A Deadly Wandering

The committee meets again to discuss the texting-and-driving bill. They are about to table it when Terryl arrives and makes a speech citing several recent fatal accidents due to distracted driving. A young woman stands up in support, and after her, Reggie stands and reveals to the committee that he was the driver at fault in the accident Terryl described. He wants everyone to be aware of the risks because his distraction cost two good men their lives. He apologizes for the first time to the victims’ widows.

The committee falls silent. Opposition to the bill fades, which passes out of committee and is approved by the full House on February 26. It will still need to pass in the senate before the governor can sign it into law.

Terryl’s opinion of Reggie shifts for the first time. Seeing his willingness to speak publicly about what happened despite his anguish and his shame, she decides that while he still needs to be punished, she can work with him.

On March 10, everyone gathers in the courtroom for Reggie’s sentencing. The judge says the presentencing report reflects very well on Reggie. Bunderson reminds the judge that there was “no intent” (308) involved in this crime.