Chapter 7 Chapter Four

Massachusetts, Boston Monday, June 5, 2006 1:30 p.m. All rose, the court clerk shouted. Judge Marvin.Davidson quickly walked out of the inner court wearing a black robe.At this time, the hands of the court wall clock just slipped past one thirty. The sun had reached the zenith, and some of the shutters had been drawn, and the sunlight fell on the six-foot oak wainscoting.You can vaguely see the outline of the city and a corner of the blue sky. Sit down, the court clerk shouted after the judge took his seat. Have you all eaten your lunch, the judge asked the jury.Most of the jurors nodded.

I don't think anyone has discussed the case in any way.All the jurors shook their heads. very good.Now it's up to the defendant's lawyer to make the opening statement.Mr. Bingham please. Randolph stood up calmly, walked to the podium, put the notes away, and then straightened the cuffs of the dark blue suit jacket and white shirt.He is more than six feet tall, standing upright, gently holding the edge of the podium with his slender fingers.Every silver hair on the top of his head is obedient and combed in an orderly manner.His cravat is tightly tied, with the Harvard coat of arms of truth scattered across the purple base.He exudes natural elegance and purity, standing in the dilapidated court like a prince in a brothel.

Craig couldn't help being overwhelmed by him, and for a moment he even felt again about Randolph and Tony.Fasano's comparison may be a good thing.Randolph gives the impression of a father, or a president, a diplomat.Who wouldn't believe him?But then Craig's eyes shifted to the jury, from muscular firefighters to plumber's assistants, and then down-on-luck small businessmen, all bored, listening to Tony.Fasano's speech was completely different.Before Randolph could speak, Craig's optimism evaporated like water off a griddle. Still, it doesn't hurt to have such fleeting thoughts.At least it proves that Alexis's suggestion makes sense, and a mindset adjustment is indeed needed.So Craig closed his eyes and pictured Patience as he and Lianna rushed into the bedroom.Stanhope was lying on the bed.He thought of how shocked he was to see her cyanotic, react quickly, and do everything in his power to resuscitate her until it was certain that she would not be revived.Over the past eight months, he has thought about this process countless times.In the past few years, there have been several cases that made him feel that some steps in the process were questionable in retrospect.Ke Peixins.Stanhope's rescue process was fully up to standard.He believes that even if he encounters the situation that day again, he will take the same approach.He did not neglect his duty.He was very sure of that.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Randolph said slowly and clearly.You've heard a very special opening statement.By his own admission, the speaker had little experience in the field of malpractice cases.It's an ingenious performance that starts off with just the right amount of self-deprecation to make everyone laugh.I didn't laugh because I saw what he was trying to do.I will not play this trick to lower your status.I will only tell you the facts, and you will gradually see the truth as you hear the defense's testimony.Unlike plaintiffs' attorneys, I have defended good doctors and good hospitals for thirty years.In the trial I attended, I had never heard such an opening statement from Mr. Fasano.His statement was in many ways meaningful to my client, Craig.Dr. Berman made a personal attack.

Objected, Tony jumped to his feet and yelled.The evidence is weak and inflammatory. Your Honor, Randolph interrupted suddenly.Annoyed, he held out a hand and waved it in Tony's direction, as if to chase away a small insect.Can I get closer to the bench? Of course, Judge Davidson replied angrily.He waved his hand and told the lawyers of both parties to come to the bench. Randolph strode up to the bench, Tony close behind.Your Honor, you have given Mr. Fasano free rein in his opening statement, and I hope the same. I just described to the jury what the next testimony wanted to show. Isn't that the purpose of the opening statement?And you, Mr. Bingham, object every ten seconds, trying to interrupt my train of thought.

