Chapter 30
Doug dozed off just as the rooster crowed. He was so tired, it didn’t even startle him. He was slumped over, asleep at the desk when Mark came in. “Uncle Doug? Uncle Doug?”
“Um huh? Oh, hey Mark. What time is it?”
“It’s almost time for breakfast. Have you been up all night?”
“Pretty much. I think I dozed for an hour or so.”
“Man’ are you going to be ok for court today?”
“Sure after a few cups of coffee, I’ll be fine.”
“Ok, well I’ll tell Sue to make it extra strong for you. It’s about 15 minutes til breakfast.”
“Great! I am gonna wash up and be right out.” Doug walked to the bathroom and washed up. As he headed to the table, he heard Ms. Sue ringing the breakfast bell. “Mornin’ Mr. Doug,” she said as she walked back to the kitchen. She came right back with a fresh pot of coffee. Pouring Doug a cup, she said “Good and strong for you busy day.”
“Thank you, Ms. Sue. Breakfast smells wonderful.”
“Thank you sir. Go right ahead and help yourself. Breakfast is a bit more laid back as the
boys will straggle in when they can.”
“Thank you. I need to shower and get going soon anyway.”
“Yes, I know. I hope things go well today. I hate the thought of Mrs. Katie being there.”
“Me too,” said Doug taking a sip of coffee as Sue disappeared into the kitchen.
The ranch crew straggled in just as Sue said they would. They all greeted Doug, hurriedly ate breakfast and then got back to work. Just as Doug was finishing, Mark came in. “I wanted to eat with you Uncle Doug, but I had business to tend to.”
“It’s okay Mark. I understand. I need to get ready and get going. I have some things to take care of before court. I will meet you at the courthouse about 9:30. I’ll get us in to talk with Katie for a few minutes before court. So if you want to take her a few things to freshen up, she should have the chance.”
“Ok great,” answered Mark. “Let me know if I can do anything.”
“Just be there for her. I am sure she needs it,” Doug said as he headed upstairs
to his room.
Mark knew Doug is right. Katie needed him now more than ever, yet he felt helpless. He almost began to cry just thinking about it. The phone rang and startled him. Sue yelled from the kitchen that she would answer it. Mark finished his breakfast just a Sue came out to say, “Sir it’s Mrs. Katie. She needs to talk to you and only has a couple of minutes.”
Mark rushed to the office and picked up the phone. “K, are you alright?”
“Yes Mark, I am fine. I only have a few minutes. I need you to bring me a couple of things. I am restricted what I can have so only bring what I tell you to.”
“You got it babe. I’ll write it down.” Katie told him several items to bring her to freshen up before court. “Ok, that should do it. Hey, is Uncle Doug around?”
“No, he is getting ready. He has a few errands to run before court today. Do you need me to tell him something?”
“Yes, I need him to go pick something that he will need today. Tell him to go 5102 Gilbert Drive, Suite 207. Give his name at the front desk and they should have some paper work for him.”
“Ok, I can do that but is this something I can get? I am sure he is very busy.”
“No, sorry it has to be him. They will only release it to him
. Sorry, they say my time is up. Are you going to come early with Doug so I ca
n see you before court starts?”
“Yes’ I will be there. I love you K!”
“I love you too hun! Bye.”
Katie hung up. Mark writes the address down for Doug. He then headed to his and Katie’s room to get the things she asked for. He found a small bag to put them all in and then took it out to the truck so he did not forget it. Just as he returned to the house, Doug came down the stairs. “Hey Doug, Katie called and left you a message.”
“She did? Wow, I am surprised they let her call. What did she say?”
“She wanted you to go to this address,” Mark handed Doug the paper. “She said to give them your name and they will give you some papers.”
“What kind of papers?” he asked.
“I don’t know. She wouldn’t say but said you would need them today.”
“Ok, well, I will run by there while I am doing my other things. Is there anything else?”
“No, that was it. She gave me a list of stuff to bring her. I already have it in the truck.”
“Great. I am sure they will search it when you go in so don’t be surprised. I better get going so I can get all my errands done. See you at the courthouse at 9:30.”
“I’ll be there.”
With that Doug left to run his errands and track down some information for the appearance in court. Mark went back out and tried to get some work done but it was hard because he kept thinking about Katie. Finally he decided it was time to get ready and head to the courthouse.
Mark arrived at the courthouse right at 9:30. Doug got there just after him. “Hey Mark. Good timing. I got some information here and I think we will be able to get her out today.”
“Great, Uncle Doug,” Mark said with a smile. “I am sure she will like to hear that.”
“Well, let’s go find out. Shall we?” Doug opened the door and gestured for Mark to enter.
