Chapter 18 - VANESSA’S SENTENCE
Emily attended Vanessa’s sentencing.
Raymond asked why.
“I need to see the end.”
Vanessa stood before the judge without designer clothes or diamond bracelets.
Her attorney described her cooperation.
The prosecutor described the assault.
The judge described both.
Emily listened.
Vanessa received a sentence that included incarceration, probation, financial restitution, and a permanent restriction against working with charitable medical funds.
When it was over, Vanessa turned.
She saw Emily sitting in the back row.
For a moment, neither woman moved.
Then Vanessa approached under supervision.
“You came.”
Emily nodded.
“I did.”
Vanessa looked toward the floor.
“I don’t expect forgiveness.”
“Good.”
Vanessa almost smiled.
Emily continued.
“But you told the truth when it finally cost you something.”
Vanessa looked up.
“I should have done it sooner.”
“Yes.”
“I believed him.”
Emily studied her.
“No.”
Vanessa frowned.
“You believed what he offered.”
The words landed.
Emily continued.
“There is a difference.”
Vanessa nodded slowly.
“You’re right.”
She looked at Emily’s phone.
A photograph of Elliot was visible on the lock screen.
Vanessa’s face tightened.
“I am sorry I endangered him.”
Emily’s eyes hardened.
“That is the part I will never forgive.”
Vanessa nodded.
“I understand.”
Emily stood.
“But I hope you become someone who never needs forgiveness for something like that again.”
Vanessa’s eyes filled.
Emily walked away.
Outside the courthouse, Raymond waited beside the car.
“How was it?”
Emily looked back at the stone building.
“Finished.”
Raymond opened the door for her.
Emily stopped.
“No.”
He looked at her.
“Not finished.”
Raymond waited.
May you like
Emily smiled faintly.
“Just no longer mine to carry.”
