head and pulled tight around her neck. She choked a little as the rope was pulled snug with the heavy knot under her left ear. The crowd stood in hushed silence, all eyes on the condemned girl.
Jeanine was breathing very fast and was afraid she might hyperventilate and faint. With wrists securely tied behind her back, her legs and feet bound Jeanine was entirely helpless, she was having some difficulty balancing. "God, let me stand for just another few minutes", she prayed.
The TV audience and the crowd in the courtyard held their breath as the drama unfolded. Here was a healthy young woman facing the end of her life. The crowd stared at her. She saw thousands of eyes eager to catch every moment of this spectacle. A thin, gray, cloth hood was put over her head and drawn down over her face. She was grateful for the cover to hide her features from the crowd. Jeanine was allowed to stand with the noose around her neck for several more minutes, until 1PM exactly. As she stood there, she tried to remain very still, but she was visibly shaking. She prayed for just a little more strength. Somewhere a clock chimed the hour. There was a loud click and trap tilted and Jeanine felt the floor slide from beneath her feet.
The crowd heard a loud bang followed by a soft "thump". The bang was the trap crashing down on its supports. The "thump" was Jeanine 's body hitting the end of the rope. The drop was only four feet, but Jeanine felt herself falling. To her the fall seemed to take forever. Suddenly she felt a hard blow just behind her left ear. The blow from the large hangman’s knot caused her to black out for a few seconds. Hanging there, by her neck, she was still, but Jeanine was stunned only momentarily. Those in the crowd who stood close to the gallows heard a soft moan.
Jeanine felt a crushing, tearing pain in her neck and shoulders and quickly realized that she was hanging. Her neck and shoulder muscles were in violent spasm; her head was twisted toward her right shoulder. The noose had caught her throat high under her jaw but had not broken her neck. She was in great pain from damaged neck and shoulder muscles. Her toes pointed, trying in vain to reach the ground. She was able to force a small amount of air into her lungs. There was pressure in her head and she could hear a rushing sound in her ears. Jeanine's body suddenly kicked and thrashed with an involuntary spasm brought on by the body's need for more air. Her only clear thought was how much it hurt. Early in her struggles, she was able to bend her bound legs and kick forcefully toward the ground.
She could feel the rope crushing her throat but heard no sounds except for a rushing in her ears. She knew that her body was struggling and that the kicks were causing more pain but could not stop the body’s desperate attempts to escape the noose. Jeanine's consciousness dimmed slowly as she felt a tearing in her neck like strings breaking. She had no time for thought as darkness fell. Her dying brain took her thoughts to another place and time, she was a little girl again. She felt a fullness in her bowel and vagina, almost pleasant. Her throat hurt.
The crowd saw the small figure thrash and kick, toes pointing as she fought the rope in a grim parody of a ballet. The girl's neck seemed to stretch as her chest heaved in an effort to get air. The deadly noose continued to crush the girl’s throat as her struggle continued. After several minutes, Jeanine's consciousness faded to black. A few minutes after Jeanine’s consciousness faded, the thrashing became rhythmic with a stop...go, stop...go pattern. Soon the periods of quiet outlasted the spasms. Jeanine's hands opened and closed several times. Her pointed toes twitched several times then stopped; her feet seemed to relax. The bystanders close to Jeanine saw a dark spot appear on the front of her dress just below her crotch. The stain spread down the front of the dress and a dribble of liquid began to drip from the toes. Jeanine's body seemed to loose all its tension. The crowd noticed the hanging woman seem to relax every part of her body. The soaked portion of the dress was clinging to Jeanine’s legs and the wetness made the thin fabric nearly transparent. A dark patch of pubic hair was clearly visible.
She was at last quite, swinging gently from side to side. After 10 minutes of no movement from the body, the doctor reached up to feel for signs of life. Jeanine was suspended with her feet about 36 inches above the ground. The doctor felt under the girl's left breast then listened. He announced that the prisoner was dead. She was allowed to dangle from the gallows for an hour.
Warden Bigley had an on camera interview with Jeanine's body hanging dead in the background. The Warden mentioned how, "the woman executed today was a career criminal who deserved nothing less than death." Throughout the Warden’s interview, Jeanine swung slowly back and forth, back and forth. Some released urine still dripped from her bare toes.