Doug went up to the desk and spoke to the officer. He pointed to Mark and then said something else. Then he said, “Come on Mark we can go in.” They walked down the long drab hallway. As they rounded the corner, Katie saw them and jumped up with a smile. “Hey Guys. Glad to see you.” The guard unlocked the door and told them he would be back when it was time for court. Mark and Doug entered and he shut the door behind them. Katie gave Mark a huge hug and kiss and then gave Doug a hug. “Ok Uncle Doug did you get those papers?”
“Yes I did K-bird. I must say.” Katie interrupted, “Glad you got them. Just give them to the judge.” She gave Doug a wink as if to tell him not to talk about it in front of Mark. Mark saw what is going on. “Am I missing something here?” he asked.
Doug chuckled, “No just not wanting to talk about court. Right K-bird?” Doug winked at Katie. “Right Uncle Doug. So Mark, did you bring my stuff?”
“Yes I did sweetie. Here you go.” He handed Katie the bag. “Do you guys mind if I freshen up? I don’t have anywhere to go.”
Doug spoke up, “Not at all. I’ll turn around so you can have some privacy and just talk to you about our plan today while you are changing.”
“Thanks Uncle Doug. Go right ahead.”
Katie changed clothes and freshened up while she, Mark, and Doug talked about what would happen today. They were just finishing when the bailiff came to get them. He took Doug and Mark to the courtroom. He then returned to get Katie and brought her through the prisoner door. He led her to the chair next to Doug. He then took his place in front of the courtroom and called everyone to order right at 10:00.
Chapter 31
The judge took his seat. “Okay, we are here this morning for a bail hearing in the case of Mrs. Warren-Dean vs. the United States Government. Counsel for Mrs. Dean is Douglas Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery, have you had adequate time to look over the case?”
“Yes I have, your honor.”
“Are you ready to proceed, Mr. Montgomery?”
“Yes we are, your honor.”
“Then we will proceed.” The judge continued, “I have looked over all the paperwork and evidence so far presented by the prosecution. Is there anymore from that side?”
“No, your honor,” replied the prosecutor. “We will present the rest at trial. However, I would like to make a statement about bail.”
“You may do that when I am ready. Now for the defense. Do you have any evidence or paperwork that you would like me to take into considerati
on for bail?”
“Yes, your honor,” answered Doug. “We have a death certificate for Lt. Billy Jones, several affidavits, and a letter from Mrs. Dean’s physician.
“Physician? Is there some type of medical concern to be considered?” the judge asked. Katie leaned over to Doug and whispered something in his ear then turned and looked at Mark. Mark had a very concerned look on his face. Katie just smiled. Doug answers the question. “Yes, your honor. If you would like details Mrs. Dean asks that she tell you as her family does not know yet.”
“Mrs. Dean, I hardly think this is the correct time or place to do this. If it is in the letter from your physician, I will let that work for now until you can talk with your family. However, if further explanation is needed, we can talk in my chambers.”
Doug thanked the judge and handed the bailiff all the evidence. “Thank you. Is this all the evidence to be submitted for bail excluding a statement?” the judge asked as the bailiff handed him the papers.
“It is all, your honor,” says Doug.
“Then we will continue with statements. The prosecution may now proceed.”
The prosecutor thanked the judge and gives his statement. He detailed some of the evidence given and how they believed Katie should not be given bail due to the fact that she planned out such a vicious murder of a top notch Army officer. They also were not sure if this was an isolated case or if she might do it again. When he finished, the judge gave Doug a chance to make his statement.
“Thank you, your honor. As you will see from the evidence I submitted to you today, there are several discrepancies in what the prosecution says. Their statement about motive cannot be true. Mrs. Dean knew nothing of the death of Lt. Jones and was planning on marrying him. In fact, she found out about his death on their wedding day, several months before the prosecution says that he was killed. Also, we ask that you keep in mind that Mrs. Dean runs a very large business that people in this area have come to respect and depend on. Her absence from that would take a huge toll on her family, her employees, and the community. She needs time to help build her case and make sure her business is in order. Third, would be the letter from Mrs. Dean’s physician stating why he believes she should not be kept in custody. Your honor, this is obviously a big case and Mrs. Dean’s life is at stake. Please give us the time we need to prepare. Thank you your honor. That is all.”
“Thank you, Mr. Montgomery. I will consider what both the defense and the prosecution have said. I will need time to look over the evidence submitted today. We will adjourn for one hour. Please be back promptly at 11:45. I will make my statement and give the date the trial will begin before lunch, so please make sure you are on time. Court adjourned.”
As the judge slammed down his gavel and leaves, Mark rushed over to Katie. “What is this medical reason?” Katie looked around the courtroom, “Where’s Daddy?”
“He stepped outside to make a phone call. K tell me what is it?”
