Chapter Forty-nine
Jill leaned against the wall of Oliver’s office, arms crossed, watching as Rhonda and Bert Barker sat across from Oliver and DA Mark Haskell. The tension in the room was thick, despite the fact that they all knew what was coming.
Cord stood near the door, his jaw set, clearly struggling with the reality of the situation. He had come to show support, but Jill could tell he wasn’t sure what to say.
Mark cleared his throat, placing a file on the desk. “Given the evidence, the history of abuse, and the mitigating circumstances, we’re prepared to offer a deal.”
Bert immediately stiffened. “No. She’s not taking any deal.”
Rhonda placed a calming hand on his arm. “Let’s hear it first.”
Mark continued. “If you plead guilty to second-degree manslaughter, the sentence will be six months in prison, with time served counting toward that total. No additional charges.”
Bert’s face turned red. “Absolutely not! She was defending herself! She should walk free!”
Oliver held up a hand. “Bert, sit down.”
Rhonda, calm and composed, looked at Mark. “And after that? Will this finally be over?”
Mark nodded. “After that, you’re free to go home. No parole, no probation. Just six months, then you can put this behind you.”
Bert shook his head vehemently. “This isn’t justice.”
Rhonda gently squeezed his hand. “Bert, listen to me. I want this behind me, no matter what. I don’t want to fight anymore.”
Bert looked at his wife, desperation in his eyes. “But six months—”
Rhonda cut him off softly. “It’s six months. I can do that. I need to take responsibility for what I did. I need this done.”
Phoebe, standing behind her mother, wiped at her eyes, her voice thick with emotion. “Mom, are you sure?”
Rhonda nodded, a weight seemingly lifting from her shoulders. “Yes. It’s time.”
Mark slid the plea deal across the table, and Rhonda, without hesitation, picked up the pen and signed her name.
Bert exhaled sharply, looking defeated. Phoebe moved beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Rhonda looked at Oliver, gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you—for everything. I can finally stop looking over my shoulder.”
Oliver nodded and offered her an encouraging smile.
Jill watched as the reality of the moment sank in for everyone. This was truly the end of a decades-old nightmare.
As the legal proceedings wrapped up, Jill lingered outside Oliver’s office.
She didn’t intend to eavesdrop, but when Cord and Phoebe stepped into the hallway, their voices carried.
Phoebe forced a small smile. “I know why you wanted to talk to me, Cord.”
Cord looked away, clearly uncomfortable. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
Phoebe laughed quietly, but it sounded hollow. “We both know this isn’t working.”
Cord hesitated. “I care about you, Phoebe. But I—”
Phoebe cut him off gently. “You don’t love me enough.”
Cord flinched. “I thought I did.”
Phoebe nodded, blinking back tears. “I get it. Really, I do.”
Cord sighed. “I still want to be there for you. As a friend.”
Phoebe hesitated, then offered a weak smile. “I’ll hold you to that.”
Cord nodded, looking like he wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words.
Jill waited until Cord walked away before stepping outside. Phoebe stood in place for a moment before steeling herself and heading out the opposite way.
As Jill slid into the driver’s seat of her car, her phone buzzed.
It was a text from Audrey.
Can you pick me up at the hospital?
Jill responded.
On my way.
When she pulled into the hospital parking lot ten minutes later, Audrey was already outside, waiting. She slid into the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt.
Jill glanced at her daughter. “Mason doing okay?”
Audrey nodded, staring out the window. “Yeah. He’s recovering. Still restless.”
Jill smirked. “Of course he is.”
They drove in silence for a few minutes, the coastal road stretching ahead of them.
Finally, Jill sighed. “I know I can be … overbearing.”
Audrey arched a brow. “You don’t say.”
Jill rolled her eyes. “All right, all right. But look, I just—” She gripped the wheel. “I worry about you.”
Audrey softened. “I know. But I’m not a kid anymore.”
Jill glanced at her, then nodded slowly. “I know that now.”
Another beat of silence.
Then Audrey smirked. “So, Mark Haskell, huh?”
Jill groaned. “I am not having this conversation with you again.”
Audrey grinned. “Come on, Mom. He’s clearly into you.”
Jill shook her head. “I don’t have time for this.”
Audrey shrugged. “You make time to interrogate criminals. You can make time for a dinner date.”
Jill sighed dramatically, gripping the wheel. “Fine. One more date. But if he starts talking about court filings, I’m out.”
Audrey laughed, feeling something lighter between them.
For the first time in a long time, they weren’t fighting.
And maybe, just maybe, things were finally falling into place.