Chapter 16

The television crews remained on-site with about a hundred spectators as Jeanine's body was removed from the gallows. The morgue attendants placed the limp body on a gurney. The death hood was removed and the Television cameras showed the darkened, swollen face of the now dead girl. The noose was left around Jeanine’s neck as her body was loosely wrapped in a sheet. The gurney was wheeled into the morgue.
Mrs. Rogers cleaned up the Death Row cell that Jeanine had used and went off duty. She took with her two folded notes, which she mailed later that evening. Jennifer had been in the crowd of official witnesses for Jeanine's execution. She felt relief when the limp body was removed from the gallows. She went to her office and called Bill. He was very drunk. He said he had watched the whole thing on TV. They talked for some time as Bill cried in the phone. After her conversation with Bill Adamson, Jennifer decided to take a walk over to the morgue. She was uneasy with Bill's handling of the execution. He was clearly feeling upset and guilty. Jennifer made a mental note to call Roy Carlton later. Roy would need to get Bill back on track.
At the morgue, Jennifer went into the receiving area. Jeanine's body had been undressed and was lying nude on a metal table. Jennifer went over to look at the corpse. The small body was a grayish-white color. Jeanine's face was a mauve color, slightly swollen with bluish lips. The tip of her tongue protruded from between clenched teeth. It was purple in color. Her neck was bruised and had a large deep welt under the jaw, the neck seemed longer than it had been. There were several bruises in the area of Jeanine's collarbone. The wrists and ankles showed some light bruising. What Jennifer noticed most were the eyes of the corpse. They were half-open giving Jeanine, from a distance, a sleepy look. If you got closer, you noticed the blood red color of the eyes caused by a strangulation death. There was an odor of perspiration and urine about the body. Jennifer noticed that girl’s body had some bruising in the groin area and around the labia. “Interesting”, thought Jennifer as she looked over the body, “her labial are swollen a bit, almost as if she’d had sex on the gallows”.
Jennifer was glad to see Jeanine here on a morgue table; she had in fact contributed to Jeanine's death. "You'll never know I've waited a year for this moment, you bitch", muttered Jennifer. As she spoke, a morgue attendant came over to put a tag on Jeanine's toe. He heard the comment and said nothing. Jennifer pointed to the dead girl’s crotch, “why is she bruised and swollen there”, she asked the attendant.
“That’s from the drop”, he said. “The small blood vessels rupture from the drop and the struggling. I wonder if they feel anything down there when they’re hanging”, he mused.
Later, he would make mention Jennifer’s comments to his mother, she was a matron in the women's section of the Detention Center. Jeanine 's body went into the cooler. Mrs. Rogers decided to call Jeanine 's mother later that same night. The two had a long conversation about the events of the day. Jeanine 's mother was ashamed to have been so distant from her daughter in her time if need. She listened to Mrs. Rogers’ account of Jeanine's last day and took courage. Mrs. Morrison summoned the courage to act. Later that night Mrs. Morrison called Sara Johnson. "Miss Johnson, this is Mrs. Morrison; Jeanine Morrison's mother. In a few days, you're going to receive a very interesting note from my daughter..."

Chapter 17

At 6 PM that evening, Warden Bigley and the Governor were ushered into the morgue. They went to an autopsy table on which lay a small figure covered with a soiled, white sheet.
The attendant removed the sheet revealing Jeanine’s body. She lay on her back, eyes closed, head resting on a rubber block. The body had just been autopsied and the large Y shaped incision was visible. The Warden touched a cold foot. He looked at the toe tag, “Jeanine Morison, October 17, 2015, Judicial Hanging”, he read aloud. “This one shouldn’t trouble us further Governor”, he said.
“Too bad about her”, said the governor, “I hate to see a pretty girl go to waste. What will you do with the remains?”
The Warden said, “we’ll wait for a few days to give her family a chance to claim her, if they don’t, we’ll bury her in our cemetery”.
On Monday, Ann Morrison went to the Detention Center to claim her daughter’s body. Ann was shaking as she was led into the Center’s morgue. The attendant went to a numbered drawer and opened it. He drew out a sliding shelf bearing a sheet covered form. The body was covered with a plastic shroud, except for the feet. Ann noticed a tag on the big toe of the right foot. The attendant gently drew the shroud back. Ann gasped, “Oh God, my little girl, what have they done to you?”
The attendant, who was Mrs. Roger’s son, had done his best to wash the corpse and arrange the facial features. Jeanine’s face was chalky white, her lips were purplish. She looked to be at peace, despite the deep redish indentation in her neck.
Ann touched a cold cheek and wept.

Chapter 18

January 2016, Traverse City, Michigan
Ann Morrison and Sara Johnson stood in the bitter cold wind in the Guardian Angles Cemetery looking at a grave. The simple headstone read:
Jeanine Morrison
1980—2015
Beloved Daughter
Ann was thinking of the ordeal of her daughter’s death and the funeral that occurred during the following week. The mortician had done a beautiful job in restoring Jeanine. She lay in a white casket, lined in white. She wore a rose gown and pink satin ballet slippers.
“We have enough evidence to open an investigation”, said Sara.
“Finally”, said Ann, “my baby will get justice”.

END

Copyright by Ms J (2006).

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