Page 120 of Precise Justice

“Of course I’m with you.”

Maddy sat up, pulled off the T-shirt she was wearing climbed on top of Marc and said, “As long as we’re both awake, we might as well take advantage of it.”

FORTY-FIVE

Once again, Marc and Maddy along with Carvelli and Kellie Johnson the office intern/clerk got off the elevator and into a crowd. The hallway on the sixteenth floor was again jammed with would be spectators. Somehow, probably court personnel, let the public know there was a hearing today. They were going to be disappointed.

A sheriff’s deputy opened the security door to see who rang the bell.

“Hi, Maddy,” he said. “I see you brought Carvelli this time. Who’s the cute chick?”

“Behave yourself, Dale or we’ll tell Judge Foster you were harassing defense personnel,” Carvelli said.

Seeing the smile on Kellie’s face, Dale said, “I don’t think she minds.”

“I’m not sure you can say the same about your wife. Are you gonna let us in?” Carvelli said.

“Do I have to let the lawyer in?”

“He’s with me,” Maddy said.

“In that case, please, come in,” the deputy said.

“Morning, Ada,” Marc said to Judge Foster’s clerk.

“In chambers,” she whispered back. “Lawyers only, I’m afraid,” she said looking at the others.

“Kellie, you come with me,” Marc said.

“Go keep Philo occupied,” he said to Maddy and Carvelli.

“Come in,” Foster said when Marc and Kellie appeared in his doorway. “Close the door, please.”

Marc introduced Kellie and Foster welcomed her and allowed her in. The prosecution was already present along with two other lawyers. The judge’s court reporter was also set up, ready to go.

Foster introduced the two new lawyers and Marc immediately forgot their names. One was representing the clinicof Dr. Walter Miller, the other, the University of Minnesota and Phillip Friedman.

“Okay, George, fill in the caption and we’ll get started.

“Starting with the prosecution, all of you note your appearance for the record.”

When the lawyers, including Kellie, gave George their names and who they represented, Foster began.

“We’re doing this hearing in chambers because I decided it would be necessary to protect the names of medical patients. They have a right to privacy and privilege.

“Mr. Kadella, why are we here? Bearing in mind we have all received copies of the pleadings and supporting briefs, give us a Cliff’s notes version for the record.”

“Yes, your Honor. We’re here because the defense believes there are any number of patients of these two doctors, both victims of murder, who would have as much or more motive to kill them as the accused,” Marc began.

“Objection, overbroad, speculation, assumes facts not in evidence…” the lawyer for the surgeon’s clinic stood and said.

Judge Foster, giving the man a confused look, quickly said, “Overruled. Now, sit down and be quiet. You’ll get your turn.”

“These two doctors have been pushing children into gender affirmation treatment and surgery for years. And, they’ve made a lot of money doing it…”

“Don’t,” Foster said to the lawyer for the University as he started to stand.

“That’s precisely what happened to Robbie Craig. He was put under a lot of pressure by a number of people to go through barbaric surgery…”