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It’s amazing how the memories can still lacerate even after all this time. “What’d Stan do when you were at the retreat?”
“He did a golf thing with some of his buddies. They had a good time.”
“That sounds fun. Glad you guys are doing well.”
“We’re doing the best we can. Some days are better than others, but I don’t have to tell you.”
“No, you don’t. So, the reason I called, other than I missed you, is I heard from Dave about the case.”
“Oh dear,” she says with the same trepidation I experience whenever the prosecutor pops in to remind us that our nightmare isn’t over. “What now?”
I give her the details of the deal as explained to me by Dave. “It’s not vehicular homicide like we wanted, but Dave thinks it’s a very solid offer and we should consider it.”
“That’s disappointing about the vehicular homicide.”
“I agree, but if we decline the plea deal, we’re looking at a trial, and I don’t know about you, but the thought of that still makes me ill.”
“Yes, me, too, and Stan has said he’d do anything to avoid that if possible.”
“We’ve got to be able to live with this, Mimi, so if it’s not enough for you and Stan, then so be it. We’ve gotten through worse than a trial.”
“What do you want to do, sweetheart?”
“I think I’m ready for it to be over, but only if you are, too. We’re in this together, like we’ve said from the beginning.”
“What a dreadful thing,” she says with a sigh, “deciding the fate of the man who killed my daughter and granddaughters.”
“It is indeed dreadful. The whole thing is dreadful and sad and so tragic.”
“That it is, my friend. Take the deal. Let’s be done with this guy once and for all.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am. Nat wouldn’t want us trapped in this purgatory any longer than we’ve already been. Enough is enough. He’ll do fifteen years in prison. That’s not chump change.”
“No, it isn’t. I’ll let Dave know that we’ll take the deal. They’ll want us to do victim impact statements at the sentencing, but I can do that for all of us.”
“Oh, no. I’d never let you do that by yourself. You tell me when and where, and we’ll be there.”
“I’ll find out when it’ll be and let you know.”
“How’re you holding up, love? Dave’s calls always set you back.”
I glance at Iris in the passenger seat. At some point, I need to tell Mimi and Stan that I’m seeing someone new, but not yet. “I’m all right. It’s been kind of a big week on several fronts. I’ve also decided to sell the business.”
“No! Really?”
“Yeah, I think it’s time to lighten my load a bit and figure out whether there’s more to life than work.”
“Good for you, Gage. You’ve worked so hard to build that business, and now you can enjoy the fruits of your labors. Come visit us! We’d love to have you.”
“Can I bring some friends?”
“Anyone you want.”
“I might just do that.”
“Please do, darling. We’d love it.”
