Jury duty can be rewarding
This is a story about two people who live a few miles apart and, except for the addresses, received identical letters -- a jury summons.
CAROL
"Damn, damn, damn!" I exclaimed after reading the letter. "Fuck, I don't need this."
I re-read the summons again and this time noticed that on a certain day and time I was to call the number listed to see if my group was excused.
The next day I showed the letter to my boss. "There might be a chance I'll be called," I stated in a calmer voice than the previous time. "If I do, it could put a hole in my schedule and we have that Logan account that's nearly ready to be finalized. Should I try to get out of jury duty?"
"No," my boss, Emily stated quite firmly. "It's our civic duty and I believe that if you are called and selected, you should do your part. Look at it this way, my best VP will be among a cross section of customers and maybe you'll be able to glean the acceptance and effectiveness of our adverting."
"This, um, wouldn't have anything to do with the lawsuit you won last year, would it?"
"And why not? The jury sided with me, for which I am grateful, and who knows, you might prove valuable in this trial. Now, as for the Logan contract. I'll take it over. Bring me up to speed when you're ready."
At the appointed day and hour, I called the number on the summons. I was a bit surprised when the recording announced I was expected to appear. I hung up wondering what kind of trial it would be.
LARRY
"Jury duty!" I exclaimed to nobody in the room. "Terrific!" I noticed, however, at the bottom was the number to call to learn if my group was indeed required to appear. I hoped we'd be called and that I was actually selected to serve. It would be like taking time off without having to take vacation time.
I showed it to my boss the following day and said, "If I get called, Ron can cover for me."
"Ok, I don't see any issues but I'm pretty certain you won't be selected."
"Why."
"Lawyers usually don't want engineers on the jury. We like to analyze facts and not be swayed by emotions."
Much to my delight, my group was to appear.
CAROL
I had some difficulty starting my car. Recently, it had been slow to turn over and start. After a few choice words, the motor started and I headed to the county court house and as instructed, pulled into the area designated 'Juror Parking'. An attendant consulted his clipboard, found my name, noted my car tag number, then gave me a parking permit to be displayed on the dashboard.
I walked into a meeting room and noticed a fair amount of people. There was a table off to the side that contained some refreshments. Just inside the door was a table occupied by two people. One took my name and the other handed me a survey and pencil. I took a seat and began to fill out the survey. It wasn't particularly long and it didn't ask anything personal, but rather my thoughts on legal issues.
I scanned through the survey and no sooner had I started answering the questions, the gentleman next to me finished and another man took his place. I glanced over at the new stranger and noted how handsome he was. A bit younger perhaps, or maybe more, hard to tell, but he certainly did wonders for the polo shirt he was wearing. Nice body for sure. He didn't say anything but he definitely affected my concentration.
I waited until he completed his survey then got up at the same time. He smiled and said, "Interesting questions."
I looked up at a man at least six feet tall and even more handsome than my first look. "Yes. They were," I managed to say. There was something about him that made me suddenly feel like a schoolgirl. Dark hair, brown eyes, and a friendly smile that made me warm all over.
We turned in the surveys and were instructed to wait and to help themselves to some refreshments. We headed over to the coffee urn and while I took a bagel, he did not.
Self-discipline and good body, a nice combination
, I thought. "I'm Larry," he said.
"Carol."
"Well Carol," he remarked as he touched my Styrofoam cup with his, "Here's to justice."
"I've never served on a jury before, have you?" I asked.
"No, I haven't. This is a whole new experience. What do you do when you're not standing around in a pool of potential jurors?"
"Advertising. You?"
"Engineering. I keep your lights on."
"Oooh. My one and only favorite utility company."
"We try. Are you the one who fills my mailbox with stuff?"
"No. I do TV and radio ads."
An hour later, after being questioned by the attorneys, I found I was juror number four.
Larry was number five.
We were now part of a civil lawsuit that involved a lot of money and could last up to a week. The jury was dismissed for lunch and opening statements would begin that afternoon. When we filed into the jury room, we learned that all had been arranged and we were bussed to a restaurant for a buffet lunch. Fortunately, the per diem covered it and no alcohol was permitted.
All the jurors sat around two tables in a side room and introductions were made. I noted that Larry and I were the only single people in the group.
LARRY
I was impressed the way jurors were treated with designated parking, and refreshments provided. After checking in I saw a guy leaving a table and the cute woman in the next seat. I quickly grabbed the newly vacant seat. As I sat down, I checked her out; cute, nice figure, and no wedding ring.
I'll probably never see her again after today
, I thought.
I noticed she had completed her survey yet didn't move until I stood up. Wanting to be friendly, I commented on the survey and looked at a very lovely face. She looked a bit flushed when she responded. She had sandy colored hair, hazel eyes, and a smile I'd like to kiss. Nice body and if I could hug her, my chin would rest on top of her head.
Everything moved quickly. Over a cup of coffee, we shared a bit about our professions. It wasn't long before we were part of a group being grilled by the attorneys. I felt certain I'd be rejected. Suddenly I was juror number five and sitting beside Carol.
