Taming Emilio (Buried Secrets Book 2)

by Brina Brady

  “Wait with the others until they clear your paperwork and your lawyer shows up.” The officer led him down a long hallway to a small room with a long bench, where he sat beside Valerik and Dante. Mateo wasn’t with them.

  “Where’s Mateo?” Kaden asked.

  “He called his lawyer, and he’s out already,” Dante said.

  “Damn him. I talked to my father, and he’s calling the family attorney. He’ll pay bail for us all and will find someone in New Jersey to represent us,” Kaden said.

  “I don’t know if they can help me,” Valerik said.

  “My father knows a lot of powerful people, and he’s dealt with green card issues with his hotels. Don’t worry.”

  “I don’t have any money, and all this is because they wanted to kill me,” Dante said.

  “We’re family. Everything will be taken care of,” Kaden said.

  Kaden was called again and told to stand and smile for his mug shot. He stood for the picture but did not smile. They directed him to the fingerprinting station in the next area where he waited in silence.

  Another officer took Kaden for his fingerprinting. Then he followed a different officer down the hallway to another small room. He had to sit down again and answer questions for a man who filled out a health form. He acted as if Kaden had planned to move in for a long time. The medical questions disturbed him, and he wanted out of here. No way was he going to stay in jail or be sent to prison. His father had better made sure he got out of here tonight. He breathed deeply several times, nerves and instincts unsettled.

  The officer returned Kaden to the holding cell with the other guys. He didn’t want to go in there. It smelled of piss, alcohol, and body odor. This must be a tank for the drunks. Why were they in here? When the officer called Kaden’s name again, he followed him to another room and sat on a chair before the desk.

  “You’re being charged with the murders of Quin Tórrez, Estevan Chacón, and Salvador Meza.”

  “I’m not answering any questions until my lawyer shows up.”

  “Send him back to the holding cell,” an officer ordered.

  Kaden returned to the room where the others were and took a seat beside Valerik.

  “Now what?” Valerik asked.

  “We’re all being charged, so we’re stuck for now. How the hell did Mateo get out of here?” Kaden asked.

  “Rafe, maybe,” Valerik said.

  “No, he wouldn’t bail out his brother without us. Mateo is operating without Rafe, as usual. No surprise there,” Kaden said.

  Officer Watson stepped into the room. “All three of you are booked on a flight to Los Angeles. You’ll each have an officer to accompany you.”

  “I don’t want to go there,” Dante said.

  “It doesn’t matter what the fuck you want, kid. The state of California issued warrants.”

  “Where’s Mateo?” Kaden asked the officer.

  “He’s on a plane to L.A. with an officer and an attorney.”

  “Is there any reason why he’s not with us?”

  “I can’t give out information like that, but I can tell you he will be with you guys in court.”

  “When are we leaving?” Valerik asked.

  “In an hour. So sit still until then.”

  Officer Watson allowed Kaden to call his father and let him know they were being moved to a Los Angeles jail. Once they arrived in Los Angeles, the officers took them to separate holding cells at the city jail. Kaden’s father and the lawyer were waiting for them in the visitor’s room. Kaden’s father hugged him when he entered the cell with his lawyer.

  “So all you have to do is tell the truth. I talked to Mateo, and he told us everything. The lawyer wants all of you guys to detail the truth. Bottom line, you defended Dante. We have the hospital records from Dante in Bishop,” Mr. Donagan said.

  “I plan on telling the truth. How long do I have to stay here?” Kaden asked.

  “You need to go to the hearing first to see if they’re going to indict you.”

  “How long?” Kaden asked again.

  “The hearing is set for tomorrow morning. If they choose not to indict and throw the case out, then you’ll be free. All of you.”

  “Dad, this isn’t looking good,” Kaden said.

  “It’s going to be fine. Trust me.” A slow smile spread over Mr. Donagan’s mouth and spilled into his sparkling blue eyes.

  “I do. Can I use your phone to call Rafe?”

  His father handed him his phone and Kaden tapped Rafe’s phone number.

