Chapter 6 third chapter

Massachusetts, Boston Monday, June 5, 2006 12:05 noon Almost everyone has retired, Alexis.Stapleton.Boman didn't move.She looks at her husband.As soon as the door to the inner courtyard was closed, Craig slumped on the chair like a deflated ball.Randolph moved closer to him, whispering something, a hand on Craig's shoulder.Randolph's assistant, Mark.Cavendish stood on the other side of Craig, sorting out files, laptops, and other odds and ends, packing them into an open briefcase.Alexis felt that Randolph was trying to talk Craig out, and she didn't know if she should interrupt their conversation or wait.For now, she decided it was best to wait.She looked at the accuser Jordan.Stanhope walked across the divider between the trial area and the public gallery.His expression is calm, his demeanor is detached, and his clothes are conservative but valuable.Alexis watched him silently find a young woman who behaved and dressed to match him, like two peas in a pod.

As a psychiatrist at the hospital, Alexis attended numerous trials, testifying in various capacities, but mostly as an expert witness.In her experience, all people are anxious during the trial, especially her husband, who is especially vulnerable now.The trial was the culmination of two difficult years for Craig, and the outcome of the case was crucial to him.Thanks to her professional training, she knows how to be objective in everything, even when emotions are involved.She knew Craig's weaknesses as well as his strengths.Sadly, she knows that in this current crisis, weaknesses are about to trump strengths.This is a public test of his medical quality. If he loses, she doubts whether he can recover.Before this case, his life had already been shattered by a typical midlife crisis.Craig is a physician first and foremost with his patients.She had understood and accepted it, even a little reverence, from her relationship with him.Because she herself works in a big hospital, she has a lot of first-hand information.She knew that being a physician, especially being a good physician, is one of the hardest, most challenging, and most demanding jobs in the world.

The problem was that Randolph had told her privately that while there was no malpractice, there was a good chance the case would be lost, at least at first instance.Deep in her heart she knew that Craig would definitely not be malpractice.She sat in on the trial and knew that Craig always put the patient first, even when he was inconvenient, even if it was three o'clock at night.The problem now is the double curse of malpractice and mid-life crisis, making things extra complicated.It's no surprise that both happened at the same time, Alexis.Few of her patients were physicians.Because seeking help, especially psychological help, is against the nature of a physician.They are caring, not used to being cared for.Craig in particular stood out.She repeatedly suggested that he see a psychiatrist, especially after hearing the testimony of Lianna and the plaintiff's experts.It was convenient for her to arrange, but he just wouldn't go.A week later, when his depression had worsened significantly, she again suggested he see a therapist, and he flew into a rage.

Alexis is still hesitating whether to interrupt Craig and Randolph's conversation, or stand still and wait.At this time, she found that after the crowd dispersed, there was still one person left in the auditorium.What caught her attention was that the man's clothing was almost identical to the plaintiff's attorney, including style, color and cut.In addition to the similar clothing, they have similar physiques, and both have black hair. At first glance, they may be twins, but this person's skin is not as dark as Tony's.The skin on Tony's face was as smooth as a baby's butt, but this man had severe acne scarring, especially on his cheekbones, which looked like burns.

At this time, Tony.Fasano abruptly interrupted his conversation with his aide, grabbed his ostrich leather briefcase, and stormed across the gallery toward the outside of the courtroom.Obviously, he was still angry at the mistake made by the arbitral tribunal.Alexis didn't understand why he reacted so strongly to it.In her view, his opening arguments were very effective, and the defense was very passive, and Craig was undoubtedly moping about it.Tony's assistant followed closely behind him in shame.Tony didn't glance to the side, nor did he pause for a moment. He only called out to Franco, and beckoned for the man dressed similarly to him to follow.Franco followed obediently.After a while, they disappeared without a trace, and the double doors of the courtroom slammed shut behind them.

Alexis looked back at her husband, still motionless, but Randolph was looking at her now and beckoning her to pass.Since he explicitly invited, she was also willing to obey.When she came to the front, she found that Craig's face was sad and downcast, which was similar to what she guessed from the back. You must talk to him!Randolph changed from the heavy and calm aristocratic style of the past, and became a little frustrated.He couldn't continue to look dejected and lose without a fight.In my experience, juries are particularly sensitive.I believe they can perceive the ideological tendency of the parties and judge the case accordingly.

You mean it's possible for a jury to convict Craig just because he's depressed? I mean it.You must cheer him up.If he can't get rid of this negative emotion, the jury will find that he has indeed committed medical misconduct and guilty conscience.It's not that they don't listen to testimony and don't consider the evidence, but it's very difficult to get them to change their negative preconceived impressions.This negativity can bias an otherwise neutral jury so that the burden of proof shifts from the plaintiff to the defendant, to our detriment. Alexis looked down at Craig, who was rubbing his temples with his arms propped on the table and his chin in his hands, his eyes closed and his mouth limply parted for breath.It wasn't easy getting him to cheer up.For the eight months leading up to the trial, he had been in a state of depression, in good and bad days.He cheered up a little this morning, and he was in good shape a few days before the trial, because he felt that no matter what, the lawsuit was finally coming to an end.Now that the trial has begun, he obviously realizes that he may lose the lawsuit.It's normal to be a little depressed.

