The Heir Apparent
Viewing comments for Chapter 17 " The Decision"A family learns their father is a serial killer
30 total reviews
Comment from vickib
It would be kind of interesting to explore the process of him being on death row, but no I'm wondering what will happen to him next and for all those years will the family suffer knowing he is still alive and available to talk to? Shit death row inmates are around for years and years too. What do you have up your sleeve for this I wonder. Great writing again Valerie. It feels completely natural and real, just like if you were in there life, okay well a fly on the wall. XO Vicki It's a six too but I'm playing catch up here. :)
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2011
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It would be kind of interesting to explore the process of him being on death row, but no I'm wondering what will happen to him next and for all those years will the family suffer knowing he is still alive and available to talk to? Shit death row inmates are around for years and years too. What do you have up your sleeve for this I wonder. Great writing again Valerie. It feels completely natural and real, just like if you were in there life, okay well a fly on the wall. XO Vicki It's a six too but I'm playing catch up here. :)
Comment Written 15-Mar-2011
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2011
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The average time a death row inmates waits for the big day is between 11 and 15 years. They spend the entire time on death row and have little contact, if any with the general public. I have at least one more chapter (later in the book) where James talks again with his father. The death penalty is discussed in this chapter...hope I can pull it off.
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Geez what's the point of death row? Sounds interesting, I love this stuff, no doubt you can. :)
Comment from barbara.wilkey
It amazing how criminals seem to get away with so much and the victims seem to always end up being victims. I know this is just a novel, but it is so true and realistic.
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2011
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It amazing how criminals seem to get away with so much and the victims seem to always end up being victims. I know this is just a novel, but it is so true and realistic.
Comment Written 18-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2011
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Thank you so much for your generous review. I am trying to make this as realistic as a fictional story can be. My limited research has opened my eyes to the all too often injustice of the justice system despite its best efforts.
Comment from Haggard
Very descriptive and well-written. You're very proficient and I liked it. Keep up the good work. You're gonna get far if you keep this up, seriously
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2011
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Very descriptive and well-written. You're very proficient and I liked it. Keep up the good work. You're gonna get far if you keep this up, seriously
Comment Written 18-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 18-Feb-2011
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Thank you very much for your enthusiastic review, I sincerely appreciate it.
Comment from raw form
SG another excellent chapter in this riveting story. I am really starting to enjoy the reading of you writers here and its a good thing. the world is filled with many writers but there are only a few that write well. You're one of them, see you next chapter.
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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SG another excellent chapter in this riveting story. I am really starting to enjoy the reading of you writers here and its a good thing. the world is filled with many writers but there are only a few that write well. You're one of them, see you next chapter.
Comment Written 17-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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Thank you very much for the awesome compliment. I am thrilled you enjoy my writing...something every writer loves to hear.
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Cool beans SG I just hope to get my stuff together to be counted among you guys an gals who got it going on. :)
Comment from CALLAHANMR
Hi Valerie:)
I certainly commend you for the way you are now revealing pieces of John Mathews crimes. I like the turning point in the case and additional delemmas that I know the family will soon face. I have just a few specific comments:
1. Uncle [Mack ==> Mark], Charlie, and I were firmly ensconced on the couch in front of the television, waiting impatiently for the six o'clock news. {did James just change uncles?}
2. I chuckled silently, realizing normal in my family wasn't exactly what I had in mind. It was definitely time to raise the bar. (Great observation by James.}
3. Unlike the public who openly expressed their opinion on what they felt was the appropriate punishment for my father, none of us had discussed the subject. I suspected Mom and Charlie were hoping for life in prison but I had no doubt Uncle Mark felt Dad deserved nothing less than the death penalty. While I assumed Aunt Em felt the same way, she would never admit it [becuase ==> because] I knew she loved Mom dearly . {Interesting observations about punishment aspects.}
4. Until Dad's arrest, I had always been against the death penalty. I viewed it as cruel and the fear of executing an innocent man weighed heavily on me. However, Dad was anything but innocent. I understood the public's anger and desire for revenge. If anyone deserved the death penalty, it was my father. His crimes were despicable. Yet, the idea of him spending every minute of every day of the rest of his life in a concrete cell, also seemed appropriate. Knowing he would never again see a sunset, walk on the beach, or sit in his favorite chair and watch a movie would be its own form of hell for Dad. {I always felt life in prison was a more potent punishment, although modern prison reforms seem to coddle lifers. For it to be a real deterrent to criminals, it needs to be an uncomfortable hell. I believe food, water, medical care and a place to wash and sleep is all. contact with other prisoners and the outside wold need to be limited. Then the death penalty wold definitely be less feared by most.}
