“Okay, I will not fight you on this, but understand I want Vincent held accountable for all the heartache he has caused me. I won’t back down on that. Do you have a plan?”
“Yes, if the Swiss clinic can offer Junior what he needs, then we are out of here. I don’t feel safe in this house or this city. Maybe I’m wrong, but I would feel better if we were not in the States.”
“I agree. Now, let’s get out of here; I need to re-bandage your hand.” We begin to towel off and something he said just hits me like a brick. “Wait a minute! If the guy was here to find out about the lady in the baseball cap, what was he doing in Antonia’s room?” His jaw gets tight and his body instantly goes ridged.
“He saw you begin to nurse and decided he wanted to see more.” I barely make it to the sink and heave. He holds my hair back and hands me a wet washcloth.
“I feel violated, and I want to leave here.”
“I know, sweetheart. I’m working on it. Let’s get ready and get to the hospital. Max can’t wait to give Junior the blueprints. How is Jackie holding up with all of this?”
“Honestly, we talked about the wedding and stuff. I did tell her the increase in guards is because of Marco’s sister. However, I ended the conversation pretty quick since I’m not sure how much she knows.”
“Well, now I need to talk to your mum and explain what is going on. I’m not looking forward to that conversation.”
We finish getting ready and head out to face everyone.
I NEED MY WIFE—bad. I go in search of her and find her singing and dancing with Antonia in her arms. I stand in the doorway, taking it all in. They are a beautiful sight; Antonia is giggling and Jackie is singing a song I’ve never heard before. Jax and Raven come up behind me and they are trying not to laugh.
“She was like, come here boy, I wanna dance.”
Jackie spins around and notices the three of us. “Oh my, um . . . how long have you been standing there?”
“Long enough, babe. What song were you singing; quite the catchy tune.”
“Max, don’t tell me you’ve never heard Luke Bryan? That was one of his most popular songs, “Play it Again.” He’s a country music singer. Anyway, I was entertaining my niece. Are we ready to go to the hospital?”
“Not just yet, I need to talk to you about some stuff before we leave.” I take Antonia from her arms and give her a kiss before passing her to Jax.
“Max, you’re scaring me; what’s wrong?”
“I promised you no secrets. Vincent was granted an emergency bail hearing. He is on his way to New York right now. I can’t keep you here and safe. We are going back to your parents’ compound.”
“You’re 1-leaving me?”
“Oh, babe, never—I promise. I’m going with you. Remember your dad gave me that file on the Swiss clinic? We think it might work. Your dad said we can all stay there, and that way I’ll know you’re safe.”
“What if you have to testify? You’re not coming back here without me.”
“I promise you I won’t.”
“What about Michael?”
“We will talk to him about it today after I talk with his doctor to find out how quickly we can leave.”
“Raven, are you okay with this?”
“Everyone’s safety is the most important thing. I don’t see any other options.”
“Okay, can I at least see Michael before we have to leave?”
“Yes. Jax and I just told everyone else what is going on.”
“Oh my God, Rose.” Of course she would put someone else before her own safety.
“Yeah, we haven’t spoken to her yet. She had wanted to confront Vincent even before all of this happened. We can only hope she goes along with the plan. For now, let’s go see Junior.”
We head out to the waiting car; Sammy has us in one large Dartz Kombat. It’s basically a bulletproof tank with two cars in the lead and two cars bringing up the rear. I’m glad we had brought him into the fold. He is proving himself with all the small details. Everyone is very quiet and I fear this is taking a toll on An’s health. She seems frailer than when she came home from the hospital. I reach over and take her hand. “Mum, it will be okay, we will get through all of this.” Oh bloody hell, she’s fucking crying.
“Oh, Maxwell, hearing you call me ‘Mum’ . . .” she trails off.
I pull her into my arms. “Is that why you’re crying? If you don’t stop, I swear I will go back to calling you ma’am.”
She reaches up and yanks my ear. “Manners, Maxwell.” Everyone begins to laugh, and I’m glad.
