One of the last people to enter caught Phil by surprise. It was Harrison Baldwin, accompanied by an older gentleman. Harrison nodded in Phil’s direction as they found two empty seats behind the Vandersols. Emily appeared pleased to see Harry. Well, wasn’t this a fun group.
The small courtroom filled to capacity as the prosecution, Marcus Evergreen, and the US Attorney came from a closed door and made their way to one table, and the defense, Brent and Tony, followed behind and made their way to the other. Tony’s gaze assessed the crowd, stopped momentarily on Baldwin, and then shifted to the front of the courtroom. In his customary thousand-dollar suit, Rawlings didn’t look like a man about to head to prison. He looked more like the CEO he was known to be. The courtroom fell silent as the judge entered, followed by the clerk.
Shattering the palpable stillness, the clerk announced, “The honorable Judge Jefferies presiding…”
Judge Jefferies didn’t waste any time. After some directions to the attorneys, he said, “Mr. Rawlings, in the matter of the United States versus Anthony Rawlings, how do you plead?”
Standing, Tony glanced at Brent, turned toward the bench, and proclaimed, “Guilty, Your Honor.”
Judge Jefferies asked, “Counsel, have you reached a settlement?”
The US Attorney replied, “Yes, Your Honor. The people have agreed to four years in a minimum-security federal prison camp, minus time served, $75,000 in fines, and probation.”
Emily gasped and turned to John and Jane. In a stage whisper she asked, “Tell me that isn’t all that he’s getting. Tell me there’s more.”
John reached for her hand and silently tried to soothe her.
Judge Jefferies continued, “Mr. Rawlings, do you know that by pleading guilty you lose the right to a jury trial?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Do you give up that right?”
Tony never wavered, “Yes, Your Honor.”
“Do you understand what giving up that right means?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know that you are waiving the right to cross-examine your accusers?”
Tony replied, “Yes.”
Judge Jefferies continued his questions, “Do you know that you are waiving your privilege against self-incrimination?”
“Yes.”
“Did anyone force you into accepting this settlement?”
“No. No one forced me.”
“You are being charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit murder and one count of kidnapping. Are you pleading guilty because you in fact conspired to kill Allyson Burke Bradley and Simon Johnson?”
“Yes.”
“Are you also pleading guilty because you in fact transported Claire Nichols across state lines without her knowledge or consent?”
“Yes.”
“From where to where did you transport Ms. Nichols?”
“From Georgia to Iowa, Your Honor.”
Emily’s shoulders shuddered as the proceedings continued.
“Did you know that what you were doing was illegal?”
Tony’s shoulders lifted and fell, but his chin remained high. “Yes, Your Honor.”
Judge Jefferies concluded, “Mr. Rawlings, you are hereby sentenced to four years in a minimum-security federal prison camp. I am also making the recommendation that while incarcerated you attend counseling with a state-appointed therapist. While not at the suggestion of the counsel, I believe it would be an excellent use of your time and helpful for your future. Upon completion of your sentence, you will serve two years’ probation. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Do you have any questions before we adjourn?”
“No, Your Honor.”
Judge Jefferies addressed the attorneys, “Any further questions or comments, Counselors?”
“No, Your Honor,” came from both tables.
“Mr. Rawlings, as agreed upon, your sentence will begin immediately.” Addressing the courtroom, “Ladies and gentlemen, you were permitted to attend this closed hearing. Be aware that it was closed for a reason. Any information regarding this hearing that is released to the press without the written approval of this court will be evidence to hold you in contempt.” Hitting his gavel, Judge Jefferies proclaimed, “We are adjourned.”
Phil watched as Tony shook Brent’s hand, leaned across the bar and hugged Courtney, and was then led away by the waiting bailiff.
Once the judge and Tony were gone from the courtroom, the people from Rawlings murmured amongst themselves as Patricia dabbed her eyes.
Emily’s voice rose above the whispers. “How could you?” she asked Marcus Evergreen. “With all of the charges against him, how could you agree to four years? What happened to sexual assault? What happened to murder? Allyson Bradley is dead! Simon Johnson is dead!”
Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.
—Martin Luther King, Jr.
“And you!” Emily growled toward Brent. “You claim to be Claire’s friend. How could you in good conscience defend him?” She pulled her arm from John’s grasp. “I’m not stopping. I want answers!”
“Not. Here,” John implored.
Jane whispered, “Emily, this is a conversation to be conducted in private.” Turning to Marcus, she asked, “Mr. Evergreen¸ could we possibly enter a private room and discuss what occurred?”