by T Gephart
“You’ll be able to see your lawyer in just a minute, not that you need one, right? I mean, you’ve done nothing wrong.” He smiled exposing his teeth that had yellowed from either too much coffee or cigarettes. Maybe both.
“I maintain my 5th Amendment right and would like to see my attorney,” I repeated not falling for his we’re all friends routine.
“Okay, let’s just sit here and wait then.” He drummed his fingers on the desk and watched me. “Sure I can’t get you anything?”
“I maintain my 5th Amendment right and would—”
“Like to see your lawyer.” He raised his hand stopping me midsentence. “Yep, I got it. I’m just offering you coffee, making sure you’re comfortable. Nothing else.”
We sat in the room a little while longer and when there was no sign of Stefan I assumed he was playing the game. We both knew he couldn’t deny me right to counsel, but there were ways they could drag out the process. Procedures that could take a while, time taken to process someone into the department. And it was night, which obviously meant they weren’t operating at full staffing levels. All in the hopes, that while we were waiting, I might give them something usable.
And as long as there wasn’t any overt coercion and I was treated fairly, they were well within their rights to play. All I had to do was sit tight and wait, because whether Special Agent James knew it or not, I was not talking.
He looked at his watch as the time ticked on, and while I didn’t know for sure, it had to have been at least half an hour.
Still no sign of Stefan.
Still no statement from me.
He stood, stretching his legs as he walked around the room a little before leaning up against the wall. My eyes followed him, maintaining my posture in my chair even though my back was killing me and I wanted answers.
I wondered if they had gotten anything from Dina, if she’d decided to throw my dad under the bus or if she’d been so blindly devoted to him she was willing to take the fall. She’d obviously come out of hiding in an effort to please him by approaching me. My dad, too chicken shit to do it himself, did what he always did, used the people who cared about him without concern for their safety.
Finally there was a knock at the door and it took everything I had not to leap out of my seat and answer it myself. Special Agent James huffed out a breath and then walked to the door and pulled it open.
It wasn’t Stefan.
It was Roman, who had a look so pissed even Mr. FBI took a step back.
When he moved into the room, Stefan was standing right behind him, following him in like a proud little puppy.
I could have kissed them both.
“Special Agent James, myself and my co counsel would like some time to confer with our client. I assume since neither of us have been present, she hasn’t been questioned?” Roman gave Agent James a death stare that warned him the only right answer would be yes.
Special Agent James, who was tall but at least an inch or two shorter than Roman, coughed as he looked to me. “She hasn’t been questioned or said anything.”
“Good, then you can leave us.” Roman ignored him as he moved closer to me, his eyes on my wrists. They were marked from the cuffs and no doubt would be bruised but I wasn’t worried.
Agent James went to the door, holding onto the handle before looking back at us. “I’ll be back to ask those questions.” He pulled it closed behind him.
I took the first full breath since the coffee shop as he left, letting my body relax in the chair.
“Are you okay?” Roman looked at me, meeting my eyes like he was telepathically telling me he’d know if I was lying.
I nodded, getting out of the chair and hugging him. “I am now, thank you so much for coming.”
“Are you kidding me? Jesus, Maya, you’re like family, of course I would come.” He gently stroked my hair. “But as much as I’d like to take credit—and we know I like credit—I wouldn’t have even known about it unless he called me.”
I pulled myself away from Roman to see Stefan grinning. “When they kept stonewalling me and not letting me see you, I knew we were going to need to bring out the big guns.” He nodded to Roman. “And I know we aren’t supposed to know he’s Alex’s brother, but I figured you’d get over it if you got mad.”
“Mad?” I laughed, almost weeping with gratitude. “I can’t thank you enough.” It was his turn for a hug, my body feeling ten times lighter knowing I had both of them in my corner.
“Okay, we can hug and sing campfire songs later.” Roman clapped his hands together as he moved an additional chair to the table for Stefan. “I need both of you to tell me everything. And then we should give Alex a call.”
Deep down it felt sort of hypocritical. That, minutes ago I was glad Alex was miles away from the mess but I was glad his brother had come. And I had no doubt if I’d spoken those words out loud, he’d have felt betrayed. That I somehow thought Roman was a better lawyer, or I trusted him more. But none of that was the truth. It was because I didn’t love Roman the way I loved Alex, nor did he love me, at least not in that way. Alex would risk everything, even himself, if it came to it. Roman wouldn’t. And I couldn’t have someone lose anything for me.
I took a breath and everything I hadn’t said to Special Agent James flew right out of my mouth, starting with the note on my windshield. My dad had seen the Instagram photo of Alex and I that Astrid had posted and decided that now would be a good opportunity to extort money. I told them about Dina’s claim of getting her child back, the phone call, his claims of trying to hurt our families and then pulled out the card with the account number on it, which was where I was instructed to deposit the money. Finishing off with finally being picked up by the cops outside the coffee shop with Dina.
“Did your father say where he was?” Roman asked while Stefan took notes.
“Nope, I always assumed he left the country, but that was never confirmed. He could have made that call from California or Mexico, there is no way to know.” I shrugged.