We finally get to the hospital and pull around back to the employee entrance. Jax is about to open the door, but I stop him. “Don’t.
He freezes. “What is it, mate?”
“Not sure. Mick, please drive around the block to the area that has the freight elevators.” Even though the windows are limo tinted, I pull Rose down and throw my jacket over her. Sure enough, as we pull out, the paparazzi are running toward the car, trying to get off a few pictures.
Mick gets through security and to the service elevator, which is designed to carry large equipment. He backs up into the elevator and we are able to exit the vehicle right into the elevator. “You went through the employee entrance yesterday, so they figured you would come back the same way today. I’m not psychic; it’s what I would have done.”
Rose leans in and kisses my cheek and I swear I must turn a millions shades of red. “Thank you, Max.”
The doors open, and I can’t wait to see Junior. I race to his room and swing the door open. “Oh hell no! Jax, did you do this?”
“Nope, I was just as surprised as you when I saw it. Mrs. Olsa all the way, Max.”
“Uncle Max, you made it! Did you bring them?”
He throws his arms around me and it feels like home. “Yeah, buddy, I got them. How are you feeling today?”
“I’m a little tired but I’m okay, promise.”
“Good, I’m going to talk to your doctor.” I hand him the blueprints and he quickly loses himself in them.
I pull Bella and Michael aside. “We need to meet with the doctor, we might be moving from here.”
“What do you mean moving? Michael has already started his treatments.”
“Bella, for safety reasons, we need to get out of here. We are going to be moving to a private Swiss clinic. Mrs. Osla checked it out and Michael can get the same treatment there. They are also developing some new treatment that won’t be available in the States for years.”
“Max, how safe is it to move my son?” Michael looks like he is about ready to blow a gasket. I can’t have him getting upset, it would only upset Junior.
“Michael, the safest thing for Junior is to move him. Staying here puts us all at a very high risk. In the last twenty-four hours, there have been a lot of developments. We need to remain calm, not only for Junior’s benefit, but for everyone’s safety. You need to continue to trust me.”
Bella grabs me by my shirt collar. “You get us out of here in one piece—all of us—Max, or so help me; there will be hell to pay.”
“ That’s my Bella. I’m going to talk to the doctor and let him know that Junior is being moved.”
I head out to meet with the doctor, my mind trying to figure out how I’m going to get everyone out of here and then safely out of the country.
IT’S FIVE AM AND the guards are already outside my cell. They inform me that I’m being transported by U.S. Marshals from Colorado to New York City. I’ll be damn, that broad actually pulled it off; she got the bail hearing. Now let’s hope she can argue my release. The Marshals shuffle me along to a private airport. When we’re finally off the ground, I’m offered breakfast. Airline food has to be a step up from the prison shit they’ve been feeding me. In my mind, I can think of a dozen ways to escape, but then that won’t get me what I want, at least, not yet. I can wait for now, enjoy the perks of a real chair and hot coffee. I close my eyes remembering all my time spent with Gabriella. The
anticipation of possibly seeing her again sends the blood surging to my cock. I don’t know how much time has passed, but I’m pulled back into the present when I’m told we are landing. When we finally land, we are at the furthest most point of the airport and waiting for us is an armor tank, along with six other vehicles. They fear me, and that’s what will cause them to make mistakes. When we finally get to the courthouse, I’m shackled to the floor and given a moment alone with my new attorney.
“Well, well, well, Ms. Jade, not only do you have a great rack, but also some pair of coglioni.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Mr. Giaconna. When we get inside, please keep your mouth shut and let me do the talking. If the judge should ask you anything, look to me first before answering. Please remember to address him as ‘your honor.’ Prosecutor Hage will be there along with Mr. Phillips’ attorneys. Whatever you do, try not to look so cocky. I’ll let the guards know we are ready.”
Like I said, some pair of coglioni.
