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TITLE: The Diversion | Previous Challenge Entry
By linda simpson
09/14/17
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The Diversion

“All rise!” The Clerk of Courts silenced the whispering.
Papers rustled, seats creaked as everyone rose.
Dignified, wearing red robe and white wig, Judge Charles Kingsford entered, bowed to all in attendance, and was seated. More rustling and creaking.
"Bartholomew Joseph Talbott please stand. You have been found guilty of attempted assault. Due to the number of character witnesses and no prior convictions, I hereby sentence you to two years jail, with a non parole period of 8 months!”

Bartholomew Joseph Talbott, the dark, handsome, athletic 25 year old, formerly dux of Halford High School, a genius with figures, was now lying on a lumpy mattress behind bars. Being led away and changing into prison garb had been a blur.
“Hey man like a coffee?”
Focusing, he gulped it down.
“Thanks!”
“I'm Jason. What's your name?”
“They call me BJ.”
“Well BJ, welcome to Pennington Prison. How long are you in for?"
“8 months before I get parole, but it was rigged – I didn't do it!”
“Yeah, well I've heard that before. Quite a few tell the same story.”
“But I'm telling the truth. I'm a Christian I don't lie!”
“Alright have it your own way, but don't preach to me!”

Gradually, BJ adapted to the routine at Pennington. At night, he prayed fervently to the Lord under his covers, grateful for his Bible, visits from family, his fiancee and friends. He clung to his faith in Jesus. Slowly, his relationship with Jason developed.

During times of reminiscing, BJ appreciated how blessed he had been with a loving Christian family. Sure he hadn't been perfect in his early teen years, but eventually he decided to follow Jesus and had never regretted it. His amazing gift with figures had enabled him to achieve the highest mark in an Advanced Diploma of Accounting and a position with The First Barwon National Bank. His appointment as assistant to the CEO, Mr. Derek Forbes, upset Ben who felt he was next in line but BJ ignored the snide remarks and digs at his faith, remaining friendly towards him.

The one thing BJ found difficult was the unwanted attention of Mr. Forbes wife, Sophia. Whenever she visited her husband, she always came next door into his office. Still very attractive at 40 with long blond hair, she always wore snug fitting clothes showing off her curvaceous figure. The pretense was 'just to say hello to Mr. Talbott and make him feel welcome to the bank'. BJ felt the underlying flirtatiousness.

On the night of Bank Holiday celebrations, BJ left the main reception room to retrieve his sunglasses left in his desk. He was unpleasantly surprised to see a slightly 'tipsy' Sophia enter his office.

“Mrs. Forbes, how can I help you?”
“Well BJ, you don't mind if I call you BJ do you?” she queried closing the door and coming closer.
“Er no I suppose not.”
Her blouse was low cut, her perfume alluring.
“I find you very attractive BJ and I get lonely when Derek is so busy here at First Barwon”
“You mustn't talk like this Mrs. Forbes, you are married and I am engaged!”
“Just one little kiss wont hurt!''
She was extremely close now.
“No Mrs. Forbes, please leave!” he commanded.
“Alright I'll show you!” Sophia declared through gritted teeth.
Ripping at her blouse she ran to the door opened it and screamed
“Help! Help! Derek he tried to assault me!”
After that, complete chaos reigned. BJ protesting, Sophia accusing, showing her torn blouse. Ben saw his chance for revenge and, with others, backed Mrs. Forbes at the trial.
The rest was, as they say, 'history'.

One day Jason told BJ he was having financial problems. In no time BJ had worked out a solution for him. Word soon got around. Before long his amazing skill and willingness to help other in-mates found him busy most days. Jason and others began to ask questions about God. BJ also noticed swearing was less in his presence. Occasionally, he was even able to share his faith. Eight months eventually passed. With an excellent prison record the Board granted BJ parole.

After adjusting to life at home, because of his excellent resume, BJ obtained his 'perfect' position overseeing the financial department of World Christian Charity Organization. He also continued assisting prisoners at Pennington, resulting in Jason and others coming to the Lord. Now married to Laura, BJ knew he was on God's better path. Harm was turned to good!

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