Chapter 16 - Diane’s Plea
Diane did not go to trial.
She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to abduct/conceal Sophie, use of forged guardianship documents, obstruction, and assault/unlawful restraint charges from the engagement party.
One medical child-endangerment count was folded into conspiracy resolution.
She admitted under oath:
“I told Rachel her daughter died when I knew she was alive.”
I closed eyes.
The judge asked:
“Why?”
“To make her stop asking.”
No euphemism.
Then:
“Did Rachel authorize Sophie’s transfer?”
“No.”
“Did you forge or cause documents to be forged?”
“Yes.”
“Did you believe Madison’s illness justified it?”
“At the time.”
“And now?”
“No.”
Then:
“Did you tell Marjorie Rachel was mentally ill?”
“Yes.”
“Was that true?”
“No.”
“Did you assist in obtaining medical treatment from Sophie without Rachel’s consent?”
“Yes.”
“Did you physically assault Rachel at the engagement party?”
“Yes.”
Then:
“Did you help Nicole confine Lily?”
“I knew she was behind the boxes and did not release her.”
Enough.
The plea capped sentence at fourteen years.
Judge imposed twelve.
Diane was sixty.
Substantial.
No life.
No theatrical seventy-year sentence.
She would age in prison.
Then her statement.
“I thought fairness meant both daughters should have a child.”
I stared.
There it was still.
Arithmetic.
Then she corrected:
“That was not fairness.”
Good.
“I decided Rachel was stronger, so I believed she could survive losing more.”
My throat tightened.
Stronger children often receive less because adults assume capacity is infinite.
Then:
“I protected Nicole because she needed me.”
And me?
“I made Rachel prove she didn’t.”
She cried.
Then:
“I am sorry.”
I did not answer.
Then Nicole sentencing.
Her attorney presented Madison’s illness.
No prior convictions.
Some genuine caregiving.
Her surrender after arrest.
Prosecutor presented four years.
Repeated procedures.
Lily confinement.
No remorse until conviction.
Judge imposed seventeen years effective, plus supervision after release.
Less than maximum.
More than she wanted.
Restitution tied to child treatment/counseling/legal costs as appropriate.
No order taking every asset.
Nicole owned little after legal fees.
Scott retained custody of Madison.
Then Nicole spoke.
“Sophie, I am sorry.”
She was not present.
Then:
“Rachel, I know you think I chose Madison over Sophie.”
I thought:
You did.
She continued:
“I chose my fear over every child involved.”
Better.
Then:
“I taught Madison that her life came at somebody else’s expense.”
That was perhaps the first thing she understood fully.
Then she was taken.
No screaming.
No threat.
The sister who had filled every room with herself disappeared through a side door.
Then family civil matters.
Diane and Frank owned the Midlothian house.
Legal fees.
Restitution.
They sold eventually.
Not seized by me.
No revenge deed.
Net equity after debts partly funded their legal obligations and remaining amounts preserved according to law.
I did not take house.
I did not want.
Then my engagement ring.
Still on hand.
Evan and I had postponed wedding twice.
Not because doubt.
Because court.
Therapy.
Twins.
One evening he said:
“We can stay engaged forever if that’s what life needs.”
I laughed.
“No.”
Then:
“I want small wedding.”
“How small?”
“Us. Girls. Caroline? Wait no sister. Marjorie maybe not. Scott? No.”
We chose twenty people.
Six months after sentences.
No Carter parents.
No Nicole.
Madison attended with Scott because Sophie asked.
Marjorie attended.
That felt strange.
Then Sophie asked:
“Can I call you Mom at wedding?”
I cried.
“You don't need ceremony.”
“I know.”
Then:
“Can I?”
“Yes.”
The first time she called me Mom was not in a courtroom.
Not after DNA.
It happened while choosing shoes.
“Mom, these hurt.”
I turned so fast she laughed.
“Why you crying?”
“Shoes.”
May you like
She rolled eyes exactly like Lily.
Twin.
