The Littlest God

By Mr. Barry Steven Kohl

An appellate court judge who stands four feet ten inches tall is the common denominator in court corruption. When the California Supreme Court receives a case so outrageous, they are beside themselves. They can't turn him in because they have upheld some of his previous decisions that also reeked of corruption. They don't want to get tied to covering up for colleagues. They can't send it to another court, because those judges might be honest. They return it to the court it came from. They uphold their original decision.

Since they can't turns him in, the Chief Justice Talcolm Powder devises a scheme to force one of the California Supreme judges from the bench after he is certain he has planted the idea of Reuben Ortotzo, the littlest god, into the minds of some of California's most influential politicians. The California Senate Committee on the Judiciary discovers he is in all likelihood corrupt, but pass on the nomination in fear of making the governor look bad.

Once on the court, it becomes apparent from the appellate court decisions the California Supreme Court reviews Reuben is still in business with his former colleagues. The only difference is being on the California Supreme Court he serves as the appellate court advocate for the paid-for-in-advance decisions his former colleagues delivered. Besides his advocacy, his quick wit is driving members mad. When one court member mutters "I wish that man were dead" Reuben is tired in absentia. The only problem is since the State of California did not bring the charges, then the members have to find a way to carry out the sentence. A fund is started for a hit contract. Fortunately, one of the judges has a contact with someone who appeared before him.

Judge Stearns who is to travel to Harvard for a conference is handed the assignment of contacting the possible hit man in New York. When he meets the hit man, he is shocked to discover the hit man only does husbands and wives, and only if they cheated on their mates. He never would have suspected hit contracts to develop niche markets. He is referred to another hit man who agrees to the assignment. Stearns receives another shock when he discovers the man only works weekends so it won't interfere with his day job, a judge in the New York State court systems. The judge takes pride in his work and guarantees its completion.

The hit contract doesn't go very well. Reuben's lack of height save him on several occasions. One time a mail box comes to the rescue, another time a passing bus. The hit man because of all of the cross country trips begins to suffer red-eye from taking the red eye. His vision isn't what it was 3,000 miles earlier. When he finally gets caught, it becomes a case of the first one who coughs up names gets the best deal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Sep 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781667861449

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE DEALMAKER

A cold, chilly morning as far as Angelenos were concerned. The frost on the windows would make one think they were somewhere back east. Then again, Angelenos might not know where to point east.

He made his way down the street as fast as someone four feet ten could, Reuben Ortotzo (Or-toot-zoo) braved the cold chill of the early morning. In his mid-fifties with thinning hair, the kind of chill which hung in the air just ran right through his bones. He thought as he moved toward his destination about his walk. If he were just five feet ten, another foot taller, he would be at his destination already.

Reuben finally arrived at the door of Angreletti's Restaurant. A main stay in downtown Los Angeles, but Reuben could never figure out why. Reuben yearned for a good cup of hot coffee, the only item he willing to touch in Angreletti's. He entered the aged eatery, felt relieved the heating still worked. A huge man who stood maybe five feet eight immediately approached him. Well, huge at least in the eyes of Reuben Ortotzo. Ray Angreletti smiled at Reuben.

This weather's cold enough to freeze your balls off, huh Reuben? commented Ray Angreletti.

Reuben reached inside his overcoat and gestured as if grabbing his crouch. He retorted with a smile of pride It's going to have to get a lot colder than this to freeze these babies. Ray smiled at the comment as if sharing a secret with Reuben. The small man rattled off a question, Is he here yet?

He's already had three cups of coffee. He's in the back. Reuben began to lead the way, it became apparent this scene had played out before.

Worried? Reuben's concern at the moment.

Yeah, I think you can put the squeeze on, replied Ray.

Good, I like knowing where I stand with someone before I start strong arming them replied Reuben. His smirk of apparent enjoyment obvious to Ray.

Don’t worry Rube, I sized him up real good, he’s been worrying since he got here continued Ray who still shared Reuben's personal secret with him.

