Chapter 8 - The Refusal
Six months later, Lily was finally released from outpatient therapy. She had gained her weight back, her asthma was under control, and the light had returned to her blue eyes. She was living with me in my home, far away from the house of horrors Jessica had created.
The District Attorney called us into his office.
“Jessica’s defense is crumbling,” the DA explained, sitting across from Lily and me. “With the video from David’s hidden safe, they know they can’t win. They are offering a plea deal. If she pleads guilty to child endangerment and fraud, she’ll accept ten years in federal prison. It spares Lily from having to testify on the stand.”
I looked at my granddaughter. I wanted to protect her from the trauma of the courtroom, but I also knew that ten years wasn't enough for what Jessica had done.
Lily sat up straight. She looked older, stronger.
“No,” Lily said firmly.
The DA raised his eyebrows. “Lily, a trial can be brutal. Her lawyer will try to make you look like a liar.”
“Let him try,” Lily said, her voice completely steady. “She locked me in the dark and told me nobody loved me. She told me Nana abandoned me. I want to look her in the eye in front of a jury and tell them exactly what she is. I won't hide anymore.”
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I squeezed her hand, my heart swelling with unimaginable pride. She was a survivor.
“You heard her,” I told the DA. “No deals. We go to trial.”
