Chapter 24
"Mrs. Bartlet, you were a Board-Certified thoracic surgeon prior to your husband's election to the White House, weren't you?"
"Yes."
"And in your practice, you must have had similar opportunities to decide a person's life or death."
"Yes."
"And did you ever prescribe any medication that a patient's family could take home with them and use it whenever they deemed it was time for their loved one to die?"
"No." Abbey was confused as to the direction the DA was heading.
"Have you ever done anything that is similar to these set of circumstances?"
"No. I said it was an act of mercy. He was suffering so much and I just wanted to see his pain relieved."
"Mrs. Bartlet, did you know that you are no longer a physician?"
"Yes. Of course." Where was the DA heading?
"Mrs. Bartlet, you said earlier that as a physician your goal was to relieve pain. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Objection! Counsel is badgering the witness."
"Overruled. Continue Mr. Short."
"Mrs. Bartlet," as the DA turned to face the jury. "Were you acting as a physician when you pushed the morphine or as a wife who wanted her husband dead?"
Abbey looked at him in amazement.
"I object! The DA is putting words into my client's mouth."
"Overruled."
"I repeat," the DA still facing the jury, "Were you acting as a physician or as a wife when you administered the drug which killed your husband?"
"As a wife who wanted to save her husband from pain." Abbey's voice was soft.
"Answer the question, Mrs. Bartlet."
Abbey looked at the DA. "As a wife who wanted to save her husband from pain."
"Mrs. Bartlet, I asked you if you injected the drug as a physician or as a wife that wanted her husband dead. Please answer the exact question."
"That's not a fair question."
"Your Honor, insist that Mrs. Bartlet answer my question."
The judge looked at the defendant and nodded his head. "Mrs. Bartlet, you must answer the exact question that the District Attorney has asked you. If not, you will be held in contempt of court."
Abbey looked at the judge, then at Pat. Reluctantly, Pat nodded for Abbey to answer.
"As a wife that ..." Her anguish prevented her from finishing the statement.
"Mrs. Bartlet, I ask you one more time. Remember you must answer the question completely. And you are under oath. I ask you one more time if you injected the drug as a physician or as a wife who wanted her husband dead."
With her head bowed, Abbey could only answer one way. "As a wife who wanted her husband dead. But..."
The DA cut any further comment off. "Thank you Mrs. Bartlet for finally answering the question."
A loud buzz started again in the courtroom.
"Order. I will have order or close this courtroom." Finally, the spectators ceased talking and the courtroom was quiet again.
Abbey looked to see tears flowing down Liz and Zoey's faces. Their anguish was reflected in Abbey's heart as well. She knew the DA had twisted her response. But she was not able to correct the impression she had just made to the jury.
"Now, one more question. Mrs. Bartlet, do you have any regret for your actions?"
Abbey paused. She lowered her head and let the tears come that had building up for a long time. She raised her head and looked directly at the DA, who had turned to face her.
Pat held her breath. This answer would seal Abbey's fate.
"No. I would do it again."
"Thank you, Mrs. Bartlet."
"Follow-up question, your Honor."
"Go ahead."
"Mrs. Bartlet, did you do what you did out of anger or greed?"
"Absolutely not. I did it out of love."
"Thank you. The defense rests."
Abbey stood and walked slowly back to the Defense table. She straightened her jacket as she walked, trying to regain some control over her emotions. As she sat down, Pat reached over and squeezed her hand. "It'll be okay, Abbey." But both women knew what the outcome would be.
"Court's in recess until nine am tomorrow morning."