“And a team we will become. Listen, I have to get to the office, but I wanted to wish you good luck or whatever. I know you said things should go smoothly, but I wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you.”
“Thank you, Theo.”
“I love you, Renee.”
“I love you too.” They hung up. Rennie held her phone in her hand and thought about everything she had said to Theo. Telling him she loved him had become an automatic response for her. They had dated for about four months when he told her he was in love with her. It had happened after they had made love. He had looked her in the eyes and said the three words women often longed to hear. Except, Rennie preferred not to hear them after sex. She felt the words meant more if they happened naturally and not spurred by other acts. Rennie returned the sentiment because at the time, she was in love, or at least that was what she thought. Since her frequent trips to Cape Harbor, she had started to question her feelings for Theo, which hadn’t made her very happy.
Rennie dressed the same as she would for any other court hearing. She wore a navy-colored knee-length skirt with a matching blazer and a white blouse. She curled her hair, gave herself a natural look with her makeup, and dabbed on a light-pink-tinted lip gloss. When Rennie felt complete, she stood in the mirror and practiced the few words she would say today. For the life of her, she couldn’t understand why she was so nervous.
“It’s because it’s Graham,” she said aloud in her room.
She grabbed her bag, then checked out of the hotel and made her way to her car. The drive to the courthouse was quick, as was getting through security. When she reached the courtroom, the Chamberlains were waiting. Johanna sat on a wooden bench, while Graham held up the wall beside her and George paced.
“They took Grady out in cuffs.” George pointed his finger at Rennie.
“Dad, knock it off. It’s not Rennie’s fault.”
“She said they wouldn’t do that. It’s embarrassing.”
Johanna stood and confronted her husband. “Our son is an embarrassment, George. It’s time you see him for what he is—an alcoholic and drug user. If these past two weeks haven’t proven this to you, I don’t know why you’re even here.”
Graham and Rennie separated the married couple. George wouldn’t budge, but Johanna went back to the bench and wiped away her tears.
“This type of arguing—it’s not good and can’t happen here,” Rennie told them. “Although cuffing Grady is excessive, they had the right to do it, and I think it’s because I asked for favors which benefitted Grady. Our country is fighting an opioid crisis right now, and if Grady hadn’t taken the drugs with the officer standing right there, he’d be facing a DUII charge only. He needs help, and that is what we’re going to get him today, but I need everyone on the same page. Okay?”
George ignored Rennie and walked down the hall, away from his family. Graham said nothing and sat down next to his mother. Rennie understood the enormity of the situation in front of her. It was one thing to know and think a family member had an addiction, but it was something else entirely to be face to face with it—and with your hands tied.
The bailiff opened the doors, and everyone waiting for court filed in. Rennie and the Chamberlains took a seat on the left side of the courtroom, and while Rennie waited for Grady’s case to be called, she went over her notes.
“State v. Chamberlain is up next.”
Rennie rose and walked to the defendant’s table. An officer of the court escorted Grady in, without cuffs, which pleased her.
She introduced herself to the assistant district attorney, Kate Martell. “I’d like to talk to you about a plea, but I am requesting my client be remanded to the Port Angeles Rehab Center for at least ninety days.”
“He could get help in jail,” Kate pointed out.
“He could, but it’s a matter of life or death.” Rennie handed the ADA a letter from his doctor backing up her statement.
Kate nodded. “No prelim?”
“No, straight to trail and revisit for a plea?” Rennie pushed.
“I can work with this.”
“Docket number 20 1 0005 9, the State of Washington v. Grady Chamberlain. One count of driving under the influence of intoxicants, possession of a narcotic, driving without a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance,” the bailiff read aloud.
“Mr. Chamberlain, how do you plead?” the judge asked.
“Renee Wallace for the defendant, Your Honor. We plead not guilty and request a trial date.”
“No prelim?” the judge asked.
“No, Your Honor.”
“How’s the state feel, Ms. Martell?”
“The state agrees to move to trial but requests Mr. Chamberlain be remanded to PAR for extensive rehabilitation as outlined by Dr. Field.” Kate handed her copy of the letter to the bailiff. Rennie was on pins and needles, anxious for the outcome they needed.