So Wednesday arrived. I had become used to the way things were done. If I say though myself I thought my bedding was the most tidy in the storage cupboard. The fellow who came next said well done. He was the only detainee that would look at me. Everytime I passed him he would nod and smile, I would do the same. The interesting thing was that he was covered in tattoos. In this context a fair chance he was a gang member. Maybe he had some knowledge of how it was for someone who looked different in the Detention centre.
Then at about 1100 number 59 was called to step outside. I wasn't handcuffed or searched. Wondered what was going on. Need not have worried. Taken to the room to see visitors. In walked my lawyer followed by Mrsdrron. The emotions were nearly out of control. Even better the lawyer told me that they had negotiated my release later that day. The darkness evaporated. I couldn't stop the line from MLK's speech going in my brain. "Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty I am free at last."
Returned to my cell feeling totally different. didn't even mind being frisked and wanded. Hardly ate any lunch as dinner was definitely going to be better. After lunch again called and handcuffed again and taken down to the Police Station. Wondered what was going on. Put in one of the Interview rooms and in walked the Prosecutor. The look on his face I thought was supercilious in all of it's meanings. He obviously thought he had done a wonderful job. Maybe in the future that look might change as if we do make a complaint to the UN he will be the one I single out as being responsible for the denial of my rights.
He read out the deal that had been made - naturally all in Japanese. Didn't worry me this time as the lawyer had told me all the details. The deal had to be approved by a judge. However within an hour I was on my way to see a judge. I had been able to change into my own clothes but still handcuffed. Ushered straight into his room. Another fellow who had some humanity. Started off with my full name and saying i have heard and read a lot about you recently so I have looked forward to seeing you and be able to tell you you will soon be free. Then excused himself saying but now I have to read out the official words but all in Japanese.
After that I was kept in the Court House for a while then transferred back to the Prosecutor's office where the fine was to be paid. The lawyer had told me that they initially wanted a 400000 fine ($A4000) but it had been negotiated down to 300000 yen which was double what I was told by the first judges staff was the usual fine given in these circumstances.
However we were able to come up with the cash after changing the USD that we had brought with us. After paying the fine we had 27000 yen between us. We were able to get rid of most of that. But importantly I had the cuffs removed for the first time and able to hug Mrsdrron and walk outside as a free man once again. Though forever to be known by Mrsdrron as her felon.
So finally a picture of a free man. the criminal lawyer standing behind us. the Embassy's choice of lawyer was taking the pictures.
Then a taxi back to the room Mrsdrron basically had to accept as there was very little last minute accommodation left in Otaru. A real bed!
