Despite Robert’s concern, Marissa and Wendy weren’t called for another thirty minutes. As they nervously waited, Mr. Freeborn explained that the cases were taken in the order that the involved arresting authority completed the appropriate paperwork. So they had to wait while a parade of characters were arraigned on a variety of charges such as manslaughter, robbery, attempted rape, drug trafficking, driving under the influence, receiving stolen goods, and assault and battery.

Finally, at ten-twenty, the clerk of the court called out: “Cases 90-45CR-987 and 988, the Commonwealth versus Blumenthal-Buchanan and Wilson-Anderson.”

“Okay, that’s us,” Mr. Freeborn said, standing and motioning for Marissa to do the same.

Across the aisle, Marissa could see Wendy stand with her lawyer. He was a tall, thin man whose jacket sleeves were too short, making his arms and bony hands seem unnaturally long.

Together the foursome moved from the gallery section to a spot before the bench.

Judge Burano appeared disinterested. He continued to peruse the array of papers laid out in front of him. He was a heavyset man in his sixties, with wrinkled features that gave him an uncanny resemblance to a bulldog. Reading glasses pinched the end of his broad nose.

The clerk cleared his throat, then read in a loud voice for all to hear. “Marissa Blumenthal-Buchanan, you are hereby charged by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with breaking and entering. How do you so plead?”

“Mrs. Marissa Blumenthal-Buchanan pleads not guilty,” Mr. Freeborn said with his commanding voice.

“Marissa Blumenthal-Buchanan, you are hereby charged by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with trespass,” the clerk of the court droned on. He went through the entire list of charges, and each time Mr. Freeborn entered the same not-guilty plea.

When Marissa’s charges had been read and recorded and her pleas entered, the clerk of the court repeated the same process with Wendy.

At that point a woman Marissa guessed to be an assistant district attorney stood up. With several sheets in her hand for reference, she addressed the court: “Your honor, the Commonwealth requests the reimposition of the bail previously set by the magistrate in these two cases. These are serious charges, and it is our understanding that there was significant property damage at the involved clinic.”

“Your Honor, if I may,” Mr. Freeborn said. “My client, Dr. Blumenthal-Buchanan, is an esteemed physician in our state who has received national recognition for her work. I believe strongly that she should be released on her own recognizance. I would like to make a motion that the bail set by the magistrate be dropped.”

“Your Honor,” Wendy’s lawyer said, “I would like to echo my esteemed colleague’s motion. My client, Dr. Wendy Wilson-Anderson, is on the staff at the renowned Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary as an ophthalmologist. She is also a property owner in the Commonwealth.”