I Need Them

The Plea Deal

The DA turns off the recorder, telling Bosko, “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll have this transcribed for your signature straight away.”

Sherry speaks up, “Along with the terms and conditions in the plea deal.”

The DA nods, “Of course.”, then looks to Athena, “I’ll need your report as well, Sargeant.”

Then the DA leaves, which gives Sherry permission to ask Athena,

“Can I trust you won’t let the DA’s biased opinion cloud judgement? The plea deal is everything.”

Athena nods, “I know the plea deal is everything.”, and starts to leave.

“Sargeant Grant.” Bosko says suddenly, and when Athena stops to look at her, Bosko goes on.

“I’m sorry. I really am. I know Mackey was a human being with people that loved him. I wish more than anything that it hadn’t come to this.”

“It didn’t have to.” Athena says, emotionless. “He didn’t deserve to die. Not like this.”

Then she leaves too, leaving Sherry alone with Bosko once again.

Sherry asks first, “Is there anything I can do for you? At all?”

Bosko nods, “There is. I want to see my sister. I want to hug her and never let go.” Bosko sighs sadly, one tear falling down her face. “But I also know that’s not part of the plea deal. I’m going to prison, where most likely I’ll never see her again, and I’ll be a complete stranger to her when I get out.”

And then, it seems to really sink in just exactly what's happening, “I’m going to be in prison for a while, aren’t I?”

Sherry has to tell her, “Look, Lena, Mackey had no problem pointing fingers at someone else to cover his tracks. You confessed. We can argue Mackey pushed you to the breaking point. He got the minimum sentence for all the crimes serious enough to get him behind bars for short periods of time.”

But Bosko doesn’t want to say that, shaking her head, “I didn’t shoot him because I hated the guy, or because he was a piece of crap that everyone would be relieved to know was dead. I did it because I had to know for sure that my sister was getting to stay in the only group home she’s ever known since we came to LA.” 

Then Bosko lets out a breath, “I’m never going to see her again, am I?”

“Ms. Bosko.” Now it’s Sherry’s turn to speak. “You will always be a part of your sister’s life. You have rights, and nobody is going to take those away from you. And if we do wind up with a custodial sentence, we’ll make sure you’re sent to a prison close to Susie’s group home, and that you have access while you serve.”

But Bosko’s already shaking her head again, “Susie can only read at a 6th grade level. She has limited motor skills. I can’t hug my sister through an email.”

Sherry sighs again, “I know. And I have to tell you any emails you do get will be monitored. But it does mean the group home can send you pictures and videos of your sister. She will remember her sister. Ms. Bosko, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure you get the minimum sentence.” Then she pauses here, before going on, “But there is something I do need to ask. In your confession, you admitted to Sargeant Grant that Mackey was blackmailing you.”