Why don't we have lunch together and have a good chat, Alexis suggested. Mr. Cavendish and I are not going to have lunch, said Randolph.I need to prepare my opening statement for the afternoon. Have you never been prepared?Alexis was clearly taken aback. Of course it did, Randolph was irritated.But Judge Davidson gave Mr. Fasano so much leeway to make his opening arguments.So my statement must be revised. The plaintiffs' lawyer's opening statement surprised me, Alexis admitted. It's normal for you to be surprised.They are trying to discredit the character and talk about it, but they have no conclusive evidence to prove that Craig has neglected his duties.On the plus side, Judge Davidson's conduct has given us good grounds for appeal, especially since Mr. Fasano is still playing tricks on the tribunal's decision to appear negligent.

Don't you think it's possible he was really negligent? Will he be negligent?Randolph sneered.I studied his previous cases.He's the meanest kind of plaintiff's lawyer with no conscience at all.There are not many lawyers of conscience in his field. Alexis was blinded.She'd been watching Tony berate his assistant just now.If it's acting, it's Oscar-worthy. Cheer me up and you're ready to appeal?Craig sighed.It was the first time he spoke since Alexis approached. It's better to have something than not have it, than to have it and not have it, Randolph said.

You better get ready for your opening statement this afternoon, Alexis told Randolph.I'll talk to Dr. Berman. very good!Randolph said briskly.He was thankful he could get away and beckoned his assistant to go with him.We'll be back in time to join you.Judge Davidson, for all his faults, was at least punctual, and expected others to be punctual as well. Alexis watched Randolph and Mark leave the courtroom, disappear down the hall, then looked back at Craig.He was looking at her worriedly.She sat down in Randolph's seat.Do you want to have lunch together?she asked. Craig didn't answer, but stood up.Alexis led him out of the trial area, through the gallery, into the lobby, and to the elevator.People walked up and down in groups of three and four, and some were concentrating on whispering in secret.There was an air of strife in the courtroom, felt from every corner.Craig and Alexis didn't speak, took the elevator downstairs and out of the courtroom, the sun was shining outside.The atmosphere in the courtroom was oppressive and listless; outside it was sunny and full of life.

