One Boy's Journey Chapter 57

Written by Brianna Demonet

The next morning when court started, John was still on the stand.

Mr Walker your witness! Said, Judge Harris.

Detective Park, how are you feeling today?

Fine! Said John.

No problems with pain from the car accident?

No! Said John.

How are you related to my Clients Soo-Min and Mi-Lee? Asked Mr Walker.

Soo-Min is my father's cousin and Mi-Lee is my mother-in-law.

Isn't it fair to say as blood relatives of your children, they have a right to express their opinions when it comes to how your children are raised?

Objection! Said Mr McCall. What does this have anything to do with the crimes of the accused?

I'm getting to it, your Honor! Said Mr Walker

Overruled Quickly, Mr Walker. Said, Judge Harris

Thank you, your honor.

No! Said John

Isn't it true that in your culture, grandparents have a lot of say in how the children are raised?

In some things yes, but I am an American first. Said John.

However, your family has a deep history of following traditions. Isn't this true?

Yes, we teach our children from a very early age about our heritage and culture. Said John.

Grandparents are a large part of that, aren't they?

Normally they are! But not in this case! Said John

Why is that?

Because my family hasn't used arranged marriage in over a hundred years. My parents were born here; I was born here, as were my sisters.

After my last tournament, my parents, my girlfriend, and I were blindsided by Soo-Min and Mi-Lee about the arranged marriage. They used their family's influence and blackmailed me into an arranged marriage to Lin-Soo.

They even went as far as to hire people to bug my then-girlfriend Rianna Stevens's condo and follow each of us. All for the purpose of leverage.

That's a very serious allegation! I hope you have some proof!

My parents and my old law firm have the evidence and police reports!

Mr Walker's jaw dropped.

Mr Walker? Do you have any more questions?

Not at this time, your honor.

Let's take a short break, Judge Harris said.

Cheryl, John, and Mr McCall started talking. Mr McCall waved over Jii and Yon.

I called Keith, Becky's investigator at the law firm I used to work at.

I heard a phone buzz behind me. Keith was sitting in the back with a big smile.

Mr McCall this is my friend Keith Sanders. He's an investigator for Stapleton and Elgin. My old law firm. He helped with security after my condo break-in.

Mr Walker any more questions for this witness?

No your honor!

You may step down Detective Park.

Thank you, your honor!

Your honor I'd like these reports entered into evidence!

Objection, your honor this evidence has no bearing on the matter before us today!

On the contrary your honor. These reports apply directly to the testimony of the witness and two of the defendants.

Overruled, the evidence will be admitted.

The prosecution calls Keith Sanders to the stand.

Objection! Your honor, this witness isn't on the witness list

He's a rebuttal witness, your honor. To answer questions about the proof of testimony given by the previous witness.

Your Honor, I haven't had time to prepare questions for this witness.

Neither have I your Honor. Said Mr McCall.

Keith is sworn in.

What do you do for a living, Mr Sanders?

I'm a private investigator for the Stapleton and Elgin law firm. I'm also a reserve state police officer for the state of California.

Mr Sanders, are you familiar with this alleged proof the victim mentioned earlier about the alleged break-ins and the surveillance equipment?

Yes, I am! It's not alleged. Two of the men who performed the break-in are present today.

Point them out, please. Mr McCall asked.

Right there. Keith said.

Let the record show Me Sanders identified Ju-Pak Song and Han-Lo Lee.

According to police reports and court documents, they were convicted and, months later, deported.

Can you identify them from the actual crime? Mr McCall asked.

No, sir, I was brought into the case after the fact. Keith answered.

Why were you brought in after the fact? Mr McCall asked.

Because Ms Stevens was an employee of my law firm at the time. Keith answered.

Thank you, Mr Sanders.

Your witness! Said Mr McCall

Mr Sanders, are you a licensed private investigator? Mr Walker asked.

Yes, I am!

How were you brought into a simple B and E?

Rebecca Stapleton asked me to look into the matter.

Why?

Rianna Stevens was a part-time employee at the time.

Was she actively working for the law firm at the time of the crime?

I'm not human resources, I just did my job and looked into the matter.

Did you interfere with the investigation? Asked Mr Walker.

No! By the time I was asked to look into the matter, the case was closed. I just requested the documents related to the case.

Weren't you curious why you were asked to look into a simple break-in?

No, Ms Stevens was a good employee; I wasn't asked to do anything illegal; I did as I was told to.

You didn't find it strange to look into a simple break-in? Asked Mr Walker.

No! Rianna was a good employee and trusted colleague. I looked at the matter as a way to protect the people I work with.

