Before everybody knew it, the court date arrived. Everybody was there, including the person who reported Perry. Her name was Sarah Taylor.
"Perry, we'll start with you," the judge said.
He got up on the witness stand.
Perry had a feeling they would start with him since it was a serious accident he was in.
"Mr. Mason, our first question is was anyone with you when calling 911?"
"I don't remember anybody being around me when reporting the accident. I was already blacked out by the time those paramedics took me in."
"Mr. Mason, somebody should have been with you when this happened. It's good to know you survived," the judge said.
"I keep hearing that."
"Even Della was in the courtroom. She didn't want to miss out.
"Now let me ask a question. I know almost everything on this case."
"Go ahead, Mr. Burger."
"Before you blacked out, Perry, did you pay attention to how many witnesses were watching for you to be reported?"
"I don't know how to answer that."
"What direction were you headed to go to work at nine o'clock?" Hamilton asked.
"West."
"Did you know the car was in bad shape after you knocked out?"
"No, sir. I haven't seen it since."
"Were you aware of whose car hit you?"
"No. They were going too fast and that's when I was out."
"Mr. Mason, we wouldn't make this session very long," the judge said.
Even Dr. Webber saw that Perry was already feeling tired.
"I would end this session now," Dr. Webber said.
"Nobody asked you to speak, Dr."
"My name is Dr. Webber."
"Dr. Webber, would you please be quiet and let us ask Mr. Mason one more question?" the judge asked.
"If you speak again, you'll have to leave."
"Yes, ma'am."
Then he sat down.
Paul was sitting next to Della.
He whispered, "Now you see why I don't like that doctor."
She nodded.
"But he would never hurt a patient."
"You're right," he whispered back.
"We can ask Thomas Johnson to the stand."
Perry slowly got off the witness stand, but Thomas was able to help him down. It was a good thing Perry was still aware, but he never felt tired in court like this before. Then he took a seat next to Della on the left since Paul was on the right.
"You don't look good."
"I know, Della. Let's hear what Mr. Johnson has to say."
"Mr. Johnson, would you tell us how many witnesses you had when you and your wife besides Mr. Mason when your car hit his?" Burger asked.
"I don't know, sir."
Dr. Webber said quietly to himself, "This doesn't look good for Perry. Good thing I said something."
He said this with nobody paying attention to what he just said.
"Were you aware of whose car hit you?"
"No, sir."
"Was anybody else knocked out?" the Johnsons' lawyer asked.
"I don't know," he repeated a second time.
"Getting nowhere with Johnson," Perry whispered to Paul and Della.
"Thought that would happen anyway, Perry."
"Do you need a glass of water, Perry?"
"I'm okay, but thank you, Della."
Then he passed out.
Even the judge noticed what happened.
"Court is in recess until ten - thirty tomorrow morning."
So Dr. Webber walked over to Burger and Perry.
"I've never seen this happen before with a patient, Mr. Mason, especially in a courtroom in front of people. You can come back here in twenty - four hours like the judge said. I think you should have somebody look after you for twenty - four hours."
"All right."
No time for an argument.
"Have Della stay with you, Perry," Burger told him.
"I still need contact from his mother. They haven't spoken in a long time."
"What does your mother have to do with this case?" Dr. Webber asked.
"That's too personal, Doc," Paul answered.
"Go home now. I can check in with Ms. Street at your house later."