OMG!Judge Davidson complained.This is not a first-degree murder trial, the judge said.This is a malpractice case.Before the opening statement is over, you are already at odds with each other.At this rate, the trial cannot be completed in a few months.He paused to let both parties understand what he meant.I warn you, I want a quick fix.Understand?Both of you are experienced and know what to say and what the other person accepts.So rein it in and just tell the facts. As for the objection just now, Mr. Bingham.Do unto others, do not impose on others.You did object to Mr. Fasano's inflammatory claims, and he has every right to do the same.Mr. Fasano, I have indeed given you a lot of space to play freely. If your testimony cannot prove your point of view, then you can only ask God to bless you and your client.I would also give Mr. Bingham the same free reign.Do you understand what I said?

Both lawyers nodded obediently. Well!Let's continue. Randolph returned to the podium.Fasano returned to the dock and sat down. The objection stands, Judge Davidson said aloud for the court clerk to hear.The trial continues. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Randolph said motive is not generally discussed in mistreatment cases.Often what needs to be discussed is whether the accused met medical standards, that is, whether the accused had, and used, the medical knowledge and skills in dealing with a patient that a competent physician would use in the same circumstances.As you have noted, Mr. Fasano's opening statement did not state that defense expert witnesses testified that Dr. Berman did not use medical knowledge and skills properly.Now, since Mr. Fasano has claimed that the defendant was negligent, he must present a motive.And our witnesses will testify that Dr. Berman was aware of Patience.From the moment the seriousness of Stanhope's condition was recognized, he made a timely and correct response and tried his best to save the patient's life.

Alexis nodded frequently after listening to Randolph's analysis.She was very satisfied and felt that the lawyer's thinking was very clear.Her gaze turned to Craig.Now he at least sits upright.She wished she could see his expression from where she sat, but she couldn't.She looked at the jury again, and then her confidence in Randolph began to fade.The jury's reaction was different from Tony's speech, too relaxed, as if Randolph's speech wasn't enough to keep them focused.Then, as if to confirm her fears, the assistant plumber let out a long yawn with relish, and the other jurors followed suit.

The burden of proof falls on the plaintiffs, Randolph continued.The defense is charged with refuting the plaintiff's allegations and responding to the testimony of plaintiff's witnesses.Now that Mr. Fasano implied that motivation was his main strategy, our side, the defendant, must adjust accordingly, and our witnesses must testify to Dr. Berman's lifelong dedication to medicine and the sacrifices he made for it.He got a medical box toy when he was four years old, and has been committed to being the best doctor and providing the best service for patients ever since. No, Tony said.Dr. Boman's dedication and sacrifice when he was a student has nothing to do with this case.

Mr Bingham, Judge Davidson asked.Does your witness statement show that Dr. Berman's treatment of Patience .Stanhope's persistence and sacrifice? Of course, your honor. The objection was invalid, Justice Davidson said.Defendant's attorney, please continue. But before I present my defense plan, I would like to explain Dr. Berman's practice.Mr. Fasano called it stewardship care and suggested that the name had derogatory connotations. Alexis looked back at the jury.She worried about Randolph's wording, wondering how many jurors could understand the words pejorative and connotative.Even if jurors can understand, they will feel hypocritical and artificial.What she saw chilled her heart: the jurors were like wax figures, unresponsive.