What exactly did you find? Mr Walker asked.

The report states that Ms Stevens and her roommate returned to the condo after being gone for a week. The condo manager asked them about the men who stopped by while they were gone.

Ms Stevens waited in the condo manager's office to see if they returned. There was no previous evidence of a break-in at the time.

The two men returned to the complex and they observed the break-in to the residence on security cameras. Police were called, and they were apprehended as they tried to escape. They were caught on cellphone video and security cameras.

The crime scene investigation reveals the scene was wiped down except for two fingerprints on a mini-cam. If you read through the report you'll see an extensive list of surveillance equipment that was confiscated from the resistance.

The fingerprint matches one of the two defendants arrested that day.

Your honor! I'd like time to review the new evidence before continuing.

Granted! It's getting a little late. We'll pick up tomorrow and give you a little extra time to examine the new evidence. Courts adjourned.

I asked Cheryl how she liked assisting on a federal case. I love it! It's incredibly challenging! She answered.

When I left the courthouse I went back to the hotel to relax. I took a small nap and then went to the pool. I had a lot on my mind. I was doing lap after lap. I must have swam for over an hour. I didn't notice the several people that came in.

I rinsed off at the pool shower and started toweling myself off.

I hope you're proud of yourself!

I saw several Korean people, fully clothed, staring at me.

It was friends of Soo-Min and Mi-Lee. I recognized them from the family gatherings years ago. I couldn't remember their names. There were also a few I didn't know; I assumed they were the family of Mi-Lee.

I was cornered and outnumbered 7 to 1. I started focusing on the biggest threats.

It's because you, our loved one, are dead, and our family is in jail!

Wait a minute! I barked loudly!

I kept my distance! I never said a word about what your family did! I never talked to John or his family! I respected your family's fucked up wishes and never said an unkind word about it!

You're going to pay for your treachery! You have no idea who we are! Said the oldest woman!

I had heard this threat before; my adrenaline started flowing.

Go ahead! I said you'll wind up in court just like your friends!

We have diplomatic immunity!

Maybe, but the US government has little tolerance for assaulting an officer of the court! Especially a government-employed one!

I was scared shitless! 7 on 1. Even if I could take out two quickly that left five. Plus I was exhausted from swimming.

Who's first! I screamed!

What's going on here!

Three hotel security guards came in.

Mind your business sir! The oldest said.

This is our business! Are you all guests here?

I am sir! I said

Ladies, are you guests? No, we were just talking to the young lady!

If you're not registered guests, you'll have to leave!

The oldest woman told the security guards to fuck off in Korean.

What did you say? The senior guard asked.

She repeated it in Korean again.

She told you to go fuck yourselves in Korean. I said.

The group of women was stunned that I spoke Korean.

Harold, call 911!

Ladies, you have to leave now, or you will be detained!

Chris radio for backup! Said the senior security officer.

The oldest woman started walking towards the security guards.

Not another step! Said the Senior officer. He pulled out his ASP!

Turn around on your knees! Get on your knees! If you resist the hotel will press charges.

We have diplomatic immunity!

Maybe! But it's my job to keep our guests safe!

Moments later four patrol cars and 8 Sacramento Police officers showed up.

All seven were detained and taken away.

I didn't see them again. I heard they were released and deported to Korea.

The next day in court, I played the security videos of my condo, Lexi's cellphone video, John's security video, and his neighbor's doorbell camera.

They played the doorbell cam video of John's parents' house and the police videos.

Mr Walker's case was falling apart faster than an avalanche!

Mr Walker brought in an expert witness to counter the authenticity of the videos, but it wasn't enough. He questioned the Miranda rights but that was to no avail, thanks to Captain Collins and the interpreter they brought in before questioning.

Mr Walker tried one last time to vacate the arrest of the four men by accusing the deputies of police brutality. That also failed.

I was recalled to the stand and accused of provoking the fight. That also failed.

The next day was closing arguments.

Mr McCall had a complete chronological timeline from my condo break-in all the way to the attempted Kidnapping. He completed his closing argument in 40 minutes. Just enough time to make sure the jury paid full attention.

Let's take a fifteen-minute break! Judge Harris said.

Then you can start your closing argument, Mr Walker!

Thank you, your honor!

Everyone settled in for the defense's closing argument.

Mr Walker was very eloquent as he spoke to the jury about how I antagonized Soo-Min and Mi-Lee. How because their culture is so much different than ours they felt threatened and had no choice but to act in the interest of protecting their family.

He explained that the men were acting in the best interest of the Park family and the family of the late Lin-Soo. He accused John of negligence in the death of his wife, which triggered these unfortunate events.

