Frank informed his mother about the meeting with Goldberg over breakfast.
“Goldberg apparently thought I’d sell the company for less than what it’s worth. However, when he realized that I wouldn’t, he increased the offer, which I turned down. Finally, he offered more than I would have accepted. Of course, I didn’t tell him that.” He smiled.
“I’m proud of you, Frank. Your father would be proud of you, too.”
“Thank you, Mother. By the way, did Chief Morgan call about the trial?”
“He called yesterday morning and said the trial is supposed to begin in three weeks.”
“Good. I’ll make sure my work is done at the office.”
“I have to go to the ranch today. Since it’s Saturday and you don’t have to work would you like to come along?”
“Yes, I would. I haven’t been to the ranch in a long time. Besides, I’d like to see Ben and Shelia.”
“They’ll be happy to see you again.”
Frank glanced at his watch. “I’d better put on an appropriate shirt and some jeans.” Then he eased the chair away from the table and left the room.
* * *
It had been about two years since Frank had set foot on the ranch and he had forgotten what he had missed. He enjoyed seeing Ben and Shelia again. They were a wonderful couple.
Later, Frank put a saddle on Chestnut, one of the horses he enjoyed riding, and rode over a part of the ranch. His mother stayed behind at the large one-story main house, although she was a competent rider. Indeed, when she was younger she entered countless competitions and won numerous times. Her ribbons and other awards were in a room that she used for an office whenever she was at the main house.
Several hours passed and Frank turned Chestnut toward the barn that was behind the main house. As he rode he spotted cattle in the distance. He wondered if there were as many as there had been the last time he was here.
When Chestnut neared the barn, Frank pulled slightly on the reins and said, “Whoa.”
Chestnut stopped and Frank got off. He led the horse into one of the stalls and checked the troughs for water and hay. He removed the saddle and reins and returned them to the room in the barn. Then he closed the door to the stall and left the barn. He hurried to the house, which was several hundred feet away, and entered. His mother was in the kitchen, standing in front of one of the sinks. When she heard him enter the room, she turned and smiled.
“You should have come with me, Mother. I had a good time.”
“I haven’t been on a horse in months, Frank.”
“That doesn’t mean anything. You’re one of the best riders I know.” Then he changed the subject. “By the way, do you know how many heads of cattle are on the ranch?”
“According to Ben, we have about five hundred.”
Frank nodded. “That’s a nice size herd.”
“Yes, it is, considering we usually sell some every year.” She smiled. “Are you ready to leave?”
“I guess so.”
They checked the house before they closed and locked the door. Then they walked to Frank’s car.
* * *
When they entered the house, Henry, who had returned from visiting his sister after her health had improved, informed Mrs. Williams that George had called. Mary walked to the nearest telephone and dialed his number. After the fourth ring, Mary was about to put down the phone when George said, “Hello.”
“George, this is Mary.”
“Thanks for returning my call. I’ve heard about the trial. In fact, I’ve heard the defendants will be pleading innocent and will be represented by lawyers from the same firm.”
“I thought Eric Jacobs had pleaded guilty. I’d heard he was trying to make a deal with the district attorney. I’d heard he was willing to testify against the other two,” Mary said. She wondered if what George had heard was true.
“I’d heard that, too, Mary, but the district attorney wouldn’t make a deal with him. I guess he believes Jacobs should not be rewarded for testifying against the other two. Or he was pressured into not making a deal. Anyway, I’ve learned the judge has ordered a joint trial. I heard the governor persuaded Jacobs and Roy Childers to be represented by his team of lawyers.”
Mary was confused. “A joint trial?” she asked.
“Yes. Since the evidence applies to all three defendants, the judge has ordered a joint trial. I guess she believes the defendants can get a fair trial from the same jury. Besides, I heard the lawyers for the defendants didn’t object when the judge mentioned it.”
“I’ve never heard of a joint trial, but I guess it makes sense.”
“Mary, I also heard the governor’s lawyers asked for a change of venue, but they weren’t successful. Anyway, I will be going every day, in case you’d like to join me. We can support each other.”
“George, Frank is going, too. We can go and sit together.”
“That’s even better. I’ll make sure I’m at your house early enough so we can find a parking space around the courthouse.”
“Okay, George.”
“Are you and Frank doing well?” George asked.
“Yes. We went to the ranch today.”
“How’re Ben and Shelia?”
“They’re well. They asked about you. I told them you were doing well.”
“I haven’t seen them in months. I’ll have to go see them some time soon.”
“Well, you can go with us the next time we go.”
“Just let me know when, Mary.”
“I will, George.”
“Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, George.”
When Mary put down the receiver, she turned and noticed that Frank was standing a foot away.
“Uncle George mentioned something about a joint trial, didn’t he?” Frank asked.
“Yes. He said the evidence applies to all three defendants.”
“Well, that makes sense, considering they were involved in the same crime. However, I’m surprised their lawyers didn’t object.” Frank shook his head. “I thought you said Jacobs had pleaded guilty and was trying to get a deal with the district attorney?”
“That’s what I’d heard, Frank, but apparently the district attorney couldn’t or wouldn’t make a deal.” Mary glanced around momentarily and then continued, “All three defendants will be represented by lawyers from the same firm. George believes the governor persuaded the other two defendants to be represented by the team of lawyers representing him. According to George, the team didn’t object. Of course, the lawyers may have realized that it wouldn’t have done any good. George said they asked for a change of venue, but the judge wouldn’t grant it.”
“I wonder if the judge realizes the jury may be more lenient if all three are tried together.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you mentioned that Uncle George said their team of lawyers didn’t object to a joint trial. Correct?”
“That’s right.”
“Well, apparently outcomes from joint trials are different from outcomes from separate trials. In other words, outcomes from joint trials may be better for those on trial. Their team of lawyers may know the statistics for such trials.”
Mary thought about what Frank had said. “I hadn’t thought of that, Frank. You may be on to something.”
“Well, I don’t know the statistics, Mother, but I wonder why their lawyers didn’t object. Anyway, will Uncle George be sitting with us at the trial?”
“Yes. In fact, he will be going with us.”
“Good. Family members should be seen together.” Frank thought she would say something, but she didn’t. He noticed that she appeared troubled. “Are you worried, Mother?” he finally asked.
“I suppose.”
“Well, to be perfectly honest, I am, too.”