Summary:  Gary gets the paper and reads that Lucy Carter will be attacked in the hospital parking
lot. He rushes to her aid, and is asked to be a witness at Dale's trail since he was the stalker and
the one who tried to attack and kidnap Lucy in revegence for being fired from the hospital.
Rating: PG Standard Disclaimer Applies

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Trail of the Hospital Stalker
by Lori Anderson

 Chapter 1

Meow.  Thump.  The two sounds that Gary Hobson didn't want to hear in the morning, but had
to. He and his family had been home from their vacation for three days now, and it was time to
get back to normal which meant getting tomorrow's paper like he does everyday at 6:30 in the
morning. "Okay.  Okay.  I'm coming.  Be paitent will ya," Gary growled as he put on his robe and
went to the door. He opened it, gently slid the paper from underneath the cat, and shut the door
so that it wouldn't come in. Toni was allergic to the cat, and Gary was doing all he could to keep
it from coming inside the house. Sighing, Gary went over to the coffee pot, and poured himself a
cup of coffee to wake himself up. He took a sip, and sat down in his chair to scan the paper to see
who needed saving that day. There was nothing in the first page, so he turned to the second page,
and there it was. "Lucy Knight Carter, wife of Dr. John Carter was attacked in the hospital
parking lot at two oclock this afternoon by the hospital stalker.  She had just gotten off work and
was going home when Dr. Dale Midriff, a once good doctor employed by the hospital, came
behind Lucy, grabbed her, and tried to force her into his car which was parked away from the
parking lot.  Angry for being fired from the hospital over something he had done to a patient
which almost resulted in serious complications, Dale tried to take his revenge out on the doctor
who had fired him, by trying to rape his wife who is Lucy.  Wow!  What a jerk!," he read aloud.

"Who's a jerk honey?," Toni asked coming into the kitchen wearing her terry bathrobe.

Gary showed her the story in the paper.  "This doctor who was fired from Community General
Hospital, that's who sweetheart.  He's going to attack and try to kidnap Lucy Carter from the
hospital parking lot at two this afternoon.  I've got to get there before she gets off and prevent
this from happening," he replied.

Toni poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down besides her husband.  "That guy was a very
good doctor, but he had a thing for the ladies.  He's lucky he hasn't been arrested for harressment
by some of the looks and words he says to women.  If he's the hospital stalker, then he's been
stalking Lucy."

"How can he stalk her if he's not allowed on the hospital grounds?"

"There are ways a stalker can stalk his victim without going near them.  He can watch her from
across the street, follow her where she goes keeping at a safe distance so she won't suspect she's
being followed, and sometimes, the stalker will call his victim on the phone leaving thearting
messages on the answering machine if she has one.  This sounds like pure revenge to me, and
Lucy will be the means he'll achieve it unless you get there in time and prevent it from happening."
Toni took a sip of her coffee.

"Yeah.  What would make a good doc go bad all of sudden for?"

Toni shrugged.  "Who knows?  Maybe he thought he could prove he was better than some of the
doctors somehow.  Overconfidence can cost a paitent their lives at times by a doctor trying too
hard. "

Gary sipped his coffee again and thought about what she had just told him. "This guy needs help."

Toni nodded.  "He'll get it, but it'll in a place that he won't think he would ever end up in."

"If you mean jail, you're right.  Are the kids still asleep?"

"Yeah.  I'm going to start fixing breakfast for everyone in a few minutes."
 

Chapter 2

After breakfast, Gary played with his children a while, and then decided he had to get to work. 'I'll
see you later.  Be good for Mommy today, okay," he said kissing them both on their cheeks.

"Okay daddy.  Have a nice day," Rose said smiling at her father.

"I will.   I'll try to be home early tonight honey," Gary told Toni kissing her on her lips.

Toni kissed him back.  "Be careful out there today sweetheart," she said.

"I will.  See you around dinnertime."

Gary grabbed his jacket and went outside to the van parked outside in the driveway. He fastened
his seatbelt and started the van heading for downtown where McGinty's is. His friends had seen
how much better he had been since coming back from his vacation at the cabin. Gary hoped that
he wouldn't have to hurt the ex-doctor during the save later that afternoon. When he got to his
bar, Gary greeted his friends as he entered through the doors. "Morning Marissa.  Chuck.
Crumb," he said smiling at all them.

"Good morning Gary.  How are you and your family today?," Marissa asked.

"Just fine Marissa.  How's Emmit doing so far as a law clerk?," Gary replied pouring himself a cup
of coffee.

Marissa smiled.  "He's doing very well.  The lady judge thinks he's ready for his first case anyday
now."

"He'll make a good lawyer that's for sure.  I've got a save this afternoon at two oclock.  Here
buddy.  Read this," Gary told them handing Chuck the paper with the story about Lucy going to
be attacked.

"Wow!  This guy sure sounds like a nut  to me.  Be careful with this one Gar," Chuck said.

"Why take it out on the man's wife for being fired from the hospital?  The man was a doctor and
surely knew what would happen if he made a serious error in judgement concerning a patient.  I'm
with Chuck on this one Gary. Please watch yourself and be careful you don't get hurt."

"I intend to Marissa.  Toni told me the same thing before I left the house this morning."

"If you're talking about the doc that was fired from the hospital, I know something about him
Hobson. The guy had a history of being a ladies man wherever he worked.  He was a good
doctor, but a friend of mine who works at Community Hospital told me one day that he overheard
the guy talking about scoring that night. My friend thought the doc was talking about bowling or
playing cards, but that's not the case.  He was talking about getting lucky with Lucy Knight which
was her name at the time.  I did some checking on the guy, and what I found out would take you
an hour to read.  Like I said, he's a ladies man," Crumb told them.

"A ladies man, huh.  I wonder if he ever got warned about that kind of behavior what would
happen."

"That kind never listens Hobson.  You can tell them until you're blue in the face, and they won't
listen."

Chuck sipped his coffee and shook his head.  "So he gets canned by the lady's husband for
something, and takes his revenge out on Lucy.  The guy needs serious help I think."

Gary sipped his coffee and nodded.  "Yeah, I agree with you pal."

"If you ask me, the guy should be locked up and go see someone who can help him."

"That's your police experience talking there Crumb," Marissa said.

"Hey, if I was still on the force, I'd put the guy away before he could hurt anyone, Marissa."

"I bet you would too Crumb.  What else do you know about this guy?  Is he dangerous?," Gary
asked.

Crumb looked at Gary wondering why he would ask that question for.  "Nah. From what I've
found out, the guy doesn't own any weapons of any kind. If that's what you meant, Hobson."

"That's a relief.  Thanks Crumb."

"Any special reason you wanted to know if he was dangerous Hobson?"

"Just curious is all Crumb."

"Sometimes you ask the strangest questions Hobson."

Gary took another sip of his coffee and thought about how he was going to handle this save later.
Knowing the the man didn't carry any weapons on him made it a lot safer for him, but he had to
think of how to save Lucy without getting her or himself hurt in the process in case the ex-doc
tried something.
 

 Chapter 3

Around two, Gary drove his van towards Community General Hospital hoping he'd get there in
time. The paper said that Lucy would be attacked at two oclock trying to get inside her car in the
parking lot. Knowing that the man wouldn't be armed with any weapons made Gary feel better
about the save. Meanwhile, Lucy Carter was getting ready to end her shift at the hospital and go
home to relax. "Here's the last chart of my last patient Carol," she said handing Carol Ross the
chart.

Carol took the chart from Lucy.  "Thank you Lucy.  John would like to talk to you before you
leave.  He should be coming anytime now from making his rounds on C wing," she told Lucy
smiling.

"Probably wanting to remind me that we're having dinner at his grandmother's tonight.  She wants
to go over the arrangements for the benefit Saturday night with us.  I want it to be a success for
the clinic's sake."

"Knowing John's grandmother and how she feels about certain causes, I don't think you have to
worry Lucy. Here comes your husband now.  He must be finished with his rounds."

John Carter came towards the main desk having just finished making his rounds on Cwing. "Hello
Carol.  Hi Lucy.  I need to speak to you before you go home," he told his wife.

"Okay.  Do you want us to go someplace private and speak?"

"No.  I can tell you here.  I don't get off until four, and I'm giving you the keys to the jeep.  I can
take a cab home, or ask someone to give me a ride.  I don't want you to take the L home tonight.
That stalker is still around, and until he's in jail, you're still in danger.  Here's the keys to the jeep.
Go home and stay there.  I'll be home as soon as I get off, and we can get ready for dinner at
grandmother's tonight like we promised."

Lucy nodded and took the jeep keys from her husband.  "Will do honey.  I'll see you when you get
home."

"I'll walk you to the door."

They walked towards the door together, and John gave Lucy a kiss on her mouth.

She kissed him back, waved good bye to the others, turned, and went outside the doors to the
parking lot.

Lucy walked towards the jeep not realizing that she was about to become the stalker's victim.

She had just made it towards the jeep and was about to unlock the door when she was grabbed
from behind.

"What the___?  Let me go!," Lucy demanded trying to free herself.

"Not a chance Lucy.  I've been waiting a long time for this," a voice said that she recongized.

"Dale?!  What do you mean you've been waiting a long time?  For what?"

Before he could reply, Gary had arrived and ran towards them telling the security guard that he
needed his help.  "That man is going to attack Lucy, and please don't ask me how I know!  Just
follow me, and send for help.  I'm going to make him let her go if I can," he told the guard as he
ran towards Lucy and Dale.

"Dale!  Please let me go!  I'm married now!  There was never anything between us, expect
friends."

"I'm going to enjoy every minute of this," Dale Midcliff told her in a very dangerous voice.

"Hey!  Let her go mister!,"  Gary yelled at the ex-doctor as he got close to them.

"Stay out of this whoever you are!  This is between the lady and me," Dale growled.

'He's hurting me!  Please make him let me go!," Lucy cried.

"Let her go, or I'll make you let her go."

"Oh yeah?  Go ahead and try mister."

"Alright, you asked for it."

Gary hit Dale's arms with a board he had found lying around, and the pain of the blow made Dale
release Lucy.  "Get out of here fast miss!  This guy is going to be a problem," he told Lucy.

Lucy ran back towards the hospital doors as Dale turned and threw a punch at Gary. Gary
ducked, and punched the man a good one of the jaw making the ex-doctor drop like a rock. At
that time, the security guards arrived, took one look at the stalker on the ground, at Gary, and
knew what had happened.  They picked up the ex-doctor, and Gary took a deep breath to calm
himself.

John, Lucy, Carol, Doug, and Mark came out into the parking lot then having heard what
happened from Lucy. Gary rubbed his aching hand from the punch he had throw at Dale making
the man drop to the ground.

"Mister, I want to thank you for coming to my wife's rescue like you did.  I should've followed
her to the jeep to make sure she was safe.  I'm John Cater," John told Gary offering his hand to
shake.

"I was just at the right place at the right time. My name's Gary Hobson," Gary replied shaking his
hand.

"Well, Gary.  I don't know how you knew she was in danger, but I'm glad you were here to
prevent her from being attacked.That creep's the one who's been stalking her.  Following her
around wherever she goes, calling the house when she's there alone, and now this.  Mark, I want
to press charges against Midcliff.  If it hadn't been for Gary Hobson, Lucy would've been
attacked,"

Mark Green nodded.  "He's gone too far this time I agree.  John, take her inside and have her
checked over to make sure she's alright.  Mr. Hobson, I'm Doctor Mark Green, and I want to
personally thank you for coming to Lucy's aid just then.  I never thought Midcliff would take his
revenge out on her, but I can see I was wrong. You've hurt your hand somehow when you
punched that man.  We'll fix it up inside," he said.

"It's nothing doc.  It just stings a little is all.  I should be getting back to my bar," Gary told Mark.

"Mark is right Mr. Hobson.  You should have that hand looked at," Carol said.

Gary sighed.  "Alright.  I won't argue with you.  I'll go inside and have it looked at."

He walked towards the hospital doors with the others following behind him.
 

 Chapter 4

"I should've walked you over to the jeep.  This wouldn't have happened if I had made sure you
got to our jeep safely," John said relieved that Lucy was alright thanks to Gary, but wanted to
kick himself for not walking her to their jeep in the parking lot to make sure she would get there
alright.

"Don't blame yourself John.  No one knew that Dale would try anything around here.  How he
managed to sneak past the guards I don't know, but Lucy is alright now thanks to Mr. Hobson
coming to her rescue like he did.  You should call your grandma and tell her what happened, and
that you and Lucy should cancel your dinner arrangement tonight," Mark Greene told his friend
and co-worker as he checked Gary's hand.

"I'll do that right now.  Thanks again for saving Lucy Gary,"

Gary smiled.  "You're welcome Dr. Carter.  Please don't feel gulity about what might have
happened," he said.

"Please call me John.  I'm going to call my grandmother and tell her what happened."

Dr. Greene finished his examination of Gary's hand.  "There'll be bruise from where it hit Dale's
jaw, but there's no cuts or abrasions on your hand or fist Gary.  How did you know that Lucy
would be in danger anyway?"

"I just had a feeling that she was in trouble doc."

"You had a feeling that Lucy would be in danger, and you came all the way here to prevent it
from happening? Somehow, I get the feeling that you're not telling me everything Mr. Hobson."

Gary rubbed the back of his head with his hand.  He couldn't tell Mark and the others about the
paper. They would think he was crazy or something.  "There's nothing to tell doc. I just got a
feeling that she was in trouble, and I wanted to make sure that she didn't get hurt."

"That's some nervous habit you have Mr. Hobson.  Do you always rub the back of your head
when you're nervous?," Carol asked seeing Gary rub the back on his neck.

"Yes.  It 's been something I've always had since I was a child I guess."

John Carter came back after having called his grandmother and telling her what had happened.
"Well, I just got done telling my grandmother what happened, and she's on her way to see for
herself that Lucy's alright.  She also wants to personally thank Gary for saving Lucy from that
awful man as she called Midcliff.  She would decide whether or not the dinner would take place
after seeing how Lucy is," he told the others.

Kerry Weaver smiled.  "Your grandmother's a smart woman John.  I'd better call our lawyer and
tell him what happened.  He may want to talk to you Mr. Hobson, so you'd better stay here for a
while," she said.

Gary sighed.  "Can I call my wife and tell her where I am please?  I don't want her to be worried,"

Doug Ross nodded.  "Sure.  I'll take you to phone.  Follow me please," he replied.

Gary followed Doug to the lounge where the phone was, and thanked him as he picked up the
reciever. He dialed his number and waited for Toni to answer the phone there. "Hi honey.  It's me.
Now don't panic, but I'm at Community General Hospital.  I may have to talk to their lawyer
about what happened here today.  I just called to tell you where I am, and that I might be a little
late coming home for dinner.  I'm fine.  I'll have a bruise on my hand where it connected with that
guy's jaw," he told her.

"I'm coming over there, and don't argue with me.  I'll have my parents watch the kids, and then
come there. I had a feeling that your save was involved somehow when you told me about this.
I'll see you in a while. I'm proud of you by the way," Toni said on their phone from the living
room where she was watching their kids watching television at a safe distance like they had been
told to do by her and Gary.

"Okay.  I'll be here watching for you to come in.  You may meet Dr. Carter's grandmother when
you arrive. She's coming here to see for herself that Lucy's alright, and thank me for saving her."

"That'll be alright with me.  I'll see you soon.  Good-bye honey."

Toni hung up the phone and sighed.  One simple save had suddenly turned into something that she
didn't expect happen.  Oh well,  Better get the children ready to go to her parents, and then go to
the hospital to be with Gary when the lawyer talked with him for support.

 Chapter 5

After dropping the kids off at her parents, Toni Hobson drove to Community General Hospital to
be with Gary. When she arrived, Toni saw her husband sitting on one of the lab rooms tables
talking with a doctor. "Hello doctor.  I'm Toni Hobson.  Gary's wife," she said introducing herself
to Mark Greene.

