Page 104 of Precise Justice

“No, I don’t, your Honor.”

“Okay, then, one million dollars, cash or bond.

“To the charge of murder in the second degree, how do you plead?”

“Not guilty,” Robbie quickly said without looking for help from Marc.

“Anything else?” Lundgren asked.

When no one spoke, he moved for adjournment.

* * *

Sitting in an aisle seat of the third row behind the defense table was a familiar courtroom attendee. His name was Ernie Birnbaum and he ran a semi-respectable, lucrative bail bond business. Birnbaum Bail Bonds.

Ernie could also pass for a two or three inch taller twin brother of the actor, Danny Devito. To see Ernie and be told he was a bail bondsman, would surprise no one. He absolutely looked the part.

“We’re gonna get you out,” Blake, who had hurried against the crowd to Marc’s table, told Robbie.

“Okay,” Robbie said.

Maddy stood and gave her a hug. While this occurred, Marc said, “See this fine gentleman coming toward us, he’s going to get you out.”

“We’ll see, Kadella,” Ernie said in a voice that even sounded like Danny Devito. “A million bucks is nothin’ to sneeze at.”

“We have to take her, Mr. Kadella,” the female deputy said.

“We’ll get you out in no time,” Marc said.

“Okay,” Robbie said with a breaking voice.

When Robbie had been led away, Marc spoke to Ernie, “We can collateralize the bond with a two million dollar life insurance policy.”

“Tell me,” Ernie said.

“This is Robbie’s dad, Blake Craig. He has a two million dollar policy on his recently deceased wife…”

“You mean he’s about to get the money?”

“Yes, Ernie,” Marc said.

“He’s guaranteeing the full million, not just the hundred grand…”

“Twenty,” Marc said.

“…cost of the bond. Hundred,” Ernie repeated.

“It’s fully guaranteed,” Marc said. “The easiest twenty you’ll ever make.”

“You have the policy with you?” Ernie asked Blake.

“Yes.”

“I spoke to the insurance company yesterday,” Marc said. “They were waiting until Robbie was charged and not Blake. I’ll call them when I get back to the office. They’ll send the check overnight.

“I tell you what, you go down to twenty and I’ll have the check sent to your office so you can see it,” Marc said.

Maddy stepped up to Ernie, put her hand on his forearm while looking him in the eyes and softly saying, “Please, Ernie.”