Free Wild Justice by Phillip Margolin

retain an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you. Do you understand these rights? Cardoni stood up and glared at McCarthy. You can kiss my ass, he said slowly and distinctly. Frank stepped between his client and McCarthy. Are you arresting Dr. Cardoni? Sheriff Mills is placing Dr. Cardoni under arrest. Multnomah County may have its own charges in the near future. Is Dr. Cardoni charged with the murder of the woman on the tape? Frank pressed. Fred Scofield stood up and answered Frank. Sheriff Mills will be arresting Dr. Cardoni on the charge of murdering Mary Sandowski and for possession of cocaine, which was found in the doctor s bedroom, but I ll be going to a grand jury very soon to ask for indictments on eight other charges of aggravated murder. I anticipate that Dr. Cardoni will be spending a lot of time in Milton County in the near future. I d like you to step aside, Mr. Jaffe, Sheriff Mills said. We re going to cuff your client. Cardoni switched into a fighting stance. Vasquez reached for his weapon. Frank laid his hand on Cardoni s arm. Don t resist, Vince. I ll deal with this. Then deal with it. I m not going to jail. You have to. If you resist, it will make things worse. It could affect release, and it can be used against you at a trial. Amanda could see Cardoni processing this information. He relaxed instantly, again amazing Amanda at the speed with which he could change his emotions. Can I speak with my client in private for a few moments? Frank asked. McCarthy thought about the request, then nodded. You can do it in here, but I want Dr. Cardoni in handcuffs. Cardoni s hands were cuffed behind his back, and Sheriff Mills conducted a pat-down search of the prisoner. Do you need me? Amanda asked, trying to sound casual. It would be better if Dr. Cardoni and I talked alone. We ll only be a minute. No problem, Amanda answered, smiling to mask her disappointment. I m not going to pull any punches, Frank said as soon as the door closed. You re in a lot of trouble. Aggravated murder is the most serious crime you can face in Oregon. It carries a potential death sentence. For the first time Cardoni looked worried. Where are they going to take me? Probably to the Cedar City jail. How quickly can you get me out? I m not sure. There is no automatic bail in a murder case, and I don t want to move for a bail hearing until we re in the best position to get you out. I m not some car mechanic who can afford to sit around and collect unemployment. I m a physician. I have patients scheduled for surgery. I know, and I ll try to get the administration at St. Francis involved on your behalf. Those bastards won t help me. They ve been trying to get rid of me. This will give them their opening. Do you have any idea how long it takes to become a doctor? Do you know how hard I ve worked? You ve got to keep me out of jail. I m going to do everything I can, but I don t want to lie to you and build up your hopes. Scofield said that they were thinking of adding eight more counts of aggravated murder to the indictment. That could mean that they have eight other bodies. This is not going to be simple, like your assault case. Now listen to me. Following my instructions could save your life. I mean that literally. You will be in a police car and then the jail, where they will process you in. Do everything they tell you. Do not resist. But do not, under any circumstances, discuss this case with anyone. I m talking about cops, DAs and other prisoners, especially other prisoners. You re going to feel isolated and in need of a friend. There are going to be prisoners who will be your friend. They ll get you to feel comfortable. You ll unburden yourself to them. The next time you see your friend he will be testifying against you in exchange for having his case dropped. Do you understand what I just said? Cardoni nodded. Good. I ll be out to see you tomorrow. Try to think of people who can vouch for you at a bail hearing, and see if you can