However, Randolph pointed at the air with his long, carefully tended fingers as he spoke, as if teaching a group of naughty children.The term stewardship is intended to mean instruction or service, without any pejorative connotation.It is for this reason that some people associate it with consultant medical care, because consultant medical care also requires a small upfront fee.You will hear testimonies from several physicians who testify that this way of practicing medicine was originally designed to give patients a little more time between first visits and follow-up visits, so that patients can enjoy medical services that ordinary people can only dream of.The testimonies will also show that Concierge provides the services that all physicians expect when they train in medical school.The testimonies will also prove that the reason for the emergence of butler medicine is precisely because the traditional way of practicing medicine links the number of patients with income, forcing doctors to increase income and reduce costs by increasing the number of outpatients per unit time.Let me give you a few examples. As soon as Randolph mentioned medical costs, Alexis stood up instinctively, apologized to the people next to him, and moved along the auditorium seats to the middle aisle little by little.Her eyes and the one exactly like Tony.Fasano's men had brief contact.He was sitting in the seat across the aisle, staring at Alexis with an expressionless face that gave her a shudder, but the fear was fleeting.She walked towards the door to the hall and pushed it open gently, trying not to make a sound.Unfortunately, there was a loud bang from the heavy door, which was heard throughout the courtroom.She was embarrassed for a while, then entered the lobby and walked towards the spacious elevator entrance.She found a leather sofa and sat down, took out the phone from her bag, and turned it on. She felt that the signal in the hall was not good, so she took the elevator down to the first floor and went out of the courtroom to the outdoors.The bright sun made her squint her eyes.A few people were smoking at the gate of the court, and the smoke filled the room.In order to avoid the smell of smoke, she took a few more steps and stopped until there was no one around.Leaning against the railing, with her handbag tucked under her arm, she started flipping through the contacts on her phone to find her brother's information.Since it was past two o'clock in the afternoon, she decided to call his New York City Medical Examiner's Office. The phone connects, and Alexis tries to remember the last time he called Jack, but can't.It could have been months ago, or it might have been six months ago, when she was struggling with the chaos at home.However, even if nothing happened at home before, her contact with Jack was intermittent and irregular.In fact, she and Jack were very close when they were young, and she is also very sad that it has developed like this.Things have been rough for Jack, especially when his wife and two daughters (aged ten and eleven) died in a plane crash fifteen years ago.Jack was training in forensic pathology in Chicago at the time, and they were in a plane crash on their return trip from their home in Champagne, Illinois.Ten years ago, Jack moved his family from Chicago to New York.At that time, Alexis was still secretly happy, thinking that now the siblings could finally see each other more often.Yet, for the reasons she told Craig, Jack remained estranged from them.He's still haunted by the plane crash, and Alexis' three daughters will remind him of what he's lost.Alexis's oldest daughter, Tracy, was born a month after the crash. Better be something urgent, Sordano, Jack answered the phone and said it without even saying hello.I messed it up for you, and I can't do anything. Jack, it's me, Alexis. Alexis!sorry!I thought it was my friend from the NYPD.He used his mobile phone to call me several times in the car just now, but the signal was not good and he kept disconnecting. Are you waiting for his call?Then I'll call you later. It's okay, I can contact him later.I know he wants the autopsy results, we haven't got them yet.He is spoiled by us, he only knows that the autopsy is useful to solve the case, but the autopsy takes time, how can the result be obtained overnight.What's the matter with you?It's nice of you to call.I never expected to receive your call at this hour. Sorry to call you while you're at work.Is it convenient for you to speak now? Isn’t there a friend from the police station waiting for your results? Truth be told, there was a room full of patients waiting for me.But since they're all dead, it doesn't hurt to wait a little longer. Alexis laughed.She had only experienced Jack's new, slightly ironic sense of humor a few times, but it was very different from his old style.He's always had a good sense of humor, but he used to be more reserved and sometimes not very funny to be honest. Bean Town Boston is famous for a local dish of baked beans, bacon and honey, which has since been called Bean Town.everything fine?It's not your style to make phone calls at this hour.Where are you?Are you in the hospital? not there.Actually, I want