Consequences(233)

“Yes, Mr. Evergreen, I believe we’ve met.” Claire held out her hand. Mr. Evergreen didn’t accept.

“Yes, I believe we have; however, this is a different situation and different circumstances. Mrs. Rawlings, I’m currently holding a warrant for your arrest recently signed by Judge Reynolds. Just so you know, before we reach the district courtroom for your arraignment, you’re being charged with the attempted murder of your husband, Anthony Rawlings.”

“I want you to know I didn’t do such a thing—I wouldn’t do such a thing. How is Tony?” When Claire added the last question, Mr. Evergreen’s eyes dropped to the table. Claire’s heart sank. Oh my God, he’s dead! No—then he would have said “murder” not “attempted.”

“He’s awake and conscious. He’s given a statement to the police, but he won’t be here today.”

Claire was relieved to hear he was conscious, but she needed him to be here. He would help and take her home. She wanted to explain things to him. There was no doubt, he’d be upset about her leaving and driving and there would be consequences; however, Claire was confident he’d know she would never try to kill him.

“I’m very happy he’s better. Can you tell me what evidence there is against me?” Claire didn’t know how this worked, but she thought she needed to find out.

“It will be discussed with you and your attorney after the arraignment.” He left the room.

With her wrists once again in handcuffs, Claire was led into the courtroom. She watched the proceedings from a distance—seeing it all—yet not comprehending it as reality. Judge Reynolds spoke—asking questions of Mr. Evergreen. He explained how the state believed it had sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mrs. Claire Rawlings did willfully and maliciously attempt to murder her husband—Anthony Rawlings—in an effort to profit financially. Furthermore, Mrs. Rawlings fled the scene of the crime and was found near St. Louis. Mrs. Rawlings has access to a passport and the financial ability to flee. Mr. Evergreen asked the judge to suspend bail.

Judge Reynolds said, “Mrs. Rawlings, do you understand that you’re being charged with a felony—attempted murder? And if convicted, you could be sentenced to a federal penitentiary for a length not to exceed 162 months?”

“Yes, Judge, I understand.” That wasn’t true—she didn’t understand.

“Are you aware that you have the right to an attorney? If you cannot afford one, one can be appointed for you. You also have the right to a trial by a jury of your peers. You also are presumed innocent. It is the burden of the state to prove your guilt. Do you understand your rights?”

“Yes, Judge, I understand.” Claire maintained eye contact with the bench—she had a lot of practice maintaining eye contact in difficult situations.

“Mrs. Rawlings, do you have an attorney?”

“No, Judge, I do not, and I can’t afford one.”

“The court will appoint one to you following the arraignment.” Judge Reynolds reviewed the file before her. “Due to the publicity and significance of the victim, I’m setting bond at five million dollars. I’m also scheduling a preliminary conference for eleven days from today, Tuesday, February 1. Next case…” Her gavel struck the bench, echoing throughout the courtroom.

A guard escorted Claire to a holding cell. She sat in the ten-by-seven cube waiting for her attorney. The seclusion should have upset her, but she was too confused to focus. They told her once her attorney arrived, her bond could be posted, and she could leave. Claire knew that wasn’t going to happen. She didn’t have enough money for a sandwich at McDonald’s—much less 2.5 million dollars for bond.