Chapter 19
Ellie refused to look in her direction. Abbey knew that Ellie had yet to come to terms with her actions, but she still believed that she had done the right thing.
"Dr. Bartlet."
Ellie had graduated from medical school and was in her third year of a surgical fellowship at John Hopkins in Baltimore.
"Yes?"
"I want you to relate to the court the conversation you had with your mother, the defendant, approximately two months ago, the same day that Dr. Griffith also had a similar conversation with her."
Ellie repeated word for word the conversation she first overheard and then the one she had with her mother.
"She did say that she had given him the whole bottle?"
"Yes."
"At any time did she say that she regretted it?"
"No. She did not."
Abbey knew then that, unless she could persuade the jury otherwise, her fate was sealed.
She turned to look at her other two daughters. The only thing she could read in their faces was disappointment. Disappointment at her actions. Actions she did in the name of love.
"Ms. Sawyer, your turn."
"No questions, Your Honor."
"The state rests."
"Court recessed until Monday morning."
Abbey sat in her chair, replaying the testimony. It didn't look good. But maybe her attorney had a different perspective.
"Pat, what do you think?"
"About what, Abbey?" as she gathered the materials on the table.
"About my chances."
Pat sat down for a minute and looked her client directly in the eyes. "I'm going to be honest with you. The prosecution put on a good case. A very good case with strong witnesses. I don't know if we can beat them but we'll try. I'll give it my best shot."
"Thanks for being so honest. It's going to be a tough weekend, but I'll be ready to go on Monday."
"I hope so, Abbey. I really hope so."
Abbey faced the whole weekend to think about the previous week and her upcoming testimony.
She knew she had to reach a decision. A decision that could cost her freedom.