The two continued to the rear of the restaurant. They passed only a few scattered patrons, mostly older people. Reuben continued toward the table where a solitary man dressed in a business suit in his forties sipped coffee. Reuben in complete control of himself. When he reached the table, the gentleman who sat began to stand to shake hands. While he shook the man’s hand, Reuben never took his eyes off the man's head. He appeared to bob for apples.

You've no, no, no need for it Reuben's quick reaction to the man's erratic movements. He stuttered in jest to match the man’s head movements. The man slowly slipped back into his seat. Reuben immediately doled out another comment, Bring it?

The man pointed to a white envelope on the side of the table. Reuben picked it up and opened it sensed something wrong, the envelop so thin. He only saw one piece of paper as he glanced through it holding it to the light. He put it down on the table. Didn't Bob tell you no checks Jackson? Anxiety filled Jackson's eyes; the fear of a deal gone bad raced across his face.

But I...I... all Jackson could sputter out now as he searched for words to allay the situation. He hoped to save whatever deal in the works. Reuben searched Jackson's face. He realized this would be an easy kill. Ray right in his assessment of the man, a worrier. Ray a good detective when terminated from the Los Angeles Police department for his involvement in a credit card scam.

Can you get the cash by tomorrow morning? Reuben asked the anxiety-ridden man. Jackson nodded affirmatively several times. Have you done this before? the new question posed by Reuben. He wanted to define Jackson’s background more clearly when in the world of shadiness. He would have an even better idea of what he would deal. He wanted an idea just how far he could push him.

No Jackson's sheepish retort, worried to death of offending the dealmaker. Jackson again used exaggerated head movement, again in sync with his verbal response. Reuben could not believe the head movement and looked over at Ray.

Next picnic, make sure Jackson here gets into the bobbing for apples contest. Reuben turned back toward Jackson only to find him more nervous than before when he turned away from him.

I don't know why you're worried about the deal Jackson. Right now, I think your client is the person who you should be worrying about. He just got sentenced to fifteen years for robbery. It means with good behavior; he could be looking for you in seven and a half. Just be here tomorrow with the money at the same time, and bring another ten percent and remember, Cash! Hard, cold cash! were the words Reuben stated firmly to Jackson. Jackson nodded just once affirmatively. Reuben turned and began to walk out as Ray followed him.

Got your favorite for lunch today Reuben, veal scaloppini. advised Ray. Reuben stopped to give the words some thought. He then turned to Ray.

Love to, but today is one of those days I have to eat with the guys at work. See you tomorrow. Reuben turned and walked out the door. He thought to himself how handy his colleagues came in when he needed an excuse not to eat at Ray's. Ray had gotten the idea Reuben enjoyed his food because he had eaten the veal once. Ray had no idea the meal Reuben ate told Reuben never to eat anything at Angelettis again. Although he did not eat at Ray's, his friend liked the money Reuben gave him once a month. The money smoothed over Reuben’s steady stream of excuses for not eating there.

*****

The courtroom a magnificent sight, its interior a statement for judicial decorum. The ceiling extremely high with the latest technology in lighting adjusted for any circumstance. The walls a deep, rich mahogany. The type vanished with the early post world war two era. The carpet so thick you could not hear a brief fall if it two inches thick. Hung on the walls portraits of some of the finest jurists in California history, Traynor, McComb, etc. Quiet filled the room.

It almost appeared as if all of the attorneys given contempt citations before they entered the courtroom. All of the suited men and woman had their eyes turned toward the left front side of the bench. It would be where a bailiff would enter.

All rise billowed the bailiff Court is now in session. When he moved from the front of the bench, the four judges entered the courtroom. Of the four judges, two were men and two women, all in their black robes which came with the territory. The last judge to enter Reuben Ortotzo.

One of the Justices, Justice Vulcher, appeared pregnant even with the jurist robe on. They climbed the two stairs to their respective seats at the bench and proceeded to their seats. The shortest of the four jurists, Reuben disappeared momentarily from the sight of the court spectators. He got his step stool so he could climb onto his pillow-laden seat. Justice Western gave him a helping hand into it.

