With Charles anxious to get this over with, I let his lawyer know that I will call Judge Brown and see when he can get us into court so that Charles can give his confession to Alice’s family, and he can be arraigned for sentencing. Before I hang up with him, we agree on a time to meet in person so that we can go over the details of everything that is about to happen. After plugging my meeting with him into my phone, I leave my office and head down the hall to Mary’s. I know that she had court earlier this afternoon, but I’m hoping she’s back.

“Hey, Dayton,” her secretary greets me with a smile when I reach her desk.

“Hey, Erica. Is Mary in?”

“Yep.” She goes to the door and knocks, poking her head inside and telling Mary I’m here before looking back at me and pushing the door open fully. “Go on in.”

“Thanks, Erica.” I step past her.

“Is everything okay?” Mary asks studying me as I approach her desk.

“Charles took the plea deal.”

“What?” She sits back in her chair with her eyes wide. “When?”

“His lawyer just called me; we’re meeting Monday to go over everything, then I’ll call and set up a time so we can get in front of Judge Brown.”

“This is…” she pauses shaking her head. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m shocked that he took the deal.”

“Apparently he’s been sick and found God.”

“How do you feel?”

“I can admit I was a little disappointed when I got the call. I know that manslaughter is not first-degree murder, but I’m relieved that he will be forced to admit the details of his crime. And hopefully this will give Alice’s family some closure and maybe even heal some old wounds.”

“I can understand the disappointment, but the thing is he won’t be getting out of jail. He’s already serving life, so this will just add more time onto his sentence. You’re not letting him off the hook so don’t feel like you are.”

“Yeah,” I agree letting out a breath and she gives me a look filled with pride.

“Congratulations, Dayton, you should be proud of yourself. I know that you aren’t getting the chance to present your case in court, but you have proven yourself over and over again these last few months. You’re a great lawyer, and I have no doubt that part of the reason why Charles agreed to take the plea is because his lawyer saw the case you built against him and knew that he didn’t stand a chance against you in court.”

“Thanks, Mary.”

“We’re lucky to have you, and if you keep on track in a few years, you’ll be taking Billy’s job.”