to say that I'm embarrassed, I can't even remember the last time I called you. About eight months ago.At the time you told me that Craig was coming home to live.I remember telling you it was not a good thing.Because I've always thought Craig wasn't a family guy.I remember telling you that he was a good doctor, but not a good husband, not a good father.I'm sorry if these words hurt you. I was taken aback by what you said, but I didn't feel hurt. Since you stopped connecting with me after that, I thought you felt hurt. Since you think so, why don't you call me?Alexis thought to himself, but didn't say it.She just said, since you asked, I guess I have to say that things are not going well here in Bean City. I'm sorry you say that.Isn’t what I said at the time come true? No, Craig is still home.I don't think I told you last time that Craig was being sued for malpractice. Well, you really didn't say that.Was this before or after he came home? It's been a really hard time for us, Alexis said, avoiding Jack's question on purpose. I can imagine.What I can't understand is how someone could accuse Craig of malpractice when he is so responsible to his patients.However, the relationship between doctors and patients is generally tense now, and there are complaints about medical malpractice everywhere, even doctors may be accused. The trial just started today. Oh good luck to him.He has always wanted to be the best physician, and this time he was publicly condemned.I think he must be uncomfortable. You are being polite in saying that.It's hard for any physician to be accused of medical malpractice, but Craig has such a high ego that it's especially hard.He put all his eggs in one basket.The past eight months have been hell for him. How are you and the kids? Not easy, but manageable, except for Tracy.Fifteen was hard enough, but adding this made it even worse.She couldn't have forgiven Craig for abandoning us and messing with the secretary.The image of her father was shattered in her heart.Meghan and Christina seem to be unaffected.As you know, Craig doesn't spend much time with them in the first place. How are you and Craig doing now?Is it back to normal? Our relationship stays where it is.He is sleeping in the guest room now.Let's talk about it after the case is over.I'm quite practical, knowing that he doesn't care about these things now.To be honest, he's almost overwhelmed, and that's why I called you. There was a silence.Alexis took a breath. Is it short of money?No problem, Jack is very snappy. It has nothing to do with money.The problem is that Craig has a good chance of losing the case.And, as you said, there's a good chance that this kind of public denunciation will throw him off balance, in other words, he's likely to break down.If this is the case, my relationship with him may be irretrievable.I think it's a tragedy for Craig, for me, for the kids. You still love him? This question is too difficult to answer.Let's just say he's my daughter's father.I know everyone thinks he's not a good father, or a good traditional storybook husband, but he earns money and is good to his family.I've always felt like he's done his best to love us.He is a physician's physician.Medicine was his mistress.In a way, Craig is a victim of the system.Ever since he decided to become a physician, he has always strived to be the best and has always been competitive.There are always countless trials, countless challenges.He cares a lot about professional recognition, and success in the traditional sense of society is actually not important to him.I knew it when I knew him, and I knew it when I married him. You thought that one day he would change, right? Nor is it.To be honest, I admire his dedication and dedication until now.Maybe it has something to do with my nature, but what's the use of saying that now. What you said, I have nothing to argue with you.I've been through a similar training system myself and had the same pressures, so I feel the same way you do about Craig's personality.It's just that I didn't express it as clearly as you did.Maybe you are a psychiatrist and have a specialty in this area. probably.I study personality disorders.Before I married Craig, I knew he had narcissistic tendencies that may have developed into a personality disorder and messed up his life.The problem is I can't convince him to see a therapist.Not surprisingly, narcissistic people are often reluctant to admit that they are flawed. They also don't like to ask for help because they feel that relying on others represents vulnerability, Jack said.I've been through it all.Most physicians are somewhat narcissistic. Craig has more than a little narcissism, which is why he feels the problem at hand is so serious. I'm sorry to hear that too, Alexis, but the dead people I'm in charge of are starting to make trouble.If no one is watching, they will come out.can i call you tonight Excuse me for my babble, Alexis said hastily.But I have something to ask for your help.Big deal. oh?Jack said. Can you fly over and have a look?Maybe you can help. Jack smiled.help?How can I help? You have said before that you often testify in court.You have more court experience, which can help us.The lawyer assigned