  “Rafe speaking.”

  “It’s Kaden. We’re in Los Angeles. Going to court tomorrow morning. My father is here with a lawyer for us.”

  “Mateo’s lawyer just called and told me about that. He’s going to court tomorrow with you guys.”

  “Is Emilio near you? I want to talk to him.” Kaden didn’t want to hear about Mateo, who somehow had gotten his own lawyer. Mateo, James, Valerik, and he shot at the gang members in self-defense. It was either the gangsters or the end of Dante. They had to protect him, but when they came after the entire group, that was their end.

  “Sure.”

  “Kaden. Where are you?” Emilio asked.

  “California. Going to court tomorrow.”

  “I miss you so much. I hope you get out tomorrow.”

  “Me too. Remember everything will work out. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “Put Rafe back on.”

  “I hate this,” Emilio said.

  “I know. I want to be with you, and it’s tough on me too. You know you’re everything to me. It won’t take long.” Kaden hoped his words would prove to be true.

  Kaden waited for Rafe. “How’s Emilio really doing?”

  “He’s not talking much. I’m trying to get him to eat, but he’s upset,” Rafe said.

  “Soon Alek will be with you. I told him he wasn’t involved so he had no reason to feel guilty. He missed you, too.”

  “I know I’m counting the damn hours. I can’t believe they flew you to California.”

  “Alek left with Anouska. Dante was released in California, so he’s on his way back.”

  “What about Valerik’s status?”

  “My father is handling that. He won’t be deported to Ukraine. Tell Liam so he doesn’t worry himself sick and that Valerik misses him,” Kaden said.

  “I’ll tell him. Stay safe. It’s killing me that you were arrested. Love you.”

  “I love you too. We’ll be back soon.”

  The washed-out, musty air in his cell brought Kaden down. The thought of release was appealing, but deep down he feared the court findings. Feeling numb and exposed at the same time, Kaden left his food tray. Forcing himself to display optimism around his father, the lawyer, and others finally ended, now that he was alone. It was easier to keep up the facade that he was nothing but a man alone in a battle against the court. No one understood his fears about the outcome of the court case. He wanted to take Emilio into his arms and hold him close. It sucked in here.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Emilio

  Emilio sat with the others on a blanket on the beach watching the waves crashing against the white sand. He didn’t understand how fast his world with Kaden was crumbling apart right in front of him. Rafe was sitting beside him, talking on the phone to his lawyer. James and Liam were listening to Rafe’s conversation.

  Emilio was sinking into a depression. A high-energy vortex pulled him down, just like a bad dream where he was falling, endlessly falling. Although he sat with the others, he felt like he was invisible. Throughout the day, Emilio relived his time spent with Kaden. He’d taken hours teaching him how to shoot and ride a motorcycle. He wouldn’t stop teaching Emilio until he felt comfortable on his own. So many things Kaden had done with him; he had educated him in areas he was deficient. He should have insisted that Kaden fly with him. What if they found him guilty? He should have been nicer and certainly more honest with his feelings. Kaden d
idn’t deserve his immaturity. Unfortunately, for stupid reasons, Emilio had never appreciated what they had while they were together.

  If he had a second chance with Kaden, he would definitely treasure him and their time together. Emilio couldn’t think of a comforting saying to make himself feel better. Nothing applied to their situation. The police had taken Kaden from him. There wasn’t anything he could do about it. Kaden didn’t belong in jail for protecting them.

  “I have some bad news,” Rafe said, breaking the silence among them.

  “What? More bad news?” Emilio asked with shaking hands, inhaling deeply.

  “They weren’t granted bail so they’re in jail. My lawyer said the charges will all be dropped because they don’t have any physical evidence, only the word of gang members.”

  “So are we going to visit them in jail?” Emilio asked.

  “California has a warrant for James. So we have to stay here until things settle down.”

  “What about Valerik?” Liam asked.

  “Kaden’s father is working on getting him a green card. He should be fine if they don’t get indicted.”