"Hello Mrs. Hobson.  Your husband just saved John Cater's wife Lucy a while ago. He's a hero.  I
was just making sure that he didn't hurt his hand when he punched the man who tried to attack
Lucy," Mark replied.

"He told me that he had to stay and talk to your lawyer.  I dropped our children off at my parents
and came here to be with him for support.  How is Lucy?"

"She's a little shaken up by what happened, but other than that, she's fine. John's with her now."

Toni looked at her husband with pride in her eyes.  "That's my husband alright.  Always thinking
of others."

"Keep it up, and you'll have me blushing Toni," Gary told her smiling at her.

"Do you know that your husband has a nervous habit of rubbing the back of his neck with his
hand Mrs. Hobson?," Carol Ross asked Toni.

Toni nodded.  "Yeah.  He has had that ever since I've known him.  Maybe you can give him
something to make him quit.  Sometimes, it gets on my nerves when he does that."

"Maybe he could talk to someone who can help him quit it."

Gary gave his wife a look that said "just wait till we get home."

Meanwhile, an very elgant elderly lady had just arrived at the hospital, and walked to the front
desk.

"Mrs. Smith.  How nice to see you," Jerry, the deskclerk, said smiling at her.

"Hello Jerry.  Is my grandson and his wife around?," Mrs. Smith asked.

"Yes.  They're in room two, and Mr. Hobson is in room one."

"Thank you.  I'll see John and his wife first, and then, I will go and thank Mr. Hobson."

Mrs. Smith walked to room two and saw John standing besides the table where Lucy sat on.

"Grandma!  I would've met you at the front desk had I been paged,"  John said smiling at her.

"I wanted to surprize you John.  How is Lucy?," she asked her grandson.

"She's fine now grandma.  Thanks to Gary Hobson, she wasn't attacked by Midcliff in the parking
lot."

"That horrible ex-doctor!  Lucy, my dear, I am so glad that you weren't harmed by that man.
When John told me what happened, I almost fainted.  I had to come and see that you're alright."

Lucy smiled at her grandmother-in -law.  "I appriecate it Mrs. Smith.  I was more scared than
anything," she  said being honest about how she had felt at that time.

"Grandma, I think that Lucy shouldn't go to dinner tonight.  She should go home and rest after
what happened."

"John, I can't let your grandmother down.  This was planned way before we knew this would
happen.  No, if I didn't go tonight, it'd be letting Dale think he'd won, and I'm not going to let that
happen.  We're going to the dinner tonight as we planned," Lucy told her husband.

John sighed.  "Okay.  You win.  We'll go.  I was only thinking of you honey."

Mrs. Smith smiled.  "I would like to go and thank Mr. Hobson for saving Lucy now.  Jerry said
that he's in room one.  Shall we go?"

They walked to room one and entered the room to find Gary's wife standing beside him.

"Grandma, this is Gary Hobson and his wife.  Gary, this is my grandma, Mrs. Smith," John said.

"Hello Mrs. Smith.  This is my wife Toni," Gary said smiling at the lady.

"How nice to meet you Toni.  You have a fine man for a husband," Mrs. Smith told Toni.

Toni beamed.  "Thank you.  It's nice to meet you two Mrs. Smith," she replied.

Mrs. Smith smiled at Gary. "I want to thank you for saving Lucy today from that awful man Mr.
Hobson. I nearly fainted when John called and told me what had happened on the phone.  I knew
I had to come here and see that she was alright and to thank you."

"I was just at the right place at the right time Mrs. Smith.  Please call me Gary, and you're
welcome," Gary said.

"Very well.  Gary it is.  To show my graitude for your heroic deed, I am personally inviting you
and your wife for dinner at my estate at six o clock tonight.  I won't take no for an answer."

"We'd be honored to be your guests for dinner Mrs. Smith," Toni said.

"Good.  I'll tell my chief to set two more places for dinner, and for the butler to expect you."

"We'll be there.  I can have my parents watch the children while we're at dinner."

"You have children Mrs. Hobson?"

Toni nodded.  "Yes, twins.  A girl Rose, and a boy, Jeff."

"You must show me their pictures tonight, and tell me how you and Gary met. Well, I must be
going now. I will see you all at dinner tonight at six o clock.  Again Gary, thank you for saving
Lucy."

She turned and walked out of the room with John and Lucy following.

Gary looked at his wife  "Why did you accept her invitation?  Her thanks was enough for me."

"How many times do you get asked to dine with such a charming lady honey? I'll call my mother
and tell her that we'll be late tonight picking up the kids. and the reason why.  You'd better tell
your friends at the bar to close up for you so we can go home and get ready in time," Toni
replied.

 Chapter 6

Gary stood by the mirror trying to adjust his tie for the fifth time ready to throw it in the trash.
"You know how I hate to wear these things.  I'm about ready to forget the whole thing and stay
home," he said. Toni came over and reached up with her hands to help her husband fix his tie.
"What was I supposed to say when John's grandmother invited us for dinner? This is her way of
thanking you for saving Lucy this afternoon, and I want you to enjoy yourself.  I know how you
hate to wear a tie, but after tonight, you won't have to worry about it anymore.  There.  It's just
right. Now, you can help me with my dress and necklace, sweetheart," she told him turning
around so he could use the zipper.

"I remember the last time you wore this dress honey.  You still look beautiful in it."

"Yeah, I remember that too.  Only then we were pretending to be man and wife to nab a jewel
thief, this time we really are married.  To tell you the truth, I was a little jealous of Amber dancing
with you that night."

"You danced with Paul as I recall, and she was the one who asked me to dance with her.  Let's
not talk about it anymore.  I'll put your necklace on now." Gary gently put Toni's neckalce on her
neck, and fastened it.

He nuzzled her neck a little which made Toni giggle a little.

"Not now honey.  Save it for when later we're alone.  "

"I don't know if I can wait that long.  That perfume you're wearing smells good."

Toni went over and picked out a rose from the vase to put on his label. "There.  Did I ever tell
you how handsome you look in tuxedo?"

Gary smiled.  "I think so.  It's a good think my mother isn't here right now.  She'd want to take
our picture seeing how nice we look.  Shall we go Mrs. Hobson?," he said offering her his arm.

"Of course Mr. Hobson.  Lead the way."

They went out to their car, Gary opening the door for Toni to get inside, made sure she was in,
and shut the door.  He went around to the driver's side, got in, fastend his seatbelt, and started the
engine. "I had a nice long talk with the hospital's attorney earlier.  He expressed his thanks for
what I had done, and told me that I might be called on to testify at the trail.  I've been in that
courthouse so much I feel like I know it like the back of my hand at times.  If I do have to testify
honey, I want you in the room with me for support."

"You know I'll be there for you.  You should testify about what happened when the trail comes.
If it hadn't been for you, who knows what might had have happened to Lucy with that crazy
ex-doctor around," Toni replied.

They arrrived at  the mansion a little before six, and Gary found a place to park the car. He got
out, put the keys in his pocket, went over to Toni's side, opened her door, and helped her out.
They walked towards the front door of the mansion looking at the building in awe. Gary pushed
the doorbell when they came to the front door, and a minute later, the butler opened the door.

"I'm Gary Hobson and this is my wife, Toni.  We're expected," Gary told the butler smiling.

"Of course sir.  Please follow me,  The others are in the palor," Jevees said stepping aside to let
them enter.

Toni went in first and Gary followed her.  The butler shut the door and lead the way to the palor.

"Mr. and Mrs. Gary Hobson!," Jevees announced to the others who were in the room.

Mrs. Smith came towards her guests smiling. "Welcome to my mansion!  Would you care for a
drink?  Dinner will be ready soon I am told by my chef," she told Gary and Toni.

"I'd like a glass of white wine please," Toni said smiling back.

"I'll have the same," Gary replied, and Mrs. Smith nodded and gave Jeeves their order.

"Here you are sir.  A glass for you, and one for your wife," the butler said handing Gary a glass of
wine.

"Thank you Jeeves," Gary said taking a sip of his wine.

"Thank you very much," Toni told the butler taking her glass of wine that he gave her.

"My attornery tells me that you own a bar called Mc Ginty's downtown Mr. Hobson," Mrs. Smith
said.

"Yes mam,  I am part owner and manager of the bar.  Marissa Brown is my co partner as well as
my friend," Gary replied amazed of how she had found out about his business.

"Marissa is blind Mrs. Smith, but that doesn't stop her from helping Gary run his business.  She's
married to Emmit Brown, ,who's working his way to become a trail lawyer in the D. A. 's office,"
Toni said.

"Really?  How interesting.  I would like to hear all about your friends at dinner."
 

Chapter 7

"Dinner is served," Jevees announced having just checked with the chef a minute ago in the
kitchen. "Thank you Jevees.  Let's go to the diningroom everyone," Mrs. Smith told her guests
smiling. They followed her to the main dining room where the table was set with very elegant
china. Gary held out Toni's chair for her at their place and helped her scoot up to the table. He
then sat down besides her at his place at the table, as Lucy and John took their places.

"These are really nice plates you have Mrs. Smith," Gary said refering to the china.

"Thank you Gary.  I rarely use them when I eat, but tonight is a specail occassion," Mrs. Smith
replied. "You may begin serving now Jevess," she told her butler who nodded, and perfomed his
duty. When everyone had been served, Mrs. Smith took her champange glass and raised it. "I
purpose a toast to Gary Hobson.  For saving my granddaughter-in-law today which I am grateful.
and so please raise your glasses and join me in this toast of our very honored guest tonight.  To
Gary Hobson."

Gary could feel himself almost blushing as he watched the others raise their glasses in the toast.
"Thank you everyone," he said feeling a little embrassed about it smiling.

"You deserve it honey.  You saved Lucy's life today and the hero sometimes gets a toast raised in
his honor. This will be one thing you can tell the children later if they ask about tonight," Toni
replied.

"Toni's right Gary.  If it hadn't been for you, who knows what Dale would've done with me.  I
shudder to think about it.  I hope I don't have nightmares about it tonight," Lucy told him.

"I'll make sure you don't have nightmares sweetheart.  You just dream about me, and you'll be
fine," John said.

They decided not to talk about anything until after dinner, and Gary had a feeling that Mrs. Smith
had something else she wanted to talk about, but he didn't know what.

"Now then, I want to hear about how you and Toni met.  I am very interested in hearing about
you and your wife and your children Mr. Hobson," Mrs. Smith said when they were all in the
palor relaxing after dinner.

Gary took a sip of his wine before he began.  "it's kind of a long story Mrs. Smith, but here goes:
The first time I met Toni, she was a police detective working undercover to nab a jewel theif who
was called "The Iceman."  She was called that because she stole rare and precious jewels. Her
name was Amber at the time, but now her name is Jade, and she's married to my friend, Chuck
Fishman.  Anyway, Toni's partner got stuck in traffic, and when I showed up, I took the nametag
that had her husband's name on it. We pretened we were married, and Toni wore a beauitful
expensive diamond as bait for the jewel thief.  After that, we started to date, and I finally asked
her to marry me, and she said yes.  That's the whole story," he told her and everyone else.

"What were you doing on the yacht Gary?  I'm curious as to why you were there," John asked.

Gary rubbed the back of his head.  How he could tell John why he was there without mentioning
the paper?

"Uh, I was there to help out a friend who told me that could be trouble somehow.  He told me
that there might be a gas leak in one of the pipes below the deck, and asked me to check it for him
since he couldn't that night. I told him I'd be happy to do it, and I did.  I found the leak, and
pointed it out to the maintence guy who fixed it."

"That's right.  Because of his quick thinking, the leak was fixed and the cruise went as planned.  If
Gary hadn't of gotten that call from his friend, the whole ship might've exploxed and people
might've been killed," Toni said backing up his story knowing that he couldn't tell the reason
without mentioning the paper.

"You saved all those people.  I am impressed Mr. Hobson.  Now, I have something I wish to ask
you and your wife, and I will not take no for an answer.  I would like for both of you to be my
guests at my benefit I'm giving this weekend for the clinic."

"Somehow I knew she'd mention that before the night was over," John said smiling.

"I'm the hostess.  The dinner tonight was supposed to be our going over the arrangements," Lucy
told him.

"We'd be honored to come to your benefit Mrs. Smith.  Is if formal?"

Mrs. Smith nodded.  "Yes it is.  Is that a problem Mrs. Hobson?"

Toni shook her head.  "No.  My husband hates wearing ties is all, and I promised him that he
wouldn't have to wear one after tonight.  Would that offend you if he didn't wear a tie that night?"

"Hmmm.  Perhaps he can wear one of those clipon ties I've seen some men wear."

"I can wear a tie one more time after tonight just for the benefit Mrs. Smith.  The reason I hate
wearing ties it that I feel they're choking me somehow," Gary replied.

"That's understandable Mr. Hobson.  Most men feel that way about ties at one time or another."
 

Chapter 8

Later that night, when everyone was home, Gary and Toni were in their bedroom getting ready
for bed. "Thank goodness I can take this stupid tie off!  Geez, do I hate wearing these things,"
Gary said, untying the knot on his tie, took it off, and threw it on top of his dresser glad to be rid
of it. Toni laughed at  the expression on his face.  "I'm sorry honey.  It's just you have such a look
of relief on your face when you threw the tie down that it struck me funny," she told him.

"Why did you tell Mrs. Smith that I hate to wear ties for?  Now she probably thinks I don't want
to wear them at all which I don't.  I think whoever invented the stupid things should have his head
examined."

"She asked me if there was problem with the benefit being formal, and I had to tell her why you
hated wearing ties.  She understood, and I'm glad that you told her that you'd put up with a tie for
one more time.  That was quick thinking on your part when John asked you why you were on the
cruise ship that one night.  I knew you didn't want to mention the paper having the story about the
gas leak, and that's why I backed you up."

Gary smiled.  "That's one reason I love you so much.  You're always there to back me up when I
get into a corner whenever I get a tough question thrown at me.  I see you're wearing that
nightgown you bought."

Toni smiled.  "Your eyes are one reason I married you.  I just love the way they shine when we're
together."

Gary walked over to his wife and put his arms around her.  "I know.  You've told me that so many
tiimes. It feels good to be holding you right now.  You still have some of that perfume on you I
like."

"I'll have to wash it off when I take a shower tomorrow morning.  Let's go to bed.  I'm tired."

"This has been one busy day for both of us as well as wonderful evening."

They both went to their sides of the bed and got in facing each other.

"No snoring, or I'll get one of those things they adveritse to stop someone from snoring to use on
you," Toni warned him getting tired of his snoring which was getting on her nerves.

"I told you I don't snore anymore.  Honest.  I'd know if I was," Gary said.

"Why don't I believe you?  Okay, you say you don't snore anymore, prove it."

"Prove it?  How?"

"Simple.  Just sleep like a normal person does who doesn't snore."

Gary sighed.  "Okay.  I'll do it, and you'll see that I don't snore like I said."

"Good.  Now kiss me good night, and let's get some sleep."

"With pleasure my love."

Gary turned to her and kissed her on her mouth, and she kissed him back her eyes closed.
 

Chapter 9

The next morning, Gary was reading the paper drinking his coffee in his chair in the kitchen. "Not
much in the paper this morning.  Looks like I'll have a easy day," he said scanning the front page.
He took a sip of his coffee, put the cup down, and turned it to the second page. "Uhoh.  I spoke
too soon.  Here's my first save this morning." Toni came into the kitchen wearing her bathrobe
and went over to the coffee pot to pour herself a cup of coffee.  "Morning sweetheart.  Anything
in the paper this morning?," she asked coming over to him.

