Edward's Dilemma (2 page)

“Wait up you jerks.  You’d think this place was
gonna close in an hour.”

Edward pressed a button on his watch and noticed that it was 10:11 pm. 
Wow, that’s interesting,
he thought
.  Why’s the light on my watch so bright?  Cool!
 
Huh??  Yeah, that’s right.
  The bar wasn’t scheduled to close until 3am.  They should have plenty of time to down a few beers.  Although he didn’t expect to bed or wed anybody tonight, he at least hoped he could get a phone number or two.  Edward slipped on the pavement.  When he recovered, he took another few steps – and slipped again.  “Why do I keep slipping?” he asked himself.
 
His heart was racing even faster now.  A very large pre-historic bird flew by, and smacked into the side of the bar.  “What the...?”

♦   ♦   ♦

SUDDENLY, THE parking lot lit up and somebody was yelling.  “Get up!  Its 4 Am, gentlemen!  Breakfast is in half an hour!”  Edward’s eyes popped open, and immediately he realized he’d been dreaming.  Fully awake, now, he looked around.  His heart sank when he saw the bunk-beds. 
Dang it
, he thought. 
I’m back in the stink’n jail.

Stuart Co. Jail,
Intake Unit

6 August, 4:07 AM

EDWARD FELT like a fish out of water.  He wasn’t even sure if it was safe to go to the bathroom alone.  From what he’d seen on TV, he thought it might be a good idea to have a buddy who could watch his back.  And then there was the prospect of taking a shower.  He’d heard all sorts of horror stories about that. 
There ain’t no way in China I’m gonna drop a bar of soap on the floor,
he thought.  For now, he decided, he’d only worry about taking a pee, and washing his face.  “That’s it – nothing more,” he mumbled to himself.

Having made a decision, Edward began to crawl out of bed.  Just then, a fat little man landed on the floor beside him with a soft thump. 
This must be my bunkmate
, Edward reasoned. 
Great!  The guy who’s gonna watch my back is a puny shrimp.
  The man introduced himself as John Bakerly.  Apparently, he was in jail for driving while intoxicated and failure to pay child support. 
Well, at least he isn’t a rapist,
Edward thought.

Surprisingly, as the day progressed, John proved to be an invaluable source of information.  He started off by describing the procedure involved in getting breakfast:
 
“It’s pretty straightforward,” he explained.  “Around here, everything involves a line.  When you get up to the cart with the trays, give the officer your bed number, grab a tray, and then make your way back to a table.  Notice the tables are bolted to the floor.  I guess they don’t want any chairs fly’n around during a fight.”

By
now, other inmates were forming up for breakfast, so John and Edward ambled down to the back of the line.
 
After grabbing a tray, Edward began to make his way to a table.  John continued to chit-chat, but Edward was barely listening.  He was just too tired.  He was also intrigued by the eating utensil.

“What’s the deal with this weird spoon?” he asked John.

“Oh that.  Yeah, well, that’s what they call a ‘spork.’  It’s a cross between a spoon and a fork.  I don’t know why they use those.  Either the county’s trying to save money, or they’re afraid some crafty sucker will turn a fork into a shank.  Who knows?”  John stopped talking, and abruptly stuffed a mouth-full of the pasty food into his puffy cheeks.  When he’d swallowed, he continued to speak: “When you’re done eating, you gotta return the tray and the spork to the cart.  Make sure you keep track of your spork, or they’ll be all over you for losing it.  Also, when you’re done, if you want, you can go back to bed and sleep.  The Med-Nurse usually doesn’t show up until about 7 or 7:30.”

“What’s a Med-Nurse?” Edward asked.

“Oh, it’s the guy – well, mostly women – who give out the medications.  If you don’t take any meds, just stay in your bunk until the CO tells you to get up.  You’ll do a lot of sleeping around here.”

Seven-thirty rolled around, and Edward stayed in his bed.

Throughout the morning, he explored his scary new world with a diminishing degree of trepidation.  The first thing he did, after he’d finally gathered enough courage to venture away from his bed, was to make a bee-line for the bathroom.  Though nothing bad had happened, he immediately returned to his little comfort zone when his business was done.  A short time later, he got up again.  This time, like a toddler who explores the limits of his freedom and the reach of his mother’s protection, Edward went downstairs and began watching TV.

NOT TOO long after lunch, a nurse entered the intake unit and conferred with the officer who was sitting at the desk.  From a distance, E
dward watched the interaction; mostly because he was sick and tired of TV, and also because there wasn’t much else to do.  Bakerly was busy brushing his teeth, or something.
 
A minute or so later, the officer yelled out, “BRYANT!!”  Edward’s ears perked up, and he was left wondering. 
What?  Is he calling me?
 
Why does a nurse want to see me
? 
I told them I don’t take medications or anything.
  The officer yelled again. “Bryant!  Come on down and see the nice nurse.”

Edward slowly climbed out of his bed, where he had again sought refuge, and trudged to the table where the nurse was standing.
 
“What’s up?” he asked, while he was still a few feet away from the table.  He looked at the nurse inquisitively.  Although she was wearing a uniform with goofy, cartoonish figures on her blouse, Edward was still unable to smile.

