Cathablanca

Episode #21: "The Execution of Francesca"

"The defendant will rise for the reading of the verdict", ordered the Judge.

Francesca, handcuffed and dressed humbly in prison clothes, stood up from her chair behind the defense desk.

The jury foreman rose and read aloud from a sheet of paper, "The jury finds the defendant, Francesca Diana Melinda Cicci-Lorenz, guilty of first degree murder as charged."

Francesca, in shock, collapsed. Her lawyer, N.E. Washington, helped her to her feet and supported her as the Judge read on.

In a monotone voice the Judge continued, "Francesca Diana Melinda Cicci-Lorenz, you have been found guilty of first degree murder. It now behooves the court to pass sentence: you are to be put to death in the electric chair at the earliest convenience of the California State Penitentiary at Folsom. I took the liberty of checking with that facility and they can fit you in next Tuesday at the stroke of midnight." He banged his gavel. "This case is now closed."

The following Monday at 11:50 P.M. in the execution chamber at Folsom prison, Francesca sat helplessly strapped in the electric chair. Allowed to order anything for her last supper, she enjoyed a McDonald's Happy Meal, giving the toy prize to Cathie as a farewell gift. In the adjoining spectator room behind one-way glass sat members of the press, the prosecuting attorney Grimes, Governor of California Sonny Bono, the prison warden Mr. Akbari, N.E. Washington, Cathie, Antonio, Erich, and Reverend Gregory. At 11:55, Steve entered the spectator room with two burly bodyguards on either side of him to protect him from Erich, Cathie and Antonio. They were astonished to see him, & glared in his direction.

To Cathie and Erich, it was all just like a horrible nightmare. It didn't seem real, and they both sobbed uncontrollably. Antonio prayed in Spanish with Reverend Gregory holding his hand.

At 11:59 and thirty seconds, the executioner's hand gripped the lever to throw the switch. Cathie stopped crying and turned to face Steve. She implored him, "Steve! You've got to tell them to stop! I'll do whatever you ask!"

Steve shouted out, "STOP! STOP! STOP THE EXECUTION!! I'd like a word with the District Attorney and the Warden RIGHT NOW!"

The Warden ordered the executioner to stand down. "What is it?" he asked Steve.

"Before I say what I have to say, I want full immunity from prosecution from the Governor," said Steve.

All eyes turned to the Governor, who was not about to be held responsible for Francesca's execution. "You have it!" said the Governor.

"I lied. I did not see Francesca commit the murder. She's innocent," said Steve, now in tears.

Francesca was unstrapped from the electric chair as everyone gathered around hugging and sobbing. Steve, exhausted from his emotional outburst, absentmindedly sat down in the chair that only moments ago was going to send his sister to her grave.

As everyone went for the door of the chamber to leave, they found it was locked. Francesca said, "Oh, here! I'll unlock it!" She then pulled the switch to the electric chair, and then quickly switched it off. "Oops!" she exclaimed.

A zillion volts of electricity sent Steve flying out of the chair. He hopped around the chamber in pain screaming obscenities and holding the seat of his pants, which were smoldering.

"Sorry, Steviekins!" Francesca called out, as she left the room with her entourage.

The Governor gave Francesca a full pardon on the spot in order to have her immediately released from jail; the charges would be officially dropped later in court by the D.A.

There was now, however, a new problem. Steve's testimony as to what he had witnessed was now worthless in court. He had admitted to perjury, and O'Brien's lawyers got all charges against their client dropped. O'Brien, the real murderer, was now as free as Francesca was, thanks to Steve's shenanigans.

Dirk languished in prison another two months before his case finally went to trial, and he was acquitted of all charges.

Cathie reneged on her 'promise' to Steve, of course. Amazingly, Francesca forgave Steve after only a few weeks of his constant apologizing. Cathie discovered the reason why one afternoon in Francesca's office.

Don't miss the next exciting episode!