Chapter 11
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the state will prove that Mrs. Bartlet hastened the death of her husband, former President Josiah Bartlet, when she intentionally injected a large dose of Morphine into his IV. Mrs. Bartlet is a former practicing physician and we will show that her license was revoked some time ago due to previous occurrences of illegal administration of drugs to her husband, supposedly for his health. We will also show that she had opportunity, means, and motive to hasten her husband's death so she could benefit from it. Thank you."
Daniel Short looked at the defendant as he said the last sentence. As he sat down, he thought how great it was going to be when he convicted the former First Lady of murder. He knew that a conviction would help to propel his political career forward, maybe even to the New Hampshire Governor's mansion.
Abbey's attorney stood and faced the jury for her opening statement.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the defense will show that Mrs. Bartlet administered additional morphine to her husband because he was in terrible pain from the advanced cancer that was eating its way though his body. Out of compassion and love, she provided him with some extra comfort in his last days. This was not murder, Ladies and Gentlemen. This was a merciful and righteous act of a caring and loving wife. Thank you."
"Mr. Short, you may call your first witness."
"Thank you your honor. I call Dr. Richard Martin."
"Dr. Martin, please tell the court your relationship to President Josiah Bartlet."
"I was his oncology specialist since he was diagnosed with lung cancer."
"Dr. Martin, please tell the jury about President's Bartlet's cancer."
"He was diagnosed with lung cancer approximately four months prior to his death. It was advanced when diagnosed and quickly spread to his bones and brain. He was terminal and both he and Mrs. Bartlet had been told that."
"Dr. Martin, were you aware of the President's wishes as to his living will?"
"Yes. He did not want any heroic efforts made on his behalf if he was unable to continue to live in a quality manner. However, he stated that he wanted all means necessary to keep him alive if he was conscious and aware. I knew he was a very religious man and believed that when God was ready for him, then he would go, not before."
"Objection. The witness is trying to interpret the victim's thoughts."
"Sustained."
"Dr. Martin, did you prescribe the morphine drip that hospice was using at the time of his death?"
"Yes."
"Were you aware of Mrs. Bartlet's instructions to increase the dosage of the drip so he would be comfortable?"
"Yes, after the President died."
"Would you have approved those instructions had you known about them previous to the President's death?"
"No."
"Thank you." He smirked slightly and nodded to Pat. "Your turn."
"Dr. Martin, did you ever talk with Jed Bartlet on topics of religion?"
"No."
"Dr. Martin, had you ever spoken with President Bartlet about his wishes for his last days?"
"No."
"Then how do you know what his wishes were?"
"His Living Will was part of his medical record."
"Dr. Martin, isn't it true that you were no longer the President's doctor after hospice care and the morphine drip was ordered?"
"Yes."
"That's all, your honor."