Gary nodded.  "Two boys were arrested for disturbing the peace at 10:30 when the basketball
game they were playing at the park basketball court turned into a fight over a shot that one boy
accused the other one of knocking him on the way to the basket.  They pushed and shoved each
other and the fighting was so loud that a neighbor called the police who came and arrested the
two boys.  The names of the boys are Steve and Stan. Looks like I've got a fight to prevent today.
Other than that, I don't see anything else in here," he replied.

Toni sipped her coffee.  "This is easy compared to yesterday's save of Lucy Carter."

"Yeah.  The hopsital attorney told me that they're charging the ex-doc with negilence concerning
almost giving a patient he was treating the wrong dosage.  The nurse with him caught the mistake
and told Dr. Greene about it. I guess the ex-doc was trying to prove himself somehow, and went a
bit too far."

"Have they decided what to charge the man with in regard to Lucy?"

"Not yet.  We'll probably find out later.  Oh boy.  I do not like the idea of having to go into the
courtroom again. "I've been there too many times for my liking.  I never want to be a juior again.
(Spolier Information: The Jury). That was a hard time for me because I couldn't read the paper
and know that the man I was deciding his fate on was innocent of the charge against him. I never
want to go through that again ever.."

Toni smiled at her husband.  "I don't think you have to worry about that honey.  You're going to
have to testify about how you saved Lucy from the crazy ex-doctor yesterday without telling how
you knew she was in trouble."

"I know.  So what's on your agenda today?"

"I was thinking of taking the kids to Navy Pier sometime today.   They've been wanting to go
there for a while now.  They saw an ad for it on the news the other day on television, and of
course, asked me all about it. That's how they told me they wanted to go there.  I said I'd think
about it and let them know later."

Gary smiled.  "Tell you what, I'll knock off work early today, and we'll all go there together."

"That's a great idea!  They'll love it when I tell them."

"They're good kids, and they deserve something special at times like today."

Toni sipped some more of her coffee.  "Look who they have for parents."
 

Chapter 10

Gary arrived at the basketball court at 10:30, and sure enough, there were the two boys about
ready to start fighting.  He went over towards them, and stepped in between them ignoring the
look they gave him. "Cool it you guys.  Do you want the neighbors to call the police on you?
They will if they hear you yelling at each other over a stupid shot.  Think about it Steve.  Stan.
What's more important, playing the game, or spending the afternoon in a jail cell for disturbing the
peace which is what you'll be charged with," Gary told both boys looking at them both as he
spoke.

"Gee mister.  I never thought about that.  I sure don't want be arrested and spend my afternoon in
a jail cell over a stupid shot like you said.  I came here to play a game of basketball, and that's
what I'm going to do.  How did you know we were going to have a fight anyway?," Steve said
looking at Gary.

:"It's not important how I knew.  Just play nice and enjoy yourselves, okay. That way, no one gets
hurt, and you won't have to spend time in a jail cell."

"Sounds good to me.  Steve can take the penatly shot for what I did.  What's your name mister?,"
Stan said.

Gary smiled.  "Gary Hobson."

"Thanks again Gary."

"You're welcome Steve.  Have fun you guys."

Gary left the boys to their game and headed towards Mc Gintys.

When he got there, Gary greeted his friends noticing that Chuck wasn't there.

"Morning Marissa.  Crumb.  Where's Chuck?," he asked going behind the bar.

"He called and said he'd be a little late today.  Jade has a doctor's appointment, and Chuck's taking
her to see her doctor.  Said he'd be in after he got done there," replied Marissa sipping her coffee.

"Okay.  I'm going to knock off work earlier than ususal today.  Toni and I are going to take the
kids to Navy Pier.  They've been wanting to go, and today is the day they're going."

"That sounds like fun.  Ever since you've come back from your vacation, you're a little more
relaxed which is great.  You needed that vacation and so did your family."

"We had a great time, and we're going back there every year for vacation."

Crumb smiled.  "That lawyer from the hospital called earlier while you were out Hobson.  Said to
tell you that the crazy ex-doctor is being charged with battery and attempted assult on Lucy
Carter.  His arrangement is two weeks from tomorrow, and that he's got some witnesses already
lined up for the trail," he told Gary.

Gary sipped his coffee that he had poured himself.  "Thanks Crumb for taking the message for me.
I was wondering what the charge would be.  I wonder who the lawyer for the state is going to
be."

At that monment, Emmet Brown, Marissa's husband entered the bar coming from his taxi cab.

"Good morning everyone!  Gary, could I have a cup of coffee please?," he asked.

"Sure Emmet.  How's clerking going for you?," Gary replied pouring his friend a cup of coffee.

"Just fine.  Thanks.  I really need this right now."

Emmet took a sip of his coffee, and sat down besides his wife at the bar.

"Did you have a hard class today honey?," Marissa asked.

"No.  Just got done taking a lady home from the store and needed something to help me wake up.
Judge A. H. Joseph thinks I'm ready to try my first case as a trail lawyer. She's going to let me
know when I can start.  I'm looking forward to it.  I will pick you up after closing time Marissa."

"Okay Emmet.  I'll be ready.  Gary's going to take his family to Navy Pier today."

"That sounds like fun.  Sometime, we'll have to go there ourselves.  Thanks again for the coffe
Gary.  See yo all later."  He kissed Marissa good bye, and left the bar to return to his cab.

"There goes a good man you have there Marissa," Crumb said watching Emmet leave.

"Thank you Crumb."

"Toni and I got invited to go to Mrs. Smith's chairty benefit this weekend when we at her manison
for dinner last night.  Which means putting on a tie again which I hate," Gary said finishing his
coffee.

"It's just for one night Gary.  You won't have to wear it again unless you have to for some
reason," Marissa told  him knowing how much he disliked wearing ties.

"Yeah.  I can put with it for that night, and not have to worry about it anymore."
 

 Chapter 11

Chuck and Jade came to Mc Ginty's after Jade's appointment, and Gary fixed Jade a glass of ice
tea. "Everything's fine the doctor said.  Jade wanted to come here and see everyone before I take
her home. So, how is everyone doing?," Chuck told his friends as he sat down besides his wife at
the table.

"Just fine Chuck.  Gary just got done with a save eariler and got a message from the hospital's
lawyer on his answering machine," Marissa replied knowing that Crumb didn't need to hear about
the save.

"What did the hospital lawyer tell you Gar?  Did they finally charge the crazy ex-doc with
anything?"

Gary nodded as he set Jade's ice tea down in front of her.  "Yep.  The hospital is charging him
with negelience in regrards to a patient, and battery and attempted assult against him for what he
did to Lucy, buddy."

"Wow!  Three charges.  He should have four against him.  Didn't he come on the grounds without
permission since he no longer worked there?  I'm surprised he's not charged with that."

"They might decide to charge him with that if they think about it Chuck. Right now, the
negelience one is the most important one as far as the hospital is concerned.  He almost caused a
patient harm due to a mistake on a mediciation he wrote on a chart.  You and Marissa will have to
lock up for me today.  I"m getting off early so I can take Toni and the kids to Navy Pier.  They've
been wanting to go for a while now."

"Sure.  Go have some fun with them Gar.  How was the dinner the other night?"

"It was nice.  Mrs. Smith inivited Toni and I to a benefit party she's hosting this weekend."

"Gary has to wear a tie for the occasion which he hates," Marissa said smiling.

"What doctor are you talking about Gary?  I know a lot of doctors at Community General," Jade
asked.

"The ex-doc is Dale Midcliff Jade.  He tried to assult Lucy Carter in the parking lot yesterday."

"Oh my goodness!  It's a good thing that you were there."

"Do you know what your baby's going to be?," Marissa asked changing the subject.

Chuck smiled.  "No.  We want it to be a surprise.  I'm hoping for a boy, and Jade wants a girl."

"Maybe you'll have both sometime."

Jade smiled at her husband.  "Whatever sex the baby is, we'll love it.  Just as long as it's healthy."

Crumb came over then with some news he had just found out.  "Marissa, your husband just called.
It's a good thing you're sitting down.  You're not going to believe this when I tell you," he said.

"What is it Crumb?  I hope it's nothing bad."

"No.  Do you remember him saying that the judge would let him know when he can try his first
case as a lawyer?  Well, when he went to class, the judge took him aside and told him that she's
recommeding him to be the lawyer for the state against the ex-doctor Dale Midcliff.  Emment
wanted you to know."

Marissa smiled a big smile hearing this news.  "Somehow I knew he'd get the case."

Gary nodded.  "So did I.  He did such a good job helping Mr. Stikes during the arrangement
hearing that time." Spolier information(Pinchhitters).

"You mean that old guy who was protesting the tearing down of the old ballroom?  Jade and I
heard all about it on the news when we were in L.A. Emment sure will do a terrifc job getting that
ex-doc convicted," Chuck said. and Jade nodded as she finished her ice tea.

"Thanks for bringing me here Chuck.  I should go home and relax now.  Gary, please tell Toni I
said hello."

"I will Jade.  You take care of yourself and the baby."

Chuck helped his wife out of her chair, said goodbye to everyone, and they left the bar.
 

Chapter 12

At Community General Hospital, Mark Greene and Kerry Weaver were having a discussion with
the hospital lawyer about the up coming trail of Dale and the charges to file against him. "I think
you should charge him with criminal tresspass in reguard to being on the grounds without
permission. This would make four charges against him, two from here, and the other two from
what he tried to do to Lucy. Mark, you're the person in charge here, so the decision has to be
yours," the lawyer told them. Dr. Greene sighed as he sipped his coffee.  "I know Pete,  You've
got a point there.  Kerry, do you agree to charge Dale with criminal tresspass against the hospital
as our lawyer suggests we do?," he asked.

Kerry nodded.  "Yes Mark.  I agree to this charge against Midcliff.  Go ahead Pete and add this to
the list of charges against Midcliff.  Has a lawyer been appointed yet for the state?," she replied.

Pete nodded.  "Yes.  That's another reason I'm here.  Judge A. H. Joseph has appointed Emment
Brown to be the state's lawyer for the trail.  He happens to be a friend of Gary Hobson as well."

Mark smiled.  "I somehow got the feeling the other day that there was something he wasn't telling
me."

"I could find some information on him if you like Mark."

"No, that's alright Pete.  Just make your announcement that Dale Midcliff is charged with criminal
tresspass."

"Very well.  I'll notify the office right away."

The lawyer gathered up his briefcase and left the doctor's lounge.

"This Gary Hobson reminds me of Doug somehow," Mark said finishing his coffee.

"Why is that Mark?  In what way does he remind you of Doug?," Kerry asked .

"I don't know Kerry.   Something about him reminds me of Doug is all."

Mark stood up and threw his empty coffee cup in the trash can on his way out the door.

Doug Ross and Carol were at the front desk talking about the other day when they saw Mark and
Kerry coming towards them from the lounge. Both were wondering how the meeting with the
lawyer went.

"SO, what did the lawyer have to say Mark?," Doug asked his friend smiling.

Mark sighed.  "You all may as well know that we're charging Midcliff with criminal tresspass
against the hospital.  He entered the grounds without permission that day," he replied .

"That makes four charges against him.  Good.  I was wondering when you'd charge him with that
Mark," Carol said from behind the desk where she had just finished typing a patient's information
on the computer.

"Emment  Brown is going to be the state's lawyer at the trail," Kerry told everyone.

"The taxi driver?  I didn't know he's a lawyer."

Carol smiled at her husband. "Finally, something you don't know about blue eyes."

Doug turned to her. "Didn't I ask you not to call me that here?  I don't need it going around."

"Okay that's enough you two.  Doug, go check on the patient in room 10," Mark said.

Meanwhile, back at Mc Ginty's, Gary was doing some paperwork in his office when the phone
rang. "McGinty's.  Oh, hello Emment.  You want to talk to Marissa?  I'll go get her," he said into
it.

"It's you I want to talk to Gary.  I just got a call from the hospital's lawyer.  They're charging
Midcliff with criminal tresspass which makes the total charges against him now four," Emment
said from a payphone at the courthouse after having been given the news by the hospital lawyer a
few minutes ago.

"Looks like you've got a good case against him now Emment.  Four charges. Boy, that's a lot
coming from one incident that day.  I was wondering if they were going to charge that guy with
that myself."

"They are, and they did.  Gary, I don't want you to be nervous when you testify at the trail.  I
know how much you hate being in a courtroom unless you have to."

"Don't worry about it Emment.  I said I'd testify, and I will.  Toni will be there with me for
support."

"Good.  Well, I've got to get started doing my research on the charges I'm assigned to.  I just
wanted to let you  know about the latest charge was. Tell Marissa I'll see her at home.  Good
bye."

Gary hung up his phone and sighed.  Four charges against the ex-doctor now. It was a lot to
comprehend, and he was glad that he wasn't a lawyer.  He wished Emment luck with his reseach.

"Gary, Toni's here with your children," Marissa told him coming into the office.

"What?  I told her I'd get off early and take all of us to Navy Pier. What're they doing here now?"

"Why don't you go and find out?  They're right at one of the tables waiting for you."

Gary got up, and went out of the office to see what his wife and children wanted.

"Hello.  This is a surprize.  I told you that I'd get off early, come home, and take all of us to Navy
Pier," he said kissing Toni hello on the check, and smiling at his children.

"We were in the neighborhood, and thought we'd join you for lunch honey," Toni replied.

Somehow, Gary knew that there was another reason they were there besides having lunch with
him.

"Okay.  I know something's going on.  What is it?"

"Nothing's wrong if that's what you're worried about.  We just wanted to come and have lunch
with you today."

"Okay.  I just didn't expect you showing up here is all.  That'd be great."

"Can we have the specials Daddy?," Rose asked her father.

"Sure, if we have children specials.  If not, you and Jeff can have a hamburger, fries, and a glass of
milk."

"Sounds yummy!," Jeff said smiling, and both parents smiled at this.
 

Chapter 13

Later, that afternoon, Gary and his family were enjoying theirselves at Navy Pier like he had
promised. "Stay close to us kids.  There's too many people here for you to go wondering off.
That especially means you Rose.  We don't need a repeat of what happened in the toy store with
your mother," Gary told them. Rose nodded.  "Yes Daddy.  Can we ride the merry go round?
Please!," she said pointing at the ride.

"Rose, don't point.  It's not ladylike and not polite.  Sure you can ride it.  You and Jeff can ride
the horses, and your father and I will ride on one of the benches behind you," Toni replied smiling
at her daughter.

"Let's go get the tickets then.  The booth is over there."

They walked over to the ticket booth and Gary paid for four tickets for the Merry Go Round for
them. He and Toni helped put their children on two of the horses when they got on, and made
sure they held on tight to the regins, and checked to make sure their feet were in the stirrups also.

"Okay, hang on tight, and don't reach for the ring if it's there.  We don't want you falling off the
horse.  Your mother and I will be on the bench watching you the whole time during the ride,"
Gary told his kids.

"Yippee!  I'm going to pretend I'm a cowboy," Jeff said excited on his horse.

Toni laughed. "You make a good one on that horse son," she told him.

Gary took his wife's arm and lead her to the bench where they both sat down.

The ride started, and both children smiled and laughed as their horses went up and down.

"Look at them!  I wish I could take their pictures on the horses," Toni said hearing their laughter.

"Maybe the next ride they go on, you can take their picture my love. This is nice.  The two of us
sitting on this bench watching our kids having the time of their lives," Gary told her putting his
arm around her.

"Did you hear Jeff say he was going to pretend that he was a cowboy?"

"Uh huh.  All he needs is a cowboy hat and he'll look like one."

"Don't buy him one unless he asks for it.  I think they may want to go on the Ferris Wheel with
us."

Gary shook his head.  "If they want to ride on it, you take them honey.  I"m scared of heights
remember."

"Don't worry.  I think they're not going to mention it."

Gary watched his children having fun on the ride and smiled proudly.

