Invention Man Part 2

law.

Prologue

Even though it was against all odds and to a great extent, unethical for Karen, she and Rodney continued to grow closer and closer, meeting in the infirmary as often as possible. One morning, Karen came to Rodney’s cell earlier than normal for a Saturday conference. Once she arrived at his cell door, Rodney looked surprised, although he wasn’t.

Karen, what a surprise to see you here now-I didn’t expect to see you for at least a couple more hours. I hope everything is alright? Rodney asked, approaching the cell door.

Yes and no…I mean it could be alright; as long as it’s alright with you. It’s just that … it’s so unexpected and I should have been more careful. I don’t know what I was thinking, Karen admitted.

Karen was doing battle with herself, because of the dilemma she was now facing. Her colleagues all had opposition to her getting deeper involved with someone that was her patient, but she couldn’t stop her feelings from growing for Rodney. And to make matters worse, she had missed her period.

Wait a minute, what’s the problem? What are you rattling on about? I’m ok with anything that concerns you and me, Rodney assured her.

Rodney, I’m pregnant. Or I think I am-I only missed one month and I’m worried because I’ve never missed a period before. Oh Rodney, what are we going to do? she asked with

tears welling up in her eyes.

Rodney reached out to her and gently rubbed her neck as he began to speak, First thing, we have to make sure that you are, and if you are, it looks like we’re going to be parents.

You mean if I’m pregnant it’s ok with you, Rodney? Karen asked happily.

Yeah, it’s ok with me. Is it ‘ok with you’ is the real question to be asked.

They held hands and touched foreheads through the bars. Over the months of therapy they had developed a way of communicating without speaking and at this moment they were happy about the news of Karen’s pregnancy. Rodney remained silent as he thought about what could be. It was one thing for sure, he had never imagined himself becoming a father; but the more he thought about it the smile just broadened across his face.

Yeah, this is going to be alright. My trial is coming up in two weeks and you’ve already said I stand a good chance of being acquitted. If I am, we can be together as a family-that is if you want to. I can’t make you do it, but if you want to, I sure do.

They embraced through the cell bars.

Rodney, I am really considering taking this pregnancy to term, but …

But what-come on, tell me. Whatever it is, I can take it and I want to hear it. Please, let’s not start off not being totally honest with each other. I can stand it, whatever it is, Rodney repeated.

Rodney, it’s kind of silly and it might sound a little bit old fashion … but I never wanted a child without being married. It’s been a hope of mine that I’d be married before giving birth to a baby.

Rodney began smiling even more broadly.

Are you proposing to me? he asked.

No silly. I’m just telling you how I feel about an out of wedlock baby.

Rodney became very excited as he stood back and began tucking his top into his pants. He looked in his makeshift mirror and after approving his appearance, walked back over to Karen kneeling down on one knee.

Karen, I know how my situation put a damper on things, but this is a real question-will you consider marrying me? he asked.

Rodney, of course I would consider it; but I wouldn’t want you to ask me that just because I’m pregnant. I want you to really want me as your wife.

Listen Karen…you may not understand this, but I’ve been fantasizing about you and me being married for the last few months. I didn’t think you would even consider it. I kind of thought you were just having a little fun with me. But you gotta accept that I am as serious as a heart attack right now.

*

On June 26th, 1982, Rodney’s second trial began. It only took 19 days before the jury went to deliberate, but not surprisingly, it took them 1 day to reach a not guilty verdict. On the day the verdict was to be read, Rodney came into court in a suit Karen provided for him, but he was still shackled at his wrists and ankles. He stood at his seat until his attorney motioned him to sit down.

Listen Rodney, the trial went quite well for us and based on how quickly they came to a verdict, things are looking pretty good. The way Miss Billingsley wrote the report really put a dim light on Bio Tech and it was a great position she put you in. Shit, when I first read it I almost flipped. I’m sure the jury saw it the same as she did. She wrote that you were intentionally manipulated and put into a position of abuse. At any rate, I am sure that’s what made the judge include 1st or 2nd degree manslaughter. Man, you might just get off, his attorney said happily.

All rise, the deputy said as the judge entered the courtroom.

In the matter regarding Rodney Danville vs the State of California, court will come to order. Will the bailiff escort the jury in to be seated … will the foreman of the jury read the verdict?

