A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in awhile….busy, busy, busy. And I hope some of this trial stuff is okay….can't remember exactly how to write it…..

Arraignment

Trial Part 54

September 3

Judge Petrovsky is at her bench as the bailiff call the next case.

"Docket ending 2274.… The People versus Ryland Somerset. One count Rape in the first…one count Manslaughter in the first."

"Casey Novak for The People, Your Honor."

Ryland and Beecher stand, "Ryland Somerset, I'll be representing myself Your Honor."

"And the gentlemen beside you," Petrovsky asks.

"Tobias Beecher, Your Honor. I'll be assisting Miss Somerset."

"As if your reputation didn't proceed you, Mr. Beecher. Very well….how do you plead?"

"Not guilty on all counts Your Honor."

Petrovsky writes it down, "Alright. The People's thoughts on bail Miss Novak?"

"Remand, Your Honor. The defendant is accused of beating a handicapped woman to death for looking at her the wrong way. She's an obvious danger to society."

Ryland shoots her a dirty look, "Your Honor….obvious danger? Almost defeats the purpose of innocent until proven guilty. We request ROR. I'm an upstanding member of the community and a law student at NYU. I'm willing to surrender my passport…if it would please the people."

"Upstanding member of the community and a law student…with a history of violent behavior."

"Your Honor," Beecher interrupts, "Perhaps the People would agree to release her into my custody. I have an apartment in mid-town. And I give you my word as an officer of the court she will not leave the Metropolitan area."

"That's comforting Mr. Beecher," She thinks for a moment, "Let's split the difference. Bail is set at $10,000. You know the routine. And…I am holding you personally responsible for her, understood?"

"Yes, Your Honor," Beecher and Ryland answer in unison.

"Very good. Next case."

Beecher and Ryland gather their things….Casey walks over to them, "Well, you two should have no trouble posting that."

Ryland smiles, "Yeah. I think Toby carries that in his wallet."

"Anything else Casey….we have to post bail."

"Yes, there is, "she hands them an all too familiar blue packet.

Beecher looks at it, "A request for a psyc evaluation?"

Ryland takes it from him and reads it over, "I see. You need to make sure that I'm not competent enough to aid in my own defense….or rather…defend myself. Very smooth. Not a problem."

"Ryland….you don't have to do this," Toby says.

"No. I will….Let your shrink talk to me. He won't say anything that we don't know already. Just call me when you set it up. You know where to find me."

The two walk off.