It was the next day, and Frank and Rusty were watching the UT football game on the old television. Frank was drinking his protein-and-vodka shake, and the Longhorns were losing to TCU. They had lost every game since William's arrest. The first half ended, and they went to the studio in New York. The byline below the announcer read: Breaking News.
"We have breaking news from Austin," the announcer said. "Confidential sources at the Travis County Justice Center tell us that William Tucker will plead guilty to manslaughter—which is just a legal term for killing—in the death of the Texas Tech cheerleader two years ago. He will plead in open court on the ninth of December, nine days from today."
The other announcer shook his head.
"They all claim innocence, but they're all guilty."
Becky called Frank within the hour. She had heard on the radio that her brother would plead guilty. She was crying.
"Daddy, he can't be guilty."
"He's not."
"Then why is he going to plead guilty?"
"Because he's scared."
"But he didn't do it?"
"No, honey. Your brother is not a killer. Or a rapist."
"If he pleads guilty, everyone will think he is."
"I know."
"Daddy, you can't let him plead. I don't want his story to end like that."