"Did I ever tell you about the other time I was here?," he asked Toni.

Toni shook her head.  "No.  Not that I know of.  You can tell me later while we're alone at
home."

The ride was over, and Gary and Toni went to help their children off their horses.

"That was fun Daddy!  It's my favorite ride at a carnival," Rose said as they left the ride.

"I could see how much you enjoyed yourself honey.  Okay, what other rides do you want to go on
while we're here?  Ones that you can ride on that is," Gary told his daughter.

"The little train ride looks like fun Daddy," Jeff replied.

"Okay.  You and Rose can ride it, and your mother and I will watch you."
 

Chapter 14

The night of the benefit arrived, and Gary was again having problems trying to get his tie on. "I
really hate wearing this stupid thing.  I think some idiot invented it just to see how many men
would have problems with it, or if anyone would get strangled by one!," he told Toni ready to
forget the whole thing. Toni grabbed her husband's hands and looked into his mud puddle green
eyes to ease his mind. "I've never gotten a report about anyone dying from being strangled by a
necktie, honey.  Let me help you with that thing.  Be glad that after tonight, you won't have to
wear one again," she said.

Gary relaxed and let her help him fix his tie. "What would I do without you? Don't answer that."

"I had no intention of answering it.  There.  Now, it's alset, and you look might handsome in your
tuxedo."

Gary looked at his wife and smiled.  "Wow!  You look beautiful in that dress and necklace."

"Thank you.  We'd better get going so we don't get caught in the traffic at this hour."

She grabbed her purse and they both walked out of their bedroom to the stairs.

The babysitter, Maria, came out of the bathroom just then having gotten the children ready for
bed.

"Your children are brushing their teeth right now Mrs. Hobson.  Is there anything you want me to
know that you haven't told me before you and Mr. Hobson leave?," she asked smiling at them.

"They can watch their favorite program with you before they go to bed.  You have the list of
numbers we gave you in case you need to call us for anything.  If the children want something to
drink before bedtime, they can have it.  You know the rest.  We'll be back no later than midnight,"
Toni replied.

"Si, Mrs. Hobson.  You and your handsome husband have a good time tonight."

"We will Maria."

Their children came out dressed in their pajamas to say goodnight to their parents.

"Mommy and I will see you in the morning.  Be good for Maria, and do what she tells you, okay,"
Gary said.

"Yes Daddy.  You both look real nice," Rose told her father smiling at him.

"Thank you Rose.  Good night you two."

"Bye Daddy.  Mommy.  Have fun," Jeff said smiling as well.

Saying goodbye and goodnight, Gary and Toni went down the stairs and out to their car.

Maria and the children watched them drive away from the living room window downstairs.
 

Chapter 15

Gary and Toni were announced by the butler upon arriving at the mansion for the benefit gala that
evening. "Looks like the whole hospital staff is here tonight," Gary said looking at the other
guests in the room. Toni nodded.  "Yeah, it does. Let's go over and say hello," she replied smiling.
They walked over to the refreshment table, and Gary poured Toni a glass of punch, and then
poured one for himself.  Taking a sip of his punch, Gary noticed Mark Greene's wife for the first
time standing by him.

"Toni.  Gary.  This is my wife Elizabeth. Everyone call hers Liz, and you can too if you want.
Liz, this is Toni Hobson, and her husband, Gary," Mark said introducing his wife to Gary and
Toni smiling.

"Hello Liz.  Nice to meet you," Toni said smiling at Elizabeth.

"It's nice to meet you too Toni.  Your husband is quite a hero around the hospital," Liz told Toni.

"Yes he is.  I told Liz how he saved Lucy from Dale Midcliff the other day."

Gary almost blushed.  "I was just at the right place at the right time is all.  It's nice to meet you
Liz."

Liz looked at Toni. "Does he always say that about people he's helped?"

Toni nodded.  "Yes he does.  For once, I'd wish he say something else other than that."

She took a sip of her punch knowing she'd get a look from Gary about what she said.

Doug and Carol came towards the group then.

"I see you've meet Mark's wife.  Liz is from England in case Mark didn't tell you.  She came to
Community General on a sponsporship program, and when she couldn't get the doctor who
sponspored her to renistate it, she faced the problem of deportation and losing her doctor status.
Mark heard about it, and didn't want her to lose what she had worked so hard to get.  He
proposed to her, and now, they're man and wife," Carol told them.

Gary turned to Liz.  "You're from England?  I've never been there."

Liz sipped her punch.  "You and Toni must go there sometime.  It's a lovely country. "

"You said that you heard the other residents and staff at the hospital say that they heard Midcliff
making remarks about Lucy.  Please explain what you meant by that.  I'm curiuos Liz," Toni said.

"Toni used to be a detective and US Marshall."

It was Liz's turn to be amazed.  "You were Toni?  That must have been exciting work."

"It was, but I gave it up when I married Gary.  I don't regret it for a minute."

"The one instance I can tell you about is when Lucy was helping Mark with a patient in one of the
room, and I had just come from examing one of my own from another room.  I noticed Midcliff
standing outside the door of the room and I asked him what he was doing there.  He said that he
was watching Lucy at work, and wanted to talk to her when she came out.  I told him firmly that
she was busy and he could talk to her when she was free. I also reminded him that he had patients
to see, and told him he'd better get going.  I watched him leave, but not without, seeing him
glance inside one more time with a certain look on his face."

"What kind of look was it that he had Liz?"

"It was a look that man give women at times when they're thinking of something."

"Enough of this talk.  You'll upset Lucy if she hears it.  Speaking of Lucy, here she and John came
now," Mark said warning them that Lucy would soon be joining them.

"Hello Toni.  Gary.  Glad you could make it tonight," Lucy said smilied at Gary and Toni.

"Hello Lucy.  John.  Thank you for iniviting us.  We just met Mark's wife Elizabeth," Toni replied.

"I'll say this for my grandmother:  When she throws a party, she goes all out," John Carter said.

"John!  Please don't say things like that," Lucy told her husband.

"Why not?  It's the way she has done it in the past, honey.  I'm only being truthful."

"You make it sound like she's throwing it away or something."

"Lucy, dear, I  certainly am not throwing my money away, and yes, I did all go out for tonight,"
Mrs. Smith said as she came over to the group from where she had been giving instructions to her
staff.  "Hello Toni.  Gary."

"Good evening Mrs. Smith.  This is quite a gala you have going on here tonight," Toni said.

"Yes I know.  I want it to be a success for the clinic."

"I'm real proud of my wife and her clinic.  She worked real hard for it, and it's paying off," Doug
said.

"No more business talk.  I want you all to enjoy yourselves tonight. Tonight  is a night for fun."
 

Chapter 16

Emment Brown sat at his kitchen table in his and Marissa's apartment drinking coffee and looking
over his notes that he took in his lawyer's class when battery and attempted assult were discussed.
He felt honored that the judge had assigned him to be the state's attorney in the case against Dale
Midcliff. "The reason I'm assigning you this case is because I feel you're ready to be a trail lawyer
Mr. Brown. You did such a good job defending Walter Sitkes, that I know you can just as well
put this man away with the same passion you had before," she had told him the other day after
calling him into her office.

"You can count on me your honor.  I'll make you proud and glad you assigned this to me,"
Emment had promised, and now, was carefully reading his notes on what he was going to speak
about in court just a week away.  He already knew the hospital's lawyer was going to charge
Midcliff with criminal tresspass. He took another sip of coffee and heard the familiar tap of
Marissa's cane as she was coming towards him. "You should be in bed honey.  I promise I'll be in
the bedroom with you as soon as I finish going over my notes and deciding just how I'm going to
say my opening statement," Emment told Marissa.

"I got thristy and decided I'd get a glass of water.  I bet Gary and Toni are enjoying theirselves
tonight at the benefit," Marissa replied as she felt her way towards the sink to get a glass of water.

Emment stood up and walked over to the kitchen sink.  "Here.  I'll pour you a glass of water."

He poured her a glass of water and handed it to her smiling.

"Thanks Emment.  I'll sit down at the table with you, and wait until you're finished.  Then, we can
both go back to the bedroom together.  Are you excited about this case?"

"Yeah I am.  I want to do a good job and make the judge who assigned this to me, proud.  The
hospital lawyer told me a lot about this guy, Midcliff.  The guy's a real ladie's man.  I'm also going
to charge him with one count of stalking Lucy.  Had Gary not been there the other day, there's no
telling what might've happened to Lucy."

"The guy sounds like a real creep to me.  I know you'll do a great job for the state sweetheart."

"That's why I'm looking over my notes, and doing some research on my own. The hospital lawyer
told me that he's going to have some of the staff testify as witnesses against Dale."  Emment
yawned feeling a little tired himself.  He was ready to go to bed himself as he closed his book and
notebook.

Marissa finished her water, and took her glass to the sink to wash it out, and put it in the drainer.

"Let's go to bed Marissa.  I suddenly realized just how tired I really am," Emment told his wife.

Marissa walked towards him, and together, they left the kitchen, and headed towards their
bedroom.

Meanwhile, Gary and Toni were on their way home from the benefit at the time they had
promised Maria they would be.  Gary had to work the next day, and needed to go get some sleep
so he wouldn't be tired.

"That was a nice party tonight," he said driving home with Toni in the seat besides him.

"Yes, it was very nice honey.  It sure raised a lot of money for the clinic," Toni replied yawning.

"I can tell you're tired.  So am I.  I was almost ready to fall asleep during the band's last number."

"It's a good thing you didn't.  We'll be home soon, and we can go to bed then."

"I'll have to take Maria home.  It's too dark for her to walk to the nearest cab station."

"It's too dangerous for someone her age to be out alone this time of night period.  I've seen too
many girls like her end up in places where they shouldn't have been all because they didn't have
enough common sense to stay out of harm's way.  I glad Maria's a smart girl."

"Yeah.  She's also a good babysitter when we need one too."

"Amen to that.  I'm glad we found her.  We can use her again when we need a sitter."
 

Chapter 18

The day of the trail was cool and sunny as Gary and Toni drove to the courthouse in their van.
Toni's parents had said they would babysit the children while Gary and Toni were at the trail. Toni
could see that her husband was a little nervous as he was scratching the back of his neck. "Honey,
relax please.  You're not trail, you're only testifing for Emment ," she told him patting his knee.

Gary smiled at his wife.  "I know, but I just feel nervous about going into the courthouse again.
Even to tesitfy is making me a little nervous and I admit, a little sick.  I'll be glad when my part is
over," he replied.

"You'll do fine on the stand.  Just tell the jury what happened that day is all you have to do when
Emment calls you to the stand.  If it wasn't for you rescuing Lucy that day, this might be a
different trail today."

"Okay.  I'll try to put my nervousness aside and tell them just what happened that day.  I'm glad
your parents said that they'd babysit the kids while we're at the courthouse."

Toni nodded and smiled.  "Did you hear what they told you?"

"Yeah.  Your mother told me that I would do good on the stand, and your father said to give 'em"
heck whatever that means.  It still makes me laugh when I saw the look on his face when he said
that."

"That's my father for you.  Believes in justice and doesn't care who knows it.  We should be
nearing the courthouse pretty soon.  Emment said he and Marissa would meet us ."

Gary nodded.  The days before the trail was to start, Emment had gone over with him what he
was going to say,and prepared him for what the defense lawyer would throw at him.  Even the
hospital lawyer had gone over his testamony, and had promsied Gary that he had nothing to worry
about.

"There's the courthouse.  It looks like everyone's here almost," he said spotting the cars there.

"This is it sweetheart.  Take a deep breath before we go in, and that'll help calm your nerves,"
Toni said.

Gary parked the van in a parking spot, turned off the engine, and went over to open her door for
her.

Together, they walked hand in hand towards the front steps of the courthouse, and Gary took a
deep breath.

Doug and Carol Ross were inside the lobby, and Doug could tell that Gary was feeling a little
nervous.

"Hello Toni.  Gary.  I can see you're a little nervous.  It's nothing to get upset about.  Most people
feel the way you're feeling the first time they're called to testify in a trail, but once they get on the
stand, the fear and nervousness goes away.  Don't let the defense see that you're nervous. He'll use
it against you," Doug said.

"Doug's right.  The defense is always looking for something they can use to help their client,"
Carol told Gary.

Emment came towards his friends, and Doug and Carol went to take their places inside the
courtroom.

"Hello you two.  Gary, I'm going to call you as my second witness today. Lucy will be first to tell
her side.   Most of the hospital staff and workers have agreed to testify against Midcliff," he told
them smiling.

"How is Lucy holding up Emment?," Toni asked concerned how Lucy might be feeling today.

"She's a little nervous, but she has John with her to help her through this. They're already inside.
They got here an hour after I got here with Marissa.  She's praying for Lucy right now that she
gets justice,"

"I guess we'd better go in and take our seats as well.  Come honey," Gary said ,

He and Toni went inside the courthroom and sat in the proscution's side of the room.

When the last person had taken his seat, the bailif read the charge as everyone stood .

"Hear ye.  Hear ye.  Case 210. State vs. Dale Midcliff.  Judge A. H. Joseph presiding," he said.

The judge emerged from her chamber and climbed into her chair.  "Please be seated," she told
everyone.

Everyone sat down, and the judge looked at the charges on the paper before her .

"I see that the state is charging the accused with one count of battery and one count of attempted
assult.  Is that correct Mr. Brown?," Mrs. Joseph asked Emment looking at him.

Emment stood up from his seat.  "Yes your honor," he replied.

"I also see that the hospital is charging the accused with one count of criminal tresspass."

"Yes your honor.  We will be charging him in a civil case later with negliance," Mr. Stone replied.

"Very well.  At this time, the court will hear opening statements.  Mr. Brown, you may begin."

Emment stood again, and faced the jury.  "Your honor and members of the jury:  the state will
prove to you without a doubt that the accused, Dale Midcliff, not only tresspassed on hospital
grounds after being suspended, but tried to take his revenge out on the doctor whom he thought
was responsible by attempting to assult his wife in the parking lot.  Had it not been for a good
citizen whom you will hear later, the accused might have tried to rape Lucy Cater.  He is not
charged with that.  He did commit battery by grabbing her, and saying what he would do to her.
His actions and words justify the charge of attempted assult.  True, no acutal assult occured, but
that was due to someone coming to her aide in the nick of time. You will also hear from the
accused co-workers and others about what they heard him say about Lucy at times at work.
Lucy's friends in the dorm during the time she wasn't married yet. will also testify as to how the
accused harressed Lucy while she was trying to study for a test by calling the dorm asking to
speak with her many times.  Finally, you will hear from the lady herself about how scared she was
at what was happening during that awful time in the parking lot, and how she begged the accused
to let her go which he didn't.  Midcliff had no respect for a married woman that day as his actions
and words prove, and he didn't have any respect for her while she was single either by what you
will hear from the others whom we will call.  Lucy Carter is the victim here.  She is the one we
are here to bring a fair just verdit for during this trail.  That is all your honor."

Emment sat down after finishing his statement and took a drink of his water.
 

Chapter 19

"Mr. Standford, you may make your opening statement now," Judge Joseph told the defense
lawyer.

"Thank you your honor.  Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, it's true that my client commited
crimnal tresspass when he sneaked in the hospital parking lot, and yes, he did committ battery
when he grabbed Lucy.  However, his intention was not to terrify her, and I will prove to you that
although his actions were uncalled for that day, he is sorry for what he did, and that the charge of
attempted assult be dismissed.  We will show you that he was trying to be friendly with her, and
that it got out of hand," Mr. Standford told the jury and the judge.

"Mr. Standford, your client not only committed battery, but his actions cleary indicited what his
intentions were towards Lucy that day.  The charge of attempted assult stands.  It will be up to
the jury to decide if he was trying to be friendly or not that day as other days.  Mr. Brown, you
may call your first witness after lunch.  Court will be in recess until then." She rose and left the
courtroom as the others stood in respect and waited.

