Page 109 of Precise Justice

The second chair for the prosecution was a woman Marc did not know at all. Her name was Celia Raines. Marc made a note to have Tony Carvelli find out about her through Tony’s cop buddies.

Marc stood up, shook hands with Hughes as they cordially greeted each other. Marc could not help sneaking a peek at the shorter, younger man’s receding hairline and expanding waistline.

Hughes introduced Marc to Celia Raines, a very pretty black woman still in her mid-twenties. When Marc sat down again, Maddy leaned over––Robbie was between them––to speak to Marc.

“She’s really pretty,” Maddy whispered.

Marc, looking straight ahead so as not to make eye contact said, “Oh, really? I didn’t notice.”

This elicited a loud laugh from Maddy. She playfully punched Marc in the shoulder while saying, “That was pretty good. Nice try.”

Marc looked at Robbie and said, “Like she never notices other men.”

Robbie smiled for the first time, looked at Maddy who straightened up, lifted her head and haughtily said, “That’s true. I don’t ever look at other men.”

This caused Robbie to laugh, which helped her relax.

Judge Foster announced the case name and number then took a minute to address the crowd. With a serious judge expression, he acknowledged the media interest and the crowds this case would attract. Decorum would be strictly enforced.

Foster looked at both tables then held his hands out, palms up.

“Please rise,” he said. “Starting with council for the state, please note your appearance.”

After the lawyers gave their names for the record, Foster looked at Marc and asked, “The woman at your table, Mr. Kadella?”

“Her name is Madeline Rivers. She is a licensed investigator who is working for me on this case. Her presence helps to comfort my client who is a bit nervous, never having been in any situation like this. I took the liberty of having Ms. Rivers here today. I didn’t think the court would mind.”

“That’s fine. No problem. She doesn’t go by Madeline Kadella?” Foster asked with a sly smile. “Yes, Mr. Kadella, I know who she is, you lucky dog.”

“Not yet, your Honor,” Maddie answered. “I still have time to think about it.”

“Ms. Craig,” Foster said to Robbie, “have you received a copy of the indictment?”

Robbie looked at Marc, who nodded slightly.

“Yes, your Honor,” Robbie said.

“We’ll waive reading of the indictment, your Honor,” Marc said.

“Very well,” Foster said. “Ms. Craig, do you understand there are five counts of first-degree murder in the indictment?”

“Yes, your Honor,” Robbie was barely able to say.

Foster then went over Robbie’s various constitutional rights and asked if she understood them.

“Yes, your Honor.”

“How do you plead to the charges contained in the indictment.”

For the first time Robbie spoke firmly, clearly and with authority. “Not guilty.”

“Very well, so entered. Mr. Hughes, anything?”

“The state would like to revisit bail, your Honor,” he replied.

“Why? Nothing’s changed,” Marc blurted out.

“Mr. Kadella, address the court,” Foster said.

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