It was a good closing argument! All hearts and flowers! It would be convincing if there was some evidence to back it up.

Finally, the jury was sent to chambers after an hour and a half of listening to Mr Walker.

We were told the jury sent out a request for lunch.

Keith was sitting in the back.

How about some lunch Ree? My treat! Keith asked.

He took me to a little sandwich shop around the corner from the courthouse.

Try the Ruben! They have the best corned beef here.

We both had Ruben sandwiches and Iced tea. It was a big sandwich. Keith ate half of mine. I didn't mind.

He always talked to me like a big brother. I liked Keith a lot! He was a man of few words. But he also was very easy to talk to.

Come on Ree! What's going on in your head?

It's a long story! I said.

The jury will be busy for a while. I'm all ears.

I told him the whole story starting with Soo-Min and the arranged marriage on the day we left Korea years ago. I explained in vivid detail about John and me and what happened after our breakup.

I explained that I never intervened on him or his wife and family. I explained that I had mostly moved on. Concentrating on my career and goals. I was actually happy until Dad called me and said Yon asked for my help.

I never dreamed I'd be sitting here waiting on a jury!

Well, kiddo! (He always calls me Kiddo). If I had to guess I'm betting on the prosecution! I'm surprised the defense didn't try to plead it out!

They did! Several times, but the defense asked for way too much.

Don't they always! Keith said sarcastically.

We chuckled.

Our phone buzzed at the same time!

The jury is back! Let's go, counselor! Keith smiled at me.

They were out for just over three hours. Keith sat right behind me. Yon and Jii sat right beside me. Yon and I held hands.

Madame Foreman! Have you reached a verdict?

We have your honor!

What, say, you?

We find the defendants guilty of all charges!

Your honor! Request to poll the jury? Asked Mr Walker.

I found that unusual, I thought to myself. I saw Mr Walker looking at his watch. He's buying time!

Mr Walker read the charges of each defendant. Each jury member was confirmed guilty on every charge.

We will now begin the sentencing portion of this proceeding.

The door opened to the courtroom.

Your honor, may I be heard?

And you are who sir?

Arron Ledger, I'm legal counsel for the US Secretary of the State!

Sir, you must understand the defendants have all been found guilty!

I'm aware of that, your honor! May I be heard?

Quickly Mr Ledger!

Thank you, your honor.

I have here a request from the Korean government to release and deport the defendant's home. They are to be placed on the no-fly and no entry into the United States.

All of the defendants have diplomatic immunity.

Which they did not use to enter the United States, Mr Ledger. We've been over this before we started the trial!

I'm aware of that, your honor! Due to recent political and national security threats. The Secretary has ordered their diplomatic immunity be reinstated and the defendants returned to their country of origin!

I'm sorry, Mr Ledger, but that won't be possible, not for all of them! Two of the defendants violated the no-entry policy through Canada under false identification!

I'm aware of that, your honor! I'm also aware this is their second conviction. I'm also holding papers vacating their convictions

Your honor, I have here an order from the secretary of state endorsed by the president for immediate deportation and no return!

Let me see it! Judge Harris ordered.

This Sentencing hearing is hereby suspended until I get confirmation of this order! The defendants will be remanded back into custody until I have confirmation of this order.

Your Honor!With respect! You can't do that! Mr Ledger said.

Watch me! No one is getting released without confirmation! Said, Judge Harris.
Your Honor! You can't...

Mr Ledger stopped talking when Judge Harris raised his hand.

Defy me again in my courtroom, and I will hold you in contempt, Mr Ledger!

The court is adjourned until 10 am tomorrow morning!

Your honor!

Mr Ledger! I was dead serious!

Yes, your honor.

Looks like my clients are going to walk tomorrow said a very smug Mr Walker.

Let me guess? Said Mr McCall. You had to wait until you had no other card to play? Right?

Well, I don't get paid 4500 dollars an hour for nothing! Said Mr Walker.

The next morning

All rise!

I have reviewed and confirmed the order at the highest level of our government. Though I am pleased with the justice system in this process, the same can't be said for the political process.

After discussions with people far above your pay grade, Mr Ledger, the order is valid!

However, the order has been amended!

Ju-Pak Song and Han-Lo Lee please rise!

By the order of this court and the Main Justice, you are hereby ordered to serve ten years at Fort Leavenworth Supermax Prison. On your release, you will be deported.

If any of you violate the borders of the United States again, your conviction will be reinstated and your full sentences will be implemented. You will be imprisoned for life without parole or any hope of deportation.

