Lily gave her sister a stern look. Shut it. Abby didn’t even bother to look contrite. When it came to Rick Hanson, Abby refused to hold her tongue.
They were sitting in District Attorney Elijah Foster’s office, Eve on one side, Abby on the other. Wes had agreed to watch the kids, but Lily was starting to think that was a mistake.
“Abs, give it a rest, and let him speak.”
Frustrated, Abby shifted in her seat but kept her mouth shut.
Elijah was a quiet man with a powerful presence. Almost six foot three with a bald head, he reminded Lily a bit of Mr. Clean. He was actually a former Notre Dame linebacker and All-American. His college playing instilled in him a furious desire to win. But his gentle nature and sweet demeanor calmed Lily every time she met with him. She’d talked a lot with Elijah over the last six months. He said the most important thing was that she know exactly how Rick’s case was progressing. Rick’s lawyers kept filing ridiculous motions. All stalling tactics, Elijah had reassured her, but it meant that the case continued to drag on. But today Elijah had called them to his office because he had big news.
“After a lot of back and forth, Rick Hanson has agreed to forgo a trial and accept a deal of life in prison without parole. He’s accepted the plea, which means a trial isn’t necessary. Even with a great deal of evidence, going to trial has its risks. Not to mention Rick’s cult status and the media’s obsession with this case. But this isn’t my call, Lily. The decision is yours. I’ve already spoken with Bree and Shaina’s families, but I won’t accept his plea unless it’s unanimous.”
“Fuck him. Why is he calling the shots? Doesn’t anybody think it’s weird that he’s finally deciding to take the plea? Why? It doesn’t make sense.”
Lily ignored Abby’s outburst, busy contemplating what it would mean to accept a deal. How it would feel to know that he was locked away for good.
“He’ll never get out, right?” she asked.
“Not until he draws his last breath.”
Lily turned to Eve. “What do you think, Mom?”
“I think you’ve got to do what’s right for you, Lily. We’ll support you, no matter what.”
“I don’t have to testify?” Lily asked. “I won’t have to get up on the stand and talk about what he did to me?”
“No. You can make a victim impact statement at the sentencing if you wish, but it’s not required.”
Lily’s decision was made. “Life in prison is good.”
Abby exhaled loudly, and Lily took her sister’s hand. “It’s good, Abby. He’ll spend the rest of his life in a cage. It’s exactly what he deserves.”
Lily turned back to Elijah.
“What’s next?”
“I’ll meet with Hanson’s lawyer, and we’ll let them know we’ve accepted the deal. Then the judge will schedule the sentencing. Hopefully things will move quickly from there.”
The three of them left the courthouse. Her mother drove, all of them caught up in their own thoughts. They’d almost reached the subdivision.
“Mom, can you look after the kids this afternoon? I want to take Abby somewhere.”
“That’s fine, Lil. Whatever you need.”
“Where are we going?” Abby asked.
“You’ll see.”
They returned to the house. Lily scooped up Sky, who was almost too heavy to carry. She’d turned seven last month and filled out, her tiny frame transformed into a budding athlete. Sky loved sports, especially soccer. Some evenings it took almost thirty minutes to get her inside. When Wes stopped by, he’d spend hours in the backyard, kicking the ball around with her. It was clear that she was a natural. Lily covered Sky with kisses until she slipped out of her embrace. These days Sky was more interested in playing than hanging out with her mother. It wasn’t easy letting go but it was the only way for them all to move forward.
Abby was sitting on a blanket next to Wes and David, covering the giggling baby with kisses. David was squealing with laughter as Wes stared at Abby with unabashed devotion. Lily looked away and focused on Sky. That’s what she’d forced herself to do over the last few months. After hours and hours of soul searching and endless sessions with Dr. Amari, Lily realized that it wasn’t Wes she wanted. She didn’t know him, not the man he’d become. No, what Lily wanted was to recapture that high school love: the optimism and simplicity that made everything so special. But Lily’s longing and disappointment over Wes and what might have been was ever present. She hoped it would fade, as time went by.
As far as she could tell, Abby and Wes weren’t officially “together.” There were no hugs or kisses, no obvious displays of affection, but their body language and looks didn’t lie. Whenever she asked Abby about the status of their relationship, her sister changed the subject. Lily thought about pushing for information, but figured they would both come around when they were ready.