Page 13

CHAPTER TWELVE

ALINA

As I sat sipping tea while watching everyone around me be clearly upset, I felt awful. People I’ve never really met before are crying, a deep worry written across all their faces. I’m not sure what to say or do. They don’t know me, and I’m sure they don’t want to hear my thoughts.

One of the guys is on the phone, and as he disconnects, everyone’s gazes swing to him. “They’ve been arrested,” he states.

“Are they okay?” Star asks. She is the only one I’d met when I had taken the papers for Hap.

“Yeah, from what I can tell, there was no trouble,” he answers.

“Oh, thank god,” she sighs, a small amount of relief washing through her.

I feel a warm hand on the back of my neck, and I look up to see Hap looking down at me with a concerned look on his face. “You okay?” he asked.

I nod. I mean, what was I going to say? I can’t complain about being here surrounded by all these people that I didn’t know, especially when tensions are high and they are all clearly upset. I’m not one to sit and wallow. Need fills me to do something. I can’t just sit here helpless.

“I’m just going to lie down for a minute,” I state. After placing my cup down, I stand, forcing him to release his hand from the back of my neck. I walk into the room I’ve been allocated and rummage through the clothes Hap had packed, hoping that he packed something suitable to wear. Relieved, I pull out one of my black dresses, and it’s luckily one with a bit of stretch in it. It has a V neckline and three-quarter sleeves. I find my thin red belt and fasten that around my waist, along with my black heels with red soles. I hit call on my cell as I look in the mirror to begin doing my hair and make-up.

“Hey, you’re alive!” Becky answers jokingly.

“Very funny. Listen, the biker club has been raided, and four of them have been arrested. Ghost, Spider, Rage, and Beast, I believe,” I state.

“Birth names?” Becky asks.

“No idea,” I answer as I apply my blood-red lipstick. “You should be able to find out what charges they all have now. I need you to meet me at the court in one hour with all of the information you can find on what they have them in for,” I state.

“The court? Won’t they just be at the station?” she asks.

“It’s the Feds, not the local police. The town’s station isn’t big enough for them. I have to go. See you in one hour,” I say before disconnecting. I pin up my hair, making my features appear sharper and harder. I smile to myself, feeling good. I feel like myself again. I spritz some of my perfume and grab my briefcase before I walk out of the room and back to the main living area where everyone is standing.

Hap’s eyes immediately land on me, his eyes sweeping up my body, drinking me in. I let out a little cough in an attempt to get everyone’s attention, but they don’t hear me and continue to talk over me.

“Everyone, shut the fuck up!” Hap yells.

They all go silent and slowly turn their attention to me. Feeling slightly uneasy, I clear my throat. “Hi, um, I’m Hap’s...” I pause, fumbling for a word. “Friend, and I am a lawyer. I’m going to go down there and make sure they don’t say a word without me present. I will do everything legally possible to get them out, whether that be on bail or proving their innocence. I promise I will do everything I can to help,” I finish, my voice sounding more assertive towards the end.

Hap’s lips twitch as Star launches herself at me, wrapping me in her arms. “Thank you!” she breathes.

I pat her back awkwardly. “I haven’t got them out yet,” I muse.

“I know, but you look like a bad-ass bitch. Ain’t no ball-less man going to argue with you,” she says as she pulls back, looking at me with so much hope in her eyes, I feel the weight of pressure on my shoulders.

I give her arm a squeeze as Hap moves towards the door, the keys for the truck already in his hand. He takes my hand in his other and leads me outside. As we approach the truck, he tugs my hand, spinning me so my back is against the truck.

“You feeling okay?” he asks.

I nod. “Yes,” I quickly assure him.

“You know that you don’t have to do this,” he states.

“I know, but I’m not the type of person that can sit back and do nothing when I am clearly of use to them,” I point out.

Hap leans in and runs his nose along the side of my neck to my ear. “There are so many different ways I want to show you my appreciation for what you are doing for my brothers,” he rasps, his breath dancing across my skin. “Thank you,” he adds before giving my lobe a playful nip.

I gasp, shuddering in a breath. He moves and opens the door for me, and I quickly walk around and climb in, fighting to regain my composure.