I SPENT ALL NIGHT looking for some way of having Ms. Jade removed as Vincent’s lawyer—nothing. There is no conflict of interest, since Marco was never directly involved with Vincent. I can’t prove her motives—nothing. The stars seem to be aligning in Ms. Jade’s favor, as she drew Judge Jepson, the bleeding-heart liberal, to rule on this. That’s not good for me. Jax has a team of attorneys here, which I’m sure the judge will be pissed about. He finally steps in and we all rise. Let the show begin.
“Why are there so many spectators in my court house?” I knew that was going to happen.
Jax’s attorney stands up. “Your Honor, I’m Matthew Turner, I represent the victims in this case.”
“This is only a bail hearing Mr. Turner; no case has been presented. That is for another court at another time. I will give you a little leeway today. You can sit and observe, but only you.” Matthew’s colleagues get up and leave.
“Before we begin, there are a few rules to discuss. This is my court. This is not a trial.” He eyes us all then turns his attention to the defendant’s side. “Ms. Jade, tell me why you think your client should be granted bail.”
“Your Honor, Mr. Giaconna was presented a deal while he was still recuperating from a gun shot wound to the head. He was not fully cognitive of what was being presented to him. My client still has the bullet lodged in his brain and must have access to better medical care than he is receiving now. His original council was also arrested, so he had no time to prepare with his new one. In question, is whether or not key evidence in the case was legally obtained and if the proper chain of command was followed. Basic fruit of the poisonous tree, your Honor.”
“The issue of the evidence, Ms. Jade, is not for this court to decide.” He peers over the rim of his glasses at her, slides them back up his nose with his finger, and then turns to me. “Mr. Hage, you’re up.”
“Your Honor, Mr. Giaconna was cognitive when he was arrested for his crimes. He was presented with a plea or the death penalty. He was advised by his counsel to accept the deal. He had ample time to secure new council, had he chosen to do so. He is a major flight risk and a risk to the community around him. He was not the only one who went to prison on the deal he agreed to. All of those cases would be in question if bail were granted. This would cause a major upheaval in the justice system, your Honor.”
“The court will take a thirty minute recess while I review everything.” He slams down the gavel. Now . . . we wait.
Every minute feels like an hour. If he grants bail, every case will be reopened. It will be a nightmare for everyone. I look over to Amelia and she is keeping herself busy, never once speaking to Vincent. It’s past thirty now. I turn around to Matthew. “What do you think?”
“Well, Hage, I think you just got fucked. It’s past thirty; she argued a good case. As far as judges go, you drew every defense attorney’s dream judge. He is the most liberal judge in the circuit. Plus he couldn’t take his eyes off of Jade’s tits. Yep you’re fucked, and I’m not looking forward to calling my client.” Before I can answer him, the judge returns.
“Will the defendant please rise? I have reviewed all the information before me. Mr. Giaconna, I am granting bail in the amount of twenty-million dollars. You are to be under house arrest and will be required to wear an ankle monitor. You may only leave your residence for religious expectations, medical appointments, and court appearances. Since the federal government has seized all of your residences in this country and abroad, you will be put up in a safe house at the expense of our federal government. Mr. Giaconna’s passport needs to be turned over to this court until any other action is taken.”
He slams his gavel and Matthew is already racing out the door, I’m sure to deliver the bad news. All of Vincent’s assets were seized; maybe it won’t be so easy for him to come up with the bond. That is until Amelia tells Vincent the bond is being wired as we speak. He turns toward me with that Cheshire cat look and I want to rip his fucking eyes out.
“Don’t get too comfortable, Mr. Giaconna, I’m like a dog with a bone and this is far from over.” I head out the door to start damage control; it’s gonna be a long day. RICO, Patriot Act, Treason—basically any and everything I can throw at this fucker, I will.