The remaining defendants are remanded to US Marshalls and ICE agents. You will be flown to Korea by Military transport and released into the custody of Korean National police. Due to the nature of the crimes you've been convicted of, You are to be detained and shackled during your transportation.

Your diplomatic immunity has been permanently revoked for the United States!

Case Closed! Bang! Judge Harris frowned at Mr Ledger.

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee gave me dirty looks as they were taken back to holding.

I didn't see that coming said Keith!

Me either! I said.

Yon and Jii looked at me. What does that all mean? Asked Yon.

The defendants can no longer enter the US or they go to jail for life.

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee must have used every ounce of influence to get themselves out of this situation. Jii said.

I still can't wrap my head around all this said Yon. The three of us were friends. I trained with them every summer.

Jii hugged Yon tightly. We don't need them. We have our own life and our own family. Most important, we have each other.

Ree! We can't thank you enough. Don't thank me! Thank Mr McCall and Cheryl. This was Cheryl's idea.

It sure was! Said Mr McCall. I may have handled the trial, but Cheryl was invaluable to the prosecution. By the way, Cheryl, if you want a job with the US Attorney's office, give me a call!

But we didn't really win! Said Cheryl.

Oh, we won! I never expected the trial to go the distance because I knew at some point, the state Department would step in. But when they didn't, we had to win to keep the Park family safe.

Now that they're all convicted, they are all criminals in the eyes of the US government. Barring a pardon from the president. A pardon still won't reinstate their diplomatic immunity or remove them from the no-fly and no-entry list.

You're all safe now. The South Korean government won't be able to leverage the US government again in this situation. Mr McCall said.

Ree and Cheryl, will you both join us for dinner tonight? Asked Yon.

Cheryl and I looked at each other and smiled. We'd love to! We said in unison.

Jii, Yon, John, myself, and Cheryl started heading to dinner. Keith join us said Jii.

Thank you I would like that! Keith said.

Jii took us to the Sacramento Chop Haus. We talked, laughed, and celebrated the end of a very dark couple of chapters of our lives. John was smiling a genuine smile for the first time in weeks.

He started sounding like the person I fell head over heels in love with. I wanted to resume our relationship right there. The adult woman inside me said I had to take this very slow.

We had a great meal and an even better time. Cheryl was a lot of fun. She was actually the life of the party. She wasn't the mean selfish girl I initially met. She was friendly, charming, and generous.

I told her about the reputation I heard she had as a prosecutor.

She laughed! I am still a mean bitch! But I save it for court! I'm told it's the reason for my success!

We laughed.

Your father must be proud! I said.

He is! Of both of us! He's followed your career too! He thinks of you as a daughter, too, Ree! My Mom too!

I probably shouldn't tell you this, but my dad wrote you a letter of recommendation for Stanford Law School as well. In fact, I heard you had several letters written for you.

Really? I never asked him to do that! I said.

I asked him to do it! Although it didn't take much. He drafted it the day after I asked him. Said Cheryl.

Thank you! I hugged her.

Why didn't you go to Stanford? I asked. Because I got into Notre Dame and my mom went to Notre Dame and the University of Michigan accepted me for Law school. Besides I had family nearby. Cheryl said!

Keith and John told Jii about the sparing they did before John's tournament.

Yon wanted to know more about our careers after watching the lawyers brawl in court.

I wish I went to law school now after watching everyone in court Yon said.

Trust me Yon! said Cheryl. 90% of what we do is cut deals with bad guys. 9 out of every 10 cases that cross my desk are plea bargains! It's actually rather boring!

She's right Yon! We negotiate guilt and time served for the greater good of staying within our budget. I said. No prosecutor's office has the budget to take every case to trial.

Well, I thought it was dramatic! Said Yon!

Well, I'm glad it's over! Now I can get back to my children and work and start rebuilding my life! John said as he put his hand on my knee.

Those dormant feelings came rising to the top again. Confusion filled my head and my heart. I had to buy time to ensure that it was real! The void in my heart wanted him to fill it.

I wasn't sure how to fill it. I needed something more to know for sure, but I just didn't know what that was.

We went back to the hotel. I packed up my things. I was flying back to San Francisco in the morning. I'd missed a lot of work. I knew the pile on my desk was going to be a mile high.

I ran a bath and put every sea salt the hotel gave me. I was just about to get in when someone knocked on my door.

I checked the peephole. It was John!

I opened the door wearing only my towel.

Against my better judgment, I let him in.

Ree, I really need to talk to you!

Can it wait? Was just about to take a bath. I said.

No, it can't! He kissed me and flipped off my towel.