Outside in the lobby, Gary and Toni stood besides Emment and Marissa as the others went by.

"That was a good opening statmement Emment.  You got to the point of the case and made it
very clear who the victim was to the jury.  I could not believe it when I heard the defense lawyer
trying to portary his client as someone whose act of friendship towards Lucy got out of hand.
That is a pack of lies," Toni told Emment.

"Yeah.  Good job Emment.  The judge didn't buy the defense's claim of Midcliff's that he didn't
mean to terrify Lucy that day.  She was terrified of what he was doing when I got there that day,"
Gary said.

"That's what I want the jury to hear Gary.  You were there.  You saw the look on her face,"
Emment said.

"Let's go have lunch somewhere.  I'm getting hungry," Marissa told her husband and friends.

They went to a resturant down the street from the courthouse where they all sat at a table
together.

"I could sense Lucy that was angry for what the defense attorney was saying about Midcliff from
where I was sitting.  I am so proud of you for that opening statement that you made Emment.
Did you stay up all night and write it?  You didn't come to bed until later last night," Marissa said.

Emment smiled at his wife.  "No.  I had it all written down before honey.  I was only checking
over what I learned in class about these charges.  I promise you when this is all over that I'm
going to take you for a great dinner to make up for the times I've been doing too much studying
and not paying attention to you," he replied.

"Just win this for Lucy, and I'll be happy honey."

After lunch, they all returned back to the courthouse and took their seats to wait for the judge to
come in.

They stood as Judge Joseph entered wearing her robe and took her seat.

"This court is back in session.  I trust that everyone had a good lunch. Mr. Brown, please call
your first witness," she told everyone as she rapped her gravel.

Emment smiled.  "I call Lucy Carter to the stand," he said.

Lucy stood and walked towards the witness stand not even looking at Dale as she passed his
table.

"Do you solemly swear that the testiamony you're about to give is the truth and nothing but the
truth?," the baliff asked as Lucy placed left hand on the Bible and raised her right hand.

"I do," she said.

She sat down and Emment approached her ready to begin his questioning.

"What is your full name please?"

"Lucy Knight Carter."

"You are married to Dr. John Carter of Community General Hospital.  Is that right?"

"Yes."

"Mrs. Carter, do you know the accused Dale Midcliff?"

Lucy nodded.  "Yes.  He was a co-worker at the hospital I work at."

"Were you two friends while working there?"

"Yes we were."

"At any time, did you give him any encouragement that would make him believe that you wanted
to be more than friends with him?"

"No."

"I take you back to the day of the incident in the parking lot of the hospital.  I apologize if this
will upset you, but I want you to tell the jury just what happened that day in your own words."

Lucy took a deep breath.  "I had just gotten done with my shift and was going home to get ready
for dinner with John's grandmother later that night where we were going to plan for the benefit
gala she was hosting.  John was just coming to the desk from checking on one of his patients, and
wanted to talk with me.  He was concerned that the stalker was still lurking around, and he
wanted to make sure I got home safe."

"Did he walk you out to the jeep that you both ride to work in?"

"No.  He gave me the keys, told me to drive the jeep home, and that he would get someone to
take him home."

"What did you do then Mrs. Carter?"

"I took the keys, and he walked me to the doors.  I kissed him goodbye, said I'd see him at home,
and went outside.  He watched me walk towards the jeep before he turned to finish his shift that
day."

Emment hated to ask the next question, but it was part of his point of reminding the jury she's the
victim.

"When you got to your jeep, were you able to get in and drive home?"

Lucy glanced over at her husband, who nodded in support before she answered.

"No, I didn't get the chance," she replied.

"Please tell the court why you didn't get the chance to drive safely home."

"I was grabbed from behind by the accused.  He held me in a vise grip that I couldn't get free."

"Did he say anything to you?"

"Yes."

"What did he say to you  while you were being held in his terrible grip?"

"He said that he was going to show me what a good time was."

"Did you think he meant taking you somewhere to watch a movie or something else?"

"I knew what he meant.  His intentions were clear.  He wasn't going to take me to see a movie."

"Knowing what he meant, what did you do?"

"I asked him to let me go."

"Did he let you go?"

"No!  He held me so tight that he was hurting me, and I begged him to let me go."

"You begged him to let you go, and he refused.  Were you terrified at this point?"

"Yes.  I was very terffied at what he was going to do next."

"That is all  I have your honor.  Your witness council."

Emment walked back to his table satisfied that he had showed the jury Lucy's side that day.
 

Chapter 20

Mr. Standford approached the witness stand with a few questions of his own. "Mrs. Carter, you
said that you never gave my client any encouragement that you never wanted to be anything more
than just friends with him.  Is that correct?," he asked Lucy.

"Yes sir," Lucy replied wondering why he would ask her that when she had already answered it
before.

"Mr. Standford, the wintess has already testified that she never gave your client any
encouragement that she never would be anything more than just friends with him.  Please move on
to your next question.  I will tell you now that I do not allow any badgering or harssing of any
witnesses in my court.  Understand?," Judge Joseph told the lawyer who nodded that he
understood completely.

"Yes your honor.  Mrs. Carter, did you think that my client would ever hurt you for any reason?"

"No."

"Thank you. I have no more questions for this witness your honor."

Mr. Standford returned to his table and sat down beside his client.

"Redirect your honor," Emment said standing up at his table.

"Proceed Mr. Brown."

"Mrs. Carter, is the man who grabbed you in the hospital parking lot that day in this courtroom?".

"Yes."

"Please point him out."

"That's him.  He's sitting over there in a business suit," she replied pointing to the table where
Dale was at.

"For the record, let it be known that the witness had identified the accused Dale Midcliff."

"Anything else for this wintess Mr. Brown?"

"Yes your honor.  Mrs. Carter, you said that you knew that Mr. Midcliff would never hurt you.
On that day in the parking lot, did you think that, or did you think differently?"

"I thought he would hurt me and did when he grabbed me like he did."

"No more questions your honor."

The judge turned to Lucy.  "You may step down now," she said.

Lucy stepped down from the witness box and walked back to her seat besides John.

"Call your next witness Mr. Brown."

"The state calls Gary Hobson to the stand."

Gary sighed and walked to the witness stand feeling a little nervous and queasy inside.

"Do you swear that the testamony you're about to give is the whole truth, and nothing, but the
truth?," the bailff asked holding the Bible for Gary to put his left hand on.

"I do," Gary replied and sat down in the chair.

"Mr. Hobson, please state your name and place of business for the record," Emment said.

"Gary Hobson.  I am part owner and manager of McGinty's Bar and Resturant," Gary told the
jury.

"I take you back to the day of the incident in the parking lot.  Did you see the accused holding
Lucy in a grip as she just testified to earlier?"

"Yes I did."

"What did you do when you saw this?"

"I ran into the parking lot telling the attendant what I saw and asked him to get help."

"While the attendant was calling for the security people, what else did you do once you were
inside?"

"I yelled at the accused to let Lucy go."

"Did he let her go?"

"No he didn't."

"What happened next?"

"I told him that either he let her go, or I'd make him let her go."

"How did Midcliff react when you told him this?"

"He said it was none of my business."

"What did you do after he told you it was none of your business what he was doing?"

"I hit him on his hands with a board just enough to make him release his grip on Lucy."

"You made him release Lucy by hitting his hands with a board.  What was the accused reaction to
this?"

"He growled and took a swing at me which I ducked."

"He threw a punch at you first?"

"Yes."

"So, Midcliff threw a punch at you angry at you for runining his plan for Lucy.  Correct?"

"Yes."

"No more questions your honor."  Emment went back to his table and sat down.

"Your witness Mr. Standford," Judge Joseph told the defense lawyer.

Mr. Standford approached the witness stand ready to ask Gary some very interesting questions.

"Mr. Hobson, did it occur to you to ask my client to release Mrs. Carter?," he asked.

"No sir."

"Then why didn't you?"

Emment rose from his seat.  "Objection!  Your honor, what difference does it make whether or
not if Mr. Hobson asked the accused to release Lucy?  We already know that accused didn't
release her until Mr. Hobson had to use a board to make him let her go," he said.

"Point taken Mr. Brown.  Mr. Standford, asking your client to release Lucy would have resulted
in the same result when she begged him to let him go: he refused.  Mr. Hobson did what he had to
do to help Lucy.  Ask another question."

"Mr. Hobson, why were you in the area at that time?  Did you have a doctor's appointment?"

"Objection!"

"Overruled.  Please answer the question Mr. Hobson."

Gary didn't want to tell her about the paper and he was under oath to tell the truth.

"I was just passing by on my way to visit a friend who lived close to the hospital when I saw what
was happening in the parking lot," he replied.

"So you decided to stop and help a lady in distress, correct?"

"Yes."

"From where you were, did it look like my client was hurting Mrs. Carter?"

"Yes.  She said he was."

"Did you ask her if he was hurting her at the time?"

"No sir."

"Then, how do you know she said that?"

"Objection! Your honor, the defense knows that Mrs. Carter has tesitfied that his client was
hurting her."

"Substained.  Mr. Standford, if Mrs. Carter testified that your client was hurting her, then he was.
Please move on to another question, or I will dismiss this witness."

"I have no more questions for this witness your honor."

"Mr. Hobson, you may step down now."

Gary stepped down and went back to join Toni and his friends behind Emment's table.

"Council, please approach the bench", Judge Joseph told Emment and Standford.

The two lawyers approached the bench for a sidebar.

"Mr. Standford, I find your line of questioning of this last witness very close to badgering.
Futhermore,  there was no relevance as to the issue of Mr. Hobson asking your client to release
Lucy.  You will ask only the questions that have relvance to this case.  Do you understand?," the
judge reprimanded Mr. Standford.

"Yes your honor.  I apologize to both you and the court," the defense lawyer said.

"Good.  I am going to dismiss the jury at five today.  Tomorrow at nine, Mr. Brown will call his
next witness. Please return to your tables now.  Mr. Brown, I commend you so far as to your
excellent line of questioning."

"Thank you your honor," Emment said.
 

Chapter 21

At five oclock, Judge Joseph turned to the jury.  "Ladies and gentlemen, as it is now five oclock, I
am dimissing  you for the rest of the afternoon. Please don't discuss the case amongst yourselves
or anyone else. Please do not read or hear anything about this case.  Court will begin at nine
tomorrow morning.  Until then, thank you for your time today, and I will see you at nine
tomorrow.  You are dismissed," she told them.

The jury rose and left the courtroom one by one as everyone else sat patiently watching them
leave. The judge left the bench, and then, the rest of the people left the courtroom heading out the
doors for home.

"What a day!  I'm sorry you had to be crossexamined by the defense like that Gary.  Some of his
questions I though were a little out of order which is why I objected to them," Emment said
smiling at Gary.

"That's okay Emment.  I knew I'd get ask some pretty strange questions," Gary replied smiling
back.

"I think we'd better say goodnight and pick up our kids from my parents. You need a rest after
what you've went through on the wintess stand honey," Toni told her husband seeing how tired he
was .

"Say hello to them for us Toni.  Go while you can get out of the parking lot. We'll see you
tomorrow," Marissa said wanting to go home herself feeling a little tired herself f or some reason.

Saying their goodbyes, Toni and Gary left the courthouse and headed towards their van parked
outside.

They got inside and drove to Toni's parent's house to pick up their children and take them home.

"How did the first day of trail go Toni?," her mother asked Toni when she and Gary entered the
house.

"It was quite a day mom.  Emment did a great job with his opening statement, and his questioning
of both Lucy and Gary on the witness stand.  I wanted to slap the defense lawyer for asking Gary
some really stupid questions on crossexamination," Toni replied as her children came towards her
and Gary.

"What does this guy think he's going to do?  His client committed three crimes," Mr. Bragetti
said.

"Mommy! Daddy!," Rose cried happily running towards her parents.

"Hello my little flower.  Was Daddy's girl good for grandma and grandpa today?," Gary asked
smiling at her.

"Yes Daddy.  I had such fun today."

"She was just a little angel today Gary.  She did everything we told her to without question," Mrs.
Bragetti said.

"That's good.  You and Jeff ready to go home?"

"Yes Dad," Jeff replied eager to go home.

"Okay.  Let's go out to the car then.  Thank you for watching them today."

"You're welcome Gary.  You can always bring them here if you need us to babsit."

"You can count on it mom.  Thanks again.  Bye dad," Toni said.

They went out to the van and Gary and Toni each put their children in their carseats in back.

On the way home, Toni decided she'd order pizza for them for dinner as a specail treat for the
kids.

"How does pizza sound for dinner kids?," she asked them.

"Sounds good Mom!  I'm hungry," Jeff replied from the back seat.

"Didn't your grandmother fix you and Rose lunch today?"

"Yes, but that was hours ago.  I'm hungry now."

Gary laughed.  "He sounds like I was at his age.  Always hungry at times," he said.

"Okay, I'll order us a nice family size pizza, and we can have ice cream for dessert."

"Goody!," Rose said from her seat in back.

"Not too much ice cream.  We don't want you getting sick during the night."

"Okay Mommy."
 

Chapter 22

Later that night, Toni and Gary sat in their living room on the living room sofa drinking beer glad
they had some quiet time together with the children in their beds, and feeling a little tired from the
trail today. "I think Emment really made a good start today and impressed the jury with his
opening statement," Gary said putting his arm around his wife as she leaned in closer to him.

"Yeah, I could tell he did.  You didn't so bad yourself on the stand honey. I wonder who Emment
will call tomorrow morning for his witness.  He's a real good lawyer I can say that for him," Toni
told him.

"I agree.  I'm just glad that my part is done.  I can get back to the paper and running the bar."

"Not so fast sweetheart.  You may still have to testify just in case you get recalled by Emment for
something in court.  I've been in enough courtrooms in enough trails to know that."

"I know it too.  I'm hoping that I don't get recalled to the stand, but I have to be realistic about
it."

Toni sighed and sipped some more of her beer.  "Let's just drop the subject for now and relax."

They finished their beer, got up, and went to their bedroom to get some sleep.

Meanwhile, Emment and Marissa were in their bedroom in their apartment discussing how well
things went today.  "Honey, are you alright?  You looked a little tired earlier," Emment asked her.

"I've forgotten how tiring being in a courtroom can be.  I'm fine now.  You did such a good job
today in court Emment.  I know you're going to win this case," replied Marissa smiling.

"I know I will too.  I know whom I'm going to call on tomorrow to the stand."

"Good.  Let's drop the subject for now, and get some sleep.  You've got a busy day tomorrrow."

Emment nodded and turned off the light besides the bed on the little stand.

The next morning, at six thrity, Gary heard the same old sounds again outside his door as usual.

"I'm coming," he said putting on his robe and going over to the door,

He opened the door, slid the paper carefully from under the cat, and then shut the door.

Gary was relieved to see that there wasn't much in the paper that needed his help that day.

"Nothing much in the paper this morning," he told Toni who was coming into the kitchen then.

"There probably won't be with the papers covering the trail , honey.  Black coffee right?," she
asked.

"Yep.  That's just the way I like it.  How about fixing some eggs and bacon this morning?"

"Sure.  Looks like another great day for the trial.  Not a cloud in the sky."

The phone rang then, and Toni frowned wondering who it could be at that hour calling them.

"Hello.  Hobson residence," she said answeing it on the second ring.

"It's me Toni.  Your mother.  I was just reading in this mornings paper about the trail yesterday,
and I must say that Emment did a good job with both his opening statement and the witness he
put on the stand.  How did Gary make out when he was called upon?  Your father and I were
wondering if he was nervous," Toni's mother told her from her kitchen phone as her husband was
sipping his morning coffee.

