by Sarah Mosby
Matthew held his stance, he knew better than to snicker or poke at the man who had just spared him of the pain on his wrists. The bright red marks still remained and served as a reminder. Perhaps Jackson could free him of this whole ridiculous situation. After all, he wasn’t the crazy one! Perhaps, even the O’Donoghue name. His own reputation of power and grace, had brought this skilled investigator. Of course, Jackson didn’t appear that way. But deep down, Matthew knew that this man could set him free. What held him back from tossing this whole case off the table was Jayd’s unorthodox rambles.
CHAPTER 5:
ARISEN
“Feeling better?” Jackson took his seat once more, except this time he didn’t toss his legs on the table. He sat there calmly for a moment, watching as Matthew toyed with his wrists. “Then, let’s start.” Jackson began to flip through the file as if he had no idea of Matthew’s situation. He hummed calmly, occasionally licking a finger and using it to turn through each page. Jackson appeared straight out of a classic cops sitcom, entirely harmless, clumsy, and inexperienced. Matthew called this, a grace from God.
Jackson eventually spoke up, “Your Brother already gave us his view on things. And we still have yours from the accident, but the police station and the state of California…” Jackson trailed off flipping through the files again. “We still have a few questions on our minds. Of course, you will be happy to give us few answers. Tell me this, how did Jayd receive those scars on his wrists? He told us that you happen to restrain him and he was forced to escape himself, by any means. All he asked for was a bit of money to cover his debt, and you violently jumped at him.”
Matthew stared at Jackson, a burning resilience in his eyes. No, Jackson was not going to help him, not unless he played the right cards. And this interrogation was the perfect playing field. It was a game of balance and art to Matthew. An art very similar to one he participated in daily, of dominance and submission. It was all in the air of presentation and Matthew was going to win.
Jackson continued to spin the tale that Jayd had created, adding on useless pieces of evidence in Matthew’s eyes. None of it made any sense, and no way they would pin him down for saving his brother. Matthew knew he could get out of this, he would pay bail, and have a great lawyer on his side. Maybe even Jayd would come to his senses. Family couldn’t fight, Matthew just couldn’t picture it, perhaps because he never experienced it before.
“Matthew, there is no denying it, all the evidence, all the paperwork, and several witnesses- all claim that you put your brother in a coma. They saw you struggle in the hospital room when he was first taken in, tamper with his proceedings- and carelessly damage. it’s all right here.” Jackson tapped the file on top of the desk. He had talked up quite a storm about evidence but had nothing in the file relating to Matthew’s case. All that mattered was him getting a confession out of Matthew. And the more he stressed on about evidence, the more Matthew’s façade began to crack. It didn’t matter to Jackson, if the evidence was real or not, if a criminal admitted to what he had done wrong, he had succeeded. Another case wrapped up in a beautiful bow of justice.
“What are you accusing me of? I did not go into his hospital room, and I most certainly did not show up with him that first day. I’m not sure what witnesses you are referring to, because the accident took place in my private mansion. So there is really no need to try and pull that shit over me.” Matthew leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms defensively.
Jackson now looked at Matthew dead in the eye, “Matthew, we have evidence, you did it we know you did it. And you do not need to pull that shit over my eyes.” he spoke in a condescending and somewhat childish tone. “You know, with all the technology of today’s modern world, nothing is private anymore Matthew. Especially not with your reputation, or your family’s in general. Your blood and his were found. Your DNA was on him, the walls of your home were thoroughly searched and inspected. We know the truth, but we ask these questions just to confirm it. Matthew, there is so much evidence against you, it’s one of the easiest investigations I’ve handled. In all my years as a senior investigator, working my way up from my junior, your case,” Jackson points a finger towards Matthew accusingly the tip wagging slightly in the air. “Your case, is the easiest. Think about it.”
Matthew sits there in the silence for a moment, before speaking up once again. “I will not tolerate this, you have no evidence. And you will be hearing from my lawyers,” Matthew began to sweat slightly as he thought back to the day he had taken minimal cautious movements with Jayd’s body. He had thought about killing Jayd, perhaps there really was evidence against him.