He was shocked by my extra body piercings and my tattoos.

Ree! Whow! Look at you.

Do you like them? It's been a long time! I said. I posed a little teasing him. Probably not my best idea. I couldn't help it.

I love it! I just never thought... Forget it! They're beautiful.

You said you wanted to talk? I said. I grabbed my towel.

John couldn't take his eyes off my body.

John! You were saying?

Ree, I meant it when I said I don't want to be without you! I know it's going to take some time. But I don't want to live my life without you! Except for my children, you are the most important person in my life!

I know I hurt you deeply. I know you will never forget it. But I need your forgiveness! I just want a chance to make it up to you. You're my best friend! I don't want to be without you!

John, I want that too! But we live separate lives now! I can't just walk away from my job and my career! I've dedicated years to getting where I am. You have a family that needs you now more than ever!

I love you! I've always loved you. You've taught me so much! Thanks to you, I'm no longer a weak, pathetic person. I'm strong, confident, and ready for all forms of combat!

I'll never forget what broke us up! I never blamed you for that. I kept my distance out of respect for you and your family.

Maybe we can salvage what we had but it's going to take time. To be honest with you I don't see myself moving back to Vegas shortly, if ever!

I understand that Ree! I do. I was actually thinking about moving to San Francisco shortly. But it's going to be a while! I got an email today. Blake and I are going to Quantico in six weeks. I'll be gone for a year maybe a little longer.

But your children? My children will stay with my parents!

I love you, Ree! I just need you to believe me!

He stepped forward and kissed me! He slid his strong hands under my ass and lifted me up level to his face. He felt stronger than I remembered.

He noticed my tongue piercings and went wild.

We made love for two hours! It's been over a year since I had sex! It wasn't that great at the time. John knew exactly how to touch me. We had the best sex we ever had that night.

John left my room at 3 am. I had a 10 o'clock flight in the morning.

I was downstairs at the breakfast buffet having breakfast with Cheryl. We were talking about clothes and what we were going to face when we returned.

John walked into the dining room and smiled his sexy smile at me, then went to make his breakfast. My face didn't hide my feelings.

Ree! Did you? You didn't? You did! Didn't you? She said.

Yes we did, it was fantastic too!

I'll bet! He always was one of the hottest guys in high school, and he's still hot! And apparently still hot for you!

Did I make a mistake Cheryl?

Hell no! The case is closed! He isn't married anymore! You're single! I don't see a problem.

But it's only been a few months since she died!

Yes! A few months! Not a few days. I'd say you're good! Said, Cheryl!

Seriously? I asked.

If you don't claim him I will! Cheryl said.

We were laughing when John sat with us.

What's so funny! John asked.

Just girl talk!

I'm sorry about your wife, John; I never got a chance to say it with everything going on. Cheryl said.

Thanks, Cheryl, and not just for that! You've been a big help to my family and me! You're going to make a great federal prosecutor one day.

Thanks, John. You're going to be a great agent! The FBI is going to be lucky to have you. Cheryl said.

You told her? John asked me.

I didn't say a word. I said

Blake told me. Cheryl said. Just stay safe Jet!

Not you too! I get enough of that at the station! John said.

That's what happens when you take on six bikers all by yourself at a truck stop! Cheryl said.

I didn't intend on taking on all six! Said John.

I want to hear this I said.

I was getting gas at a truck stop while I was off duty. I went into their diner for a cup of coffee. A bunch of bikers came into the diner. At first, things were fine. Then they start harassing the waitress.

A busboy tried to step in and the biggest one knocked him out with a single punch. I called 911 and waited to see if they would leave. Some truckers got involved and it blew up from there.

I was at the counter watching from the corner of my when one of the bikers pulled a knife.

Before he could use it, I kicked it out of his hand. Identified myself as a sheriff's deputy. In a matter of moments, I was surrounded. 3 minutes and four busted tables later I had immobilized all six.

Ten minutes later the deputies showed up. One of the truckers said I fought like Jet Lee!

The nickname stuck! After they reviewed the security video the deputies agreed with the truckers. 3 minutes to stop them and 3 weeks' worth of paperwork! John laughed.

We rode to the airport together and the three of us parted ways. Cheryl and I hugged and said our goodbyes.

I'll give you two a couple of minutes, John; I'll see you at the gate.

Okay, Cheryl.

Ree, I promise I'll call you. Maybe we can visit Hank and May at the vineyard?

I'd really like that! I said.

We hugged and kissed goodbye.

We each turned towards each other as we walked down separate corridors.

Dear God! I'm still in love with him.

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