“I want to tell you both together.” Doug stepped over and asked the bailiff a question. The bailiff left the courtroom, is gone for a few minutes, then came back and told Doug something. Doug then moved over to where Mark and Katie were standing. “K-bird, the judge gave us permission to go to the coffee shop across the street so you can talk to them. We must have this officer go with us. He said just make sure we are back on time. We better get your father and go.”
Katie grabbed Mark’s hand and practically pulled him as he is still wondering what is going on. They found Katie’s father and all walked to the coffee shop across the street from the courthouse. They all ordered their coffee and sat down. Mark again asked, “K, what is this about? What’s wrong?”
Katie smiled, “Mark, nothing is wrong. I just wanted to tell you and Daddy face-to-face that I am… Well, I don’t know any other way to say it. This isn’t exactly how I planned on telling you but here goes.” Katie took a deep breath as Mark grabbed her hand, anticipating bad news. Finally Katie blurted out, “I’m pregnant!” She said it so loud that everyone in the coffee shop turned to look. Mark almost jumped out of his skin from excitement. “What? When? How? Okay, I know how but when did you find out? When are you due?”
Katie laughed at his comments. “Well, I just found out a few days ago for sure. I was going to tell you the other night then all this happened.
They think I am about two months along. No true due date set yet. I am suppose to go back in a few weeks.”
Katie’s father let them have their moment but he couldn’t contain it any longer. He stood up and announced to the entire coffee shop, “I’m gonna be a grandpa!” There were a few congratulations and applause, then everyone went back to what they were doing.
“Dad,” Katie continued when he sat back down, “if it’s a girl I’d like to name her after Mom. Would you be okay with that?"
“Okay with it? I think it’s perfect and could think of no better name. I have a feeling you won’t need a boy’s name. It’s gonna be a girl!”
Katie smiled at his confidence, “I think so, too.” “Hey don’t I get a say in this?” Mark interrupted. Katie smiled as if to say sure you do. Mark smiled and continued. “You understand of course, she’s gonna be a Daddy’s girl!” They all laughed and talked about the whole idea. After a few minutes Officer interrupted.
“I hate to break this up, but we need to go. It’s almost time for the judge to have his decision.”
They all walked back to the courtroom and only stood there a few minutes when they were called to order and the judge took his seat.
“Well, Mrs. Dean, I can see by the excitement on everyone’s face, you shared the news with your family. May I say congratulations?”
“Yes I did, your honor. Thank you for allowing me to do so.”
“You are most welcome. Now let’s proceed to the matter at hand. I have looked at all the information and agree that this is a very serious case. I can see where the defense says there are some discrepancies. I have also taken into consideration the statements given on both sides. Based on the fact that Mrs. Dean not only has a business to run but also has a statement from her physician and I do not believe her to be a threat to others or to run, I will agree to set bail. However, since this case is of a very sensitive nature, given its complexity and the seriousness of the charges, the bail will be substantial. Therefore, I will set bail at $500,000. Also Mrs. Dean is not allowed to travel outside the county limits of her home. If she does, bail will be revoked, and she will be retained until trial. Also at the request of the prosecution, Mrs. Dean personally is not allowed to contact witnesses or further investigate matters concerning this case nor is her father. She must leave this to her lawyer. Again, any violations will result in revocation. Mr. Montgomery, do you and your client understand these instructions?”
“Yes we do your honor,” Doug answered.
“Mrs. Dean, do you agree to these instructions,” the judge asked.
Katie answered, “Yes I do’ your honor.”
“Very well then,” the judge continued. “Bail is $500,000. We will begin trial on June 21st, two months from now. That should give everyone time to build their cases and be ready to go. Be in this courtroom on that date at 9 AM. Mr. Montgomery, is your client prepared to pay bail today?”
“Yes we are your honor,” Doug answered.
“Very well, when court is adjourned, my bailiff will take you and Mrs. Dean to sign the paperwork. Her family may wait in here and the bailiff will bring you back when you are finished. Is there anything else?” No one said anything. “Very well. Court adjourned until June 21.” The judge slammed his gavel down and left the courtroom. The bailiff came over to take Doug and Katie to complete the bail paper work, while Mark and Katie’s father remained in the courtroom to talk.
Doug and Katie were gone for about 20 minutes when the bailiff brought them back to the courtroom. He wished them a good day and disappeared out the door. “Can you go home now?” Mark asked.
“Yes, that sounds great,” Katie said.
Mark continued, “I already called the ranch and they are expecting us for a nice big lunch. Let’s get going.”
Katie smiled, “Great I am starved. After all, I am eating for two now.” Mark smiled at her and put his arm around her waist as they walked out of the courtroom. He opened the truck door and helped her inside. On the drive back to the ranch they talked about the upcoming baby and how they would tell the rest of the crew at the ranch. They put the finishing touches on a great plan just as they pulled up the drive.