To the charges of murder in the first degree of Sandy Singleton and Solomon Berkeley, we the jury unanimously find the defendant, Rodney Danville … not guilty.

How say you on the remaining charge?

We find the defendant guilty of 2nd manslaughter, on both counts.

"Thank you jury, you’ve done an excellent job and you’re excused. I have heard the findings of the jury and I’ve also read the recommendations of Dr. Billingsley, and I concur. Rodney Danville was a young man of nineteen when he was hired and used as a pawn by the Bio Tech labs.

They knew the dangers of the drug and did not inform Mr. Danville of the potential peril he would face researching it. It is in this court’s opinion that the charges against Mr. Danville shall be reduced to involuntary manslaughter in the 2nd degree, and it is further found that counseling and therapy in a controlled environment would be more beneficial to the defendant and less expensive to the state than long term imprisonment.

Therefore, it is the court’s order that Mr. Danville will meet for therapy sessions three times a week for three months and a progress report hearing in ninety days will be in order. The prisoner will remain in custody, but is to be removed from solitary confinement, unless otherwise warranted for the remainder of his incarceration. This court is adjourned," he said as he stood to leave.

Am I free? Rodney asked his attorney.

Not free, but you are so close you ought to be able to feel it. There are papers and a petition I have to file to see if I can get you released. Shit, if you’re not guilty of any murders, you should be given bail at the least. And at best, if everything goes right, we should be able to get you released on your own reconnaissance. Rodney go back to your cell and relax; I have work to do, he said rushing off.

Rodney, Rodney, you see-I told you to think positive. I’ll get an emergency counseling request in and will see you in your cell, Karen whispered as she rushed off.

Rodney’s head was swirling with these new thoughts. On the one hand, he couldn’t believe he would soon be returning to freedom and on the other hand, he was nervous that he would be with Karen. Outside of Sandy, he had never had a real interaction with a woman.

As the guards escorted him to his cell he thought about what the future held for him. He had been incarcerated for almost 32 months, but for some reason Rodney felt as if it had only been yesterday, that he was arrested.

No sooner than he got comfortable in his cell, a guard and Karen appeared at his cell door. Rodney raced to the door and looked at the guard and asked was it true.

Is it true? Can I believe what was said in the court? he asked in quick succession.

"Danville, I’ll tell you something-and I ain’t the only one who thinks this. Son, you were given a raw deal. Them damn companies don’t care what they do to people’s lives. They used you, son and I for one, am tickled pink to see that you just might be getting out of this mess.

Just don’t let it mess up your future. Listen, we’re black and if you ain’t careful, it’ll be with you for the rest of your life. Parole’s a bitch and they only let you get it so they can arrest you at a later date with the added charge of parole violation," the guard suggested, turning to walk away.

Officer Smith… Rodney yelled.

The guard turned and Rodney said, Thanks man. You know you’re right about being careful-and that’s why I have the good ole doctor Billingsley-to keep this brain on the right track. I want to leave everything from the last three years in here when I leave.

Once the guard was gone, Karen asked, Are you sure you want to leave everything from the last three years in here?

They both smiled and Karen continued, Listen, I’m pretty sure they’re going to give you a bail. Once I know what it is, I’m putting my house up for collateral and bailing you out. Rodney, I want to begin our life together as soon as we can-but that’s only if you want the same thing as I do.

Chapter One

The wedding Oct. 26, 1982

Rodney stood at the front of the aisle gazing appreciatively at Karen, his beautiful bride to be, as she walked towards him. Out of the blue, something brought his attention to her feet. For some odd reason he took notice to the small steps she was taking as she approached him and it made him smile.

‘Look at her little pigeon toed feet,’ he thought as he smiled.

For him, the church seemed quiet and the only thing Rodney heard was the organ playing the wedding march. After a moment, he returned his thoughts to his future wife as he thanked God for his good fortune to have met and now marry this woman of his dreams.

It was hard for him to believe, but he didn’t have these same feelings for Sandy-whom he thought was the most beautiful woman in the world. Karen, he’d come to realize was the girl of his dreams and at this moment he couldn’t help but think how lucky he was to actually have her.