One of the male spectators turned to his colleague on his right, and quipped, I didn't know they made paternity judicial robes?

They don't responded the colleague, Justice Vulcher weighs over three hundred pounds.

The court session for the day went as could have predicted if someone knew which lawyers had met with Reuben at Angreletti’s. Anyone who had not found their client’s doing the time sentenced to in Superior Court, or having the judgments against them altered or reversed, had paid what needed to be paid.

Chapter 2

Source of Income

Later in the conference room the same four justices sat around the conference table with several case files, and water near each. Besides Reuben, Justice Vulcher, an excessively overweight woman in her late forties whose personal attention to herself sacrificed for time at the dinner table. Her hair appeared not combed in some time. Her lips constantly moved, pursing them, licking them to keep them moist, but always on the move.

Justice Karl Western the oldest of the jurists in this division. Just a little more than a year away from his sixtieth birthday, he enjoyed the court. although since Reuben arrived the case load diminished considerably, since many of the cases decided before any briefs filed. No need in reading them when they arrived. He appreciated Reuben because he had a rather large family with three daughters and two sons. Reuben actually came along for Justice Western at the right moment in his life. Two of his daughters planned on marriage, and the other three children in college. The expenses more than he could handle on his salary, so this very nice for him.

Justice Spleen an African American in her late thirties. Married with no children, her life too made easier with the presence of Reuben Ortotzo. She moved into a beautiful house in the very upscale and fashionable area of Los Angeles known as Brentwood. She had no worry about her next-door neighbor turning her in, he an attorney who often sought her court related services. A Conservative Republican, she enjoyed her dealings with the private sector.

Justice Spleen held a case in front of her and looked toward Reuben.

Not today, he brought a check. He'll be there tomorrow. Cash and another ten per cent. Nice interest rate, huh?

Smiling, Justice Spleen raised the case Okay, three to five with time off for good behavior. Tomorrow.

You know I really realized just how much the crime rate went up. I was going over how much money I made under the table last year, observed Justice Western.

Please don't tell me you keep records Karl? the question an irritated Reuben Ortotzo put forth.

Sure, can even tell you which lawyers use our services the most.

I know which lawyers use us most Karl! I know! Remember, I'm the one rounding up the business! Now get rid of those records because if we get caught, they won't let us judge ourselves. Reuben reminded Justice Western with an angry tone.

Justice Spleen put the folder she held on to the side and grabbed another. She glanced at it. State of California vs. Jones the case Justice Spleen read from the folder cover.

Not a chance. The ACLU claiming the state violated his constitutional rights. For two grand he could have had his rights. Those people over there at the ACLU just don't understand the American judicial system came Reuben's firm stance. Justice Spleen immediately put the folder down to another side away from the other folder.

Okay, the case I have here is Smith vs. Jones. Jones's attorneys are asking we declare Smith a vexatious litigant announced Justice Spleen. Snapping back, Justices Ortotzo stated emphatically, It's a give me. Jones's people paid in advance. Motion granted!

She looked quickly into the file; Justice Spleen shared her observation of the file. Smith merely filed a notice of appeal before Jones's attorney filed the motion. What's going to be our basis? In rapid fire order Justice Ortotzo bounced back with It doesn't matter, Smith is representing himself in pro se. Oliver Wendell once said, He who represents himself has a fool for a client."

Well, it certainly knocks the old theory if you want something done right, do it yourself for a loop observed Justice Western.

Doubtful about the wisdom of this burden on the California Supreme Court, Justice Spleen questioned Well, what if Smith takes it to the California Supreme Court? What are they going to say?

You're assuming this putz knows about the ten-day window for filing with the Supreme Court. He'll probably never get to the Supreme Court. If he just happens to know the procedure, they're going to protect us. They don't want to get caught in a scandal the reply Reuben had at the ready. Then Justice Spleen added, Motion granted!

Still uncertain, Justice Western asked, What if someone is watching?