When they got out everyone was very glad to see Katie. As they walked up on the porch, Sue was there to greet them and gives Katie a big hug. “So glad you are home Mrs. Katie.”
“Me too Ms. Sue. Me too,” Katie said. After Katie went into the house, Ms. Sue rang the bell for lunch. Everyone rushed in, washed up, and took their place at the table. When everyone was seated, Mark stood as everyone grabbed hands for the blessing. Mark began.
“Dear Lord, We thank you so much for this day. We thank you for allowing Katie to be here with us. We ask Father that you would continue to watch over her and this entire situation. We thank you for the blessing of this food and providing it for us, so that we may continue to do your work. Also Father we ask a special blessing on what will some be the newest addition to our family. Thank You. Amen.”
When he finished, everyone sat in silence and stared at Mark, wondering if they heard right. Finally, Ms Sue spoke, “Well don’t just sit there like knots on a log. Pass the mother-to-be some food. She’s gotta keep her strength up.” Everyone laughed, congratulated Katie and Mark, and then began to eat lunch. The baby, of course, was the topic of conversation the entire meal. Mark and Katie were both practically glowing. After lunch was finished, everyone went back to work and Mark and Katie sat in the living room relaxing and making plans for the nursery. “You know K, it was just about a year ago we were sitting here making wedding plans. Now we are planning for a child. Man time flies.”
“Yes it does,” Katie replied. They stole a kiss just as Doug comes in from smoking a cigar. “Hey you two. That’s how the baby thing gets started.” They all laughed.
“Uncle Doug,” asks Katie, “where’s Daddy? I thought he was going to join us for lunch.”
“He wanted to K-bird, but he had a meeting to go to. He said he’d try to be here for dinner.” “Meeting, what meeting?” Katie asked.
Doug hesitates, “Well, Katie. I am not supposed to tell you but I know he won’t. So you didn’t hear it from me. He lost the house.”
“He lost the house? How?”
“Well do you remember the incident he had a while back? It seems they changed the amount of the fine and your father had to give up most of his assets. He tried to keep the house but he finally had to give it up.”
“Oh my gosh, Doug. Why didn’t he tell me? I could have helped.”
“K-bird, you know your father would never accept your help. Besides there was just no way around it. Even if he’d kept it, he would have had no money to keep it up.”
“Doug, where is he going to live? He has no place to go.”
“I am not sure Katie. I have offered him my condo, but he says that’s too far away, especially now he has a grandchild on the way.” Mark spoke up. “He can live here.”
“Honey,” says Katie, “he’ll never go for that. He would want to give us privacy.”
“K,” continued Mark, “I don’t actually mean here in the house, but here on the ranch. I have a friend who wants to buy one of my good horses but he can’t afford the price. He builds custom log cabins for a living. I bet I could get him to build your father a cabin on one of the back acres for the horse. That way your father would be close, but we all would still have our privacy.” “Mark that’s a wonderful idea, but I still don’t think he would go for it. It’s the whole money thing. He’d never accept it.”
Doug spoke up, “Tell you what Katie. I have a plan. Mark, how long do you think it would take to get it built?”
“Well, he says it can have a pretty nice one built in about two or three months once he has the design. What you are planning?”
“Well, if I can buy you guys two or three months, you could design it. Have it built and then we can convince him to take it. Once it is done, he can’t turn it down. Katie, you know how he is. If you “go to the trouble”, he won’t say no. Technically you wouldn’t be giving him the house because it’s still here on your ranch. Just like a place to live. And if that doesn’t convince him, then we can always have him work it off on the ranch.” Doug laughed at his last statement.
Katie and Mark looked at each other and discussed it for a few minutes. “I think that just might work Doug. Mark can call his friend and have him out here first thing in the morning to get started on the design. With Daddy’s law background and his good sense of numbers, we’d hire him as law advisor and bookkeeper, since he can’t actually practice law for several more years. He’d love to work with the finances and he is great at it. That way he could earn his keep and make some money until he can find work again. Doug, do you know the stipulations of his licenses being suspended?”
“As far as I know, the only stipulation is that he can’t actually practice, meaning he can’t go into the courtroom and he can’t be the only attorney to sign any legal documents. He must have a cosigner of sorts.”
“Okay so he could do legal paper work for us like draw up documents as needed and such as long as someone else, like my favorite uncle, looks over them?”
Doug laughed, “Yes K-bird. Something like that and I be happy to look over anything or sign anything for him. I think it is all a great idea. We can pull this off.” They all agreed and Mark left to call his friend and set an appointment for the next morning. Just as he got off the phone, Katie’s father called to say he wouldn’t make it for dinner but that he’d be out at the ranch mid-morning the next day for sure.
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