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I spent the early part of the morning reading over journal articles and trying to distract myself from thoughts of Hunter, wondering when he'd finally call. At about ten, I called over to my Aunt Diane's to see how my mother was doing.
"She slept like a baby," Aunt Diane said softly. "She seems oblivious, frankly. I think she needs to have her meds checked and maybe the levels adjusted. She's on a pretty high dose."
"I know," I said and chewed a fingernail, feeling guilty that I hadn’t paid more attention to her over the past few years. "She becomes tolerant to the smaller doses, so they keep having to up the amount. I want her to cut back, but she says she can't tolerate the pain. What can you do?"
"She's a pain patient. For them, they're sometimes just as dependent on the thought of taking the drug as they are the drug itself. They structure their entire lives around the pain and it controls their every thought. She needs therapy, Celia."
I sighed. "I know. When this all settles down, we can talk with her, but she's resistant. Maybe now without Spencer around, we can get her to consider going into the hospital to get her meds adjusted."
"It's a deal. Once things are calmer, we'll have a family discussion. Speaking of family, how's Graham doing? He must be going insane stuck in the hospital for his rehab."
"I saw him last night, but I feel guilty I haven't visited as much as I'd like. He's doing well enough, getting better."
"That's good," she said, her voice sympathetic. "You can't be expected to do everything."
"I'll go over this morning and see him."
"Okay, sweetheart," she said. "You give him my love and tell him I'll drop in to see him later today when I know your mom is sleeping."
As we ended the call, George came over to my office space.
"How are you, Miss Celia?"
"I hardly slept. Did you hear from Hunter yet?"
He shook his head. "His lawyer calls me. Hunter is fine but is probably not going to get out for few days. Preliminary hearing is tomorrow so he stays in jail until then."
"What's the charge?"
"First degree murder," George said, and made a face. "So no bail."
"Do they really think he killed Spencer?"
George shrugged. "They must, but I know Hunter. He didn't kill."
"I hope you’re right," I said and finished packing my book bag. "Can you ask if James can take me to see my brother at the hospital? Then I have to go to class."
"Sure," George said and left me in my little cubbyhole of an office. I checked my email once more and found one from Hunter's lawyer, a Frank McNeal, with McNeal Crowe and Torrance, Attorneys at Law.
Ms. Franklin,
Hunter asked me to contact you on his behalf. He is currently remanded in custody at the county jail and will remain there until a grand jury is convened to determine if there is enough evidence to move forward with the case.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. If you would like to visit, I can arrange it but Hunter is only entitled to three visits a week and I know his father wants to visit as well. Let me know.
Yours truly,
F. J. McNeal, J.D.
I sent him back an email immediately:
Dear Mr. McNeal,
Thank you for writing me. Please arrange a visit as soon as you can. Thank you.
Celia Franklin
I went over to George's office. "I got an email from Hunter's lawyer. He'll be in custody until a grand jury is convened to consider the evidence. I asked him to arrange a visit so I can see Hunter."
