Judge Meese turned to Martin. "Mr. Bailey, if at any time during these proceedings there is anything that you do not understand, please stop me so either the court or your attorney can explain it to you. Mr. Krebs, will you please state the charges being brought against the defendant in this case?"
Jacob Krebs, dressed in black with an American flag tie, spoke with command, "Mr. Bailey is charged with two violations of Iowa code 707.2."
Cordelia whispered, "Capital murder. Krebs used the penal code numbers. Going armed with intent, harassment in the first degree, and violation of a no-contact protection order."
Judge Weese nodded. "It is my understanding that the defendant is ready to plead to the charges brought by the People. Mr. Bailey, do you understand your rights?"
"Yes, Your Honor.”
"Mr. Bailey, do you have any questions?"
"No, sir."
"To the charges, what is your plea?"
Martin answered loud and clear, "Not guilty, Your Honor."
"The court accepts the defendant's plea of not guilty. We must now schedule a preliminary hearing within the next ten days."
Cordelia spoke, "Your Honor, in the matter of the application for bail..."
Judge Weese cut her off, "Mr. Bailey, the severity of the charges and your training and expertise lead me to believe that you are indeed a flight risk and a danger. Therefore, I am remanding you to the custody of the Silverton Jail until your next court date. Court adjourned."
"Martin, I'll meet you at the jail," Cordelia said.
The devastation was apparent on Martin’s face as he was escorted from the room. Elizabeth stood and turned her back on him, then Julian wrapped an arm around her and guided her, crying, from the room. Bruce Steele hustled the Bailey family out a side door while Kieran and Mike followed the group to the courthouse steps.
Cecile Dufour walked out of the courthouse with her sister, Celine, and their brother, Thibodaux Spooner. Reporters mobbed them. "Do you have a statement, Mrs. Dufour?" One thrust a microphone into the widow's face.
In a performance fit for an award, she removed her sunglasses to reveal swollen eyes and tear-stained cheeks. "Martin Bailey callously shot my husband and Governor Talbot Reed in a murderous rage. May he rot in hell." She clutched her chest, replaced her glasses over her eyes, and climbed into a waiting limo.
Kieran and Mike took in the scene. "The crowd is against Martin. With any luck, the killer made mistakes." Kieran was dialing Ian when a plaintive cry drew his attention.
Elizabeth sobbed loud enough for others to hear her. "How could he do this?"
The reporters pursued her. She grabbed Julian's arm to stop him from blocking the press's access. "Dr. Reed?"
"Dr. Reed, a statement please," another reporter called to her.
"I want to thank you, everyone, for the outpouring of condolences and concern for my wellbeing. I extend my condolences to Mrs. Dufour for the loss of her husband, but request that, unlike Mrs. Dufour's call for vengeance, we let the legal system sort this matter out without a rush to judgment. My father believed in the law. I am my father's daughter. I would like to request your respect for my privacy so I may oversee his proper burial." She held one hand up and grabbed Julian's arm with her other.
Kieran arched his brow as a microphone was thrust into his face. "Mr. Chase, how does this factor into Martin Bailey's appointment as the new CEO of Chase Security International?"
"The offer to Mr. Bailey to become our CEO is rescinded. His position with Chase Security International has been terminated as per the terms of his contract. I will make no further comment on this matter. Please focus on the families of the victims."
Two sheriff's officers walked Martin into the Silverton Jail prisoner intake area. It reminded him of a bus station. Once inside, they removed the shackles. "You're going to cooperate?" the deputy asked.
"I have no intention to cause trouble," Martin spoke in a placating voice.
"Come this way. Hands against the wall.” A deputy performed a pat down.
The next stop was in front of a female deputy sitting at a computer. After she asked a bunch of personal questions and cataloged any tattoos, piercings, and scars, he was sent to answer a nurse's medical questions. She noted the healing scab on his forehead. "How did that happen?"
"Explosion. I was out for a while. Have cracked ribs as well. And stitches in my left calf."
"Do you have any headaches? Chest pain?" Martin shook his head. "All right, Mr. Bailey, we will find you an accommodation."
Martin quirked a brow. "That's what you call a cell today?"