  “I thought you said they were going to get out with bail,” James said.

  “The prosecutor said they were a flight risk,” Rafe said.

  “Maybe we should fly to California,” James said.

  “No. We’re not going there so they can arrest us. We’ll be of no help then,” Rafe said.

  “I want to see Kaden. Can I go to California?” Emilio asked.

  “Me too. I want to see Valerik,” Liam chimed in.

  “No. No one is going to California until their cases are dismissed. I think I know who is behind this. I should have listened to you, James. Eduardo ratted on us.”

  “Why didn’t they arrest Alek?” James asked.

  “The same reason they didn’t want me. Probably because he had an alibi. There’s a record that we were on the boat when it occurred,” Rafe said.

  “Then you should go,” James said.

  “Let’s wait to see what happens tomorrow.” Rafe walked away from the group to make another phone call.

  “What do you think?” Emilio asked James.

  “This comes down to Eduardo. He’s the rat. Not killing him brought this shit. Rafe didn’t want to do it or hire anyone,” James said.

  “I wouldn’t want to kill anyone, but…I want Kaden back.” Emilio’s stomach turned upside down. He really didn’t feel positive about any of this. What if he had to go on without Kaden? He wanted to see him, but Rafe said they couldn’t go.

  Rafe returned and sat beside Emilio.

  “It looks like Alek and Anouska will be here in a couple of hours. I’m going to pick them up.”

  “That’s good. Where’s Mateo?” James asked.

  “He’s with the rest of them. Going to court tomorrow.”

  Rafe’s phone rang, and he took his call away from the group.

  “I wonder who called Rafe,” Emilio said.

  “I want to know, too,” James said. “Oh, fuck! Liam, you’re red as a fire engine. Get out of the sun.”

  Liam stood and said, “I don’t have the keys.”

  James handed them to him.

  “I’ll stay with him,” Emilio said.

  “Thanks,” James said.

  Before they left, Rafe returned.

  “Dante is on a plane as we speak. Apparently, the lawyer got him off sooner than the others since he had hospital records. So we have to pick him up too, but much later tonight.”

  “Who helped him get a flight?” James asked.

  “Kaden’s father,” Rafe said.

  “How will he know what to do at the airport?” James asked.

  “Kaden’s father had someone make sure he got on the right plane.”

  “That’s good news. We’re going in,” Emilio said.

  “Sure. I’ll be over when James and I finish talking,” Rafe said.

  “I wish we could fly to California and see them,” Liam said as they walked to James’s house.

  “I want to do that too. If only we could figure out how to ditch James and Rafe,” Emilio said.

  “I don’t have any money. Do you?” Liam asked.

  “I do in a bank. Thanks to Rafe. We could buy tickets, but then what?” Emilio asked.

  “We can’t ditch them. They are always with us.”

  “I know. Let me think about it. If they don’t get out tomorrow, then we have to make a move. Maybe in the middle of the night.”

  “That would work.”

  About an hour later, Rafe brought in dinner for all of them. Emilio didn’t feel like eating, but Rafe told him there was no reason to starve himself.

  “If Kaden doesn’t get out, I want to go to California,” Emilio said.

  “What the hell would you do there?” Rafe asked.

  “See Kaden.”

  “Listen, both of you. Neither of you is going anywhere without James and me,” Rafe ordered.

  “What am I supposed to do without Kaden?” Emilio asked.

  “Carry on like a man. Kaden knows how to take care of himself. He’ll get back as soon as he can,” Rafe said.

  After Emilio had enough of the conversation with Rafe, he left the room and dropped onto the bed. He lifted the blankets and crawled under them, feeling disappointed. He closed his eyes and cried quietly so he wouldn’t alert Rafe. Rafe didn’t understand what he was going through nor did he help Emilio feel better. He had to get himself to California. Maybe he could leave when Rafe was sleeping. He knew how to get to the airport. He wanted to ask Liam to join him, but he had to get him alone, away from James and Rafe. It seemed like an impossible task, but he was going to see Kaden.

