Chapter 15 - The plea that Drusilla refuses
Prosecutors offered Drusilla a plea.
Dismiss some counts.
Plead guilty to:
One unlawful-confinement-related misdemeanor involving Caleb.
One child-endangerment misdemeanor involving another child.
One harassment/assault count involving Elowen.
Probation.
Short jail exposure largely suspended.
No paid childcare during probation.
She refused.
Why?
She would admit hose contact.
Not confinement.
She believed parents authorized.
Her lawyer thought at least one confinement count defensible because consent form referenced quiet separation.
Risk.
Trial scheduled.
Then Rachel Morris.
She hated hearing Drusilla might avoid felony charges.
Prosecutor said:
“We charge what statutes and evidence support.”
Good.
Then one parent testified for Drusilla pretrial.
“My daughter improved.”
Another:
“I would never have approved locking, but I trusted Drusilla.”
Mixed.
Then camera.
Video showed Caleb entering shed voluntarily after being told:
“Reset.”
Door then closed.
Padlock applied externally.
Caleb knocked after twelve minutes.
Drusilla said through door:
“Timer isn’t finished.”
He cried.
No ambiguity.
Parent consent form did not disclose external lock.
Hard evidence.
Then Josie.
Her parents’ form specifically said:
“No physical restraint.”
Drusilla still locked.
Stronger.
Trial would be difficult for her.
Still, she chose it.
May you like
Control again.
She needed official vindication.