The closer she got to him, the more emotional he became until it was all he could do to keep from bursting into tears. During the entire march, Rodney had a smile on his face as he watched her. He knew she had risked her license as a therapist marrying him. At this very moment they were waiting for a decision from the board in regards to her practice.

They agreed days ago, to let the chips fall where they may, and would get married. As the minister read their vows, Karen whispered ‘I love you’ to Rodney. Once she noticed the tears in his eyes welling up, she reached her small hand up to his cheek and wiped the tears of joy away as she again whispered ‘I love you’ to him. They held hands, listening to their vows, while both whispered ‘I love you’ to each other.

She too, was unusually happy about this union, but Rodney was almost beside himself with happiness. Even though he was standing right next to Karen, he couldn’t believe his good fortunes since he’d been released from prison. He thought about the first day of freedom and how all he wanted to do was have a quiet dinner with Karen, his new found life’s partner.

When the minister finally said, ‘I now pronounce you man and wife-you may kiss the bride’, Rodney’s face was covered with tears. Before he kissed her, he asked if he could say something.

All I want to say is, Karen I love you. I will always love you. I know the risk you are taking marrying me, but if you will be patient, I’ll show you we belong together.

Rodney looked into his wife’s eyes and kissed her deeply as they embraced for a full 90 seconds before turning to face the crowd of well wishers. They thanked as many as they could before Karen turned and prepared to hurl her bouquet of carnations and roses to the bridesmaids. When she did, they all screamed, scrambling about trying to be the lucky one that retrieved the bouquet.

On the way out to the limo, Rodney asked, Mrs. Danville, may I escort you to your awaiting chariot? as he held his arm in the escort fashion.

Of course you may, my husband, she answered proudly, grabbing his arm.

Rodney and Karen walked out to the limo amidst the noise and revelry on cloud nine. In his opinion this was one of, if not utterly the best day of his life. He absolutely could not remember a day where he was happier than this one, except maybe the day he was released from prison.

Unexpectedly, just as he was about to get in the limo, he thought about Sandy. Even on a day as important as this day was, Sandy still remained special in his heart and thoughts. Thinking of her, he began to feel a touch of guilt and started to consider whether or not telling Karen about his feelings. After a brief moment, he did.

Karen … I need to tell you something, Rodney started as they got comfortable in the limousine.

Jesus Rodney, this sounds serious. What is it honey? Karen asked.

I love you and I believe I always will, but …

But what, Rodney, tell me what it is?

Karen, I don’t know how you will take this, but I still think of Sandy sometimes and I don’t know what it means. I mean, I know she’s gone and I truly do love you, but I can’t keep her out of my thoughts sometimes. What’s so messed up is, she’s come into my thoughts now, Rodney admitted.

Karen sigh a breath of relief. She had no idea what Rodney was about to say, but was glad to hear it was what he said. She relaxed and touched his cheek to let him know everything was alright.

The limousine slowly took off to the reception and as they proceeded down the street, Karen and Rodney held hands and kissed affectionately. She didn’t address Rodney’s concern right away, choosing not to speak for a few minutes; they simply rode silently taking in the moving moment.

The reception was a few miles away and the procession, headed by the limousine, blew their horns the entire time. Once they arrived at the reception the people from the wedding stood at the top of the steps and applauded the Danville’s as they departed from the car.

The media met them at the curb with their cameras flashing, because Rodney had become somewhat of a celebrity of sorts, in an unlucky sort of way. His trial was widely publicized and the general consensus was that he was misused by big business. Public polls agreed that he should indeed be released.

The couple was walking up the steps, when Karen turned to Rodney and said, You know what? I think it’s beautiful that you still have warm feelings for Sandy and I hope you know that it is ok you do. I am fully aware I’m your wife, but I hope you never forget her. I think it’s healthy for you in order to move on.

Hey, are we going to our reception, or am I in a counseling session? You have to remember, Mrs. Danville, you’re not my therapist anymore-conflict of interest, you know what I mean, Rodney said, joking as they rushed up the steps to the happy reception.

Rodney’s best man, Smittty, the guard who advised him not to let his incarceration stay with him, made a path for them to walk. He announced the newlyweds to the crowd of well wishers as they entered the reception.

