One Boy's Journey Chapter 56

Written by Brianna Demonet

One hour later. Captain Collins showed up. His dark brown hair was streaked with a bit of gray. He was still as big, strapping, and handsome as the first time I saw him in the diner years before. He still had a deep thunderous voice and his killer smile.

Rianna Stevens! It's been a very long time! You look great! I hear you are an ADA in San Francisco now?

Yes, Captain! You look good too!

Thank you.

John, It's good to see up and around.

Thank you, Captain.said John.

Blake, what do you need?

I need an interrogator. Someone outside of our investigation.

What's going on Blake?

Deputies arrested four men trying to break into John Park's parents' home. We believe they were trying to kidnap his children.

I heard about this said Captain Collins. Make sure they are separated and no one talks to them!

Already done sir! Blake said.

We are going to need an interpreter. Said Caption Collins.

We have two already, but another one is on the way. Said Blake.

If you have two interpreters, why do you need a third?

Because it's John Park and Rianna Stevens.

Let's talk to the ADA, we should be okay to use them. But let's cover all our bases!

Yes sir. Said Blake and made a call.

I want them all Mirandized in the box and on video. There can be no mistakes! Captain Collins said.

Cheryl came into the detective squad room.

ADA Fountain it's a pleasure to see you again. Captain Collins said.

You too Captain, Cheryl smiled.

Did Blake fill you in?

Yes, he did; I'm happy to help!

Thank you, Captain. Cheryl said. This is going to be a little tricky.

But it's legal, I've just never had to do it through an interpreter before. