“The court fined him three thousand dollars, and he’s been given a year of house arrest. He’s also required to see a therapist twice a week for the next six months.”
“Oh. I see.” That was it? After what he’d done to me, that was all the punishment he’d get?
“I’m sorry, Max. I was hoping he’d get a longer sentence.”
“Yes.” I nodded, feeling a little numb. “It doesn’t seem… enough.”
“The judge was sympathetic to River. He felt the death of Lucinda was what triggered River, and that he isn’t a threat to the community.”
I swallowed hard. “Perhaps if he’d been the one kidnapped, he’d feel differently.”
“I agree. I’m pissed. I mean, I do agree Lucinda’s death is what set River off. But I don’t know that he should be excused for his behavior. Not that he’s had it completely easy. He did spend a full month in jail. For River, I’m sure that was a terrifying experience.”
I nodded, not sure what to say. That experience probably had been awful for River. He’d have been like a delicate orchid surrounded by hungry cockroaches. Still, I highly doubted being in jail was as horrifying as being kidnapped and trapped in a sinkhole waiting to suffocate to death.
“According to Lucas, River is traumatized by his stay in jail. Even though he’s out, he can’t sleep or eat. Several of the inmates bullied him and it’s stuck with him.”
“I’m embarrassed to say I’m glad he suffered.”
“You don’t need to be embarrassed. He deserves what he gets. He brought all of this on himself.”
“Is he spending that year of house arrest in his house here? In Rainy Dale?”
He exhaled roughly. “He is. He’s there now. He arrived this morning.”
Shock rolled through me that River was back in town. “Why isn’t he going back to LA?” I rasped. “Why is he staying here?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he’s ashamed to face his family.”
I frowned. “Shouldn’t he be ashamed to face the citizens of Rainy Dale? Or me?”
“Perhaps he is. He’ll be trapped in his house for an entire year. He’s a very social creature. I’m sure that will be difficult for him.”
Good.
My gut churned, but I tried not to overreact. “Is he at all remorseful?”
“He is. I believe that regretful attitude, coupled with the fact it was his first offense might be why the judge was lenient. He’s never even had a traffic ticket. I have little doubt that factored in with how the judge sentenced him.”
“I’m not sure what to say. I… I’m glad he’s at least sorry for what he did.” I wrinkled my brow. “It’s just… if you’d seen his face… the hatred…”
“I know,” Royce said softly. “I think he truly is sorry though. He’s even written you a letter apologizing.”
“Really?” Now that surprised me.
“Yes. He’s also on medication, and Lucas has taken responsibility for his care. I trust Lucas to watch him closely. He wouldn’t want anything else to happen because River would go to prison for sure the next time around.”
“Okay.” I couldn’t deny the idea of River in Rainy Dale made me extremely uneasy. What if he slipped out of his house and came after me again? “Do you think he’s a danger to me, Royce?”
Royce hesitated. “No. I don’t think he’ll try anything again. I think he knows he went too far.”
“Well, I… I trust your judgment.”
Royce’s mouth hardened. “If I thought River was a danger to you, I’d personally put him out of his misery. Once his house arrest is over, if he even looks at you wrong, I’ll put him in his place.”
My pulse sped up at the threat in his voice. “I believe you.”
“He’ll be wearing an ankle monitor at all times too. You’ll be fine, Max. You’ll be safe. I’ll see to that.”
