Chapter 6 - THE PLEA DEALTwo months later, the preliminary hearing took place at the Franklin County Hall of Justice.
Ethan sat at the defense table wearing an orange jumpsuit, his hands restrained by handcuffs linked to a waist chain. His hair was messy, his cheeks sunken, and his once-arrogant posture completely broken. Beside him sat his attorney, looking thoroughly exhausted.
Linda sat in the second row of the gallery, looking ten years older, her fine clothes replaced by a simple, faded coat.
I sat on the prosecution's side, flanked by Marcus Sterling and Sarah. I wore a tailored ivory suit, my face completely healed, my posture straight and strong.
The judge slammed her gavel down. "Case number 24-CR-8891. State of Ohio versus Ethan Bennett."
Ethan’s attorney stood up slowly. "Your Honor, my client wishes to withdraw his former plea of not guilty and enter a negotiated guilty plea."
The courtroom went deathly silent.
"Under the terms of the agreement," the prosecutor announced, "Mr. Bennett will plead guilty to one count of Felony Domestic Violence, one count of Wire Fraud, and one count of Grand Theft Embezzlement. He will serve a mandatory state prison sentence of six years."
Linda let out a muffled sob from the gallery, burying her face in her hands.
The judge looked down at Ethan. "Mr. Bennett, do you understand that by pleading guilty, you waive your right to a trial, and you will be remanded immediately to the custody of the Department of Corrections?"
Ethan stood up, his chains rattling softly. He turned his head slightly, his hollow eyes meeting mine across the courtroom for the briefest second.
There was no anger left in his face. No smug grin. No alcoholic bravado. Only the crushing, inescapable realization of total ruin.
"I understand, Your Honor," Ethan whispered, his voice trembling. "I plead guilty."
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The judge slammed her gavel down. "Sentence is imposed. Take the defendant into custody."
As the bailiffs led Ethan out through the side door, he took one last look at me. I didn't look away, nor did I smile. I simply gave him a quiet, firm nod—closing the final chapter of a three-year nightmare.
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