“I’m here to check your vital signs,” the nurse replied.  She had an Australian or Scottish accent, and her name badge indicated that her name was Tricia Oakley.  “My list says you’re going through alcohol withdrawal.”

Edward was dumbstruck.  He didn’t know what to say, at first, but then he replied. “What?  That isn’t right.  I’m not withdrawing from alcohol.  Maybe you’ve got the wrong guy.”

The nurse politely ignored his protestations, and probed for more information.  “Did you tell the Booking nurse you drink?”

“No.  But I did come in a little drunk.  Actually, it was just a buzz.”

“Well, that’s probably it then.  Anyway, if you want me to check your vital signs, then have a seat.  If you’re feeling fine and you don’t want to be checked, you’re free to refuse.”

Edward hesitated, briefly; then agreed to go ahead with the examination.  When the nurse was done, Edward posed another question.  “Is there any chance I could get an Ibuprofen or something?  My tooth’s been bothering me, and it’s really starting to hurt.”

“Sorry,” the nurse replied.  “Unfortunately, you’re
gonna either need to put in a Kite, or buy some off the commissary.  We used to give it out, but not anymore.  Now you’ll need a doctor to prescribe it for you.”

“What’s a Kite?”

“Well, it’s a little white form that you fill out.  It goes to the clinic.  When you’re done filling it out, put it in the lower box - over there.”  The nurse gestured toward the tiny metal box attached to the wall.  “If you have any questions, ask the officer.  He’ll help you fill it out.  A nurse will be back tonight to pick it up.”

Edward nodded, and thanked the nurse.

At a nearby table, an inmate who had been eavesdropping on the pair stood up from his seat and casually walked away.  His name was Marcus Johnsen, but his friends referred to him as “Marco.”

Stuart Co. Jail, Tank 2C

7 August, 7:40 PM

EVEN AFTER he’d moved out of the Intake Unit into Tank 2C, Edward continued to see the nurse several times daily.  He didn’t like being seen so often, but he felt obligated; he was afraid that if he refused, the jail staff would look at him in a negative light.  This was one of Edward’s quirks and potential weaknesses; he was always too eager and willing to please others.

Another, more tangible reason for seeing the nurse was his toothache.  It had been more than a day now since he’d put in the Kite, and yet he had still not received a response from the clinic.  Several times, already, he’d gone up to the Med-Nurse during the med-pass and asked if there was any Ibuprofen for him on the cart.  Every time h
e was told to patiently wait – and if it had been more than a few days since he had turned in his Kite, then he should put in another one.  Whenever Edward got angry with this response, the Med-Nurse would abruptly end the conversation by saying he was busy.  Edward had hoped that this other nurse, the one who was seeing him for alcohol withdrawals, would hear his story and show him a little pity.  Unfortunately for Edward, this did not happen.

County/City Building, Stuart Co.

Holding Room Number 3

8 August, 8:14 AM

FOR THE first time since the night of their arrests, Edward, Josh, and Jerry were reunited.  Ten to fifteen minutes earlier, each had been led out of his respective tank in handcuffs and
ankle “bracelets,” chained together with several other inmates, and then escorted to a holding area located adjacent to a court room.  In the holding-room, they were able to sit down and visit with each other while they waited their turn to be arraigned.

Throughout the relatively short time that they were together, the three amigos were exuberant and energized.  It was as if they hadn’t seen one another in years, even though it had only been a few days.  After exchanging hugs and greetings, the discussion quickly gravitated towards the details of their arrest and incarceration.  They all agreed – adamantly – that they were innocent, and that somehow through some major misunderstanding, they were now being charged with crimes they didn’t commit.  The conversation eventually turned in another direction.

“Have either of you told your parents, or family, where we are right now? Edward asked.

“Nope – not me,” Jerry replied.  “As you know, my mom’s dead and my dad couldn’t care less where I am.  Besides, I’m
kinda hoping this whole mess – with us getting arrested and all – is sorted out fairly quickly, and they decide to release us.”

“Yeah, I’m hoping the same thing,” Josh chimed in.  “I did call my brother, Ben, and let him know what’s going on, but so far I haven’t said anything to my sis or my folks.  I told Ben not to mention anything to anyone, at least not for the time being.”  Josh rubbed his forehead; then looked at Edward.  “What about you, have you told anyone?”

“Not yet.  My parents are on a vacation in Asia, or some place, and I couldn’t call them even if I wanted to.  As far as my brother and sister – I’m afraid if I tell them, I’ll never hear the end of it.  We were, after all, celebrating my birthday in a verifiable ‘Den of Iniquity.’”  Edward used two fingers on each hand to place the last part of his sentence in quotes.

They all chuckled.

Presently, an officer came into the holding room and indicated that it was “show time.”  He motioned for Edward and Josh to follow him.  When the two men got up from their seats, they looked over at Jerry, said a quick “goodbye,” and then obediently followed the CO into the court room.  Once inside, they each took a seat beside their respective public attorney.

County/City Building, Stuart Co.

Superior Courtroom Number 1

8 August, 10:13 AM

LOW MURMURS could be heard throughout the courtroom.  Edward and Josh were quiet, and nervously looked around at those who were present.  Finally, there was some activity up front.

“All rise,” the bailiff said as the judge entered the courtroom.  Everyone stood.  When 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.