“Will you please just call Wells Covington? He can verify everything I’ve told you, and he’ll drop these charges against Rick. And let me do some research on the other stuff from Detroit. Let me see what I can find out and see if there’s a way out of it.” Tears roll down my cheeks and I finally snap. “Please, just let me try to help him. You have nothing to lose.”
Tate jumps up and wraps an arm around me and I almost collapse into her. It hurts so bad, everything. Every second Dominic or Rick or whoever, his name doesn’t matter to me, is in that cell, I’m losing him, little by little.
Tate looks at me, then glares at Decker. I don’t know if Decker has any humanity in him, but if he does, I pray his heart softens for just one moment and gives me a chance. It’s all I want.
His brothers all stare at him, even Donavan, who I really didn’t think had much of a soul. He’s the best criminal attorney, probably in the world. He could get Rick out of this in a heartbeat if he wanted. I’ve seen what they do for people who write huge checks to them.
Decker’s chest finally sinks in a little, like he’s being forced to deal with something he doesn’t want to, and he’s finally giving in. His gaze moves from his brothers and lands on me, then he huffs out a sigh, like he’s finally relenting to his own ego. “Get with Donavan. See what you can find, and if there’s something that can be done, we’ll go down and get him. Okay?”
I rush from Tate, before I can stop myself, and wrap Decker in a giant bear hug. He stumbles back a little, then stands there while I squeeze him, all awkward, unsure what to do.
I feel bad, because I realize I’m hugging Tate’s husband right in front of her, but when I look back her eyes are a little welled up. I don’t know if it’s because of me or if she’s proud of her husband.
Decker gives me a couple awkward pats on the back, then says, “If you don’t let go, you won’t be able to get your damn boyfriend out of jail. Those are words I never thought I would speak to you, of all people, Magdalene.”
I let go of him and back up, adjusting my blouse, then I look up at him and let out a little laugh. “That’s two of us, trust me. Thank you. I mean it, thank you.”
He shakes his head and looks around. “Don’t thank me. I don’t deserve it. Sometimes I lose track of what’s actually important around here. I should thank you for reminding me.”
I give him a slight nod, everything hitting me all at once. I can’t believe I just barged in here and did that, but I don’t regret it. Not for a second.
I turn to Donavan who’s already standing, and I swear, it might be the first time I’ve ever seen him smile at anyone besides Paisley and Payton. He holds out a hand, gesturing to the door. “Come on. Let’s go see what we can find.”
I nod and walk past Deacon and Dexter, who both smile at me too.
When we’re at the door, I hear Decker say to Tate, “I swear, I’m implementing a policy on dating in the workplace. This shit is out of fucking control.”
“Oh, shut up, Decker.”
“Whatever, it’s happening. I’m done with the drama. It’s a fucking episode of The Good Wife around here.”
Donavan follows me out into the office, and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I have something to hold onto.
I have hope.
Dominic Romano
It’s been a few days, but they’ve all blended together by now. I spend most of my time reading the little Bible they gave us and staring at the wall. It’s something I’ll have to get used to. I have the money to make bail, but what’s the point? I’m not calling anyone to have them pay it for me. I’ll get credit for these days instead. Might as well get it over with as fast as I can, plus a day in jail is way better than a day in prison. I want to spend as few days there as possible.
I sit up in my bunk and stretch my arms behind my little bolted-down cot.
Another day in paradise.
The big sliding door buzzes with electricity; it’s time for us to