Chapter 7
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Liz sat in her jail cell waiting for her lawyer. She genuinely regretted killing that woman, but she still had survival instincts that caused her to be very afraid of what was coming. Liz didn't want to die, but she had been foolish enough to sign that stupid contract. People convicted of murder were usually executed within three months, with little or no chance to appeal the sentence. But it was now April 27th, nine days before her execution, would they even bother with a trial? Finally her lawyer, a man named Benson, came to see her.
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Benson: You are Elizabeth Allison Parker?
Liz: Call me Liz.
Benson: Very well, Liz. I'm an attorney for Rehumanize International. If you wish, I will be your lawyer.
Liz: Yeah, that's fine. They're going to execute me, aren't they?
Benson: They are seeking the death penalty yes. But we have options.
Liz: Like what?
Benson: We can argue that the stress of your impending execution caused you to suffer a mental breakdown, that you were not in your right mind.
Liz: Does that ever work?
Benson: Sometimes, but not nearly enough.
Liz: If I'm aquitted what then?
Benson: Then we can argue that your contract with Lifecorps is voided by the fact that you might not have had the mental stability neccessary to enter into such a contract. You would have to spend time in a mental health hospital. It is after all illegal to execute the mentally ill, at least in theory. But you would be able to live out your life without fear of being executed.
Liz: But then I'd have to pay them back with interest. I'd be in debt for the rest of my life.
Benson: My organization can help with that, but even a life in debt is worth living.
Liz: I kind of think maybe I deserve to die for what I did.
Benson: Noone deserves to die an unnatural death. Yes, you committed a rather grave sin against this woman, and her children. I'd prefer you try to make amends to them, without any bloodshed.
Liz: I can't face them, I'd prefer to just die and have it be over with.
Benson: As your attorney, I am legally required to let you know of the district attorney's offer.
Liz: I'm listening.
Benson: You plead guilty, and are sentenced to death.
Liz: How is that a good plea bargain?
Benson: You would be flown home, and they'd allow you to spend your final days with your family. You would ofcourse have to wear an ankle monitor and have a guard with you. But you would have the freedom to see your family, spend time with old friends.
Liz: I guess that's going to be as good as it gets.
Benson: I can't really recommend that you take it.
Liz: I understand that, but it does seem like my best chance. Okay, I'll take the offer.