“You can’t deny it. You cannot tell me you didn’t do it, we can prove otherwise. We are beyond that point, we are beyond losing this evidence, it is in my evidence locker, it is with the police station.”
Matthew try to interject, “But-’’
Jackson overpowered him in seconds, “I am sorry, but there is simply too much evidence against you. Matthew, you are not a bad guy in my eyes. We believe that it could have possibly been an accident, but when you deny your own actions, it makes you look bad. Then I start to think another way about you. I don’t believe you're a cold-blooded killer, I don’t believe that at all. Nothing suggests that to me, I think you’re a smart guy who made a mistake. There’s a difference between you going in and planning to kill someone and accidental rage. We understand you were simply trying to help, but we still need you to confirm your own actions.”
Matthew stared down at the floor, the concrete a solid gray. Reflecting his own shine back to him, he closed his eyes, opened them, and then closed them again. Sweat slowly ran down his temple and down to the base of his neck. Like boiling water in a tea kettle, the whistling of Jackson’s accusations still rang in Matthew’s mind. He pressed his hands to the side of his head, letting his fingers trail through his ragged hair. The grease of the hair gel stuck to his fingertips. His hands now rubbing his eyes, the burning hair gel made it worse. Slight tears formed at the corners, the redness of his eyes only growing.
A small smile crapped on Jackson’s face, “The Surrender Position”, perfect. His standard interrogation techniques, had worked like magic once again. Of course, his training was the backbone of his job. He had graduated from one of the finest schools, and had kept up the appearance of youth and innocence with every case he received. In the end, it always paid off far better than other interrogators could achieve with their grizzled appearances.
Matthew’s muscles tensed and relaxed. His breathing was sporadic, the occasional huge huff followed with a quick inhale. How could he confess to something he had not done? They claimed to have evidence against him, could they really lie about that? Who knew what lingered in the thick pages and layers of his case file. He shuddered at the thought of spending his life behind bars, all thanks to Jayd. He was not ready to surrender his domain nor his authority to anyone. Would Nathan claim ownership over the inheritance or would Jayd get what he really wanted? All these questions and more pounded through his mind.
Jackson moved closer with the office chair, he could sniff and sense every little bit of worry, tension, anxiety and drip of sweat on Matthew, he could smell fear. “You’re not a bad guy, we all make mistakes. And we all understand it.” The whir of ventilation in the ceiling picked up, making the room a tad bit hotter. That was sure to only increase the stress on Matthew. Interrogation rooms always started ice cold and slowly turned to a boiling hot and Jackson’s comments only added more pressure to the steeping kettle of Matthew’s morals.
Matthew sighed heavily, moving his hands to wipe the sweat from his head. “I- I am ready.” He looked up at Jackson, his breath was easy, his eyes still watery from sweat and tears held back. “I am ready.” he repeated.
Jackson pulled back in his chair, and kept his gaze on Matthew. “Let’s hear it.” Jackson’s voice was comforting and secure. If there was a path to surrender, he had presented it. He was the one who won, the one who al
ways won at the game of confession.
Matthew’s breath hitched, his hands running over his knees and gripping them slightly. His eyes had trouble focusing, as Jackson’s stare cut through him. “I’’ Matthew cut himself off before drawing another breath. “I did not hurt my brother.”
Jackson scowled, this was not the conclusion he had worked for. This was not why this room was packed with recording and surveillance equipment and it most certainly not ending the justice he had promised Jayd. Jackson paused and sucked in his cheek with annoyance, “Listen pal, for your benefit, we need you to admit that you played a hand in Jayd’s coma.” His tone was flat, begging even- this needed to be done. And he was not going to leave this room until it was.
Matthew’s eyes now stung from the endless staring contest between him and his interrogator. “I called the hospital, I saved his life.” Matthew stood up as he looked down at Jackson, another piece of scum in the city, with a shiny piece of metal out like a shield. But still, scum.
