Prison! As if to underscore his fate, the court officer came over to handcuff him. Jeffrey could only look on, incredulous. He stared at the polished surface of the handcuffs. It was as if the manacles had transformed him into a criminal, a convict, even more than the jury’s verdict.
Randolph was murmuring encouragement. The judge was still discharging the jury. Jeffrey heard none of it. He felt depression descend like a leaden blanket. Competing with the depression was a sense of panic from imminent claustrophobia. The idea of being locked in a small room evoked scary images of being caught beneath the blankets when he was a young child by his older brother, filling him with a fear of being smothered.
“Your Honor,” the district attorney said as soon as the jury had filed out.
He got to his feet. “The Commonwealth moves for sentencing.”
“Denied,” the judge said. “The court will schedule penalty proceedings after a presentencing; investigation by the probation department. When is an appropriate time, Mr. Lewis?”
The clerk flipped through the scheduling book. “July 7 looks good. 19
“July 7 it is,” the judge said.
“The Commonwealth respectfully requests denying bail or a significant increase in bail,” the district attorney said. “It is the Commonwealth’s position that at a minimum,- the bail should be raised from $50,000 to
$500,000.”
“All right, Mr. District Attorney,” the judge said, “let’s hear your argument.”
The district attorney stepped from behind the prosecution tablc to face the judge. “The serious nature of the complaint combined with the verdict demands a significant bail, more in keeping with the severity of the crime of which he has been convicted. There also have been rumors that Dr.
Jeffrey Rhodes would prefer to flee rather than face the punishment of the court.”
The judge turned toward Randolph. Randolph stood up. “Your Honor,” he began, “I would like to emphasize to the court that my client has significant ties to the community. He has always demonstrated responsible behavior. He has no previous criminal record. In fact, he has been an exemplary member of society, productive and law-abiding. He has every intention of appearing for sentencing. I feel that $50,000 is more than enough bail; $500,000 would be excessive.”
..Has your client ever expressed an intention of avoiding punishment?” the judge asked, looking over the top of her glasses.
Randolph shot a glance at Jeffrey. Jeffrey’s gaze fell to his hands.
Turning back to the judge, Randolph said: “I do not believe my client would think or say such a thing.”
The judge looked slowly back and forth between Randolph and the district attorney. Finally she said, “Bail set at $500,000 cash surety.” Then, looking directly at Jeffrey, she said, “Dr. Rhodes, as a convicted felon you are not to leave the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Is that clear?”
Jeffrey meekly nodded.
“Your Honor… !” Randolph protested.
But the judge only pounded her gavel once and stood up, clearly dismissive.
“All rise!” the court officer barked.
With swirling robes like a dervish, Judge Janice Maloney swept from her court and disappeared into her chambers. The courtroom erupted in conversation.
“This way, Dr. Rhodes,” the court officer standing next to Jeffrey said, motioning toward a side door. Jeffrey stood and stumbled forward. He cast a quick glance in Carol’s direction. She was looking at him sadly.
Jeffrey’s panic grew as he was taken to a holding room furnished with a plain table and spartan wooden chairs. He sat in the chair Randolph steered him to. Although he did his best to
maintain his composure, he couldn’t keep his hands from trembling. He felt short of breath.
I Randolph did his best to calm him. He was indignant about the verdict and optimistic about the appeal. Just then, Carol was escorted into the narrow room. Randolph patted her on the back and said, “You talk to him. I’ll go call the bail bondsman.”
Carol nodded and looked down at Jeffrey. “I’m sorry,” she said after
Randolph had left the room.
Jeffrey nodded. She had been good to stand by him. His eyes welled with tears. He bit his lip to keep from crying.
“It’s so unfair,” Carol said, sitting down next to him.