“What kind of man sends his girlfriend?” Stefan asked. “She’s wanted for aiding and abetting, not to mention accessory after the fact.”
“Yeah, not smart and judging by the quick police response, she’d been under surveillance.” Roman tapped his chin, confirming what I’d already suspected. It hadn’t been Stefan who’d called the cops. Nope, they’d probably been waiting for us to leave to make their move, possibly even listening in on our exchange.
“Don’t think she crossed any borders. Decent fake passports are hard to come by and I don’t think a man who is trying to hit up his kid for cash has the money or the resources to pull it off. They must have been laying low somewhere remote but still in the states,” Roman continued, pulling together his version of events.
“So why am I here? Assuming we were under surveillance when we were in the coffee shop, they have to know that I’m not involved. I haven’t heard from the man in over ten years and this is the first time since he left that he has tried to contact me.”
It didn’t make sense but desperate people did desperate things, including the dumbest move of all mankind, which was what my dad had done.
Roman eyed me hard. “There are no charges but they do want information. Anything they can get. Your piece of shit dad has outstanding charges not only from the FBI, but the IRS, FTC and SEC. Are you sure he didn’t say anything else?”
“Other than tell me he could make things hard for us?” I offered, the threat so vague I had no idea what it meant.
“You guys make any sex tapes, any suggestive photos?” Roman asked, looking at me calmly like we were not discussing my sex life with his brother.
“No,” I shot back indignantly. “I’m not an idiot.”
He shook his head. “I have to ask, Maya. If there is anything that he’d have as leverage, even if you think it’s insignificant, now would be the time to let me know.”
There was nothing. I was squeaky clean and I didn’t doubt Alex woul
d be any different. “Unless he knows something I don’t, there is nothing. He’s just trying to scare me, thinking I’m still the same kid he left behind. So let’s get this over with.” I slammed my hand on the desk not having anything to hide. “He barely said anything to me on the phone but I’ll repeat it all.”
“Yeah, we will take questions but remember, these guys aren’t playing. They need something to take back to their bosses and I know I don’t have to go through answering procedure with you.”
“Short, concise and not giving them anymore information than they ask for.” The rote answer fell from my lips without any effort.
“Always knew you were a superstar.” Roman nodded proudly. “Stefan, I want you to see if you can find out anything about Dina. See what her story is and if she’s been arrested, and do some digging on this number.” He handed him the card. “Judging by the sequence, I’d say it’s Cayman Islands but you never know, and he might be stupid enough to have kept an account that is traceable. Oh and one more thing.” He put his hands on his hips and shot me a look that said I might not like what I was about to hear. “I want you to dig into both Maya and Alex and see if there is anything that could be used as leverage.”
Stefan looked at me, waiting for my consent even though he probably didn’t need it. “Just do it, Stefan. Maybe there’s something I missed.”
“On it.” Stefan grabbed the card and his notes, giving me one last look before heading out the door. “Call me if you need anything.”
I nodded and watched him disappear, leaving me with Roman and no idea on whether I was going to be sleeping in my own bed or in a jail cell. Not sure sleeping was going to happen regardless of the venue.
Special Agent James knocked on the door soon after Stefan left. I assumed he’d been told I was willing to answer some questions and was looking to get started. Federal agents very rarely were patient people, and I had a hunch, given the late hour, he was probably more annoyed than usual.
“So, I trust you have conferred with your client.” His eyes went to Roman before swinging back to me. “And I assume you’re ready to tell me everything you know.”
Roman leveled him with a glare as he moved over to my side of the table and took a seat. “Let’s just stick to the interview and skip the theatrics.”
“Sounds good to me.” Agent James smiled as he opened a file. “Let’s start with what you were doing in that coffee shop.”
“I received a note and believed it to be an anonymous tip for a case I was working on,” I answered, maintaining eye contact.
“What was the case?”
“Irrelevant,” Roman interjected. “Ms. Zaveri’s cases are not material to this investigation nor is she at liberty to discuss them.”
“Fine.” Special Agent James forced the grin. “Have you received a note like that before?”
“Don’t answer that.” Roman held out his hand. “If you have something specific to ask my client, then ask it. Anything unrelated to this investigation is off limits.”
Agent James huffed out a breath of frustration. “Maya, when was the first time you were contacted by your father?”
“The phone call at the coffee shop,” I answered.
He looked at me and clarified. “No other time?”
“No.”
He continued with the interview.
“What were his exact words?”
“Were there any background sounds?”
“Did he threaten me?”
“Did he say he’d call again?”
Endless questions, which I answered as best I could.
The truth was, I didn’t know anything. I didn’t believe I was in danger and other than confirming my father was a selfish piece of shit who didn’t care for anyone but himself, there was nothing more I could give them.
Having cooperated as best I could, and not having any solid grounds to keep me, they released me with the understanding that I’d make myself available for future questioning. Pretty sure I wouldn’t have any answers for their future questions either, but I wasn’t going to make the point as they let me go.