Jackson let out a low and hidden growl. He slammed the file down on the table again, “Sit, now. I can have 5 officers come in here to make you if you don’t.” His threats were real and held the precious promise of freedom high above Matthew’s head. “And say it.”
Matthew still stood, thinking for a moment before nodding and sitting down. He looked Jackson dead in the eye and spoke. “I killed my brother. I put him in a coma on purpose. I deserve to be behind bars. There. Is that what you wanted you lying fuck?” Matthew stood up again and held up his middle finger in defiance towards Jackson. “Now, make me sit. Because there’s no fucking way I will.”
Jackson stared in shock at Matthew, not because he stood in rebellion, or flicked him off- but Jackson had gotten what he sought after; a confession. Sure, it wasn’t direct, but with a bit of editing, those words straight from Matthew equaled his life. No matter how good of lawyer was put in court, Matthew had screwed himself in his own dominant instinct. “Thank you.” Jackson sneered and stood up. “With that I can do many things,” He held up a single finger, “For one, you are now property of the state. With a confession like that, you just made yourself a prisoner. A true one until tomorrow morning at 9AM, once your 24 hours are up. Then you are free, but your bail just grew 5 times.” Jackson grinned and started to head out. “Oh and you can keep your file,” He gestured to the desk. “There’s nothing in it any way. And feel free to stand as long as you like, it’s the only freedom you have until my boys put you down. Have a good afternoon, 601241.” And with that Jackson stepped out of the room, the door clicking behind him.
A clock ticked gently ticked away on the wall, the bright red second hand tainting Matthew as he slumped back in the hard metal of the chair. “Fuck standing…” He muttered as he stared at the beige file on the steel table. What had he done..? He had let his rage overcome him, he wanted to protect and take care of Amanda, and instead he had gone and done the opposite. Abandoning Amanda like he had done so many years ago. No… He refused, he could easily pay bail and get a lawyer. They just had to make him think there was no hope- it was a show just like the questioning. It all was, at least he hoped it was.
The rest of the day passed slowly and painfully, it was only a few hours, but after Jackson’s men came in, the “fun” really started. He was forced into a cell of his own, a cramped one, and quite filthy on the walls and floors. He did however, get to keep his dress pants. For the rest of the day, however, the only thing that was different was the intense hatred he could sense from his guard. Matthew braved it out and knew it won’t last long. Soon enough, night came, and Matthew struggled to fall asleep on the uncomfortable and cheap bed. The next day he was set free, at 9 AM just as they had promised. The bail was a hefty price, raking in at about half a $1 million. They knew he was rich, and that $500,000 would be nothing for him. Either way, he paid, reclaimed his items, and headed home.
Amanda has been frantically worrying about him since yesterday. She hasn’t received any calls, and knew nothing of his whereabouts. No one at work knew where he was. When he returned home in rumpled clothing and a frustrated look on his face, Amanda could not be more grateful. She thought that he had abandoned her again. She ran into his arms crying. Her emotions ran wild as she wrapped her arms around his hips, soaking his chest with tears. The memories of the day she had visited her parents flowed back to her. The same pain of losing someone who she had loved. But he has returned.
Matthew tried his best to comfort her, his wrinkled jacket now suffering even more damage from her tears. He pulled it off and tossed it to the couch, before turning back to her. “I missed you too, a lot…” he sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair. He needed a shower. He stared down at his lover, debating whether to tell her about what had happened. On one hand it would nullify his dominance, but on the other hand he couldn’t hide it forever, plus he loved Amanda and would need her help in this. “I didn’t abandon you, I always come back.”
Amanda, relaxed at those words. She tilted her head up and looked at him in confusion. “Where have you been?” Matthew wouldn’t cheat on her, and he would have called her, but instead he left her alone in mansion for an entire day. To sleep alone, and let her imagination run wild.
Matthew broke away from Amanda for a moment, it was clear to her that she had permission to speak and this was the moment to share his news. “Button, Jayd pulled some strings and I am not sure what will happen. When I went to visit him at the hospital, some police came in to question him, and they made me wait outside. When all was said and done, I was taken to the police station and forced to make a confession. I paid Bail and we will need to get a lawyer. One that’s really good. I shouldn’t go to prison, but I might. In that case it won’t be long. And Nathan can look over you. Hopefully, nothing drastic happens.” Matthew looked down, rubbing his temples with his sore and tired palms. “I need to take a shower.” Amanda simply nodded and they walked to the bathroom together.
CHAPTER 6:
AFFLICTION
Matthew had a few months with the bail. And in that time he had found one of the best lawyers in California. He was guaranteed to win the case until his lawyer found out about Matthew’s confession. At best, he had a 75% chance at success. That was incredibly low as his life was on the line, and Matthew’s hope dropped. The months saw them prepare the best they could for the most important, as well as only, courtroom battle In Matthew’s life.
The D-day came quickly. Matthew remembered strongly the sense of dread that overcame him as he walked inside the overwhelming and immaculate court room. With stunning fixtures, and beautiful architecture, Matthew didn’t have time to appreciate it. For he was returned into shackles, and now sat as a criminal. Although he had pleaded not guilty, the judge would soon force him to do that hand.
The atmosphere was tense with the piercing gaze of stern faces, making up the jury. Multiple people were in the court room, the prosecutor and of course, the defendant. Lawyers and witnesses and- the list went on and on. Matthew tried to focus on his own thoughts rather than the jumble of mixed opinions and hushed comments throughout the room. Every single one of them all saw him as Jayd. He still had a fair fighting chance, and held to a little bit of hope in his heart.
The discussion between the two sides of right and wrong, of black and white, of justice and assumptions, rambled on. The minuscule pieces of evidence, of careless actions, came back to haunt Matthew. “Witnesses” shared their testimony at the stands, and Matthew still refused to buy it. He could see his lawyer physically struggle with trying to make a decent rebuttal, Jackson was right, his confession after editing really did confirm his guilt.
When the jury was presented with the evidence from the witnesses, the DNA samples from that day, as well as Matthew’s striking confession, the whispers of treachery and insults soon became loud and clear. All of them shouting, talking and exchanging their views, the same idea of guilt. The idea of imprisonment, the idea of betrayal, the idea of abandonment. The comment
s and thoughts and breaths of the jury were enough to make Matthew wish to end it all right there. What held him together, like a loose piece of a vase with tape was Amanda.
Her beautiful face, her stunning submissiveness, it was what kept him going. He needed her and refused to give in. And when the lawyers and the jury had come to their final conclusion, and had him backed up against the wall, begging for mercy, the judge made the final decision. With a swing of the gavel, Matthew’s fate was destroyed. For Him and Amanda were star-crossed lovers, and Matthew was going to defy what the stars had written for him. Amanda wasn’t there for him that day, he had made her stay home, out of worry for her own well-being. It was a good thing he had made that call, if he hadn’t who knew the chaos and heartbreak that would have unraveled in that courtroom.
Matthew wasn’t looking forward to returning to the hostile environment in which his confession was forced out of him. It scared him, it really did, even if he refused to believe it. He had to be strong, for his family‘s name and for Amanda. He just couldn’t believe that his own brother could turn on him like that, all for his inheritance. Matthew really hoped that Nathan would be responsible and make the proper decision. Nathan had always preferred him anyways, but maybe he too would be fooled by Jayd.
Matthew kept his head down, as he knew now he would be processed as a criminal and if he were to simply escape the law- or when he left the prison after rightfully serving his sentence, he could erase this chapter of his life with his fortune. It was natural for scandals to come out against celebrities every so often. Tomorrow there would be yet another one in the news and he would be forgotten about.
Officers surrounded him at all sides and he felt like cattle being forced out of a corral. Like a bull to the slaughter. Or perhaps to the rodeo first, to be broken and tamed, no longer the proud and magnificent beast he once was, but merely a shell of its former dominance. That was what he feared most, his next stop, processing.
