David swore and stood where he was, undecided.
“You’d better hurry,” Bob’s PA said from her desk. “It looks like there’s real trouble,” she said in a quiet voice before getting up and following Bob.
He swore again and pulled out his phone to call Zita.
***
Zita hung up from David, frowning. He wasn’t going to make it. It was disappointing, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. Teresa was biting her nails in an almost obsessive manner, and at the rate she was going she’d have no nails left by the end of the hearing. Zita took hold of one of Teresa’s hands. “Stop it. I know you’re worried, but try to be calm. Take some deep breaths for me.”
Teresa did as she was told, but then her leg started bouncing up and down.
Zita exchanged a glance with Shelly.
“Teresa Garcia.”
Teresa gasped as the clerk called her name. Zita squeezed her hand. “Come on.”
The three of them entered the courtroom and took their seats. The judge read the details of the case and then asked Shelly to begin.
It was a similar format to the other hearings. The evidence was presented, Teresa told her story and a lawyer for Immigration and Customs Enforcement put his case forward.
When that was done, the judge said, “You mentioned both Teresa’s mother and sister have applied for asylum.”
“Yes, your honor,” Shelly replied.
“Do they have evidence to support their asylum claim?”
“Yes, your honor. We’ve been able to gather a significant amount of information about the gangs and their treatment of both Manuela and Johanna Garcia.”
The judge frowned. “Is it fair to say the evidence may have some impact on Teresa’s claim?”
“Yes, your honor.”
“In that case I will assess both applications together.”
Zita sat there, a little stunned. Both applications were going to be decided today?
“I don’t understand,” Teresa whispered.
Zita glanced at Shelly for the answer. She appeared as surprised as Zita was.
“They’re going to assess yours and your mama’s application today,” Shelly told her.
Teresa’s eyes widened.
The judge continued talking. She went through all of the paperwork, asked Teresa questions, and then spent some time deliberating.
“It is my judgment that the asylum and refugee applications for Teresa, Manuela and Johanna Garcia be approved.”
The tension evaporated and Zita shouted, “Yes!” Her chest swelled with emotion.
Teresa tugged on her sleeve. “I get to stay?”
Zita nodded. “And your mama and sister get to come as well.”
Teresa burst into tears and hugged Zita. “Gracias, gracias.”
“You’re welcome.” She held the girl tightly as the relief swept over her.
“We need to move so the next case can come in,” Shelly told them with a gentle smile.
Zita helped Teresa to her feet, almost carrying her out of the room. It was the best outcome they could have asked for.
They’d saved another girl.
