Chapter 1: Dolores's Story
* Dolores Thibodeau, a 65-year-old housekeeper, confesses to killing her abusive employer, Vera Donovan.
* She recounts her life history, describing her childhood poverty and abusive first marriage.
* Dolores met Joe St. George, Vera's husband, and became his mistress. When Joe died, Dolores was forced to work for Vera, who treated her cruelly.
Example: "I wasn't never no saint, but I didn't kill Joe St. George. I never! I never wanted him dead. But I couldn't live with him no more, neither. He was like some kind of devil, possessed by a devil."
Chapter 2: The Interrogation
* Detective John Mackey interrogates Dolores, who initially tries to deny her guilt.
* Mackey presents Dolores with evidence, including a witness who saw her near Vera's home on the night of the murder.
* Dolores continues to deflect blame, claiming that someone else could have killed Vera.
Example: "I don't know nothin' about no murder. I don't know who killed that woman. Maybe it was the man who was always hangin' around, what's his name... John Smith?"
Chapter 3: Dolores's Daughter
* Dolores's estranged daughter, Selena, arrives to support her mother.
* Selena is angry with Dolores for lying to her about her father's death.
* Selena uncovers a childhood secret that may have driven Dolores to kill Vera.
Example: "You lied to me about Daddy. You said he ran away with another woman. But I found his death certificate. He was killed in a car accident. Why did you lie to me, Mom?"
Chapter 4: The Trial
* Dolores stands trial for murder.
* The prosecution presents a strong case against her, including eyewitness testimony and forensic evidence.
* Dolores's attorney, Frank Getchell, argues that Dolores acted in self-defense after years of abuse.
Example: "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Dolores Thibodeau is not a murderer. She is a victim of violence and abuse. She killed Vera Donovan to protect herself and her daughter."
Chapter 5: The Verdict
* The jury finds Dolores guilty of second-degree murder.
* She is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
* Dolores accepts her fate, but she is haunted by the memory of her daughter's reaction to her conviction.
Example: "I'm sorry, honey. I didn't want to hurt you. I never wanted to hurt you."
Chapter 6: Aftermath
* Dolores spends the rest of her life in prison, reflecting on her crimes and her broken relationships.
* Selena visits her mother regularly, learning more about her past and trying to understand her motives.
* The Donovan family is forever scarred by Vera's murder, and Dolores's name becomes synonymous with tragedy.
Example: "I think about Vera every day. I know I took her life, and I know there's no going back. But I can't shake the feeling that there was another way. A better way."