to Craig by the insurance company was also experienced and seemed competent, but he just couldn't impress the jury.Craig and I are also talking about getting another lawyer, but I don't know if it's a good idea.To be honest, we are very desperate and pessimistic now. But most of the cases where I was asked to testify in court were criminal cases, and very few civil cases. I don't think so. I was involved in a malpractice case and was a witness for the plaintiff. I think that's okay too.Jack, you are very creative and often surprise.My gut tells me that unless a miracle happens, we're screwed. Alexis, I really don't see how I can help.I'm not a lawyer and I'm not good at dealing with lawyers.I don't like lawyers at all. Jack, you always helped me when I was little.Now you are still my brother and I need you.I said I'm desperate right now.Even if you can't help much when you come, it will be a psychological comfort, and I will be very grateful.Jack, I didn't force you to visit us when you moved to the East Coast.I know it's hard for you.I know what you're running from.You are afraid to see the children, to see me, to remember what you have lost. Is it so obvious? That's the only way to explain it.In fact, when I was a child, I discovered that you have this tendency.When encountering relationship-related problems, you always choose to avoid them instead of facing them.Anyway, I respect your choice.But now I need you to put these problems aside and come and help me, my daughter, Craig. How long will the trial probably last? Everyone thinks it may take a week. Last time I didn't tell you, a little change happened in my life.I am getting married. Jack!This is good news.Why didn't you say it earlier? At that time, you had just finished telling me about your marital status, and I didn't think it was easy to speak. What does it matter.Do I know the bride? You saw her last, and only time, when you visited me at my workplace.Laurie.Montgomery.It's my colleague.She is also a forensic doctor. Alexis suddenly felt a revulsion go through him.She had never visited a mortuary before visiting Jack.Although he repeatedly emphasized that this building is the Forensic Bureau and the mortuary is only a small part of it, she doesn't think there is any difference between the two.To her, this place represented death, plain and simple.And the building looks and smells like death.I'm happy for you, she said, thinking about the usual topics of conversation at the breakfast table between her brother and his future sister-in-law.What makes me most happy is that you can finally deal with the accident with Marilyn and the children, let go of the sadness and start over.That's great. I think this kind of sadness may never be forgotten in my life.Thank you anyway! When is the wedding? This Friday afternoon. gosh.Sorry to ask for your help at such a critical time. Obviously it's not your fault, but it's really troublesome, but it's not impossible to solve it.The wedding was not arranged by me.I was in charge of the honeymoon and that part was all arranged. So you can come over? Should be able to, I'll call you anytime if anything changes.It should be sooner rather than later, or you won't be able to come back in time.Then Laurie might suspect me of running away. I'll call her and explain. no need.How about this.After I get off work, I will catch an afternoon or evening flight.I'm going to talk it over with Laurie and the deputy first, and get the job done.As soon as I get to the hotel, I'll call your home.I need a complete case file: including all written testimony, copies or drawings of exhibits.Best if you can get court testimony. You can't stay in a hotel!Alexis said firmly.Absolutely not.You must live at home.There is always room at home.I want to talk to you face to face, and it will be good for the kids too.Please, Jack. There was another silence. are you still there?Alexis asked. exist. Now that you have decided to come, I hope you can live at home.real.This is good for everyone.Maybe it's a selfish thought too, and I know it's better for me. Well, there was a hint of reluctance in Jack's voice. So far in the trial, there has been no testimony.At the moment the defense attorney is making opening arguments.The trial has basically just begun. The more information you give me, the more likely I'll be able to figure it out. I'll see if I can get plaintiff's opening statement. Well, I'll get in touch with you later. Thank you, Jack.Knowing you're coming, I feel like I'm a kid again. Alexis hung up and put the phone back in her bag.All that was said and done was done, and even if Jack couldn't be of much help in the end, it would be nice to be here.He brings the emotional support that is typical of family members.She went through court security, took the elevator to the third floor, entered the courtroom, and closed the door as quietly as possible.Randolph is also describing the harm that today's health care spending problems are doing to medical norms.She sat down as close to the jury as possible.She could see in the empty eyes of the jurors that they were as indifferent as she had left the courtroom.She felt even more glad that Jack was here, at least she did something.