Nobody's watching us! Every jerk having a court decision go against them yells court corruption snapped Justice Ortotzo. Now let's get on with other cases already funded.

The next folder Justice Spleen picked up very large. When she attempted to lift it with one hand, the file began to slide away. She quickly used her free hand to make sure the file did not come apart. God, for three hundred and fifty dollars an hour these lawyers can really talk. I'll bet the depositions inside this is four inches thick, commented Spleen.

That's nothing, look in the corner, responded Ortotzo.

When Justice Spleen glanced over, she saw three cardboard boxes. Astonished, she turned back toward Ortotzo with wide eyes, and a gleam in them. Looks like a big case?

Smiling broadly and with delight, Justice Ortotzo could not help but to disclose to the other justices just how big. Harding Film Company versus Frank Weiler. Weiler claims he wrote the script for Wild Jungles of Paradise and Haring Film Company didn't pay him everything owed him.

Great movie! I finally got my husband to take me to a film. He liked it so much he took me three times. Justice Vulcher disclosed to her colleagues as if interested. She constantly drew attention to herself. She always found she had to adjust her glasses, always playing with them. When she adjusted her glasses, or moved her lips, it caught everyone’s attention. The only times anyone had ever seen her move, so it stuck out.

Yeah well if you went to see it three times then you know the film made money commented Justice Ortotzo. Justice Vulcher snapped back, Oh, plenty of money. Every time I went, Hargotten had to wait in line.

Just out of curiosity here, where did your husband get a name like Hargotten? Mars maybe? asked Reuben.

Justice Vulcher flabbergasted at Reuben Ortotzo's comment. She attempted to rise quickly to lecture him about his manners. She lost her balance and fell back into the seat from which she attempted to lift herself. Justice Ortotzo laughed. Reuben’s laughter further flustered Justice Vulcher. Irate, but short of words, Justice Vulcher stared intensely at Ortotzo as if she were a vulture, and he were her prey.

That's it, that's it! Let out a little steam and then maybe you can get out of the seat lamented Ortotzo.

Fuming, Justice Vulcher grabbed hold of the edge of the table, and again attempted to pull herself up. Just as she almost regained her posture on her feet, her arms gave way because of the strain her weight put on them. She again fell back into the chair. However, this time the force of her weight caused the chair to tumble over backward leaving her laying on her back. Flat on the floor, she looked up at the three justices who smiled at her. Her embarrassment read like a banner at a football game on the scoreboard, large and bold.

Beached again snapped Reuben, a small smirk rose upon his lips.

Infuriated, Justice Vulcher attempted to get up. Failing in her first attempt, she spun and landed on her stomach. Again, frustrated in her effort. Able to turn herself over, she found Justice Western stand over her with his hand extended toward the fallen justice.

Grab it!

Justice Vulcher reached up and grabbed hold of Justice Western's hand. Not a big man by any stretch of the imagination, Justice Western braced himself against the table sought to gain some leverage. As he began to attempt the lift, Justice Vulcher's weight made Justice Western realize the truth of his physics classes in connection with the laws of gravity. The oldest jurist in Division Two now made the extra effort, the old college try. The odds not in Justice Western's favor. He only weighed one hundred and eighty-seven pounds, while Justice Vulcher had often topped the scales at three hundred pounds. She at time appeared proud of the fact. Hitting the floor with a thud Justice Western only able to get her maybe a foot off the ground before she made a return trip. She again landed on her back. Reuben laughed.

Stop laughing and give me a hand midget! snapped Justice Vulcher angrily, fire in her eyes.

Don't be ridiculous! I'm so small; I'm almost on the ground myself. Justice Ortotzo slid out of his chair just like a child escaping from a highchair, almost as if it greased. This with a chair with three pillows to add height. Going to the door, Ortotzo escaped from the room. Exiting the chambers, he looked down the corridor where he saw the bailiffs. Immediately he called for them, Bailiff!

The youngest court officer heard the command and turned back toward Ortotzo.

