Page 42 of The Perfect Marriage

“It is my understanding that the defendant is planning to plead not guilty to the charges brought by the People. Before I take your plea, I must ensure that you understand your constitutional and statutory rights. You have a right to be represented by counsel at this arraignment, which I see you have already retained.”

“Yes, Your Honor,” Adam says.

“You have a right to a preliminary hearing within ten court days after the arraignment or entry of a plea. You have the right to a speedy trial…” Judge Dionne goes on and on. I’ve heard this spiel a thousand times before, but this is Adam’s first time hearing it. He listens attentively, never breaking eye contact with the judge. I don’t realize I’ve zoned out until the judge finishes with, “Do you understand these rights?”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“Mrs. Morgan, do you believe that you have had enough time to discuss this case with your client? Have you discussed his rights, defenses, and the possible consequences of his plea with him? Are you satisfied your client understands these things?” Judge Dionne asks.

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“Mr. Morgan, are you prepared to enter your plea?”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“Mr. Morgan, you are charged with double homicide in the first degree. To that charge, what is your plea?”

Adam stands. “Not guilty, Your Honor,” he says with all the confidence in the world.

“The court accepts the defendant’s plea of not guilty. Court is scheduled to begin two weeks from today, Monday, November 2nd. Bail is set at $500,000.”

“Your Honor, the state recommends that Adam Morgan be held without bail,” D.A. Peters says.

“Your Honor, that’s ridiculous.” I stand.

“Adam Morgan is facing the death penalty. He has the means to flee. We believe he is a flight risk, Your Honor,” D.A. Peters argues.

“This is his first criminal charge of any crime whatsoever. My client has been cooperative throughout this process,” I argue.

“I’ve heard both sides. Bail is set at $500,000, and Adam Morgan will be put on house arrest for the duration of the trial,” Judge Dionne rules.

“Thank you, Your Honor,” I say.

“Court dismissed.” Judge Dionne smacks his gavel.

“Well done.” D.A. Peters shakes my hand. “But don’t count on that kind of luck throughout the trial.”

“It’s not luck. It’s talent,” I say as he walks away.

“What happens now?” Adam looks at me.

“I’ll get the money pulled together right away, and you should be fitted for an ankle bracelet and discharged this afternoon. You will need to remain at the lake house during the trial. Sheriff Stevens cleared it yesterday, so it’s no longer an active crime scene. You’ll only be able to leave the house for set court dates. If you violate the terms of bail by either missing a court date or leaving the lake house, you’ll be thrown back in jail. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” He holds up his hands for the guard to cuff him.

“I’m going to go to talk to Sheriff Stevens. I’ll meet you at the lake house this afternoon. An officer will bring you home.”

“Okay. Thank you, Sarah.”

Anne packs up our stuff and follows me. As I pass Eleanor, she nods and gives me a pleased smile. It’s the first time I’ve ever received one from her. I return a tight smile of my own.

Sheriff Stevens is waiting at the back of the courtroom, holding a couple of file folders stuffed with papers.

“Hey, Sarah,” he says, doing his best James Dean impression fromRebel Without A Cause.He is leaning up against the wall, head slightly cocked, eyes slightly squinted.

“Sheriff Stevens, this is my assistant Anne. Anne, Sheriff Stevens.” They shake hands and exchange greetings.

“The test results on that scotch came back. They did find Rohypnol in it, and we tested the blood draw we took from Adam the night of his arrest. There wasn’t any Rohypnol in his system.”

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