Chapter 12
Ryan took a plea.
Cowardice, dressed as cooperation.
He agreed to testify against Diane and Dr. Price.
In exchange, some charges were reduced.
I hated it.
Nora said, “Useful truth sometimes comes from useless men.”
That helped more than it should have.
Ryan testified that Diane began sedating Mara when she cried for Claire.
He admitted he knew.
He admitted Diane used Claire’s medication.
He admitted Lily had been given small doses at night “so Emily could rest.”
My nails dug into my palm.
So I could rest.
As if drugging my child had been a gift.
The prosecutor asked, “Did Emily consent?”
“No.”
“Did Lily?”
Ryan looked sick.
“She was two.”
“Answer the question.”
“No.”
“Did Claire consent to losing Mara?”
“No.”
“Did you help fake Claire’s death?”
His voice broke.
“Yes.”
Diane stared at him with hatred.
Not regret.
Hatred.
That was when I realized she had never loved Ryan either.
Not as a son.
Only as an extension of herself.
When he stopped extending, he became disposable.
After court, Ryan tried to speak to me.
I walked past him.
He called, “Emily, I’m sorry.”
May you like
I turned once.
“Tell it to the judge.”
