Chapter 760: Chapter 760: A Better Candidate
Rhonda Hale suddenly realized she had just had a fight with Mrs. Vance, her hair was in a disarray, and there were several slap marks on her face given by Mrs. Vance.
But she also knew her father’s situation wasn’t good, so she quickly tidied her hair, sniffled, and pretended to be strong: "Dad, I’m fine. How have you been these days? How did you get out?"
"Silly child, Dad was worried you were suffering inside, so I risked everything to come see you."
Although Rhonda insisted she was fine, Simon Hale could see from her face she had suffered grievances.
But it was precisely because of this that Simon Hale was more certain his decision was right.
"Rhonda, remember carefully what I’m about to say next. In a week, someone will come at night to replace you. When that time comes, you will follow the person I arranged to go straight to Aethelgard. They will provide you with a new identity, and you will live with it from now on. Never return home again."
"What about you? Will you join me in Aethelgard then?"
Rhonda asked persistently.
But Simon’s expression fell considerably: "Dad will go after a while; once you’re settled, I will set off as well."
The truth was he had to stay to divert others’ attention from Rhonda, ensuring she could safely reach Aethelgard and start a new life.
But in doing this, he would not only take the blame for Rhonda’s previous crimes but also for helping Rhonda escape, likely spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Yet he knew if he was honest, Rhonda wouldn’t agree to leave.
And Rhonda, eager to leave, upon hearing her father could help her escape, didn’t dwell on Simon’s issues but only asked Simone.
"Dad, won’t the person replacing me be discovered?"
Rhonda was not yet convicted and still needed to appear in court.
If discovered by someone then, her whereabouts would quickly be exposed.
But Simon told her: "The person replacing you won’t be discovered because... by the time you arrive in Aethelgard, the Rhonda in prison will have died from a sudden illness."
Yes, that was Simon’s plan.
Let the fake Rhonda truly die, and let the real Rhonda escape to heaven.
In this way, as long as the fake Rhonda is cremated, no one can disturb the real Rhonda’s happy new life.
"Have you found the person to replace me?" Rhonda asked again.
If the plan was as Simon described, it wouldn’t be easy to find someone to replace her.
No one is willing to risk their life for a little money.
"The hospital will help find someone with a history of mental illness."
Although Simon didn’t spell it out, Rhonda instantly understood his strategy.
People with a history of mental illness are indeed a burden to their families. If their families can be persuaded to report them missing and send them to prison to take the blame, they can receive a considerable reward...
This is indeed a significant temptation for many families with a mentally ill person.
But hearing this, Rhonda said:
"Dad, I have a better candidate!"
Rhonda mentioned Mrs. Vance to Simon.
Mrs. Vance was about to be released in a few days.
Moreover, Rhonda had heard from other inmates that Mrs. Vance had long been estranged from her family.
So when Mrs. Vance is released, no one would pay attention.
If they could get Mrs. Vance to replace her, when Mrs. Vance dies, not only would no one come to ask questions, but Rhonda could also take revenge.
"Alright, I’ll have someone investigate this Mrs. Vance once I return, and capture her when she’s released. In a week, you follow our plan and leave, and never return!"
"Dad, I understand..."
After a tearful farewell, the father and daughter returned to their respective prisons.