Chapter 10 - A Glimpse of Peace
Three days later, Hailey was officially transferred out of the intensive care unit into a private recovery room on the sunlit fourth floor. The color had finally returned to her cheeks. She was sitting up in bed, sipping chicken broth, and sketching in a new pad of paper I had bought for her downstairs.
"Look, Mom," she said, holding up a drawing of our golden retriever running through a field of sunflowers. "The nurse said I might get to go home by Friday."
I smiled, running my fingers through her soft brown hair. "Friday sounds wonderful, sweetie. And guess what? I spoke with my sister in Colorado. As soon as you're strong enough to travel, we're packing our things and moving out there. Fresh air, the mountains, a whole new beginning."
Hailey’s eyes lit up with genuine hope. "No more secrets? No more Dad?"
"No more secrets," I said firmly, kissing her cheek. "Just you and me."
The door opened, and Detective Reyes stepped inside, holding a manila folder. She gave Hailey a warm, reassuring smile before gesturing for me to step out into the hallway for a quick word.
"She looks a hundred times better," Reyes said as the door clicked shut behind us.
"She’s a fighter," I said, smiling proudly. "Did the grand jury indict him?"
"They handed down a thirty-count indictment this morning. No bail," Reyes confirmed. "The prosecutor is confident Mark will take a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. He’ll get life without parole."
I let out a breath I felt like I had been holding for years. "Thank God."
"There is just one loose end," Reyes added, her expression shifting slightly, a shadow of professional concern crossing her features. "During the interrogation, Mark refused to speak to anyone. He invoked his right to remain silent—until ten minutes ago. He demanded to deliver a message to you."
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A cold shiver raced down my spine. "I don't care what he has to say."
"I think you need to hear this, Nora," Reyes said quietly, opening the folder. "Because it doesn't make sense, and we need to verify if it’s a threat or psychological manipulation."