It is my pleasure to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Danville, he announced.

They entered the reception to a roaring round of applause. Rodney only recently found out that most of the communities around L.A. had rallied to his support. A huge number of them were at the reception offering their support of his marriage and freedom. The media was there snapping pictures, but Rodney made sure they were not allowed in the reception to ask questions.

Mrs. Danville, what are your feelings about losing your license? a reporter asked.

If you want to come in and take pictures only, you can snap as many shots as you please. But remember, this is my wedding reception and we’d like to enjoy it, so no questions. Please, no more questions, Rodney insisted.

Rodney went into the reception and headed to the podium to speak, Ahumm, ahumm, May I get your attention, he asked, as he tapped his crystal flute."

"I would like to propose a toast … to my gorgeous wife, and to all of you wonderful people who have made this the most awesome day I have ever experienced. You know, not too long ago I could have never dreamed that I could be so happy, because I was so miserable.

Then in the midst of all my misery, this wonderful therapist showed up, uninvited, underestimated and completely in control of herself. She took the situation by the reigns, healed me and through it all, we fell in love.

My most gracious thanks to you all and I want you to know I really, truly appreciate your support," Rodney said, turning towards Karen.

Mrs. Danville, may I have this dance, he asked politely.

Everyone made a big circle and Rodney and Karen danced to Al Green’s, ‘Let’s Stay Together’, without taking their eyes off one another. Half way through the dance Karen whispered in his ear.

Rodney, I don’t even care about losing my license. If that’s what it takes for us to be together, then so be it.

Don’t worry about that now. I will take care of you for the rest of your life. You are the most important thing in the world to me and you deserve all I can provide.

The party started dancing and continued on into the night. The wedding reception was beautiful and Karen spent the night dancing on a cloud. After hours of dance and celebration, Rodney and Karen left the reception to prepare for their honeymoon in Jamaica. They had already packed for the trip and only needed to take the limo to LAX.

They left to the airport and following close behind the limo was Lance Cartwright, a reporter from, Action 8 News. Their wedding was his first assignment and he was determined to show that he had what it takes to be a reporter. The editor was his brother in law and to please his wife, he assigned Lance to follow up on Rodney’s release.

This guy is definitely going to do something and I’ll be right there, Lance thought aloud.

He followed them to Inglewood before he realized they were headed to the airport. Once he realized it, he slammed his fist on the dashboard of his Ford Falcon and made a quick u-turn and headed back to his paper to write the follow up article on Rodney’s release and marriage.

*

Karen and Rodney sat in the lounge chatting while waiting for the 5 hour trip to their honeymoon’s destination. Neither of them liked to fly, so they partook in a little preflight libation and conversation before they mustered up enough courage and were ready to board the plane.

Karen, I’m sorry about your license. Is it any possibility we can get it back?

I doubt it, but I’m not sure. You know what? I really don’t care. When I first said it to you earlier, I meant it, but now that I’ve thought about it a little more I’ve come to see you really do mean the world to me. In any relationship, sacrifices are going to be made and if that’s one I have to make, it’s done.

Don’t just give up, baby. There may be something we can do; fight it maybe.

Rodney you have to understand, what I’ve done is unethical to say the least. Therapists are not supposed to get involved with patients. There is supposed to be a sufficient amount of time passed after stopping the therapy before any personal interaction can be acceptable.

Once they finished talking the announcement was made that the flight was preparing to board. They boarded the plane, were seated in their 1st class accommodations and prepared for the flight. They sat comfortably in their lush white leather seats and both of them relaxed their feet on the large footrest they had while looking at the menu.

They both were trying their best not to think of what lied ahead for them, but soon the captain came on announcing to everyone to prepare for takeoff. At that moment, Rodney sat stiffly in his seat, but when Karen touched his hand he sort of relaxed.

The first hour of the flight was the worst for Rodney. During the takeoff the force of the big airliner pushing against the wind was intense and had him at the brink of panic. The turbulence was at its strongest and it was all Karen could do to keep Rodney from jumping out of the plane. Neither of them were big drinkers, but they mutually agreed a few more drinks were in order.

Those first shots of whiskey they drank had no effect on his disposition and once the plane leveled off, she bought a few more doubles. Rodney drank the shots