Your honor.

We need your help bailiff. Justice Vulcher had a problem shifting her weight. Reuben led the bailiff into the conference room. The young bailiff immediately rushed over to the aid of the fallen justice. Justice Western sipped a glass of water. He attempted to regain his composure. The bailiff extended his hands and stood over Justice Vulcher. He tried to decide the best way to raise her. He wanted to figure how to do it without insulting the jurist. She reached up, the overweight jurist clasped hands with the young man, holding him tightly for dear life. He tugged; the young man struggled for every inch of progress. His face showed the strain. The squinting of his eyes, and the clenching of his teeth became more exaggerated with every movement. Finally, his body gave into the strain, and he dropped Justice Vulcher. He knew his job was to assist the justices. He certainly did not want a hernia when he had a hot date for the night.

It's the problem with civil service; they only require you bailiffs to lift seventy pounds. Hell, I've seen briefs weighing as much snorted Ortotzo.

The bailiff didn’t want to suffer another failed attempt. The young bailiff excused himself to go seek some help.

Good idea, and if I hear laughing in the corridor, I’ll know you told the other bailiff why you needed help.

The bailiff exited the conference room with Be right back your honor.

Justice Ortotzo walked over to the fallen Justice Vulcher. Justice Western stood next to her almost feeling sorry for her. Looking down at the floor laden Vulcher with pity in his eyes, Reuben remarked Are you alright?

Think so.

I wasn't talking about you, retorted Ortotzo, I was talking about Western here, he could have gotten a slipped disc, or something.

Vulcher fumed and the stare she directed at Reuben would take two lifetimes to melt. The door opened, and the young bailiff entered with another bailiff. The second bailiff much bigger with his shirt extremely tight so his weightlifting experience evident. Going over to Justice Vulcher, each bailiff gained a position of leverage behind each arm. They lifted her in unison. Getting to her feet, she dusted herself off and emptied all of her anger into her dusting motion. She regained her composure. She straightened her glasses, so they sat properly although just temporarily upon her nose. She turned toward Reuben.

Reuben looked at his watch, looked back up at Vulcher. She glanced at him with a look from the ice age. Ortotzo attempted to stare her down. He realized just how deep her anger toward him, his efforts would be futile.

Damn, the coldest stare I've ever seen. If your stare got any colder, you'd have to sleep in a freezer.

She looks like she's about to eat you alive Reuben injected Justice Western into the silence.

Don't say that! Don't say that! She might make those words come true.

Just finish your story about the Harding Film Company case. And do it without your wise cracks. Maybe the next time I fall to the floor I'll make sure you're in front of me sneered Justice Vulcher.

Well, it turned out in fact the Harding Film Co..... began Justice Ortotzo.

He watched as the bailiffs begin to exit. Noticing, Justice Ortotzo showed his gratitude toward the bailiffs, Thanks guys. The guards turned back toward Reuben.

They began to exit with the young bailiff responding with No problem your honor, it's why we're getting paid. Reuben smiled relishing in the patronization one received with being a judge.

Hey big man uttered Ortotzo, as the big man turned toward him hope you're around for a while.

Plan to. The two bailiffs exited to Reuben’s relief.

Now, where was I? questioned Reuben. The Harding Film Company story the response from Justice Vulcher, the anger still in her voice.

Yes, yes, the big pay day. Well, it turned out besides getting money up front, Weiler contracted to get two and a half per cent of any profit...! Justice Spleen interrupted and threw her two cents in Well he must be a very wealthy man by now. The last figure I saw in the trade papers had it grossing over four hundred million domestically. Domestically! Can you imagine what the film grossed worldwide?

Reuben smiled and disclosed just where the court came in. Not enough to make a profit. It's what Harding is claiming. It’s what they're paying us to find. For a verdict in their favor, we're talking a hundred thousand each. What profit? The other justices smiled. Oh, I'm running late, commented the smallest of the four jurists as he glanced at his watch. Justice Ortotzo walked over to a rack where the Justices hung their robes. With his years of experience showing, shaped the robe just right so he could toss it onto one of the hooks. Of course, the hook for Justice Ortotzo larger than the others. No need to put his name anywhere near the hook everyone knew his.