"He was a little nervous at first, but he did fine afterwards.  I was so proud of him Mom."

"Good.  Just wanted to let you that we're keeping a breast of the news of the trail.  Have a good
day."

"You too Mom.  Tell Dad hello for me.  Good bye."

"Good bye."  Mrs. Bragatti smiled and hung up her phone.

Toni hung up her phone and smiled.   "That was my mother on the phone.  She said that she and
Dad are reading all about the trail in the paper.  Strange that she called at this time to tell me
that."

Gary sipped his coffee, and nodded.  "Some people call at strange times honey.  Please don't look
at me like that.  I'm not making fun of your mother.  I like her and your father too much to do
that."

"I'm going to start making the eggs before the kids get up.  Better get their orange juice ready."

Meanwhile, Emment was going over his witness list as he ate breakfast with Marissa.

"I'm going to call one of Lucy's roommates when she was in college this morning.  To show the
jury that the accused harrsssed her when she was trying to study for a test one night.   Then, after
her, I'm going to call one of the residents who heard what Dale said about Lucy when the two
were talking one night," he told her.

"That should be interesting Emment.  I felt that defense lawyer was almost badgering Gary
yesterday with his questions.  Really.  He didn't have time to do anything that day, but help Lucy
the way he did," Marissa said.

"The judge knew it too, and that's why she called the sidebar.  The defense had better his step
with her.  She's an no nonsense judge who won't torlate anything in her courtroom she doesn't
like."

"Do you think you may have to recall Gary sometime during the trail?"

"I don't think so, but you never know.  I'm sure he knows it could happen."

"I don't think he likes courtrooms very much.  Especailly being on the jury."

"You told me about that.  Poor guy.  That must have been terrible for him that time."

"He got through it, and was never asked for it again which he was glad of."
 

Chapter 23

Gary entered the bar and to his surprize, Chuck was already there and had the television turned to
the local news channel.  "Morning Chuck.  Why do you have the television on so early for?," he
asked his friend.

"Morning Gar.  You won't believe this, but the customers want to watch the trail.  That's all they
talk about when they come in.  They even watched it yesterday when you were on the stand.
They all cheered when you took the stand, and some of them even said that they think the defense
lawyer asked you a bunch of stupid questions.  Crumb even said that you did good on the stand
yesterday," Chuck replied smiling.

Oh boy Gary thought.  "Are you sure you didn't ask them if they wanted to watch it Chuck?  I
find it hard to believe that they'd want to watch the trail instead of something else."

"Gar, I'm not lying.  When they found out that the trail was going to be televisized,  they asked
me if they could watch it here.  So, I turned the television to the channel it's on, and let the
customers watch the trial."

"Okay.  I believe you.  Just ask them not to say anything about it until after the trail's over.  I don't
Emment to have to have a mistrail for some reason."

"Already did Gar.  They promised not to say anything until after it's over."

At nine oclock, at the courthouse, Emment called his first witness to the stand as everyone in the
bar watched on the television screen, including Gary who was sitting in a seat doing some
paperwork.

"I call Miss Stacy Jones to the stand," Emment said looking towards the audience.

Miss Jones walked towards the witness stand and placed her hand on the BIble to be sworn in.

"Do you swear that the testiamony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth?," the ballif asked, and Stacy replied that it was.

"Be seated Miss Jones.  You may begin Mr. Brown," Judge Joseph told Emment.

"Thank you your honor.  Miss Jones, you were once Lucy's roommate at college. Is that
correct?," Emment asked Stacy from the poduim that he was using to ask his questions at the
witness.

"Yes sir.  I was her roommate in college," Stacy replied.

"Do you  recall a time that Lucy was having problems studying for anything?"

"Yes sir. "

"Please tell the court about this miss Jones."

"Lucy had a big test in one of her classes one day, and told me that all she was going to do was
study for it, and that she would eat pizza in the room so she wouldn't have to leave the dorm.  We
ordered the pizza, and went into the room to begin the study period that we both had to do for
our classes. Right after the pizza came, and we paid for it, the phone rang in the lobby and I went
to answer it which I wish now I hadn't."

"Who was on the phone miss Jones?"

Stacy pointed to Dale sitting at the defense table.  "It was him.  Dr. Midcliff at the time."

"Let the record state that the witness has identified the accused.  Please go on miss Jones."

"I asked him what he wanted, and he replied that he wanted to talk to Lucy. I told him to wait a
minute, and turned to tell Lucy who was on the phone."

"When you told her it was the accused on the phone, what did Lucy say?"

"She said that she didn't want to talk to him because she wanted to eat the pizza, and go back to
the room to study for the big test she had the next day in class.  She said that he had asked her to
go out with him, and that she had told him earlier that she couldn't because she really had to study
for the test."

"Did you relay this to Midcliff?"

"Yes I did."

"What was his reaction to what Lucy had said?"

"He said that she could study for it anytime, and that he really wanted to take her out.  He almost
insisted that I put her on the phone, and it was at that point, that I hung up the phone on him."

"So, he didn't care that she wanted to study for her class that she wanted to pass the next
morning.  All he wanted was to take her out and have a good time.  Is that right?"

"Yes sir.  That's how I took it."

"Did the accused leave her alone, or did he keep calling?"

"He kept calling, and the dorm mother was getting angry at all his calls. She even told him to
please stop calling and leave her girls alone. Especailly Lucy whom she knew was studying that
night."

"Would you say that he was harssing Lucy by his calls?"

"Yes sir.  She was getting tired of his trying to get her to quit studying when she had already told
him earlier that she couldn't go out with him because she had the test coming up."

"Thank you.  No more questions your honor."

"Mr. Standford, you may cross-exaim," the judge told the defense lawyer.

"I have no questions for this witness your honor," Mr. Standford said.

"The witness may step down now."

Stacy stepped down from the witness stand, and went back to her seat.

"I call Pete Jerkins to the stand," Emment said.

Pete came towards the front from his seat and stepped up on the witness stand.  After being
sworn in, he sat down, and waited for the first question from Emment.

"Mr. Jerkins, are you aqainted with the accused?"

"Yes sir.  He was my co-worker at the hospital."

"Did you two ever discuss anything interesting during the time you were working together?"

"Yes sir.  We talked about a lot of things."

"Did you hear the accused ever say anything about Lucy during your conversations?"

Pete nodded.  "Yes sir.  There was one time that I heard him talk about Lucy."

"Please tell the court about it Mr. Jerkins."

"He was going out on a date with her one night, and we were talking about what they were going
to do.  He said that he might get lucky that night, and I asked him if he meant about winning at
cards."

"Did he say that he'd get lucky at playing cards?"

"No sir.  When I asked him if he meant about getting lucky at playing cards that night, he replied
that he wasn't talking about cards.  He had a strange look on his face when he said that too I
remember."

"Hmmm.  Please describe the look the acussed had on his face for the court."

"It's the look that men have when they talk about having sex with a woman sir.  That's the look he
had on his face that night.  I couldn't believe that he said about Lucy."

"So, Midcliff said that he might get lucky that night and he didn't mean playing cards as in
winning.  Correct?"

"Yes sir.  The others at the desk heard him say it too."

"Thank you Mr.Jerkins.  No more questions your honor."

"Your witness Mr. Standford," Judge Joseph told the defense lawyer.

"Thank you your honor.  Mr. Jerkins, did my client mention Lucy by name when he said that he
might get lucky that night?," Mr. Standford asked Pete.

"He did at first sir, but I knew who he meant when he said that."

"Do you think it's possible that maybe my client might have been kidding when he said that?"

"No sir.  The way he said it and the look on his face told me he was serious."

"No more questions your honor."

"The witness may step down now. "

Pete stepped down from the witness stand and returned to his seat.

Emment returned to his seat at the state's table and checked his witness list for another witness.

"I call the security guard from the hospital parking lot to the stand," he announced.

The guard came forward, and Dale gulped as he watched the guard approach the stand.

After being sworn in by the ballif, the guard sat down in the witness stand.

"You are the security guard at the hospital.  Is that correct sir?," Emment asked.

"Yes sir.  I'm one of the security guards there," the guard replied.

"Were you called to help Lucy Carter one afternoon in the parking lot?"

"Yes sir."

"Please tell the court about it."

"I was at my post watching the parking lot, and this guy in a sweater comes running toward me.
He said not to ask him how he knew that Lucy was in trouble, just that she was, and that I needed
to call for help."

"Did you think this person was crazy when he told you this?"

"No sir.  If he said that she was in trouble somehow, then she was in trouble.  I went to my phone
to call for the other security guards as the guy ran towards the jeep where Lucy was at."

"After you called for help, what did you do?"

"I ran towards the spot where John Carter parks his jeep and saw what had happened."

"What did you see when you got there?"

"I saw the accused take a swing at the person who had just freed Lucy from his grip."

"So, you saw the accused throw the first punch, correct?"

"Yes sir.  I saw the other guy duck the punch, and punch the accused in the jaw making him fall to
the ground."

"Did you later learn what had actually happened?"

The guard nodded.  "Yes sir.  It's on the tape too.  I saw the accused on the tape come up behind
Lucy and grab her holding her arms to her side.  He wouldn't let her go, and then I saw the hero
come to her aid by hitting the accused on the arm enough to make him release Mrs. Carter."

"Thank you.  No more questions your honor."

"Mr. Standford, you may cross examine," Judge Joseph said.

"I have no questions for this witness your honor," Mr. Standford replied.

"The witness will step down now.  We will take a short recess for ten minutes."

In the bar, Gary and Chuck both smiled after seeing how good Emment had done so far with his
witnesses.

"He's ahead in my book Gar.  I knew they meant you when the guard was describing the hero,"
Chuck said.

"Yeah.  Emment's asking all the right questions that's for sure.  Well, I'd better get ready for the
lunch crowd.  I promised Toni I'd be home early today," Gary  told his friend smiling.
 

Chapter 24

After the recess, Emment called to the stand John Carter, husband of Lucy and a doctor at the
hospital. "Mr. Carter, you were once a dorm father at the men's dorm on campus at one time.  Is
that correct?," he asked John refering to the time John was in the men's dormitory after losing his
apartment.

John nodded.  "Yes sir.  That's right," he replied.

"Was the accused ever in your dorm at any time that you remember?"

"Objection!  What does this have to do with what happpened your honor?," Mr. Standford asked.

"Your honor, I intend to show to you and the jury that maybe the accused stayed there, or if Mr.
Carter  ever heard any of the men in his dorm at the time talking about Midcliff and Lucy."

"Overruled.  The witness may answer the question," Judge Joseph replied.

"Midcliff wasn't in my dorm during that time that I remember.  He might have been before I came
there."

"Did you over hear any of the others in your dorm ever talk about the accused and Lucy?"

"Objection.  Calls for hearsay," the defense said.

"Substained.  Mr. Brown, please ask another question."

Emment nodded.  "Mr. Carter, do you know if your wife was ever stalked by the accused at
anytime?"

John thought for a minute.  "No, but he was harssing her at times that I saw," he finally replied.

"I take you back to the day of the incident in the parking lot.  Did you see your wife terrified for
some reason that day? "

"Yes, I did see that she was terrified that day."

"Please tell the jury about it."

John faced the jury box.  "I was getting ready to finish my shift when Lucy came running in from
the parking lot. She had a terrified look on her face and I knew something was wrong when I saw
it.  I asked her what was wrong, and that's when she told me what had happened in the parking lot
by our jeep."

"What did you do after she told you what happened?"

"I took her in my arms to comfort her, and told Mark Greene about it at the desk."

"What did Dr. Greene tell you to do?"

"He said to take Lucy into one of the rooms and have her looked at to make sure she wasn't hurt."

"Was she hurt?"

"No, but I could see where she'd been grabbed by the marks on her arms."

"Thank you.  No futher questions your honor."

The judge turned to Mr. Standford.  "Your witness Mr. Standford," she said.

"Thank you your honor.  Mr. Carter, isn't it true that you don't like my client  for some reason?,"
Mr. Standford asked John, and Emment stood up to object.

"Your honor, the defense is asking an unfair question of the witness.  No mention of his personal
feelings of the accused was addressed by me," he told the judge.

"I agree.  Mr. Standford, please withdraw this question, and the court recorder will strike it from
the record."

"After hearing what had happened to your wife in the parking lot, what did you want to do to the
person who had done this to her?"

"To be honest, I wanted to punch the guy myself, but I knew better than to do it," John replied.

"I see.  Did you and my client ever have any discussions about anything in particular?"

"Just work is all.  He was a intern who knew what his job was."

"Did you ever dicuss women, or did it come up at  all?"

"At times.  What he did with his private life was none of mine business, and vice versa."

"No futher questions your honor."

"Mr. Brown, redirect?"

"Yes  your honor.  Mr. Carter, as a doctor, you are to have a code of conduct that you are to
follow both at work and at home.  Is that right?"

"Yes, that's right.  It's part of the code that you take when you begin working at the hospital."

"Would you say that the acussed followed that same code?"

"To be honest, not at times."

"Thank you.  No more questions your honor."

"You may step down now Mr. Carter," Judge Joseph told John.

John stepped down and went to take his seat besides Lucy.

"I call Mark Greene to the stand," Emment said.

Mark walked towards the wintess stand as Elizabeth watched from her seat besides him.

After being sworn in, Mark sat down and was ready for his first question.

"You are a doctor and administer at Community General.  Is that correct?," Emment asked.

Mark nodded.  "Yes sir.  That's my official title there," he replied.

"Any hiring or discplinary measures are handled directly by you.  Correct?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Greene, was there a time when you had to suspend a member of your staff for some
reason?"

"Yes sir.  Just recently I had to suspend someone."

"Who was the person you had to suspend?"

"It was Dr. Midcliff."

"Please tell the court why he was suspended."

"He was suspended for almost causing serious harm to a paitent in his care."

"Now, when a person is suspended, they are not allowed on the grounds until they are cleared and
are told they may come back.  Correct?"

"Yes sir.  That's the procedure, and everyone on staff knows it."

"Did the accused honor the rule after he was suspended?"

Mark shook his head.  "No sir.  He did not."

"So in other words,  after being suspended, the accused, instead of following procudure, came
back and somehow entered the grounds without permission.  When you found out what he had
done that day, how did you feel?"

"I felt like he had gone too far."

"He had gone too far.  What action did you take then?"

"I called our lawyer and told Kerry about it.  We had a meeting, and it was suggested by the
hospital lawyer that we charge Midcliff with criminal tresspass against the hospital."

"Thank you.  No futher questions your honor."

The judge looked at her watch.  "Seeing as it now nearing the lunch hour, we will dismiss for
lunch.  The defense can crossexaime the witness when we resume.  The jury is dismissed for
lunch. Please do not dicuss the witness's testaimonies and the trail with one another or anyone
during lunch.  I will see everyone back here after lunch," she told the courtroom rapping her
gavel.
 

Chapter 25

Emment and Marissa entered McGinty's for lunch after having left the courthouse for the lunch
recess. "I'm buying lunch today, so order anything you want Marissa.  Just don't get anything too
expensive," Emment said as they sat down at one of the tables close to the bar where Gary and
the others were standing.

"You order for us Emment.   You know I can't read the menu unless it's in braille," Marissa told
him.

"Sorry.  I forgot about that.  You should mention that to Gary.  That would help in case anyone
else who's blind could come in and order.  Here comes the waitress now."

"Hello you two.  What can I get for you today?," April asked smiling at them.

"Let's see what's good today.  Marissa will have a hambuger with french fries, and I'll have the
same. She'll have a soda to drink, and I want a cup of coffee please."

April wrote it down on her note pad.  "Got it.  I'll be right back with your drinks."

Emment faced his wife.  "I want you to stay here after lunch honey.   I know you want to be there
to give me support, but you have a business to run here with Gary since you're his co-partner.  I
promise to tell you how it went when I pick you up later to go home," he told her.

