I thought at the time that I might be able to take advantage of the judge’s good will. However, Douglas Abraham is nothing if not a fair arbiter. ... knew I’d have to wait for the right time.>>>>>>I began my defense on a Monday morning after working all day Saturday and Sunday on my opening remarks and the series of questions I’d want to ask. I reviewed where and how I’d want to stand—when to face the jury and when to turn away. Sure, it’s theatrical, but that’s exactly what a jury trial. As we chatted, I wondered what was going to happen to me.At last, the stage manager signaled Melissa and I to go on stage. As wetook our places, I noticed the scenery was that of a salon in a southernmansion. We were seated on a sofa, the skirts of our gown fluffed up, andwe were given teacups to hold.The curtain lifted as the theme song from "Gone With the Wind" emanatedover the speaker system. Suddenly, the "Battle Hymn of the Republic"began to blare and the soldiers entered. There were. I was ready to call a cab when there came a knock on my door. I removed the derringer from my jeans pocket. I had moved it from the fleece hoody, which I had worn in the car. I could also have dug the .38 out of my duffel bag, if I felt that I needed more fire power.I looked out the peep hole, stuck the pistol in my pocket so quickly I might have shot myself, had the derringer's springs not been so stiff. I threw open the door and dragged the man standing in the hall inside and kissed him. It was obvious from the deep indents in Eve's face that shehad been in this position for some time.As Linda knelt beside Rick, Eve was attempting to speak. She offered asip from a water glass on the end table. The drink seemed to help as Evewas able to ask, "What happened?"Rick and Linda looked at each other and then back at Eve. "We don'tknow, we were going to ask you the same thing," Rick said and then,"Marci tells me that a strange man followed Beth up the stairs and thatshe hasn't been.