  Rafe stood in the doorway.

  “Hey, we can’t do anything by going to California. The lawyer will take care of it. So, why don’t we do something fun.”

  “Like I’m in the mood to have fun. I don’t want to leave this bed until he returns.”

  “Get up, Emilio. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. We’re going to meet James and Liam at the nearby club.”

  “How’s that going to work? I’m supposed to go out dancing while you and James drink?”

  “You can’t drink in public. You can listen to music and dance. You need to get out of bed.”

  “Why can’t we go to that bamboo bar so we can sit outside?”

  “Sure, let’s go.” Rafe sent a text to James.

  They relaxed on bamboo bar stools at a tall umbrella table, on the patio overlooking the ocean. James and Liam joined them shortly. Rafe ordered a beer for he and James and nonalcoholic piña coladas for Liam and Emilio.

  Emilio ran through several scenarios in his head.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Kaden

  Kaden, Valerik, and Mateo sat with their lawyer. He took their statements and read them in court. Luckily, Kaden’s father made sure they all had suits so they didn’t look like bums off the street. First Kaden’s lawyer asked for them to drop the case. Then the prosecutor asked to speak to the judge behind closed doors with Kaden’s lawyer.

  “What do you think that means?” Valerik asked Kaden.

  “I think they’re going to drop the case against us, and we can leave,” Kaden said.

  “You think so?” Mateo asked.

  “You heard the lawyer yesterday. They have no physical evidence, and they don’t know which one of us did it. Clearly, they could see Dante’s medical records. That saved us.” Kaden wanted to believe his own words. Nothing like this had ever happened to him before.

  When everyone returned from the judge’s chambers, their lawyer told the court about the Gay Protection Society, which impressed the judge and the prosecutor. They also mentioned Kaden’s military service. The two gang members covered with tats didn’t impress anyone. Dante left a statement detailing why they wanted to kill him when he’d left the gang. Thank God, Dante didn’t have to go to court. He flew to New Jersey as soon as the lawyers proved he was the vic
tim of the gang. From there he had to fly to Hawaii. Rafe didn’t want the police to know where they were so Dante spent lots of time in the air, going back and forth across the country.

  A surprise witness entered the courtroom. She’d been called to speak to the court. Apparently, she was the social worker assigned to Dante’s case. She shared that Dante had been assigned to her and that he’d confessed he’d tried to get out of the gang but had been threatened. When he’d tried to avoid them, they had found him and told him that if he tried to get away from them again, they would kill him. At that time, she’d heard about The Gay Protection Society from Dante’s aunt. She’d suggested that Dante go into protection.

  It didn’t take long for the judge to throw the case out.

  “What about James?” Kaden asked his lawyer.

  “His warrant will be voided, so James has nothing to fear.”

  They were sent back to jail to be released. Kaden’s father sent a van to pick them up and drive them to a hotel near the airport. Mateo had gone straight to the hotel since he had been released earlier. They all met in Kaden’s room to discuss their next move. Kaden had relaxed in a pair of shorts the lawyer had picked up for him. The lawyer was his father’s second cousin, and Kaden was grateful for all the help he had given them.

  “My plane is leaving in two hours. So I’ll see you guys in Hawaii,” Mateo said two minutes after he’d entered Kaden’s room.

  “Rafe doesn’t want us flying directly to Hawaii. He wants us to fly to New Jersey, then Hawaii,” Kaden said. He laughed to himself whenever he thought about Mateo being Emilio’s uncle. The Escobar family had too many damn issues, but Emilio seems to be the least damaged. He wasn’t perfect but easier to mold and love.

  “I know. He told me after I booked my flight, so I rebooked it to New Jersey. Then he booked another flight to Hawaii the next day,” Mateo said, smiling as if he had one up on them.

  “Why aren’t you flying with us?” Kaden’s disapproval was clear in his voice.

  “I just didn’t know if you guys were leaving today, and I wanted to get back to Anouska as soon as possible,” Mateo said.