Chapter 13
Lucinda eventually entered a negotiated plea.
She admitted to conduct supporting child assault, obstruction, custodial interference, and record falsification.
She did not admit causing Juliet’s death.
No court found that she did.
She received a significant prison sentence, financial penalties, and a permanent no-contact order involving Maisie, Iris, Marianne, Rebecca, and key witnesses.
Her assets tied to the concealment scheme were seized where legally supported.
Her diamond earrings did not matter.
Her emerald gowns did not matter.
The paper trail did.
The retired obstetrician lost his medical license after admitting he allowed altered records to stand.
The attorney who mishandled service received professional discipline.
The maternity-wing administrator entered a misdemeanor resolution for record misconduct.
None of them went to prison for Lucinda’s entire scheme.
The law separated roles.
That frustrated Dominic.
Rebecca said:
“Accountability is not the same size for everyone.”
He answered from prison:
“It should be.”
“No. It should be accurate.”
Meanwhile, Maisie and Iris met in person for the first time in a therapy garden halfway between their homes.
No cameras.
No Valenti men.
No dramatic music.
They stood three feet apart.
Both wore pink by accident.
Iris brought a frog sticker.
Maisie brought half of a friendship bracelet set.
Neither knew what to say.
Finally Iris asked:
“Do you like pancakes?”
Maisie nodded.
“With chocolate chips.”
Iris smiled.
“Me too.”
That was the beginning.
May you like
Not sisterhood yet.
A beginning.
