Dramatization of Arrest

Simon came back late in the afternoon. I felt relieved. "The campus is emptying," he said. "Everyone is leaving for spring break."

"Good. I hope the mayor takes advantage of the fact that there will be less people around to protest his decision and just arrests me. It’s time for this to end."

"Or,” said Simon, “easier for a band of locals to come and kill you."

“I'm pretty sure the shit’s hitting the fan, as they say. Singer’s back early from the conference. I saw him, the City Administrator and the City Attorney huddled together all afternoon. Later they were joined by the Chief of Police."

"So where’s Samantha and Ellen?” asked Simon. “I thought they’d be here by now."

"Samantha had to work. They won't get here until eight. If I'm arrested, you stick around and let them know what happened, OK?"

"Sure. No problem." Simon looked around. "You think they might arrest me if I'm here with you?"

"You’re nervous today," I said, finally having calmed down myself. "I'm sure they’ll give you plenty of opportunities to leave."

"I guess the threats are really sinking in,” said Simon. “With Samantha and Ellen delayed and Donna’s posse from the Broadway Tavern planning on striking tonight, it is a little nerve-wracking. I would expect you’d be nervous, too."

"It’s time for this thing to end, seventeen days of stink and cold. But unless they offer some form of compensation, I can’t leave on my own."

“Singer promised he wouldn’t arrest you…”

“And I promised not to leave. He’ll break first…He’s breaking now. This will end today.

"I admire your resolve. But if you’re wrong…"

I changed the subject. "How about one last game of gin—before the end?"

Simon laughed. "Sure." I shuffled the cards and Simon dealt as the city workers began to filter out for the weekend. At six o’clock, Mayor Singer, the City Administrator, the City Attorney and two police officers entered through the front door.

"I'm asking you," said Singer, "to please leave the building."

"You better go," I said to Simon. "Tell Ellen and Samantha what happened and here, take these papers for the archives." I handed Simon the latest news clippings from the last two days and discreetly what remained of the valium. Simon took the items and left, waving goodbye.

"We have reason to believe," said the Mayor, "that your life is in danger. There is also a public health issue here. If you do not leave the building, you will be arrested."

"I understand."

"So you’re leaving?" Singer asked, hopefully.

"I understand what you have to do and I understand what I have to do." I reached over and grabbed an oatmeal cookie from the bag. I ate slowly while the five men towered above me, watching. Then they retreated back into the city building and had an animated conversation. I could hear none of it and saw only the hand gestures.

Fifteen minutes later, they returned to the foyer. This time one of the officers spoke. "We are asking you to leave this lobby forthwith and not to return. If you do not comply, you will be arrested."

I looked at the officer and once again said, "I understand." The cop looked at the mayor who shrugged his shoulders.

"David Rosen," said the cop. "You are under arrest for criminal trespass to state property." With that, he took my arm and his partner took the other. They cuffed my hands and we walked out the door, across the plaza and into the police station.

I was led downstairs, and then put through the procedure—mug shot, fingerprints, answering questions from a cop who slowly typed his responses on to a yellow card.

“Will I go to County?” I asked the officer.

“No, we’re keeping you here.”