5. "Over the past several days, my office has spent considerable time discussing a plea agreement with Mr. Mathews and his attorney. As most of you know, Mr. Mathews has been charged with six of the Belltown Murders, and continues to be a person of interest in the remaining unsolved murders. After announcing my decision to seek the death penalty, Mr. Mathews offered to plead guilty to all twelve murders on the condition I take the death penalty off the table and replace it with life in prison without the possibility of parole. After personally speaking with the families of both the solved and unsolved murders, I have decided to accept Mr. Mathews' offer and will not be seeking the death penalty in this case. John Mathews will serve twelve consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole."....He has been required to answer questions and provide details of the crimes that only the killer would know. He has answered all our questions to our satisfaction, leaving us with no doubt he is, in fact, the murderer of all twelve young women. The criminal justice system is and always should be about the search for the truth and it is my belief this agreement was the only route to that end. Please understand today's decision is not intended to provide mercy for him but to provide closure for the families who have suffered." {A realistic press conference by the prosecutor, but certain to create controversy.}
6. After the press conference, Mr. Hurley informed us Dad was being moved from the high security section of the King County Jail to an undisclosed place for his safety. Apparently, even criminals have a bizarre sense of justice and serial killers are not as highly regarded, as you would expect.
Although the idea of going to the cabin was still not appealing, I knew Charlie needed to get away from the television and newspapers. After dinner, I took Uncle Mark aside. {But will the cabin provide the peaceful setting Uncle Mark desires? Not if my memory serves me well.]
Now I am ready to visit the ol family cabin, but first I want to send you a generous bunch of virtual Irish hugs,
Roger
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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Hi Valerie:)
I certainly commend you for the way you are now revealing pieces of John Mathews crimes. I like the turning point in the case and additional delemmas that I know the family will soon face. I have just a few specific comments:
1. Uncle [Mack ==> Mark], Charlie, and I were firmly ensconced on the couch in front of the television, waiting impatiently for the six o'clock news. {did James just change uncles?}
2. I chuckled silently, realizing normal in my family wasn't exactly what I had in mind. It was definitely time to raise the bar. (Great observation by James.}
3. Unlike the public who openly expressed their opinion on what they felt was the appropriate punishment for my father, none of us had discussed the subject. I suspected Mom and Charlie were hoping for life in prison but I had no doubt Uncle Mark felt Dad deserved nothing less than the death penalty. While I assumed Aunt Em felt the same way, she would never admit it [becuase ==> because] I knew she loved Mom dearly
4. Until Dad's arrest, I had always been against the death penalty. I viewed it as cruel and the fear of executing an innocent man weighed heavily on me. However, Dad was anything but innocent. I understood the public's anger and desire for revenge. If anyone deserved the death penalty, it was my father. His crimes were despicable. Yet, the idea of him spending every minute of every day of the rest of his life in a concrete cell, also seemed appropriate. Knowing he would never again see a sunset, walk on the beach, or sit in his favorite chair and watch a movie would be its own form of hell for Dad. {I always felt life in prison was a more potent punishment, although modern prison reforms seem to coddle lifers. For it to be a real deterrent to criminals, it needs to be an uncomfortable hell. I believe food, water, medical care and a place to wash and sleep is all. contact with other prisoners and the outside wold need to be limited. Then the death penalty wold definitely be less feared by most.}
5. "Over the past several days, my office has spent considerable time discussing a plea agreement with Mr. Mathews and his attorney. As most of you know, Mr. Mathews has been charged with six of the Belltown Murders, and continues to be a person of interest in the remaining unsolved murders. After announcing my decision to seek the death penalty, Mr. Mathews offered to plead guilty to all twelve murders on the condition I take the death penalty off the table and replace it with life in prison without the possibility of parole. After personally speaking with the families of both the solved and unsolved murders, I have decided to accept Mr. Mathews' offer and will not be seeking the death penalty in this case. John Mathews will serve twelve consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole."....He has been required to answer questions and provide details of the crimes that only the killer would know. He has answered all our questions to our satisfaction, leaving us with no doubt he is, in fact, the murderer of all twelve young women. The criminal justice system is and always should be about the search for the truth and it is my belief this agreement was the only route to that end. Please understand today's decision is not intended to provide mercy for him but to provide closure for the families who have suffered." {A realistic press conference by the prosecutor, but certain to create controversy.}
6. After the press conference, Mr. Hurley informed us Dad was being moved from the high security section of the King County Jail to an undisclosed place for his safety. Apparently, even criminals have a bizarre sense of justice and serial killers are not as highly regarded, as you would expect.