When he began to leave, he turned to the other jurists, and disclosed how they would handle the remaining cases We'll get to those tomorrow, I need to see someone about some personal business.

Chapter 3

Supporting a Friend

The late afternoon weather not much better than in the early morning thought Reuben. It might even be a little worse now because a strong wind had kicked in. In this kind of situation, Reuben had a decided advantage in these kinds of weather conditions. He had a low center of gravity allowing him to duck right under the gusts. His heavy overcoat protected him from the weather, but its weight caused a strain on Reuben.

As he walked down the street he passed several bail bonds companies, and two Army-Navy surplus stores. The section located in an older area of town. The architecture of the stores he passed told the story. The lack of maintenance seen in the buildings Ortotzo passed disclosed the area also in the poorer part of town, one deteriorating. Reuben made his way down the street. He frequently heard the squalling sirens of police vehicles. The presence of bail bondsmen where a constant sound of sirens a sure tip off a police station nearby.

Ortotzo reached his destination, BONDS LITE. The front of the store had some broken glass in front of it along with a small hole in the window. The glass around it slightly shattered. It the appearance of a bullet hole, and Reuben sure the bullet cause of the perforation. As a superior court justice, he had heard plenty police testimony about entry and exit wounds. The little jurist entered without any fear.

The inside of the store as run down as the exterior. Papers all over the place. Scattered about a newspaper or two here, and a piece of paper there. The walls barren with large chunks of plaster chipped away. Reuben looked around the empty store and called out Len!

Within moments Len Zeil entered, he moved very slowly. His age and his physical condition placed restraints on him. When he was twenty years old, he would never have thought he would have found himself in this physical condition. At twenty, Len a tight end for the University of Indiana. He stood over six feet tall with athletic prowess possessed by but just a few.

Reuben! You're late. Len returned to the rear of the shop. Reuben attempted to keep himself occupied glanced around for something to read he did not have to reach down to the floor to retrieve. The walls barren with a coat of gray paint peeling. The only calendar up one of cats. Reuben wondered if enough plaster anywhere else on the wall to allow anything else to hang anything from. Len returned to the shop with cash in hand. He had a piece of paper he unfolded. He handed the cash to Reuben.

Here you go Ruby, seven hundred and fifty dollars. Your cut of the referrals for last month. Ortotzo took the money, and quickly placed the bills into his pocket. Len placed the sheet of paper before Ortotzo's eyes.

According to my records, this is everybody you referred in November, right? Nobody's missing, are they?

Reuben scanned the list. As far as I can remember, that's it

Good! Good! Your referrals are keeping me afloat. I'd be in a lot of trouble if you weren't sending these lawyers over to me. Believe me, you're saving my butt, and I appreciate it. Reuben smiled.

Listen the words forthcoming for Ortotzo's suggestion why don't you come up with some kind of gimmick, or something to jump start business?

Like what? Reuben thought about it for a moment. When Reuben made the comment, Len not prepared with an answer. There must be something you can do. You know I want to see you stay in business.

Sure, you do, you're like a silent partner.

Reuben smiled realizing the truth of the comment. He then blurted out without any forethought I got it! I know this will work. Why don't you get together with some airline company like the credit card companies do? Arrange for you to offer frequent flyer miles?" Len caught off guard by the comment and looked at Reuben with disbelief.

What's wrong questioned Ortotzo.

The last thing a bail bondsman wants is his clients using their frequent flyer miles.

Oh yeah, I forgot Ortotzo's apologetic response.

Listen, next month could be a real good month for us.

With curiosity about something he knew nothing about, Ortotzo asked Why?

"Because three of the lawyers you referred to me have hooked up with some big cases. Brian Seltin you referred here last year, and who's been doing business with me for a year now. He is handling the Van Weister attempted double murder case. The bond is going