Chapter 7
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Erica looked at her watch. It was 8:46pm. Almost exactly 24 hours since JR fired into the crowd. Less than a day ago her baby Bianca was alive, smiling. Now she was planning her daughter's funeral. Marissa said that Bianca stepped in front of her when the first gunshots were fired. Erica tried to remember, did Jack step in front of her, did Ryan step in front of Greenlee, did Zack step in front of Kendall. Erica couldn't remember who was shot first. Maybe that was irrelevant now. But it was a good story to tell their children. Either way, JR was the reason their parent couldn't be with them anymore. As Erica waited for news about Jackson detective Jessie Hubbard came up to her.
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Jessie: You should know, they've offered JR a plea bargain.
Erica: What kind of plea bargain?
Jessie: Murder in the second degree. 25 years to life, sentances to run concurrent.
Erica: I know I'm not a lawyer but concurrent, that means 25 years regardless of how many people died, how many children lost their parents. That even if my fiancee dies later, no more prison time for that monster.
Jessie: That pretty well sums it up yes.
Erica: Miranda, Gabby,Emma, Spike, Ian. That's five children who lost a parent last night. Jackson has three children, Greenlee, Reggie, and Lily. I know they're grown but they still need him. If he dies, that's three more who will never see their father again.
Jessie: You can speak to the district attorney if you like.
Erica: Damn right I will.
Jessie: On the off chance he's ever up for parole, you can speak to the parole board then.
Erica: I don't care if they have to wheel me into there with oxygen tanks. If he ever gets out, maybe I shouldn't finish that thought in front of the chief of police.
Jessie: That's probably a good idea. Is Jackson going to make it?
Erica: The next few hours are critical. I pray he will wake up again, I need him right now.