Chapter 18: Vehicular Obstacles

Dee and Brandon went to see Billy, who had sold her the big multi-capable pickup years ago. He had some suggested routes for taking test drives and asked for Brandon’s driver’s license.

He returned apologetic. “Minnesota has revoked your license for leaving the scene of an accident and failing to report the lost vehicle. Can you tell me what happened?”

Once Billy had heard the whole story about the elk and his injuries, he steepled his hands for a while and then offered advice.

“Obviously, I’m more familiar with Wisconsin, but I think you would be wasting your time with the bureaucrats. Instead, you need to go to the District Court in Winona and ask for a hearing before the judge. With your story, and your otherwise clean driving record the judge can issue an order mandating them to give you a new license with a perfect record.

It took a few weeks and help from a local lawyer, but then they were inside the courthouse, ready for the judge. She came out in her black robe and sat behind the high bench.

“Alright, I’ve read your pleadings, and nobody has bothered to show up from the state to contest the issue. So, I’m ... Mr. Ellis, who is that with you?”

“I’m Dolores Lincoln, Judge. I rescued Mr. Ellis from the wreck, and I’ve been helping him to heal ever since.”

“Lincoln ... You’re a nurse, an RN?”

“I am, judge.”

“You work at the Ho-Chunk Clinic in La Crosse?”

“I do, judge.”

“Mr. Ellis, if Dolores Lincoln is helping you recover, you are a very lucky man indeed. My Uncle Dave was a patient at that clinic, and Dolores took care of him like family.”

“May I ask, what was his issue?”

“He had severe cellulitis; it disabled him for a while.”

“David Starns?”

“Yes, that’s right. He was an enrolled member of the tribe.”

“I remember him. No matter how difficult or painful his symptoms were, he always had a smile, and he would go around helping some of the weaker patients. Is he still with us?”

“I’m afraid he passed last year. I’m sorry, we’re getting off topic. I can’t believe they tried to cite you for being rescued from a flaming wreck.

“Let’s see, I need to make up an order to get Mr. Ellis a new license with no demerits, quash the criminal case for leaving the scene, and put him back where he was with a clean record. My clerk will send you a certified copy of my orders to take with you to the licensing office. This is my decision, and I wish you well.”

“Thank you, judge.”

She banged her gavel and called the next case on her docket.