We arrive at the court, and sure enough, the parking lot is full of Fed cars. I spot Becky, and she comes running over, waving a file in her hand. “They went to Judge Charleston,” she says with a glint in her eye. I groan and take the file from her.

“Who is Judge Charleston?” Hap asks.

“An asshole who still thinks it’s the 1950s,” I mutter as I read over the file. “They don’t have enough evidence to hold Spider, and unless they find anything on Rage or Beast, there is nothing for them either,” I state, confused as to why they brought them in.

“What about Ghost?” Hap asks, a hopeful tone in his voice.

I shake my head. “They have video evidence apparently,” I state, frowning. “For kidnapping and attempted murder,” I breathe out, feeling anxiety pooling at the pit of my stomach. It’s been a long time since I’ve ever had to defend someone with these types of charges. What I wouldn’t give to knock back a vodka on ice right now to calm my nerves.

“Right, let’s do this,” I state as I get out of the truck. Hap jumps out too, and I pause and look at him. “What are you doing?” I ask.

“Coming with you,” he states firmly.

I shake my head no. “No, you need to let me do my thing,” I counter.

He sighs, irritation in his voice. “I will wait here until you’re done,” he mutters.

I give him a smile before sauntering off with Becky at my side.

“Man, he is hot,” Becky swoons.

“Well then, you go out with him,” I mutter.

Becky scoffs. “He is so into you,” she states.

“I’m having his kid.” I point out.

“Oh no, it’s more than that. I can see it in his gaze. He wants you, like, sexually.” She smirks.

“Jesus, can we just focus on the job at hand? I don’t need thoughts in my head of Hap. Well, you know...” I trail off as we approach the entrance. We walk up the steps, and security opens the door for us. As we enter, I give them a nod of thanks before I immediately school my face to one void of emotions as I approach the front desk. “Good evening, I am Alina Bennet, the acting lawyer of Luca Smith aka Spider, Anders Williams aka Beast, Elijah Cole aka Rage, and Ford Harrison Jones aka Ghost,” I state firmly. Becky hands me the file, and I merely pretend to open it and read. “Apparently, they have been arrested and brought here under charges unknown, and the evidence is also unknown. They will not be conducting any interviews until I have personally seen them, and they will not be doing any interviews without my presence. I also believe they have been under arrest now for approximately three hours, and yet they have not been given their phone calls, which by law they are entitled to. Now, could you please escort me to a private room where I can consult with my clients?” I demand, looking at the guy behind the desk with a stern look. He looks like his dick has just shrivelled up inside himself. When he doesn’t move, I slap my hand down on the counter. “Chop, chop. Come on, I haven’t got all day to waste.” The guy jumps from his seat and runs off to inform the Feds of my arrival.

“I love it when they shit themselves,” Becky whispers next to me.

A guy looking severely annoyed by my presence strides around the corner, his eyes sweeping over my body, not even trying to be subtle. Fucking scum. He holds out his hand.

“Mrs. Bennet,” he introduces. Why do they always just assume a woman should be married?

“It’s Ms.,” I correct him firmly.

“Apologies. I’m not sure why you are here, as the accused have already been provided with lawyers from the state,” he says, speaking down to me. I’ve dealt with men like this my entire working life. They see the dress and heels and make assumptions. It’s why I continue to wear it, because it makes it all the more satisfying when I tear them apart.

“And you know they are well within their rights to refuse your help, and I am here now. So, please show me to a suitable room where I can consult with my clients in preparation for helping them with your enquiries. As I believe...” I pause, looking at my watch. “You only have a maximum of 69 hours left to detain my clients to prove whatever it is you are trying to prove,” I state, staring him down coldly.

“Oh, there is proof.” He smirks.

“Well, I will be the judge of that. Now, if you please,” I sigh impatiently. He holds out his hand, gesturing me to walk on. I give Becky a look for her to follow me.

He shows us to a small room with a table and a couple of chairs. “My assistant and I would love a coffee, and I would like to see Ford first, please. Unless you are going to make my life easier and allow me to see them all together?” I ask, knowing full well they won’t allow that.

“I will bring him down,” the guy says as he begins to walk away.

“Oh, excuse me, I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name?” I ask, knowing full well why he didn’t give me his name.

