Edward's Dilemma Read Online Free

was afraid that if he refused, the jail staff would look at him in a negative light.  This was one of Edward’s quirks and potential weaknesses; he was always too eager and willing to please others.
    Another, more tangible reason for seeing the nurse was his toothache.  It had been more than a day now since he’d put in the Kite, and yet he had still not received a response from the clinic.  Several times, already, he’d gone up to the Med-Nurse during the med-pass and asked if there was any Ibuprofen for him on the cart.  Every time h e was told to patiently wait – and if it had been more than a few days since he had turned in his Kite, then he should put in another one.  Whenever Edward got angry with this response, the Med-Nurse would abruptly end the conversation by saying he was busy.  Edward had hoped that this other nurse, the one who was seeing him for alcohol withdrawals, would hear his story and show him a little pity.  Unfortunately for Edward, this did not happen.
     
     
    County/City Building, Stuart Co.
    Holding Room Number 3
    8 August, 8:14 AM
     
    FOR THE first time since the night of their arrests, Edward, Josh, and Jerry were reunited.  Ten to fifteen minutes earlier, each had been led out of his respective tank in handcuffs and ankle “bracelets,” chained together with several other inmates, and then escorted to a holding area located adjacent to a court room.  In the holding-room, they were able to sit down and visit with each other while they waited their turn to be arraigned.
    Throughout the relatively short time that they were together, the three amigos were exuberant and energized.  It was as if they hadn’t seen one another in years, even though it had only been a few days.  After exchanging hugs and greetings, the discussion quickly gravitated towards the details of their arrest and incarceration.  They all agreed – adamantly – that they were innocent, and that somehow through some major misunderstanding, they were now being charged with crimes they didn’t commit.  The conversation eventually turned in another direction.
    “Have either of you told your parents, or family, where we are right now? Edward asked.
    “Nope – not me,” Jerry replied.  “As you know, my mom’s dead and my dad couldn’t care less where I am.  Besides, I’m kinda hoping this whole mess – with us getting arrested and all – is sorted out fairly quickly, and they decide to release us.”
    “Yeah, I’m hoping the same thing,” Josh chimed in.  “I did call my brother, Ben, and let him know what’s going on, but so far I haven’t said anything to my sis or my folks.  I told Ben not to mention anything to anyone, at least not for the time being.”  Josh rubbed his forehead; then looked at Edward.  “What about you, have you told anyone?”
    “Not yet.  My parents are on a vacation in Asia, or some place, and I couldn’t call them even if I wanted to.  As far as my brother and sister – I’m afraid if I tell them, I’ll never hear the end of it.  We were, after all, celebrating my birthday in a verifiable ‘Den of Iniquity.’”  Edward used two fingers on each hand to place the last part of his sentence in quotes.
    They all chuckled.
    Presently, an officer came into the holding room and indicated that it was “show time.”  He motioned for Edward and Josh to follow him.  When the two men got up from their seats, they looked over at Jerry, said a quick “goodbye,” and then obediently followed the CO into the court room.  Once inside, they each took a seat beside their respective public attorney.
     
     
    County/City Building, Stuart Co.
    Superior Courtroom Number 1
    8 August, 10:13 AM
     
    LOW MURMURS could be heard throughout the courtroom.  Edward and Josh were quiet, and nervously looked around at those who were present.  Finally, there was some activity up front.
    “All rise,” the bailiff said as the judge entered the courtroom.  Everyone stood.  When