Chapter 21
It rained all day Sunday and was raining when Abbey awoke on Monday morning. It suited her mood just fine. Dark and dreary. They were the perfect adjectives to describe her state of mind while she dressed and was driven to the meeting place.
Today or tomorrow she would have to face the world and tell her side of the story. As Pat had kept reminding her, her testimony would determine her fate. That was a heavy burden. But she had to make this one last try to manage her world, which was now spinning out of control.
After she met Pat, she and her attorney rode the short distance in silence. Only after going through security did Abbey broach what was on her mind.
"Pat, is there somewhere we can talk? I need to ask you something very important."
"Abbey, it's almost time for court. We don't have time."
"Pat, it's very important that I talk with you right now. Can't you get a continuance or something?"
Pat looked into her client's eyes and knew something very important was on Abbey's mind.
"Okay. Let me send a request to the judge and DA."
Although curious about the sudden change in plans, both of them agreed to a one hour delay in the start of the trial.
Pat and Abbey entered a conference room near the courtroom.
Pat put her briefcase down and turned to face Abbey.
"What do you want to talk with me about?"
"I want to plea bargain, Pat. I'll plead guilty to a lesser charge in return for a shorter sentence."
Pat was caught completely unaware.
"What the hell are you talking about? We haven't even mounted your defense."
"I did it. I know I did it. I don't want life without parole. I have to think that I'll get out of jail at some point, even if I'm eighty. I heard the testimony these last two weeks and I'm not stupid. It doesn't look good. So I'll plead guilty to a lesser charge and it'll be over with. Besides, if I testify, I'll have to really open up our private lives and expose those last few days to the world. Ever since Jed became President I had to live my life as an open book. I want some privacy for the last days of our lives. Of Jed's life. And this is a way I can do just that."
Pat was stunned. But she had a direct request from her client and was ethically bound to present it to the District Attorney.
"Abbey, the DA has refused your offer. He feels like he can get a conviction on the heavier charge, second degree murder. We have to go forward with the defense."
Abbey was crushed with disappointment.
She knew now her fate was sealed. She would be convicted of second degree murder and sent to prison for the rest of her life. She could do nothing to change that.
"Let's go."
Abbey reluctantly followed her attorney into the courtroom. Her mood was even darker than when it had been when she had arrived at the courthouse. She saw Zoey and Liz sitting in the front row. Surprised, she now saw Ellie and Millie sitting there as well. She didn't know whether to hug them or slug them. She guessed only time would tell.
"All rise."
The second half of the trial had begun.