The Pharmacist

It was nearly nine months until Rachel Roberts’ court appearance for sentencing. The usual reports were compiled from various professionals during those months, reports to determine her state of mind when committing the crimes. Rachel engaged with some of the individuals appointed to assess her; with others, she did not, as the mood took her. But they were all in agreement. Rachel Roberts was in her right mind when she murdered her father and began the campaign of drugging her mother. The accused understood precisely what she was doing and was therefore declared fit to stand trial for murder. Rachel offered no argument to this decision and continued to refuse representation for the hearing.

Alice was determined to be in court to face her daughter for one last time. To look her in the eyes and search for a glimmer of remorse. She was to be disappointed on the latter issue. Sarah Priestly, Brenda and Ian Chapman accompanied her.

Rachel was led into court wearing a smart grey business suit and looked neither to her right nor left. She’d visibly lost weight which mainly showed in her face, but she walked proudly, tall and erect, taking her place as if a court appearance was an everyday occurrence. The proceedings were short. Rachel had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, a blessing in that a full trial was therefore not necessary, and there was now only the sentence to be determined. The charges included one count of first-degree murder, kidnapping, assault by unlawfully administering drugs, and child neglect. The CPS had undoubtedly been kept busy with this case.

Jack Priestly, Owen Hardy and Claire Swift were also in court to hear sentencing, each with their thoughts about what kind of justice Rachel Roberts deserved.

It was as expected. Fifteen years for murder, plus four years for kidnapping – two for the charge of abuse and another twelve months for neglect – all to run concurrently. Rachel would be in prison for a very long time, but for many of the people in that room witnessing justice, it was simply not enough. They too were serving a life sentence from which they would never be released.

Rachel stubbornly refused to plead either way to the charge of the murder of Harry Chapman, prolonging his parents’ agony with another of her little games. She denied that particular conversation in the cemetery with Brenda and would admit nothing to the police. It was perhaps the last time she would feel in control of anything. But, in her twisted mind, this was reason enough to remain silent.

The Derbyshire police reopened the investigation into Harry’s death but the lapse of time hampered the discovery of any new evidence, making a conclusion improbable. It wasn’t a satisfactory result for the Chapmans, but they continued to hope that Rachel would, at some point, feel enough remorse to tell the truth. Until then, they could only be patient.

Immediately after sentencing, Rachel was asked if there was anything she wished to say. As cool as ever, she turned to face Alice and spoke clearly, her words heavy with venom.

‘I heard him. I heard my father ask you, Why did it have to be Jenny, our own flesh and blood? I knew then that I was never truly yours, that you wished it was me who’d been in that car.’

Alice paled. The words hit her as hard as any physical blow. Sarah put a supportive hand on her friend’s arm and squeezed gently. Rachel was silent once more and led away to begin her sentence.

It took several minutes before Alice was able to leave the room. Her legs trembled and her whole body shook from the shock of her daughter’s words. Sarah insisted they all get a coffee before Alice even considered driving home.

Finding a quiet coffee shop close to the court, Alice, Sarah and the Chapmans sat with their hands wrapped around steaming cups. The mood was sombre and very little was said. Brenda and Ian Chapman were unusually silent, nursing their thoughts and bitter disappointment. They left the coffee shop after only a few minutes to begin the long drive home, exchanging tearful hugs and promises to be in touch soon.

When Alice and Sarah were alone, Alice tried to explain Rachel’s spiteful outburst.

‘Tom did say those words, Sarah, but he loved Rachel, really he did.’ Alice’s desire to protect her husband’s memory was strong. It was important to her that Sarah, who’d never known what a good man Tom was, didn’t view him as some kind of monster.

‘You don’t need to explain anything to me. I never knew Tom, but I know you, and I think I have a good idea of how difficult your life with Rachel has been. So whatever Tom said in his grief is understandable. I’m certain I’d have been thinking the same thing. Now, do you feel up to driving, or shall I take you home?’

Alice declined the offer, determined to be strong. That day was not only a conclusion but the beginning of her new life. Millie was waiting to be picked up and taken home. Her granddaughter would be a balm for her soul.

Sarah wisely didn’t attempt to draw her friend anymore on the events of the day. Alice would need time to process her daughter’s outburst if she was ever able to do so. The important thing now was that the ordeal was over and Rachel was locked away, unable to hurt her mother, or her daughter, again.

* * *

Millie, blissfully unaware of the drama of the day, was in the care of Lucy and Mike Harper for the duration of the hearing, happily playing with her best friend, Evie. The Harpers had proved to be very supportive and more than willing to help with Millie on any occasion when they were needed. The two girls were close and wanted to do everything together.

As Lucy led Alice through to the lounge, they paused for a moment to watch the children at play. Their heads were together, giggling over a shared nonsensical joke. Millie was such a different little girl, gregarious and loving life with her grandmother. She looked happier and healthier than she’d appeared for months and was becoming quite the little chatterbox, thankfully nothing at all like her mother.

Millie rarely asked about Rachel, and when she did, it seemed as if she simply needed reassurance that her mother would not be in her life again – it appeared that she did not miss her. The child was happy living with her grandmother and had blossomed in her care. All she wanted from life was to stay with Alice and Sammy their new six-month-old puppy.

When the little girl saw her grandmother watching her, she squealed with delight and ran into her arms. Alice picked her up and swung her around.

‘I love you so much, Millie Roberts!’ she said.

‘And I love you too, Grandma. Can we go home to see Sammy now?’

Millie’s heartfelt words were precisely what Alice needed to hear. Suddenly, she felt an overwhelming rush of love for this little girl. Finally, after the long months of anguish and uncertainty, there was a worthwhile future ahead.