“Agent Pryor,” he answers.

I grab a pen and write it down, knowing exactly how uneasy it makes them feel. Well, if they aren’t doing anything wrong and sticking to the law, then they’re usually fine. I give him a taut grin as he walks off, pausing to close the door behind him.

Becky holds out her palm for me to slap, and I do. It feels good to be back working, especially doing criminal law. It’s exciting playing with these assholes. I don’t have long to wait until the door opens and in walks Ghost. His lip is split and bleeding, his cheek is swollen, and there is a cut above his eye.

I walk towards him. “Becky,” I say her name firmly. I don’t need to tell her what to do. She holds up her phone and takes pictures of Ghost’s face. “Sorry, do you mind?” I ask Ghost. He gives me a subtle chin lift, and I lift his black T-shirt up to reveal several boot marks along his ribs. My furious gaze snaps to Agent Pryor. “I want to see all bodycam footage,” I demand.

He smirks. “Sure, although I think there was a technical malfunction, so I’m not sure if they were working properly.” He shrugs.

“That’s fine. I have someone who can look at them,” I assert. “Becky, please follow Agent Pryor to obtain the body cameras. Be sure to record everything,” I warn her. She gives me a curt nod. It wouldn’t be the first time that they have tried to intimidate us. She pulls out our own body camera that she clips on to her blazer, then she grabs an evidence bag, pen, and folder.

Agent Pryor practically snarls at me, and I have to fight the urge to grin.

Once they have left, I look around the room and spot the cameras. Ghost follows my gaze, and I gesture for him to take a seat. I grab my pad and pen and start writing. “So, Mr. Harrison Jones, can you tell me everything that happened when they arrived to arrest you and your colleagues?” I ask him as I turn the pad around to face him. I tap the pad with my pen, signalling him to read it.

Say nothing about the club. They’re listening.

Ghost sighs. “They crashed through the door—the door that was unlocked—and they attacked Spider first, before they attacked the rest of us,” he states coldly.

I nod and pretend to take notes. “And did any of the agents present show you a warrant? Explain what you were being arrested for?” I ask, still writing on the pad.

“No. We are just motorbike enthusiasts,” he states firmly.

“And did they uncover any evidence at the property?” I ask, still writing on the pad.

“There isn’t anything illegal at the club,” he affirms. My lips fight a smile. Clearly this isn’t his first run-in with the police.

“I can inform you that they apparently have evidence of you kidnapping and an attempted murder. I will be requesting to see the evidence myself, and when they conduct their interviews, I will be sitting with you,” I state, looking at him. I turn the pad around. “Could you read through my notes and make sure I’ve got everything right?” I ask.

He looks down, reading what I wrote.

I will do everything I can to get you out of here. Everyone is safe. Star is safe, and your son is safe. I need you and the others to keep their cool. Do not react, and do not fight back. They want you to do that. I believe I can get the others out within a few hours, but yours might be a little more difficult with what they apparently have on you. But I will get you out.

His jaw ticks, and he gives me a firm nod, his face void of emotion.

“Once my assistant comes back, I will get the ball rolling. One thing I am good at, Mr. Harrison Jones, is winning. I won’t stop until I win. I am relentless, and I am good at my job. As long as you and your colleagues do exactly what I say, there should be no issues,” I tell him.

He nods. “You might want to speak to Rage next,” he mutters.

I nod. “I will, thank you.” With that, the door opens, and Becky walks in, her face set to stone. She is not happy. “Good timing.” I grin at Agent Pryor. “I would like to speak to Elijah please, aka Rage,” I state, not asking him but demanding it. I like to make it very clear that they may be the law enforcers, but it’s me that will pick apart every little thing they do. They hold no power over me. He grunts and yanks Ghost to his feet. “Oh, and he needs medical attention. Now. I also need the report from that, too,” I add.

His shoulders tense, and I can tell he wants to hurl shit at me. Boy, I wish he would, because that would make my job so much easier.

Once the door is shut, I turn to Becky, pointing to the pad, but she’s already read it. I place it in my briefcase and pulled out a fresh pad. She looks at me and gives me a slight shake of her head.