"I suppose you're right, but I want all the details Emment."

"You'll get the details.  I promise."

April returned with their drinks, and set them down in front of them.

Gary came towards them from the bar smiling.

"Great job with John and Mark on the stand Emment," he said.

"Thanks.  Somehow I knew that you'd have the trail on the television or radio here.  Marissa can
listen to the rest of the trail while she's working."

"Enjoy your lunch, and good look this afternoon."

Five minutes later, April brought Emment and Marissa their lunch, and went back behind the bar.

"Marissa sure has a good man there in Emment," Chuck said smiling.

"Thats's right Chuck.  She sure does, and she knows it too," Gary replied.

After lunch, Marissa kissed Emment goodbye, wished him luck, and joined Gary at the bar.

Emment drove back to the courthouse ready for the afternoon session in his cab.

An hour later, Judge Joseph entered the courtroom in her robes and took her seat.

"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.  I trust everyone had a good lunch. You may be seated,"
she said.

After everyone was seated, she turned to the defense lawyer.  "You may crossexamine the witness
Mr. Standford," she told him, and the lawyer nodded as he took the poduim.

"Doctor Greene, did you ever witness any acts of stalking or otherwise of Lucy by my client
during the time he worked at the hospital?," he asked Mark.

"No sir."

"Did my client ever say anything about how he felt about Lucy to you?"

"Not in so many words, but his actions showed how he felt."

"In what way did my client's actions show he felt about Lucy?"

"He was always asking when she got off and where she lived.  There were also times that I
witnessed him watching her when she would pass down the hall with one of the other doctors to
assit with a patient."

"Did he ever display any signs of unaccpetable behavior as far as Lucy was concerned?"

"Yes.  Once when he found out that she only wanted to be his friend and nothing more, I saw a
strange look in his eyes that I didn't like.  It was like he was planning something or thinking about
something."

"Did my client ever show any signs of anger towards Lucy or anyone else?"

"No sir.  He knew what the rules were about that."

"Thank you doctor.  No more questions your honor," and the defense returned to his table.

"Redirect Mr. Brown?," Judge Joseph asked Emment.

"Yes your honor.  Dr. Greene, what did you mean when you said that the accused looked like he
was planning or thinking of something?," Emment asked Mark.

"The look he had in his eyes at that time told me that he was thinking of someway he could go
beyond friendship with Lucy, even though she was not interested at  the time."

"Thank you.  No futher questions your honor."

"The witness may step down now," the judge told Mark.

Mark stepped down and returned to his seat besides his wife Elizabeth.
 

Chapter 26

"Please call your next wintess Mr. Brown," Judge A. Joseph told Emment. "I call Mrs. Smith to
the stand your honor," Emment said turning to the audience behind him. The elegant lady rose
from her seat and walked towards the witness stand her head held high in pride.

"Do you swear that the testamiony you are about to give is the whole truth and nothing but the
truth?," the bailff asked John's grandmother respectfully as he swore her in.

"Yes young man," Mrs. Smith replied and took the witness chair afterwards.

"Mrs. Smith, in what way are you related to Lucy?," Emment asked smiling.

"Lucy is my granddaughter-in-law.  She's married to my nephew John," Mrs. Smith replied.

"When John told you what happened to Lucy in the parking lot that day, what was your
reaction?"

"I was horrified to hear that she'd been in danger , and I immediately told my driver to drive me to
the hospital to see if she was alright."

"Did you learn who it was who put Lucy in danger when you arrived?"

"Yes.  I asked John who it was and he told me."

"Is this person in the courtroom?"

Mrs. Smith nodded and pointed at the defense table.  "That's him.  That's the man who put  Lucy
in harm's way that day," she replied refering to Midcilff.

"Let the record show that Mrs. Smith has indentified the accused.   How did you feel towards the
man who had done this to Lucy?"

"I was angry and demanded that something be done about it to John."

"Was it your idea to have the accused stand trail for what he did, or Johns?"

"Neither.  My lawyer advised us that since it was against  Lucy, she should be the one to decide
whether or not to press charges against the accused."

"So it was Lucy's decision whether or not to press charges against the accused, correct?"

"Yes, and you can see that she did."

"Thank you.  No more more questions your honor."

"You may crossexamine Mr. Standford," the judge told the defense lawyer.

"Thank you your honor.  Mrs. Smith, did you in any way encourage Lucy to press charges against
my client?," Mr. Standford asked her.

"Certainly not!  It was totally her decision, and when she said she was pressing charges, I told her
I was behind her all the way.  I would never encourage her in any way, and I resent the fact that
you implied that I did."

"I apologize.  I had to ask the question anyway.  I did not mean to insult you."

"Mr. Standford, if you ever ask such a question like that again, I will personally reprimand you ,
and have the question removed from the record. Please ask another question."

"You said that you demanded that John do something about what happened to Lucy.  Just what
did you want him to do?  "

"I wanted him to report it to the security people there and find out what course of action he could
take."

"You would never encourage him to violence.  Correct?"

"Yes.  If he wanted to fight or do something else to your client, that was his decision.  I despise
violence."

"No futher questions your honor."

"The witness may step down now," Judge Joseph said to Mrs. Smith.

Mrs. Smith stepped down and returned to her seat.

"I call Officer Lucas to the stand your honor," Emment said.

Officer Lucas walked towards the witness stand, and after being sworn in, sat down in the chair.

"Officer Lucas, you are the campus security police.  Is that correct?," Emment asked.

"Yes sir.  That's my job," replied the officer.

"Was there a time that you got a call to come to the women's dorm?"

"Yes sir.  I had to go there four times in one week."

"Four times in one week?  Please explain to the court why you were called there four times."

"The first time I was called there was to remove someone who had been lurking around the ladies
dorm."

"Who was it that was lurking around the ladies dorm at that time?"

"It's the person who is sitting at the defense table in a brown suit."

"Let the record show that the officer has just identified the accused. Please continue officer.
What were the other times that you were summoned to the women's dorm in one week?"

"Same problem.  Only the fourth time it went beyond lurking."

"Are you saying that he was now stalking her by the fourth time you were called over there?"

"Yes sir.  He kept trying to look in the window of her room at her, kept calling her on the phone,
and tried to get inside to talk to her.  The dorm mother made a complaint against him saying that
he was disturbing the others girls as well as bothering Lucy who really didn't want to talk to him
at the time."

"Thank you.  No more questions your honor."

"You may crossexamine Mr. Standford," Judge Joseph told the defense lawyer.

"Thank you your honor.  Officer Lucas, did my client say anything to you that showed you what
his intentions were towards Lucy at the time?," Mr. Standford asked.

"Yes sir.  He said he only wanted to talk to her and ask her why she was ignoring him at work."

"I see.  How did my client seem to you at the time that this happened?"

"A little too determined.  I told him that if she wanted to talk to him, it was up to her when and
where she would do it.  Haressing her and the other girls would only get him into trouble which it
did."

"No futher questions your honor."

"You may step down officer Lucas."

Officer Lucas stepped down, and returned to his seat.

"Your honor, for my final witness today, I call Dr. Doug Ross to the stand," Emment said.

Doug gave Lucy a reassuring smile, and walked towards the witness stand.

"Dr, Ross, did you ever work with the accused at the hospital?," Emment asked Doug.

"No sir.  He wasn't part of my program of interns," Doug replied.

"Was Lucy part of your program at the hospital?"

"Yes she was.  She and I worked together for two days."

"Was there ever a time that she complained to you or the others about something or someone?"

Doug nodded.  "Yes sir."

"Do you remember what the complaint was about?"

"Yes sir.  It was about the accused sitting at the defense table."

"In your own words doctor Ross, what did Lucy complain to you about the accused?"

Doug thought for a monment.  "She said that she wished he would stop following her around the
hospital asking her when she got off work and if she'd go out with him when she did.  She also
said that she wished that he'd quit calling her at the dorm when she's trying to study for a test, or
read her homework assignment."

"In other words, Lucy is complaining to you that the accused is bothering her and won't leave her
alone.  Is that correct?"

"Yes sir.  It is."

"No futher questions your honor."

"You may crossexamine Mr. Standford," the judge told the defense lawyer.

"Thank you your honor.  Dr. Ross, did you see my client attempt to get Lucy's attention while she
was working?", Mr. Standford asked Doug.

"Yes, and it's against hospital rules to bother someone while they're working."

"Just how did my client attempt to get Lucy's attention that you witnessed?"

"He was taping on the window of the exam room we were in with a patient.  I told her not to pay
attention to whoever it was because whatever it was he wanted could wait until after we were
done."

"You've broken some of the rules yourself, haven't you Dr. Ross?"

"Objection!  Your honor, Dr. Ross's work ethics has nothing to do with this trail.  He's not the
one on trail here," Emment said raising from his chair.

"Substained.  That question was uncalled for Mr. Standford.  You will ask only the questions
pertaining to this case, and leave Dr. Ross and his work ethics alone.  Strike the question from the
record," the judge said.

"I apologize to both you and Dr. Ross."

"Accepted.  You may continue."

"No further questions your honor."

"Redirect Mr. Brown?"

"No your honor."

"You may step down now Dr. Ross," Judge Joseph told Doug.

Doug did, and returned to his seat besides Carol.

"Since the state has no more witnesses today, I will dismiss the jury until nine tomorrow morning.
At which time,  Mr.Brown, you may call more witnesses to testify if you have any.  Court is
adjourned until nine tomorrow.," the judge said pounding her gravel.

The jury left the courtroom, then the judge, and then everyone else.
 

Chapter 27

Later that evening at home, Gary sat in his easy chair in the living room wacthing his children
watch one of their favorite shows and Toni sat in her chair reading the paper, the normal paper
she had brought earlier. "I hope you didn't have the trail on the radio with the kids around today,"
he said looking at her. Toni put the paper down for a minute and looked at her husband. "No
sweetheart.  I had a jazz music station on, but the news did mention the trail at times.  I know you
probably had it on the television there at the bar today," she replied.

Gary nodded.  "That's all the customers could talk about and want to watch. Emment and Marissa
had lunch in the bar today, and then, Emment went back alone because Marissa had to stay and
help me with the bar."

"I bet she'll be glad when this is over.  She must be getting a little tired from it."

"She was one day.  Emment asked her if she was alright, and Marissa said that she was just tired.
I think they're getting ready for closing arugments pretty soon.  I know Emment's ready."

"From what I've been hearing and reading about it, I think Emment's going to win his first case."

"Yeah.  I get the same feeling too honey."

Toni turned to her children.  "When the show is over, you and Jeff get ready for bed, okay."

"Okay Mommy," Rose said smiling at her parents before turning back to the television.

Meanwhile, at their house, Emment and Marissa were listening to one of their CD's in the living
room just relaxing from the busy day they both had, and were glad to enjoy a queit evening at
home alone.

"I realize that I might have been leading the witness today when I asked if he thought Midcliff was
stalking Lucy by the fourth time he'd been called out to the ladies dorm.  I know Standford will
mention that in his closing arugment, or during his questioning of the next witness," Emment said.

"You did a good job today honey.  Do you have anyone else you're going to call tomorrow when
court resumes again?," Marissa asked him.

"Just one.  The resident who was at the desk.  Jerry."

"That'd be interesting to hear what he has to say on the stand."

"I know.  I've got some very good questions to ask him tomorrow.  After he gets done testifing,
I'm going to rest my case.  Let's forget about the trail now, and just enjoy the rest of the evening
together."

"Sounds good to me."

Back at Gary's house, Toni told their children they could each have a cookie before bed and a
glass of milk.

"When you get done, you go and brush your teeth.  Okay, let's get your cookies and milk," she
told them.

"Don't make this a habit with them sweetheart.  They'll want it everynight," Gary warned his wife.

"Don't worry handsome.  They were so good today that I promised them a specail treat tonight."

"Come here and sit with me."

Toni went over and sat with Gary as they watched their children eat their cookies and drink their
milk.

They both felt very happy and very lucky.
 

Chapter 28

The next morning, Judge A. Joseph called the court to order at nine oclock after everyone had
been seated. "Mr. Brown, please call your witness," she told Emment, who stood up from his
table. "Thank you your honor.  I call Jerry Blake to the stand," Emment replied . Jerry walked
towards the witness stand from his seat in the audience feeling a little nervous. After he had been
sworn in by the baiff, Jerry sat down in the chair .

"What is your offical job at the hospital Jerry?," Emment asked.

"I'm the desk attendant sir," Jerry replied.

"Does your duites include handing the doctors their patients charts?"

"No sir.  I don't touch the charts unless the doctors ask me to put them away for them."

"Has any doctor or nurse ever ask you to give them a patient's chart for them?"

"No sir."

"Where were you when the incident in the parking lot took place?"

"I was at the desk helping Carol Ross with some files."

"Did she ask you to help her with the files?"

"Yes sir."

"Has the accused ever asked you for anything during the time he worked there?"

Jerry thought for a monment.  "Yes, but it wasn't anything medical sir,"he finally replied.

"In your words, what did the accused ask you that wasn't medical?"

"He wanted to know if I would tell him what Lucy's schedule was."

"Why did he want to know that?"

"I guess he was curious."

"Did you ask him why he wanted to know her schedule for?"

"Yes sir. "

"What did he say?"

"He said he wanted to know when she got off so he could ask her for a date that night."

"Did you tell him?"

"No sir.  It's against hospital rules to give out that information unless you're given permission to
do so."

"If he knew it was against hospital rules, why did he ask you that?"

"I have no idea sir.  I told him it was against the rules, and if Lucy wanted him to know, she'd tell
him herself."

"Jerry, have you ever seen the accused watching Lucy at any time while you're at the desk?"

"Yes sir.  A couple of times."

"Thank you.  No more questions."

"Your witness Mr. Standford," Judge Joseph said.

"Thank you your honor.  Jerry, did my client ever ask you for anything else while he worked
there?," Mr. Standford asked as he took the poduim.

"Yes sir."

"What did he ask you  for other than Lucy's schedule?"

"He asked me for one of his patient's charts that he needed."

"So, he did ask you for something that didn't pertain to Lucy at one time. Correct?"

"Yes sir."

"When you said you noticed him watching Lucy a couple of times, just how did my client look at
her?"

"It's kind of hard to say sir.  He just watched her like he was interested in her or something."

"He didn't smirk or have a wicked grin on his face, did he?"

"No sir.  He just looked at her."

"No more questions your honor."

"Redirect Mr. Brown?"

"No your honor.  The State Rests."

"You may begin your case Mr. Standford."

"I call Dale Midcliff to take the stand your honor," Mr. Standford said.

Dale walked towards the witness stand, and was sworn in by the ballif.

"Mr. Midcliff, why were you on the grounds of the hospital lot that day when you had been
suspended?," Mr. Standford asked his client.

"I wanted to ask Lucy why she had been ignoring me at work since she didn't answer my calls,"
Dale replied.

"You are sure it wasn't revenge for being suspended?"

"At first it was."

"Who did you blame for your suspension?"

"John Carter.  I thought he had suggested that I be suspended to Dr. Greene."

"Do you have a grudge against Dr. Carter for some reason?"

"No sir."

"Why didn't you ask Lucy that question instead of grabbing her like you did? Was it your intention
to make Dr. Carter pay for something you know now he didn't do by using his wife?"

"Yes, and I'm ashamed of it now."

"Why didn't you let Lucy go when she begged you to?"

"I don't know why I didn't."

"Did you intend to do serious harm to Lucy?"

"No sir.  I never meant to scare her or harm her that day."

"No futher questions your honor."

"Your witness Mr. Brown," the judge told Emment.

"Thank you your honor.  You say that you never intended to do her serious harm.  Is that
correct?," Emment asked as he began his crossexaimnation.

"Yes sir."