Craig and Alexis walked across the courtyard between the courthouse and the crescent-shaped Boston Government Building, descended a few steps, crossed the busy Cambridge Street, and soon came to the spacious open space in front of Boston City Hall.The vacant lot was packed with people escaping from cramped offices to enjoy the sun and fresh air.There are several fruit stands nearby, and the business is very good. After walking aimlessly for a while, the two found that they had reached the entrance of the Boston subway station, and sat down facing each other by the marble guardrail. I can't cheer you up, Alexis said.It's up to you. As if I didn't know this. But I can listen.Maybe you can tell me how you feel. here we go again!Psychologists are ready to help patients, aren't they?Tell me how you feel!Craig mimics it with a sneer.How heroic! Don't be hostile to me, Craig, I believe in you.In this case, I am on your side. Craig looked away to watch the two kids play with a flying saucer.After watching for a moment, he sighed and looked back at Alexis.sorry.I know you're on my side.I was like a defeated dog with my tail between my legs and you let me go home without asking anything.Thank you very much.real. I know so many doctors, you are the best.I also know what you went through.Ironically, it's all because you're a great physician.This makes you more vulnerable.But besides that, there are problems between you and me.This is obvious, and I will ask the right questions.But not now.There will be time in the future to deal with the problems between you and me.Let me help you solve the thorny problem in front of me first. Thank you, Craig said sincerely, jaw shaking.Desperately suppressing his tears, he rubbed his eyes with his fingertips.After a while, he felt himself under control and looked back at Alexis, eyes red and teary.He ran his hands through his hair nervously.The problem at hand is getting more and more difficult.I'm afraid I'm going to lose this case.Heck, my social life was so messed up when this happened, it's embarrassing to think about it.It would be a disgrace to you and me, and especially unfair to you, that everything should be made public now. Are you depressed because of the fear of making your social life public? It's okay, but that's not the most important thing.The greatest shame is that the jury will declare me ineligible to be a physician.If this is the case, I don't know if I have the courage to practice medicine.I am in a very bad state now, and I feel that every patient may sue me and encounter a malpractice lawsuit.What a nightmare. I think it is understandable. If I can't practice medicine, what else can I do?I don't know anything else.Ever since I was a kid, I just wanted to be a doctor. You can do research full-time, don't you always feel that you don't have time to combine research and clinical care? Maybe.But I worry about losing my enthusiasm for medicine itself. So obviously, you want to do everything you can to win this case.Randolph said, You must cheer up. Oh Randolph, my God!Craig complained.He looked away again.I don't know him.After seeing Mr. Fasano's behavior this morning, I don't think Randolph is suitable for this case.His relationship with the jury was like oil and water, and Fasano had complete control of the jury. If you really feel this way, can you apply to the insurance company for another lawyer? have no idea.Should be able to. The problem is, the trial has gone so far.Is it wise to do so? Who knows?Craig said sadly.who knows. Then let's not change it.Listen to Randolph's opening statement first.At the same time, find a way to make you look refreshed. That's easy to say.What can you do? It's not enough to cheer you up.Still, it's okay to focus on your own innocence.Try it now.You face Patience.Stanhope was seriously ill and did everything he could.You even go with the ambulance so she can be treated in time if she has a heart attack.My God, Craig.Focus on these, and your dedication to medicine, and show it.Conquer the damned court!You've done everything you can, what else can you do?What do you say? Craig smiled hesitantly at Alexis' sudden outburst of enthusiasm.See if I understand you right, you want me to focus on my innocence and communicate that to the jury? You heard what Randolph said.He has dealt with juries many times.He believed that the jury could perceive the state of the mind.I suggest you try to impress the jury, it doesn't hurt to do so anyway. Craig sighed heavily.He wasn't confident at all, but he couldn't resist Alexis' enthusiasm.Well, he said, I'll try it. very good.Also, as a physician, you have the ability to process your thoughts in chunks.You've done this more than once when you were a physician.Just think of yourself as a good physician, to Patience.Stanhope, you did your best.Don't think about anything else, just focus. Craig just nodded, looking away from Alexis. You have no idea, right? Craig shook his head.Opposite him, the boxy, postmodern Boston City Hall looked like a crusader's castle, overlooking the surrounding open space.In his view, this depressingly dreary building is the epitome of bureaucracy, and he is sinking deeper and deeper into the swamp.With difficulty he looked away and looked back at his wife.The worst thing about it was that I felt so helpless.I am now completely dependent on the attorney assigned to me by the insurance company.I have also experienced adversity, and I have faced it myself.I think as long as I work hard, no matter how big the difficulty is, I can solve it.But now I feel that the harder I try, the deeper I fall. I just asked you to focus on your own innocence, which also takes work.Dividing one's mind into distinct zones also takes effort.Alexis felt a little ironic.What Craig just described is exactly what most people feel when they have to rely on their doctor for their illness. Craig nodded.I am not afraid to work hard.I said I was going to try to impress the jury.I just want something else, a real way. Well, I just remembered another thing. oh?what's up? I want to contact my brother Jack to see if he can come over from New York to help. Oh, that's the way to go, Craig is a little mean.he won't come.You haven't had much contact in so many years.Also, he never liked me. We have three such wonderful daughters and he lost two of his own accidentally.It is understandable that he has difficulty getting along with us.It was very painful for him. Maybe.But that doesn't explain why he doesn't like me. Why do you say that?Did he ever say he doesn't like you? Craig glanced at Alexis.He has driven himself into a dead end and cannot get out.Jack.Stapleton didn't really say so; it's just that Craig himself has always felt that way. I'm sorry that you keep feeling that Jack doesn't like you.He actually adores you, he told me himself. real?Craig was surprised.He had always felt that Jack had just the opposite opinion of him. Yes.Jack said he avoided students like you during medical school and residency.Say you are a student who has read all the assigned books, knows all the trivial facts, and can always quote at length from the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.He admits that he respects and fears people like you, but instead he develops a kind of contempt.But in fact, this contempt is directed at oneself.In other words, he hopes to be as dedicated to medicine as you are, but unfortunately he can't. This is quite a pleasant remark.real.I didn't know he thought so!But after I went through that mid-life crisis, I don't know if he still thinks so.And even if he came, how could he help?Should I cry on his shoulder, it will only make me feel worse. Jack is now working as a forensic officer, often dealing with courts, representing the New York State Medical Examiner's Office as an expert witness in various places.He told me he enjoyed testifying.He's creative, albeit out of touch with business, and has an addiction to taking risks.You are pessimistic about the prospects of this case now, maybe he can find a way out on a whim. I don't know what he can do. I don't know either, so I didn't dare to suggest this before. Hey, he is your brother.It's up to you to decide. Let me think again, Alexis said, checking his watch.time is limited.Are you sure you don't want to eat something? If you don't tell me, I don't think so, but when I got out of the court, my stomach growled instead.I want a sandwich right now. They got to their feet, and Craig hugged his wife tightly, not letting go for a long time.He was really grateful for her support.This made him feel more guilty about his actions before the crime.She's right, he does have the ability to process his thoughts in chunks.He completely separates his professional life from his family life and puts too much emphasis on professional life.He prayed that he would still have a chance to rediscover the balance between the two.