Chapter 15 - The Plea Deal Refused
Two weeks later, the criminal side of the nightmare came to a head. Arthur’s high-powered defense attorney requested a meeting with the DA and me.
We sat in the prosecutor's office. Arthur looked hollowed out. The viral fame and the loss of his business had aged him twenty years.
"My client is willing to plead guilty to a lesser charge of misdemeanor battery," the defense attorney said smoothly. "He will pay a hefty fine, take anger management, and serve zero jail time. Beatrice will plead to a misdemeanor as well."
I stared at Arthur. I remembered the sheer, terrifying force of his hand hitting my face. I remembered the cold, dead look in Beatrice's eyes as Mia cried.
I looked at the prosecutor. "No."
Arthur's head snapped up. "Clara, please. You've ruined my business. You took my son's money. Haven't you done enough?"
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"You punched me in the face because I tried to protect my child from your sadistic wife," I said, my voice completely devoid of empathy. "You didn't care about my pain. You didn't care about Mia's tears. You only care now because you got caught."
I stood up, grabbing my purse. "I am not accepting a plea deal. I want a trial. I want a jury of twelve people to see exactly what you are. See you in court, Arthur."
