Edward's Dilemma Read Online Free Page A

the judge had seated herself, the bailiff called out another directive.  “Please be seated.  Court is now in session.”  The bailiff briefly fumbled with a few papers until he was able to locate the pertinent document.  Once found, he pressed on.
    “We’re present today to address the case of the State of Colorado versus the following two defendants:  Edward Bryant, and Josh Tyler.  Case number is 1995 dash 5325.  This is an arraignment hearing.”  After another brief pause, the bailiff continued.  “Will the assigned counsel please stand and identify themselves?”  Edward’s attorney introduced himself first, and was followed a few seconds later by Josh’s attorney.  Once it was established who was representing whom, the next order of business was to positively verify the identities of the defendants.  Finally, the bailiff motioned for all to be seated.
    Judge Frederick instructed the prosecuting attorney to present the State’s argument.
    “Good morning, your honor.  I’m Arthur Klipp, Prosecuting Attorney, on behalf of Stuart County, State of Colorado.   I’m here to present state’s indictments, counts one through two, against the defendants in the case, 1995 dash 5325, of the State of Colorado versus Edward Bryant, and Josh Tyler.  The counts, your honor, are as follows:  Count 1 – Second Degree Assault; Count 2 – Destruction of Property.”  Arthur stopped talking, and looked expectantly at the judge.
    “Mr. Bryant, has your attorney explained the charges against you?” the judge asked.
    Edward nodded his head, and meekly replied “Yes, your honor.”
    “And how do you plead – guilty, or not guilty?”
    “I plead not guilty, your honor.”  Edward’s voice trembled as the words came out.  He almost sounded as if he was on the verge of tears, but he managed to hold them back.  Robotically, the judge proceeded with her line of questioning.
    “And Mr. Tyler, has your attorney explained the charges against you.”
    “Yes, you honor.”
    “And how do you plead – guilty, or not guilty?”
    “I plead not guilty, your honor.”
    “Mr. Klipp, you may continue,” the judge said.
    “Your honor, the State is asking that bail be set in the amount of $125,000 for both defendants.  In addition, if either of the defendants makes bail, the State requests that he surrender his passport, and be required to check in daily – by phone – to indicate his whereabouts.”
    For the next twenty minutes, the arraignment hearing continued.  Arthur didn’t miss a beat as he methodically described the crimes which had been committed, as well as the character backgrounds of the defendants.  Eventually, after the judge had decided upon the bail amount and numerous other issues, she ordered a ten minute recess.  Edward and Josh were escorted back to their cells in the county jail.
     
     
    JERRY’S ARRAIGNMENT hearing began after the recess, and was almost identical to that of Edward and Josh.  The main difference, apart from lasting half as long, was that Jerry was charged with First Degree Assault rather than Second Degree.  As a result of this difference, his bail amount was a whopp’n $250,000.  Jerry was dumbstruck by the amount – and also scared.
    Stuart Co. Jail, Tank2C
    9 August, 3:03 AM
     
    EDWARD HAD had a difficult time falling asleep the previous evening on account of the disturbing news he’d received in court...
     
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    IT MUST have been a Saturday because his parents were busy doing chores.  His dad was staining the deck, while inside the house his mother was making a cake.  Edward watched them, as he sat at the kitchen table eating a banana.
    He noticed a fly, at the end of the table, feasting on the remains of a half-eaten English muffin.
    As usual, there was some guy outside doing yard work.  Edward could see him through the sliding-glass door.  He didn’t look familiar, but that wasn’t a surprise; Edward’s dad was always inviting