Chapter 50
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Mary Elizabeth Merchant gave a full and official statement to the police of what she had done. That she tried to prevent Angel Fling from killing herself, but she did carve the pentagram into her dead chest, and that she destroyed evidence. District attorney Hayden Dabeck had trouble believing that Angel wanted to have a satanic pentagram carved into her chest, and there was no legal excuse for destroying evidence. It was true that the hunting knife hadn't yet been classified as evidence, but if Mary Elizabeth had seen it used in Angel's suicide, then she already knew it was evidence. He did however believe that Angel's death was a suicide. Perhaps Carmen Flint's statement made Hayden more biased towards believing this, Carmen's conviction of involuntary manslaughter would still be valid if Mary Elizabeth's version of events were true. Gary Fredo remained in Sanctuary, he said it was in case he was needed as a witness in any upcoming trial. In truth, he wanted an excuse to remain around Leita Rose. He didn't want to admit this to himself or others, but he was falling in love with her. One night in mid-September, Mary Elizabeth came to Leita Rose's bed and breakfast. She and Gary were suprised to see each other.
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Gary: It's improper for me to talk with you when your attorney isn't present.
Mary Elizabeth: I'm actually here to talk with Leita Rose. But if you two are busy I can come back later.
Gary: I'm actually getting ready to go to bed, so you two can talk in private.
Leita: Is everything okay?
Mary Elizabeth: Dabeck is offering me a plea bargain. He's dropping the charges of desecrating a corpse, if I plead guilty to destroying evidence. My lawyer has recommended I take it, it means three to six months in prison. Should I take it?
Leita: If youre lawyer really thinks it's the best deal that he or she can get for you.
Mary Elizabeth: I know you've been to prison yourself but made parole. Any tips for how to stay out of trouble?
Leita: Staying out of trouble in prison is mostly about keeping busy. They'll assign you work, like the prison laundry or kitchen. And you can probably take classes, keep up with your education somewhat. And there are little things you can do, read books, play softball, even soap opera clubs.
Mary Elizabeth: Soap opera clubs?
Leita: You'd be suprised how many murderers and rapists are addicted to soap operas. Besides, you need to be on good behavior to be allowed in the prison television room, so that's not a bad incentive. You're only going in for six months at most, so you won't forget how to manage money. When you're in for too long you forget things like that, end up having to commit crimes to pay rent when you get out. It helps to have a support system when you get out.
Mary Elizabeth: Yeah, my mother isn't exactly thrilled that her daughter is going to prison, but she also made it clear I can stay with her after I get out.
Leita: And maybe, if you have trouble finding employment when you get out, maybe I can find something for you to do around here.
Mary Elizabeth: Thank you, I really appreciate your help.
Leita: I needed help when I got out, only makes sense I should pay it forward.
Mary Elizabeth: I'm scared, really scared.
Leita: I don't blame you. Prison is a scary place but hopefully you can complete your sentance, get on with your life, and be frightened off from any future crimes.
