TAKE A PLEA BARGAIN

MARIANNE

At the police station, I was cuffed and kept in a dimly lit room with four chairs, one table, and a window. I was exhausted and my eyes were puffy from crying.

Even though Tony cheated on me, he was the love of my life and I could not believe he was no more. In a flash, I had become a widow; the youngest I knew because I had just turned twenty, a month ago.

The three policemen sat in front of me, questioning me as though I were a common criminal.

"Don't you know who I am?" I asked. "I own foundations, charity organizations, and free hospitals. I help people, not hurt them. No matter what, I could never murder a man I loved with my life."

"Stop beating around the bush and answer the damn question!" One of the policemen yelled at me, slapping his palms on the table.

I didn't have to be a police officer or a lawyer to know that what the men were doing was not standard procedure. They were biased toward me and I had no idea why.

"I won't speak any more until my lawyer gets here," I stated, throwing the policemen into a fit of rage. They began yelling and issuing threats but I said nothing further until they eventually left the room.

I had already been at the station for six hours and I waited for two more but my lawyer did not show up and I was not allowed to make any phone calls despite repeatedly requesting to be allowed to make one.

"We can't wait for your lawyer forever," one of the policemen came back and told me. "I am exhausted and in two hours, I'm throwing you in a cell and leaving for the day. Perhaps after spending the night in a cell, you will be more cooperative."

"Please, I just need to make one phone call." I cried. "Please, it's my right."

He sighed and finally handed me a phone as though he was granting me a mighty favor.

"Hurry up," he ordered. "You have less than a minute."

Thanking him, I immediately called Britney's number. I had left my phone back at home since I was arrested unexpectedly, and unfortunately, I didn't know my lawyer's number by heart.

I was someone who kept a small circle and spent most of my time working. Tony and Britney were the two people I trusted most in the world but now, Tony had betrayed my trust and died. The only person I had left was Britney.

She picked up when her phone rang the second time and asked, "Who's this?"

"What are you doing, Britney?" I asked. "I have been at the station for over eight hours and you are nowhere to be found."

"I am so sorry," she replied. "I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through right now. I am on my way to you now with your lawyer. Everything will be fine, I promise."

I wanted to ask Britney what took her so long but once I heard she was on her way with my lawyer, I heaved a sigh of relief. Nothing else mattered at that moment. I just needed to get back home, take a shower, eat, and think of my next line of action.

"My lawyer is on his way," I told the policeman who snatched his phone from me and walked out of the room.

It took twenty minutes for Britney and my lawyer to arrive. However, when they walked into the room where I was being held, I realized the lawyer who accompanied Britney wasn't my lawyer.

He was very young and I usually wasn't someone who judged people based on appearances but he seemed incompetent to me.

"Where is my lawyer?" I asked Britney, feeling displeased.

She sighed, "I am so sorry, Marianne. Your lawyer has been in the hospital for two days. He had a heart attack and has not recovered fully yet. I tried so hard to convince his wife to let him come with me but she refused.

I spent the last few hours trying to get other renowned lawyers to take up your case but they all have their hands full, handling cases for top politicians and time was running out.

Attorney Fizz was the best I could get on such short notice."

Hearing her explanation, I suddenly felt guilty for getting upset. It was obvious Britney hadn't rested since I got arrested. Her exhaustion could not be more obvious.

I smiled at her, "Thank you for everything. For now, let's talk about getting me out of here today before the policemen come back."

"I'm afraid that will not be possible," the young lawyer said as he sat down. "Mrs Tony, too much time has passed already. You will be given no other option but to sleep here.

The best I can do is make a lot of phone calls and get you to appear before a judge tomorrow. The earlier your case is tried, the sooner you can be acquitted of all charges."

I nodded, "Okay. I guess I could survive a night here."

"I would advise you to take a plea bargain," His next words took me by surprise.

Both Britney and I asked at the same time, "What?"

He nodded, "Just listen. We can come to an agreement with the prosecutor and you can admit that you attacked your husband in the bedroom and slapped him repeatedly.

He got upset and ran, just to get away from you. While he was running, he fell off the stairs and died. That way, your crime would only be 'attacking him with your hands while in the bedroom'. You will most likely just be fined for that and allowed to go, afterward."

I shook my head, "No. I will never admit to a crime I did not commit."

"I am being completely honest with you," my lawyer told me. "Your husband is dead and the video of his affair is with the police. That's a piece of very strong evidence against you because they will use it to establish that you had a motive for killing him. Your best bet is a plea bargain."

"No," Britney cut in, agreeing with me. "Attorney Fizz, I was there and I witnessed everything. The police saw me there when they arrived so they can't doubt me. Anne did not touch her husband. He fell on his own and died, and that's exactly what I will tell the judge.

Don't worry Anne, my testimony will prove your innocence."