Although the idea of going to the cabin was still not appealing, I knew Charlie needed to get away from the television and newspapers. After dinner, I took Uncle Mark aside. {But will the cabin provide the peaceful setting Uncle Mark desires? Not if my memory serves me well.]
Now I am ready to visit the ol family cabin, but first I want to send you a generous bunch of virtual Irish hugs,
Roger
Comment Written 17-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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Thank you so much for catching the spags. I always look forward to your thorough critiques and generous Irish hugs.
Comment from Writingfundimension
This is an extremely well written chapter. Not only does it stand alone as excellent writing, but it makes your reader want to go back and find out more. The issue of death versus prison is handled especially well here. Terrific and satisfying! Best wishes...Bev
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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This is an extremely well written chapter. Not only does it stand alone as excellent writing, but it makes your reader want to go back and find out more. The issue of death versus prison is handled especially well here. Terrific and satisfying! Best wishes...Bev
Comment Written 17-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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Thank you very much for your positive comments. The death penalty is a controversial subject that can stir up strong emotion. I am pleased you felt I handled this well.
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Yes, it can be most polarizing. Glad to support your ongoing excellent work!
Comment from Tellis
Somehow I feel that the killer isn't finished with his family yet. I enjoyed reading this excellent chapter and wait for the next one.
Tellis
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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Somehow I feel that the killer isn't finished with his family yet. I enjoyed reading this excellent chapter and wait for the next one.
Tellis
Comment Written 17-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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The head for the cabin in the next chapter and a new twist is added to the story.
Comment from Readywriter52
James doesn't seem surprised that the press edited his comments. They were right to move away from the hotel. They need to get away from the public and the press. The situation will get worse when the public discovers the deal the authorities made with James' father.
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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James doesn't seem surprised that the press edited his comments. They were right to move away from the hotel. They need to get away from the public and the press. The situation will get worse when the public discovers the deal the authorities made with James' father.
Comment Written 16-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 17-Feb-2011
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He now hopes sometime away from the insanity in town will help them get some peace
Comment from Realist101
Hi Sasha! Another chilling account of these events...boy, what a harsh situation, for all of your characters...I hope I havn't missed too much before this?? IF so, I will do my best to catch up!! HUGS and best wishes!! Susan
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2011
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Hi Sasha! Another chilling account of these events...boy, what a harsh situation, for all of your characters...I hope I havn't missed too much before this?? IF so, I will do my best to catch up!! HUGS and best wishes!! Susan
Comment Written 16-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2011
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I don't think you've missed much...as long as this one makes sense you are doing just fine.
Comment from fictionwriter
Another wonderful chapter. I can't imagaine being in these peoples places. Do you have some insider information? I just wonder where all this comes from. It's great stuff.
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2011
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Another wonderful chapter. I can't imagaine being in these peoples places. Do you have some insider information? I just wonder where all this comes from. It's great stuff.
Comment Written 16-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 16-Feb-2011
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Half comes from my wild imagination and the other half from lots of research into families of serial killers. There is not much written in the first person, primarily unauthorized bios and such. I come from Washington,the serial killer capital of the US, and after watching Robert Yate's family(Spokane Killer)get crucified on television and in the papers, I became fascinated with the families and the hell they must go through to deal with something like this. Most move away and change their name. Many can't accept the truth and families break up and become bitter enemies, a few actually get the therapy they need and somehow come to terms with it as best they can. Hope that answered your question. Thanks so much for the 6 stars, I sincerely appreciate it. Also, I worked undercover for the Seattle Police during the Green River Killer search (on a different case) and heard lots of gossip and talk about the case from the police, that is where much of my information on police procedure comes from. My grandfather was also a criminal defense attorney. He was the guy who got all the bad guys off....not a job I would ever want.