A door on the far side of the room opened and River was led into the room. She looked awful. Her skin was pale and she had dark circles under her eyes. The orange jumpsuit she was wearing hung on her body like a sack. She kept her eyes on her feet as the bailiff escorted her to the chair beside Tina.
I hoped she would look up once she got closer, but she didn’t. I desperately needed her to look at me, so I cleared my throat loudly. Her head shot up and she gasped when she saw the room filled with the Blackwings. Her eyes moved to her brother for a brief moment before they came to me. And my heart broke when she started to cry.
It was out before I could stop it. “Don’t cry, baby; everything’s going to be okay.”
She nodded once and straightened her spine before she turned to face the front of the room and take her seat beside Tina.
Moments later, Judge Hinkley entered the courtroom and wasted no time calling the court into session. I fully intended to pay attention to every single word that was uttered, but I couldn’t stay focused. My mind was consumed with what ifs and possible outcomes.
Mom elbowed me in the ribs and whisper-yelled, “Pay attention, son.”
“Your Honor, my client has no previous criminal charges, she’s not a flight risk, and she’s not a danger to the community. She’s cooperated every step of the way and will continue to do so. She has no intention of leaving Devil Springs as evidenced by her signed rental agreement and her employment contract. She also has family nearby and a fiancé in Devil Springs,” Tina stated.
Judge Hinkley nodded and shuffled through the papers in front of him. He removed his glasses and peered at River before redirecting his gaze to the room. “I would like to remind everyone that we are not here today to prove innocence or guilt. We are here to determine if bail is appropriate. And while a lot of points are in your favor, Ms. Lawson, you are being charged with one count of second-degree murder. But, I do believe there are many various factors to be considered in this case. Are you willing to surrender your passport, wear an ankle monitor, adhere to a curfew, and refrain from working in an environment where you would have access to controlled substances until these charges have been settled?”
“My client does not have a passport, Your Honor, but agrees to the other conditions,” Tina quickly answered.
Judge Hinkley nodded. “In that case, along with the previously mentioned conditions, bail is set at one million dollars. This court is adjourned,” he said and banged his gavel.
River turned around with wide, tear-filled eyes. “Jonah,” she croaked. “I don’t have that kind of money.”
“It’s okay, baby. I’ll get it, and we’ll have you home in no time,” I reassured her.
She nodded and gave me a weak smile, but I could tell she didn’t believe me. As the bailiff led her away, I kept my eyes on her until I could no longer see her. Once she was out of sight, I faced my brothers. “If the club can front me the money, I’ll sell my house to replace the funds.”
Before Copper could respond, Phoenix stepped forward with Dash by his side. “No, you won’t. I’ll take care of it.”
“I appreciate it, Phoenix, but I can’t let you do that,” I insisted.
“You can and you will. That’s a direct order,” Phoenix said and clapped me on the shoulder. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to figure out who I need to speak with so we can get your girl home.”
With that, he walked away while I stared at his back in disbelief. “Why do you look so shocked?” Copper asked. “This is exactly what the club is all about—having each other’s backs.”
“The club’s going to lose one hundred thousand dollars, Prez. I don’t feel right about it and River won’t either.”
Copper snorted. “The club’s not losing any money. He’s bailing her out, not bonding her out. She’s innocent and as soon as the charges are dropped or she’s found not guilty, the money will be returned. And don’t forget, you haven’t officially claimed her yet, so while you feel like this is on you, he’s actually doing it for Dash, technically speaking.”
“You kinda suck at pep talks, Prez,” I grumbled.
Copper shrugged. “I tell it like it is and that won’t ever change.”
***
The entire process took hours. I didn’t expect it to be immediate, but it felt like everything was working against us. The powers that be wouldn’t even start working on the paperwork until the bail was paid. And, it’s not as simple as writing a check for one million dollars. Once the money was paid, they started on the paperwork, but then stopped for lunch. After lunch, they finished the forms, but then it was one thing after another, and I was barely hanging on to the last bit of patience I had.
Finally, fucking finally, the door to the right of the reception desk opened and River stepped out. “Jonah,” she cried and ran right into my waiting arms. With her arms circled around my shoulders and her legs wrapped around my waist, she buried her face in my neck and broke.
I was already on edge, and her state did not help settle me in any way. After several minutes, I had to know. “Did someone hurt you or do something to you?”
I felt her head move, and she whispered, “N-no. Nothing like that happened. I just…I might never let go of you again.”
Although I was relieved by her answer, I remained tensed and ready to strike at anyone or anything that may pose a threat to her.
“Son, maybe it would help if we got her out of here,” my mother softly suggested.
“Yeah,” I croaked and carried my girl out of her nightmare and into the light of day.
Dash led the way to one of the club’s SUVs and opened the back door for us. I didn’t even attempt to put her down; I just climbed inside with her still wrapped around me.
