Chapter 14
Nora was convicted.
Attempted poisoning-related offenses involving Ethan.
Charges connected to Caroline’s death.
Financial fraud.
Forgery.
Conspiracy.
Child-related offenses.
Obstruction.
Not every charge.
Enough to ensure a lengthy sentence.
Charles was convicted separately and received a reduced sentence because of cooperation.
Michael lost his legal license and received criminal penalties.
Hale lost his medical license.
At sentencing, Ethan spoke.
Lily did not attend.
“I spent months asking how Nora fooled me.”
He looked toward her.
“I think that question made me feel safer.”
Nora looked up.
“Because if she had some extraordinary ability, then maybe I wasn’t responsible for missing anything.”
He paused.
“But the truth is less comfortable.”
“She lied well.”
“And I made mistakes.”
“I dismissed Caroline.”
“I trusted familiarity.”
“I assumed calm people were rational and frightened people were confused.”
Nora’s eyes filled.
Ethan continued:
“And when Lily tried to warn me in smaller ways, I thought she was adjusting badly to a stepmother.”
He looked toward the judge.
“My daughter had to run into a room screaming before I listened.”
His voice broke.
“That will stay with me.”
Then he looked at Nora.
“But I will not turn my guilt into your defense.”
Nora cried.
Ethan continued:
“You chose what you did to Caroline.”
“You chose the money.”
“The documents.”
“The lies about Lily.”
“The tea.”
“And when a six-year-old got between you and what you wanted, you grabbed her.”
Nora whispered:
“I loved you.”
Ethan nodded.
“I believe you may have.”
She looked surprised.
“But love that requires someone to remain controllable is dangerous.”
Nora cried harder.
Then Nora spoke.
She apologized to Ethan.
To Caroline’s family.
Then, unexpectedly:
“To Lily.”
Ethan’s face changed.
Nora continued:
“She was the only person in that house who never convinced herself not to see me.”
Ethan looked down.
That was perhaps the truest thing Nora ever said.
The judge imposed sentence.
Nora disappeared through the courtroom door.
Ethan did not feel victorious.
May you like
He felt finished with one part.
That was enough.
