Chapter 13 - Clara’s deal
Clara pleaded guilty before Julian went to trial.
Charges resolved:
Kidnapping/unlawful confinement.
Child endangerment.
Conspiracy.
Financial facilitation count related to payments and concealment.
No attempted murder plea.
She agreed to testify truthfully.
Prosecutors recommended substantial prison but below maximum.
At plea hearing she had to state facts.
She said:
“I took Leo into the service area believing he would be hidden for several hours.”
Then:
“I continued keeping him from his father after I knew there was no lawful basis.”
Then:
“I lied during the search.”
Then:
“I moved him between Carter House and Blue Ash cottage.”
Then:
“I accepted money from Julian.”
Judge asked:
“Why did you continue for five years?”
She cried.
“Because every day made the day before harder to confess.”
That was probably true.
Also cowardly.
Also insufficient.
Then she said:
“I was afraid of Julian.”
Did fear matter?
Yes at sentencing.
Did it erase five years?
No.
Then Leo.
He did not attend.
I did.
I thought I wanted to look at Clara.
When the time came, I mostly looked at the floor.
Because she had once braided Leo’s hair when he was a toddler.
May you like
Because Sophie trusted her.
Because betrayal is harder when memories remain kind.
