Chapter 17 - What Gloria Finally Admitted
Gloria's plea hearing took place on a gray morning in November. Patricia sat in the second row with Michael, Frank, Sarah, Daniel, and Thomas. Rebecca's trial had been delayed, but Gloria's agreement required her to testify about the property scheme.
The judge asked Gloria whether she understood the charges. Gloria answered clearly. She did not look at Patricia until the prosecutor mentioned the education fund.
"I took money that belonged to my daughter," Gloria said. "I told myself it was temporary. Then I used the next lie to cover the first."
The courtroom remained still.
The prosecutor asked when the manipulation began.
"Before Eleanor died," Gloria answered. "I had been jealous of her for years. She had stability, a husband who apologized when he was wrong, and a family that made room for Patricia. I told myself Eleanor was judging me. Eventually I began telling Patricia that Eleanor was judging her."
Patricia looked down at her hands.
"Why did you hide Daniel's letters?"
"Because he was the one person Patricia might choose over me."
"Why did you work with Rebecca?"
"She promised to erase the debts. She said the house would be sold, the fund restored, and Patricia would never know."
"Did you intend to harm Eleanor?"
Gloria took a long breath. "No. I intended to frighten her into giving up. I gave her a sedative because she was upset and I wanted her to sleep. I did not know Rebecca had already given her one earlier."
The prosecutor raised her voice. "You gave Eleanor medication without medical supervision?"
"Yes."
"And after she fell, you delayed calling for help?"
Gloria looked toward Patricia. "I saw the metal case. I thought Eleanor had hidden proof that would send me to prison. I opened it before calling. I took the recorder. I lost time."
Frank shut his eyes.
"Did Rebecca strike Eleanor?"
"No. Rebecca pulled me away from her. Eleanor was alive. She told us that Patricia would know what we had done."
"Why did you wipe the counter?"
"Because I had spilled the second sedative."
The admission did not establish that Gloria had caused Eleanor's death, but it established negligence, deception, and a terrible delay. The prosecutor added the information to the restitution agreement and reserved the right to pursue further charges if new evidence emerged.
After the hearing, Gloria asked to speak privately with Patricia. The judge approved a brief meeting with counsel present.
"I do not expect forgiveness," Gloria said.
"Good."
"I expect you to hate me."
"I do not hate you. I hate what you did. Sometimes I wish I could hate you because it would be easier."
Gloria began to cry. "I thought if I controlled every relationship, no one could abandon you."
"You made abandonment happen before anyone could choose it."
"I know."
"Do you?"
Gloria nodded. "I know because you are sitting here and not asking me to feel better."
Patricia took the letter from her pocket. "I wrote this for you. I am not giving it to you yet."
"Why not?"
"Because it is still mine."
Gloria accepted that answer.
Outside, Daniel stood beneath the courthouse steps. Patricia introduced them formally, though they had already met.
"Daniel Cross," he said.
"Gloria's husband," Patricia replied.
He nodded. "Once."
Gloria looked at him. "I am sorry."
"You are going to have to say that many times before it means anything."
"I know."
Rebecca's trial began in January. Owen Price testified about the photographs. Thomas testified about the accounts and his own false timestamp. Frank testified about both guarantees. Patricia testified last.
Rebecca's attorney tried to portray her as a confused young woman who had understood nothing. Patricia refused the rescue.
"I did not understand the document," she said. "But I signed it. I also repeated lies about people who loved me. I am responsible for those acts. Rebecca and my mother used that responsibility to make me feel responsible for everything."
The jury convicted Rebecca on all major counts. She received a lengthy sentence and was ordered to repay the stolen funds.
The money would not restore the years lost. It would, however, pay most of Frank's lien and rebuild Patricia's education account.
After the verdict, Frank handed Patricia Eleanor's recipe book.
"Your mother wanted you to have this," he said.
May you like
Patricia held it against her heart. "I thought you wanted to keep it."
"I kept it because I was afraid. I am giving it to you because I am learning not to be."
