I found her notes tucked inside her favorite book, a worn copy of Pride and Prejudice. Her handwriting was shaky but clear.
Rebecca will understand why I did this. She knows that love without respect is worthless, and Brandon stopped respecting me years ago. I hope this teaches him something, though I doubt it will. Some people never learn.
I sat in her reading chair and cried for the first time since her death. Not from sadness, but from gratitude that she’d seen me, truly seen me, and trusted me with her legacy.
The trial was set for January, but Brandon’s attorney pushed for a plea deal in mid-November. The evidence was overwhelming, and taking it to trial would only increase his prison time.
The prosecutor offered a deal.
Brandon would plead guilty to felony theft and fraud, serve eighteen months in county jail, and pay full restitution for all damages to the estate.
Patricia advised me to reject it.
“We can push for more,” she said during a conference call. “His actions weren’t just theft. They showed premeditation and a pattern of behavior. We have leverage.”
I thought about Grandma’s notes, about her hope that this might teach Brandon something.
“Counteroffer,” I told Patricia. “Three years in prison, full restitution, including the diminished value of damaged items, and a recorded apology to be submitted to the court acknowledging exactly what he did and why it was wrong.”
Patricia smiled.
It wasn’t a kind smile.
“I’ll draft it.”
Brandon’s attorney called me directly two days later, violating protocol and earning himself a reprimand from Patricia.
“You’re destroying a man’s life over jewelry,” he said, his voice tight with barely controlled anger. “He has a daughter. Did you know that Kayla’s pregnant? You’re taking a father away from his child.”
“He took himself away,” I replied, my voice cold. “And if Kayla’s pregnant, she should know what kind of man is fathering her child. Someone who steals from dying relatives and shows zero remorse.”
“The plea offer on the table is fair.”
“My counteroffer is fair. He committed crimes. He pays consequences. That’s how the justice system works.”
“You’re vindictive.”