MAX IS BUSY WITH Sammy, making arrangements to secure our living arrangements for the time being and then get us all out of here. The meeting with Dr. Dave went great. He was already aware of the work being done at the clinic and he doesn’t see any reason Junior’s treatments can’t continue on schedule, once the initial thirty day treatment is done. That means we have to stay put for another three weeks. Jackie is sitting with Junior and his new friend, Josiah, going over the blueprints. She brings such happiness to everything she does. Max told me about the shoes and it makes sense. She silently does so much, like this room. I know that she helped Mrs. Osla and her secret will always be safe with me. The alert on my phone goes off. It’s a text from Matthew:
Get some place quiet. Make sure Max is with you. Call me NOW!
This doesn’t sound good. “Raven, I need to make a call; have everyone stay put.”
I pull Mick aside. “Hey, no one leaves this room; Max and I need to make a call.”
I step outside the room and find Max finishing up a call. “Hey, we have to call Matthew now. There is a supply closet across the hall.” Max seems apprehensive about neither of us having Jackie in sight. “Don’t worry, Mick is with them and they’ve been instructed not to leave the room.” We step into the closet and I ring up Matthew. “We’re here and you’re on speaker, what’s going on?”
“Vincent made bail. The judge set bail at twenty-million, house arrest, and an ankle bracelet. He can only leave his residence for religious expectations, medical appointments, and court appearances. The money has already been wired and he will be released within the hour. Hage is having the feds keep detail on him. I would suggest you do the same.” He then goes on to give us the breakdown of what happened. “Hage has a lot of ways he could go with this, all of which will take time, but will ultimately get him his conviction. Unfortunately, time is not your friend. Ms. Jade is going to push for a trial and she is going to subpoena Raven and probably Max. She wants her day in court. You never heard this from me, but get out of the country, sooner rather than later.”
“If you find out anything more, let me know.” I hang up and I can feel my heart pounding.
“Max, have you figured out how we are getting out of here?”
“I’m working on some different ideas. I need to get with Sammy on some of it. We need to let everyone know what is going on. They need to understand the extreme danger.”
We step out and head back to Junior’s room. My mum and Mrs. Osla are playing with Antonia. Jackie and Michael are playing with Junior and Josiah. Raven is in a heated conversation with her mum. “Where the fuck is Bella?!” Everyone turns to me as the bathroom door opens and she steps out.
“Oh thank God.” I pull her into my arms.
“Jax, I can’t
breathe.” I loosen my grip and try to calm down.
“What happened, bro, you’re more than your typical crazy self.”
“Come on, I need to tell everyone what is going on.” The nurse comes in to take Josiah for his treatment; her timing is perfect.
THE BAIL HEARING WENT better than I expected. I need to play nice now with Hage. I leave the feds to sort out Vincent, and try to catch up to Hage. I find him right before he steps into his building. “Mr. Hage, do you think I can have a few minutes of your time?”
His glare is very intense. “Ms. Jade, how much more do you want to fuck me and the good people of this country? You just aided in putting a ruthless killer back on the street.”
“Don’t you think you’re being a bit over dramatic?”
“Over dramatic! Do you even know who your client really is? If revenge is your game, Ms. Jade, or . . . is it Ms. Greene?—you are sadly mistaken. Did you think I wouldn’t find out? I’ve already filed to have you removed as council. The emergency Special Grand Jury hearing is scheduled for tomorrow at one, so I suggest you get to work. The sooner I get that animal off the street, the better,” he growls. Bingo—just what I wanted!
“You can try to have me removed as council, but I have no conflict. Mr. Giaconna did not shoot my brother in the head. That was Duke; a man, whom you gave full immunity to. I will see you in court, Mr. Hage.”
He turns on his heels in haste, leaving me to line up all the pieces of my plan. Next up, I need to contact my investigator to see if the lady in the baseball cap really is Gabriella Giaconna. I call Johnston Investigators. Apparently, they lost their man on the inside. Still nothing, but I can string Vincent along until they find out something. Right now I need to prepare for the hearing tomorrow. The quicker this goes to trial, the sooner I can have my revenge.
Shattered Lies Page 21