“Mr Williamson. I’ve got news.”
I fill the pause. “Good? Bad?”
She draws in a breath. “She’s been relocated to a detention centre in Los Angeles.”
“Okay.” I draw out the word.
“It’s not good news, Mr Williamson. It doesn’t have a particularly good reputation. The better news is that as an immigration attorney, and this is federal law, I’m licensed to practice in any state. So I can continue with the case. But obviously, my costs will increase. Travelling to Los Angeles means I’ll be spending more hours on this one.”
I suck in air, thinking of my depleting bank balance again. But I don’t hesitate. “Whatever it takes.”
“I’m glad you feel that way, Mr Williamson. She needs legal representation. Else she’ll be just like the rest, left with a court-appointed lawyer, or none at all.”
I read between the lines. Whatever goes on in that facility, if they know Mariana’s got a proper lawyer, then maybe that will afford her some protection.
“Whatever it takes,” I repeat, before ending the call.
I’m sitting with my head in my hands when my door opens. It’s Prez. Dragging my palms down my face, I fill him in on what I’ve just learned.
He sits, folding his arms across his chest. “You did right claimin’ her. She’s club property now. That means she belongs to the club. And we take care of our own. You need funds? Speak to Dollar.”
I take a deep breath. While claiming her had been premature and probably a heat of the moment impulsive decision, I hadn’t realised the ramifications. “That’s not why…”
“I know it isn’t. You might work in the background, Mouse, but you do one fuck of a lot for this club. Do your share like all the brothers. Without the shit you dig up, we’d be walking into situations blind.” Unfolding his arms, he sits forward. “You go above and beyond using that clever head on your shoulders. If you hadn’t dug up those plans for Becca’s ex’s church, we wouldn’t have been able to get the Herreras off our backs. Hell, we might be in a war with them now.”
My shoulders rise and fall as I shrug off his comment. “Just like digging deep, that’s all.” It’s a game to me, nothing like work.
“No one else has that logical mind, Mouse. We rely on you. Time for you to rely on us.” He settles back again. “Now, what’s your next step?”
That’s easy. “Now I know where Mariana is, I need to see her.”
“The boy will want to go too.” I’m aware of that. But there are things I need to say to her in private. I open my mouth to speak, but he’s read my mind and gets in first. “Leave it with me. I’ve got an idea.”
When I emerge from my cave, as normal, I blink a few times to get used to the bright light. When I can focus again, I seeBlade talking to a very animated Drew. On seeing me, the enforcer raises his chin. I take it as an invitation to join them.
Drew’s about jumping on the spot. “You really going to buy me a car, Mouse? Help me get my permit?”
I mock glare at Blade who shrugs. “You told me to look out for one and that’s what I’ve done. How the fuck was I to know you hadn’t told the kid yet?”
Sighing, I wave off his apology. “Was going to speak to you, Drew, but with everything else…”
“’S’all right, Tse. I’m just lost for words you’re going to do something like that.”
“So you’re up for it? Tomorrow? He’s not going to hang onto it after that. There’s a couple more people interested.”
“Whoa, Blade. Hold up. Drew. Mariana’s been moved to Los Angeles. I’m going to try to see her tomorrow.” I look from one to the other, my hands gesturing I don’t know what to do.
The kid looks undecided, then says with a resigned sigh, “I’ll come to see Mariana.”
Blade lays it on thick, and it’s then the penny drops.Prez has set this up. “Fuckin’ shame. Honda Civic. Good little runner, good bodywork too. And it’s not a bad price. Next person to see it will probably jump at it.” He looks down at his feet, then back up as he adds shrewdly, “Got an ace sound system.” Yeah, that will tempt Drew. “Ah, well. Something else will come along.” But the way he says it, it doesn’t sound like he believes it. Neither is the pat on Drew’s shoulder very convincing.
Drew’s face has fallen.
It’s my turn to step in. “Hey, Mariana would understand. To be honest, Drew, in order to get your permit, I’ll need to be your legal guardian. I’m hoping the lawyer has got the paperwork ready for Mariana to sign, need a discussion with her about making it official. Long as you don’t mind me being your guardian, that is.” I belatedly realise he might want a say in it.
“Shit, no!” he exclaims, back to grinning again, and I wonder if I need to caution him about his language. Don’t think his sister would be too impressed if he starts copying how we talk here.Perhaps being a guardian isn’t going to be easy.“Mouse, sorry, Tse. I’d be proud if you’d take official responsibility for me.”
I notice him stumble over my name, so I place my hand on his shoulder. “Call me whatever feels easiest, Drew. I answer to both. If you want to go and see the car Blade has found, I’ll explain it all to your sister.” It’s the rest of what I’ve got to tell her which will probably be harder.
