A Whisper

30: Famous Last Words

"It is my understanding that the District Attorney's Office has come to an agreement with the defendant?" Judge Amy Ludwig said from her bench in the courtroom.

"We have, Your Honor." ADA Portia Bellefleur rose from her seat just in front of Gran and me. "Mr. Northman has agreed to plead guilty to second degree manslaughter."

The medical examiner couldn't say for certain how Hadley died. After discussing things with Portia, the prosecutor assigned to my sister's case, Gran and I decided to go with the plea agreement. It would spare us a trial and keep the press from salivating over the dirty details of Hadley's life. TMZ and the like were doing everything in their power to dig up every salacious piece of the puzzle they could get their hands on.

It had already come out that I was in a serious, committed relationship with my sister's alleged killer. TV shows, reporters and publishers were clamoring to make a deal with me about it. Eric was legally barred from profiting off my sister's death, not that I thought he would. Eventually, after talking with Gran, we agreed to sit down with Patrick Furnan from Dateline. I was also negotiating a book deal with Simon and Schuster. I'd been interested in writing a book before the truth came out.

"Will the defendant please rise?" Judge Ludwig requested.

Gran and I knew what the statute was for second degree manslaughter. We understood the circumstances of Hadley's death. Eric was facing anywhere from three to fifteen years and a fine up to five thousand dollars. It was up to the judge's discretion how long Eric was going to be in jail.

"Mr. Northman, do you wish to plead guilty to the crime of manslaughter in the second degree?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"You understand that by doing so you will immediately be sentenced?"

"Yes."

"Very well. Do you have anything you wish to say to the court before I pronounce sentencing?"

"I do," he said. Eric turned to look in our direction and I immediately looked away from him. No way was I giving that son of a bitch eye contact. He didn't deserve it. "I want Sookie and Adele to know how sorry I am for what happened and for my cowardice. What happened to Hadley was an accident. Despite that, I know I'm to blame for it. I made a series of bad decisions and I have to take responsibility for those things. There are a lot of things I would do differently if I could. For the rest of my life I'll regret what happened. I hope this gives you some sense of resolution and peace so that you can put this behind you."

I refused to look Eric's way. While there was a part of me that wanted him to see how hurt and angry I was, I didn't want to risk being suckered in by his sadness or remorse. I just wasn't ready to forgive him yet.

"Mr. Northman, having reviewed this case and hearing the recommendation from the prosecution, I hereby sentence you to a term of five years and impose a fine of five thousand dollars. Bailiff, you can take the defendant into custody. Court is adjourned." The judge banged her gavel. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Eric being led from the courtroom in his bright orange jumpsuit.

I hugged Gran tight with my eyes closed. As soon as we left the courthouse I was going out to Long Island. I had some things to say to my sister.

***

"He's beautiful, Amanda." I cradled her newborn in my arms. He came at thirty-five weeks but he was perfect. There was a tuft of strawberry-blonde hair on top of his head. He had deep blue eyes that were probably going to turn brown. His name was Brody James Merlotte and he was just over six pounds of cuteness.