“There is no coffee here,” she says. It’s a code we had been using for years, even when it was to do with couples divorces. It means there is no evidence to use against the Feds for wrongful treatment of their arrests. I’m not surprised. They aren’t that stupid. This isn’t the first time they’ve done this sort of thing.

A moment later, Rage comes in, and I admit, trying to keep my fear hidden with him is hard. He is terrifying. He glares at Agent Pryor, who seems to flinch from Rage as he walks him in. He too has wounds and cuts to his face. I sense I’m going to have to talk to Rage differently.

“Do you mind if my assistant takes some photos of your injuries? It’s to help us build your case to get you out,” I explain, looking to Agent Pryor. “You can go now,” I tell him. Rage turns and growls at him, and he soon leaves. Rage nods, allowing the photos, and Becky approaches with caution. She too is picking up the vibe that he could flip at any moment.

I gesture for him to take a seat and begin to write on the pad.

Do not say anything about the club. Only about what the agents did at the arrest. I am Alina, I am a friend of Hap’s, and I am here to make sure you all get out. Please do as I ask. Do not fight back.

He takes a long moment to read it. I nibble on my bottom lip, anxiously wondering if he can read. Suddenly, Becky’s phone rings out loudly.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Hang on, let me look through my big purse to find it,” she says, giving me a look.

I smirk. I will have to give her a raise. “Rage,” I whisper. “They are listening. I am a friend of Hap’s, and I am going to get you out. You need to do everything I say. Do not fight back, and I promise you will be out by the end of the day,” I say quickly.

He gives me a slight chin lift that he understands.

“Oh, there it is! Silly me, sorry boss,” Becky says, still with the overacting.

I do exactly the same with Beast and Spider, both of them nodding in understanding. Agent Pryor shows us the video tape they have on Ghost, and I’m grateful that you can’t see his face. The only thing you can see is the patch.

I sigh, relieved. “Is that it?” I ask.

The agent frowns at me. “It’s clearly him,” he argues. “It’s enough evidence to arrest him.”

“Maybe, but some may also say a simple interview to ask him to help with your enquiries would have been suffice. This is enough to arrest him, but not enough to stand up in court, and you know it. As for the others, they are merely Mickey Mouse charges, with no evidence to back you up, and with four counts all corroborating that you and your officers used unlawful force when arresting them. It’s an arrest that is questionable. As it stands, you know as well as I do that you would be laughed out of court. In fact, I am well within my clients’ rights to request the Department of Justice to investigate how exactly the evidence and warrants were obtained. Because this is sloppy at best,” I state, tearing Agent Pryor down in front of all his officers.

“It was from your informant, sir,” one of the officers speaks up.

“Was it now? Name?” I press.

Agent Pryor bristles. “Three of them can go, but we still have a few more questions for Mr. Harrison Jones,” he relents.

I nod. “Sure, I will be there. Now, let’s sort out the paperwork for my other clients,” I say before turning on my heel and walking away.

I wait for Rage, Beast, and Spider at the front desk. They all walk out with smiles on their faces. Beast scoops me up in his arms and twirls me around. I laugh, but when I pat his arms to stop twirling me, he places me down.

“Shit, that was incredible!” Beast beams.

I blush a little. “Well, the battle isn’t completely won yet. I have to get Ghost off. There is a lift waiting for you in the parking lot. Tell Hap I won’t be leaving until I have Ghost. Tell Star he will be home,” I affirm.

“The club owes you its life,” Spider states, gently pressing a kiss to my cheek.

“Anyone you want skinning, just say the word,” Rage offers. I look around us with alarm, making sure no one heard him. He has more bruises on his face and cuts, more so than the others, and there are certainly new marks there because they weren’t there when I met with him.

“Did they assault you?” I ask him with a frown.

Rage frowns, looking at me. “No, those pathetic cunts tried to cuff me to bring me out.” He nods his head over to two officers who also have marks on them.

“Is that a bite mark?” I gasp, looking at one of the officers.

Rage grunts out a laugh. “Yeah, fucking pussies,” he snarls at them. “Boo!” he taunts, and the officers both jump in fear.

“Jesus, man, come on, before you get us all arrested again.” Beast laughs as he leads them out.

I place my hand over my chest and stare after them wide-eyed as they leave. Thank fuck I’m on his good side.