"I find that hard to believe when your actions and words prove otherwise. Do you remember what
you said to her that day when you grabbed her in the parking lot?  I'm sure the court reporter can
read them back."

"I don't remember what I said sir."

"Why didn't you tell Lucy that you meant her no harm that day instead of terrifing her like you
did?"

"I never meant to terrify her."

"Please answer the question.  Why didn't you tell Lucy that you meant her no harm?"

Dale gulped.  He was starting to get nervous.  "I guess I didn't think about it at the time."

"You didn't think about it at the time.  How was Lucy supposed to know that you meant her no
harm if you didn't think to tell her that?  Couldn't you see that she was terrified at what you were
doing?"

"Objection!  Your honor, he is bagering my client!," Mr. Standford said.

"Overruled."

"How was she supposed to know you meant her no serious harm if you didn't tell her?"

"I guess I let my own emotions and plans get in the way."

"Didn't you realize that she only wanted to be your friend and nothing else when she told you?"

"No sir.  I thought she felt the same way about me as I did about her."

"She didn't though, did she?"

"No sir."

"You expect the jury to beleive that you never intended to do serious harm to Lucy Carter that
day when you never told her?  Just what your intentions towards her that day?"

"I don't know what my intentions towards her were that day."

"In your words, what did she think your intentions were?"

"The witness will answer the question please," the judge told Midcliff seeing how he was
hesiatating.

Dale remembered the look in her eyes that day, and it made him shiver.

"I guess she thought I meant to rape her right there in the parking lot."

"Thank you.  No more questions your honor."

"Redirect Mr. Standford?"

"No your honor.  The defense rests."

"The witness may step down now."

Dale returned to the defense table feeling like he had just nalied the lid on his coffin.

"Seeing as how the state and defense has rested their cases today, tomorrow, we will begin the
closing arguments with each side having one hour to present them.  After which, I will instruct the
jury on the law as it pertains to the facts of this case according to the evidence presented.  The
jury is dismissed until nine oclock tomorrow morning," Judge Joseph told the courtroom rapping
her gavel once.

The jury stood and one by one left the jury box.  The judge left, and then the rest of the people
left the room.
 

Chapter 29

Standford entered his office and shut the door behind him.  He went over to the coffee pot, and
poured himself a cup of coffee before he went over and sat down at his desk to begin working on
his closing argument. He had not expected Emment to ask his client the question of what Lucy
thought his client's intention was. Since he had, Standford knew he should've redirected, but he
thought his client had made it clear that he had not intended to do her serious harm that day.
Now, he must use his closing agrument to show the jury that his client wasn't about to rape Lucy
in the parking lot, and that he's not a monster. "Mrs. Peterson, I don't want to be disturbed at all.
No calls please," he told his secreatry over the intercom.

"Yes sir.  I'll make sure you're not disturbed," Mrs. Peterson replied from her desk intercom.

Standford took a sip of his coffee, and turned on his computer.  He had a lot of writing to do, and
he had better get started even if it took him most of the afternoon and evening to get it done.

Meanwhile, Emment was at Mc Ginty's to pick up Marissa to take her home as he promised.

"You ready to go home Marissa?," he asked smiling at her and the others.

"Yes Emment.  I'm so proud of you for the way you asked those questions today," Marissa
replied.

"Thanks honey.  I've got my closing argument to work on for tomorrow."

"Good luck tomorrow Emment," Gary told him smiling at his friend.

"Thanks.  Why don't you and Toni come to court tomorrow morning and you can listen to it with
Marissa? I'm going to have to mention your name again in it, and I want you there so the jury can
look at you when they hear your name mentioned."

"It'll mean taking the kids to her parents again, but I think she'll go. We'll be there."

"Good.  Let's go home Marissa."

He and Marissa left the bar saying good night to their friends and telling them they'll see them
tomorrow.

Later, Gary went home and told Toni that Emment wanted them at the courthouse tomorrow.

"He warned me that he was going to mention my name in his closing argument, and wants me
there so that the jury can look at me when they hear my name mentioned," he told her in their
living room.

Toni sighed.  "I'll call Mom and tell her that I'm bringing the kids over there again and why.  I was
surprized that the defense didn't redirect Midcliff after Emment asked that question about what
Lucy thought his intentions were," she said sipping her coffee.

"Maybe he was taken off guard somehow, and didn't know how to respond. Anyway, I bet
Emment's closing arugument is going to be really good."

The next morning , Gary and Toni arrived at the courthouse after dropping off their children at
Toni's parent's house promising to pick them up after court was over with.

"Well, this is it.  It all comes down to this, the closing arguments," Toni said as they went inside
the courtroom.

"Yeah, and Emment's already seated at his table ready to go it looks like," Gary replied sitting
down.

"All rise.  Court is now in session.  The Honorable A. J. Joseph presiding," the baillif told
everyone.

Everyone rose as the judge came from her chambers in her robe, and sat down in her chair.

"You may be seated.  We will now hear closing arguments.  Mr. Brown, you may go first,"  she
said.

Emment took his typed pages of his closing argument and approached the poduim to face the
jury.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Dale Midcliff not only committed one crime that day in the parking lot,
but three. He came to the parking lot looking for revenge against someone whom he thought had
him suspended, and proceed to take it out on the person who had no part in what had taken place
in the meeting.  Lucy Knight Carter was on her way home from work, and had plans to enjoy a
nice dinner with her husband and grandmother-in-law.  However, her happy evening plans
suddenly took a turn for the worse that she never expected. She was about to get in her jeep to
drive home when she was grabbed from behind by the accused who was not suppose to be on the
grounds because of a suspension.  Criminal Tresspass is being on somewhere that you're not to be
due to some reason.  That was his first crime.  His second crime was battery when he grabbed
Lucy from behind and would not let her go even when she begged him to.  He wants us to believe
that he never meant to hurt her in any way, but how was she to know that?  You remember that I
asked him in his own words what Lucy thought his intentions were that day.  His actions and
words to her spoke of attempted assult.  If Gary Hobson hadn't been passing by and saw what
was happening, who knows what would've happened to Lucy? Gary Hobson prevented Lucy from
being seriously harmed by the accused.  As I said in my opening statement,  Midcliff is not
accused of rape, but the potential for it was there.  He couldn't give a straight answer when I
asked him why he didn't tell her that he meant her no serious harm.  Lucy was being harssed by
the accused at work and even during her college years.  You heard her roommate say that Lucy
had a test to study for one night, and that she had told the accused that she couldn't go out with
him because of it. He even asked for her schedule at work knowing it was against the rules to do
so.  Lucy had made it clear to him that she only wanted to be friends with him, and nothing more.
This and everything else you have heard should tell you that this is a man who had no respect for
her feelings, and put her in fear of being serious harmed that day in the parking lot.  He knew he
had committed three serious crimes, but he wants us to believe that he meant her no harm that
day.  I submitt to you that his actions and words prove otherwise, and that he should be found
guilty on all counts.  Lucy is the victim, and it is she whom we should remember.  Thank you
ladies and gentlemen," Emment told the jury, and went back to his table.

Standford went to the poduim to begin his closing agrument to the jury. "Ladies and gentlemen:
my client's actions that day are questionable of that I will not argue with the D. A., but my client
is not a monster.  He did not stalk her, nor did he give her cause for concern at times.  He only
wanted to ask her why she was ignoring him at work, but did not get the chance to.  He should
have told her that he meant her no serious harm, but sometimes, the brain does not work when the
opportunity arises.  He had no reason to do Lucy serious harm, nor did he have any reason to
rape her.  As for calling her on the night that she had the test to study for, my client did not use
his common sense.  I am sure he is sorry for bothering the other women in the dorm by his lurking
as the guard told you.  As for his looking at her strangely at work, he did not smirk at her, nor did
he have a wicked grin on his face when he saw her walk by.  He simply misunderstood what she
had told him. A simple mistake.  He held no grudge against her husband for anything that might
have warrant revenge. He has been overheard by others making uncharactertistic remarks
concering Lucy, but it was only talk like most men do about women.  As a doctor, he knew what
the rules were about bothering someone at work, and he did use poor judgement in a couple of
cases.  He now regrets what he did, and wants you to believe that he truly meant no serious harm
to Lucy Carter that day in the parking lot.  He is human just like everyone here, and he has made
some serious mistakes that he knows he must pay for, but he is not a monster who goes after
women for no reason.  Thank you," he told the jury and returned to his seat.

Emment addressed the jury again.  "No one said that the acussed is a monster.  As a doctor,
Midcliff knew better than to bother Lucy during work when she was with Dr. Ross and any other
doctor.  He also knew that once suspended, he was not allowed back on the hospital grounds until
given the okay to come back. His remorse I think has come too late.  Was he sorry for bothering
the other women as well as Lucy in the dorm that night she had to study?  I don't think so.  He
has never said he was sorry.  Did he apologise to Lucy for what he did to her that day?  No, he
did not.  She was in fear of him and what his intentions were that day. Remember she said that she
had begged him to let her go because he was hurting her, and he refused? He is not sorry for what
he did, and his actions and words proved that he did mean to cause her serious harm. Take a look
at Lucy and put yourself in her place that day.  I will not ask you to use your emotions to make
your verdict because I know it would not be fair, but Lucy would ask you to do the right thing for
her based on what you have heard here during the past weeks.  Thank you."

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury:  you have heard all of the evidence in this case and the closing
agruments. I will now instruct you on the law.  You will take all the transcripts and other evidence
into the jury room with you when you begin your delibrations. You may disregrad any evidence
you find that is questionable.  You must find without a reasonable dobut that the accused did
committ the act of criminial tresspass when he entered the hospital parking lot when he was
suspended. If you find that he did committ this act without a reasonable dobut, then you must find
him guilty.  You must also find without a reasonable dobut that he committed the crime of battery
against Lucy, and that he intended to do her serious harm.  If you find  that he did committ the
crime of battery against her, and that he intended to her do her serious harm, you must find him
guilty. If however, you find that he did committ the crime of battery against Lucy, but did not
intend to do her serious harm, you must find him not guilty of the lesser crime.  Third, you must
decide that he committed the crime of attempted assult against her without a reasonsable dobut.
If you find that he did committ the crime of attempted assult against her without a reasonable
dobut, then you must find him guilty.  If you find that he did not committ the crime of attempted
assult against Lucy, then you must find him not guilty.  Please base your verdicts on the facts of
the case and the evidence you have heard given by each of the witnesses.  Do not let your
emotions make your verdicits.  You must decide whose testiamony to believe upon basing your
verdicits on.  I wish you luck in your delibration, and you may adjourn to the jury room to begin
your delibrations,"  the judge told the jury, and the jury rose to go to their room to begin their
delibtrations.

The fate of Dale Midcliff was now in their hands.
 

Chapter 30

Everyone in Chicago waited for the jury to come with their verdicts against the accused in the
trail.  The jury was still deliberating on the second day, and Emment had promised to call Mc
Ginty's when he got the word that a verdict had been been reached by the jury so that his wife and
friends could come to the courthouse.

"I have to say that Emment did a great job with his closing agrument  the other day Gar," Chuck
said. Gary nodded.  "Yeah, he did.  He wanted the jury to put theirselves in Lucy's place that day
and feel what she felt when Midcliff grabbed her in the parking lot.  As soon as he knows a
verdict's been reached, he's going to call her and tell us so we can go to courthouse to see it," he
replied as he took a sip of his coffee.

"Jade's been following the trail on the news, and she's pulling for Emment to win.  She said that
she wants him to know that."

"How is your wife doing?  You're going to be a daddy pretty soon."

"She's fine, but I wish that she'd go to another flavor of ice cream for her cravings.  It's
embrassing to explain to the clerk everytime why I'm buying so much chocolate for.  She
understands, but she always give me a strange look when I pay for the ice cream."

Gary laughed.  "Get used to it pal.  Toni was the same way when she was carrying the twins."

Marissa came out of the office just then having answered the phone.

"That was Emment from the courthouse.  The jury has reached a verdict, and he wants us there,"
she said.

"Go ahead Gar.  I'll keep a watch on the place for you.  Tell me what the verdict is later."

Gary promised he would, and he and Marissa walked out the door together to the van.

Toni has said that she'd meet him at the courthouse once the verdict had been reached the other
night.

Ten minutes later, Gary and Marissa arrived at the courthouse, and Emment went to greet them.

"The jury will be coming in just a few minutes.  I'll take Marissa in while you wait for Toni," he
told Gary.

Gary nodded.  A few mintes later, Toni arrived, and she and Gary entered the courtroom
together.

The bailff told everyone to rise as Judge Joseph entered from her chambers.

"You may be seated.  I understand the jury has reached a verdict.  Please call them in," she said.

The bailff nodded and went to the jury room to tell the jury to come to the courtroom.

Five minutes later, the jury entered the jury box not once looking at the accused as they entered.

"Ladies and gentlemen, have you reached a verdict?," the judge asked.

The foreman stood up. "We have your honor," he replied.

"The defendant will please rise."

Dale Midcliff stood up from his seat to hear what the verdict was as did his attorney.

"The bailff will read the charges."

"As to count one, the charge is criminal tresspass.  What is your verdict?"

"Guilty."

"As to count two, the charge is battery.  What is your verdict?"

"Guilty."

"As to count three, the charge is attempted assualt.  What is your verdict?"

"Guilty."

"So say you all?"

"Yes.  So say we all."

Tears of relief were in Lucy's eyes as she heard guilty three times .

John held her hand and smiled at her glad that her nightmare was finally over.

"The defendant has been found guilty on all three counts.   He is to be taken into custody to await
sentencing which will take place three months from now.  I thank the jury for their time and
patience during this trail. You have served your town well, and your verdicts were made with
careful deliberation on your part.  You are dismissed, and again thank you for your time.  Court is
adjourned," the judge told the audience raping her gavel once and left the bench.

Marissa hugged Emment proud that he had won his first big case as a lawyer.

"You did it Emment!  You won your first big case!  Congrulations!," she told him.

"Thanks Marissa.  I didn't win it just for me.  I won it for Lucy," Emment replied honestly.

Lucy and John came over to congrulate Emment on a job well done.

"Thank you so much Mr. Brown.  Knowing that Dale won't be around for a while makes me feel
like I'm finally free of him and this whole nightmare," Lucy told Emment shaking his hand.

"You're welcome Lucy.  You can put this whole thing behind you now, and move on with your
life."

"I'm going to make sure that she does Emment.  First thing she's doing when she gets home, is
rest.  I'm not just saying because I"m a doctor either. I'm saying it as her husband," John said.

"Take care you two."

"Nice going Emment!  You really did a good job with this case," Toni told him smiling.

"Thanks Toni.  Let's get out of here and celebrate at Mc Ginty's."

They all left the courtroom and headed back to Mc Ginty's to celebrate Emment's victory.

Eploigue

Dale Midcliff stood in front of the judge's bench in the orange jumpsuit that prisoners wore, his
hands  handcuffed in front of him as he waited for the judge to sentence him with his lawyer
present.

"On the count of criminal tresspass, you  will serve two years in the state prison.  On count two,
battery, you will serve a sentence of two years, which will be followed by a sentence of eight
years for the count of attempted assult.  Your sentence is 12 years in the state prison faculity. You
will also write a letter of apology to Lucy Carte saying how sorry you are for what you did to her,
and will not attempt to call her or have any contact with her.  You will pay your lawyer's fee, and
also pay any damage you may have done to the hospital.  It makes me sad  to sentence such a fine
doctor which you were at one time, but you showed no remorse and no respect for Lucy and the
hospital by your actions.  I hope that you will think hard about what you did and that, when you
get out, you will be able to show people that you will never do this again. Your sentence starts
now," Judge Joseph told Midcliff, who accepted his sentence without agrument.
 
 

Email the author: lori@maplecity.com
 

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