Chapter 10 - NORA’S PLEA
The prosecution could prove much.
Drugging.
Assaulting Lily.
Removing Grace’s memorandum.
Financial theft.
False vendor activity.
But exact intent behind the dose remained debatable.
Nora’s attorneys argued she intended temporary incapacitation, not serious bodily harm.
The evidence supported that more strongly than attempted murder.
So prosecutors did not force a theatrical charge unsupported by the strongest facts.
A plea agreement resolved the case.
Nora admitted putting clonidine in my tea without consent.
Admitted intending to make me temporarily ill so she could enter my study.
Admitted slapping Lily to stop her warning me.
Admitted taking Grace’s memorandum.
Admitted financial misconduct connected to the shell vendors.
Her sentencing considered:
Planning.
Abuse of trust.
A child witness.
Medical risk.
Financial losses.
Lack of prior criminal record.
Personal circumstances.
Acceptance of responsibility.
Restitution.
The court imposed a substantial but proportionate sentence combining incarceration, financial obligations, and later supervision.
No courtroom cheering.
I did not feel victorious.
Lily sat at home with Elizabeth.
May you like
I did not let her watch sentencing.
Nora had already occupied enough of her childhood.
