Chapter 16 - The Offer
The plea offer arrived six weeks later.
Olivia would plead guilty to aggravated assault, identity theft, financial exploitation, forgery, and witness intimidation. The attempted murder charge would be dropped. Prosecutors would recommend eighteen years, with parole eligibility later.
"Eighteen years isn't enough," Rachel said.
Margaret, walking now with a cane, said nothing.
Ethan sat at the table drawing a T. rex with wings.
Chen explained the risk. "Attempted murder is harder. A jury could believe she pushed Margaret in anger without intending to kill her. If we lose that count, sentencing could still be severe, but trial means Ethan testifies."
Olivia's lawyer requested a meeting through counsel.
Daniel refused at first.
Then Margaret said, "Hear her."
So he did--through thick jail glass, with lawyers present.
Olivia looked thinner. No makeup. Hair tied back.
"You look tired," she said.
"You don't get to care."
She stared at him. "I never meant for your mother to die."
"You said, 'Please don't get up.'"
Olivia closed her eyes.
"I panicked."
"You went to her room before calling for help."
"I was scared."
"You sent someone to threaten Ethan."
Her face twisted. "I was trying to stop him from being used."
Daniel leaned toward the glass.
"He was eight years old and more honest than every adult in this mess."
Olivia started crying.
"If you make Ethan testify, he'll hate you too."
Daniel stood.
"That's why I came. I needed to know whether there was any piece of you left that would protect him."
He turned to leave.
Olivia slapped the glass with both palms.
"Daniel!"
He looked back.
Her tears vanished.
"If this goes to trial," she said, "I'll tell them what your mother did after your father died."
May you like
Daniel stopped.
Margaret had never told him there was anything else.