“Stefan’s got Alex’s car, I’ll arrange with him to go back and get his after I drop you off. I think it might be better for you if you stay with me tonight.” Roman popped the locks on his retro Ferrari and opened the door. “Lauren’s already made up the guestroom.”
“You just want to subject me to your tiny terrorist.” I tried to laugh as I slipped into the passenger seat.
“That wasn’t my motive but since you mention it.” He cracked a half smile. “It only seems fair to share the love.”
He closed my door and then went around to the other side, hopping in and starting the ignition.
It would have been so easy to take Roman up on his offer and go camp out with him and his family. But I already felt I’d imposed enough and to be honest, wanted some time to process it alone.
Special Agent James had made it clear that it wasn’t the end, and I wasn’t naïve enough to think just because they’d let me leave, I was free. Nope, it was only the beginning and I needed to go home so I could get my head right and devise some kind of strategy.
“I really think you should reconsider and spend the night with us.” Roman stopped in front of my apartment building, making it clear he wasn’t okay with it.
“Thanks Roman, but I’m fine. I don’t think my dad is stupid enough to try anything right now.” I opened the door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. “And thank you so much for helping tonight.”
“So, if you want to thank me, why don’t you come help me with Lucas tonight?” He switched tactics, his tenacity not something that surprised me. “He’s adorable, you said so yourself.”
“Nice try, but I’m going to pass.” My fingers gripped the car door, hesitating.
“I don’t remember you being this stubborn.” He huffed out a breath, switching off the ignition and exiting the car. “But I’m walking you to your door and checking out your place just in case.”
I didn’t argue, happy for the compromise as he followed me to my apartment. “Thanks, see all good.” I pushed open the door and revealed everything as it should be.
Roman wasn’t so sure, continuing into my apartment and systematically checking every room while I waited in the living room.
“Did it pass the test?” I asked when he returned.
He nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. “From what I can tell, you’re good. But keep your phone close to you and call me if you hear, feel, see or smell anything suspect. I mean it, Maya, I don’t care what time it is or how insignificant you think it might be.”
“I promise, thank you so much.” I wrapped my arms around him in a hug. “And if it wouldn’t be pushing my luck too far, I need one more tiny favor.” I winced, knowing I was probably going to owe Roman for the rest of my life.
“If it’s what I’m thinking you’re going to ask me, I think it’s another bad idea,” he warned.
“Just give me twenty-four hours.” I tried to reason. “I don’t want Alex running back on his white horse. Please, I’ll tell him everything and take full responsibility if he’s angry.”
Roman shook his head. “Yeah, because he is going to listen to reason when he finds out. Look, as your attorney you know I can’t tell him, so anything he finds out is going to have to come from you.”
“And it will, as soon as he gets back,” I promised.
“Fine.” He kissed me gently on the forehead. “I better go, but call me.”
He gave me a pointed look, unwrapping his arms and headed out my front door. I waited until he disappeared, the roar of his Ferrari fading just as I closed the door to my apartment. It felt weird to be back, and not just because I hadn’t slept there in a while.
After a shower that was probably too hot, I crawled into bed and looked at my phone. It was early morning in New York and Alex had his meeting with the firm, and as tempted as I was to call him, I just couldn’t. So instead I shoved it under my pil
low and tried to will myself to sleep.
It was going to be a long night.
THERE WAS A MISSED CALL from Alex on my phone when I woke in the morning, but I didn’t call him back. Not telling him the truth was one thing, but outright lying to him wasn’t happening either.
So instead I texted him, told him that I loved him and that I was slammed at work. He texted back that he loved me too and to call him when I could.
Instead of worrying about what I would say when I needed to make that call, I headed to work where Mike was already sitting at his desk. I looked for signs that he knew anything, but he seemed oblivious to what had happened after Stefan and I had left the bar.
“Stefan not here?” I looked around, noticing he wasn’t around. I was running later than usual which meant the office was almost full.
Mike leaned back in his chair and anchored his hands behind his neck. “Nah, Leah said he called in sick. I hope it wasn’t something he ate last night, you feel okay, right?”
“Yeah, I feel fine,” I answered honestly because my bad feelings had nothing to do with food. I had a hunch neither had Stefan’s. “Well, hopefully whatever it is, he makes a full recovery soon.”
I texted his phone but got no answer, pushing it into the pocket of my jacket to try again later.
Leah wanted to know my findings on yesterday’s investigations, and I did my best despite my mind being elsewhere. By noon I decided to come clean, figuring the firm had a right to know what was happening with one of their junior associates. Besides, I didn’t know if the FBI was going to come sniffing around while I was at work. That wouldn’t have looked good.
She listened, and asked questions, but was sympathetic in response. She not only offered to tell the partners on my behalf but offered me the resources of the firm as well. It was hard not to choke up. I had expected suspicion and possibly even accusation; kindness and understanding were things I still grappled with.
And out of concern instead of punishment, she suggested I take the rest of the day off. I might have argued, but I knew I couldn’t perform at a level they deserved so I figured it was for the best. I slipped out before anyone asked me any more questions.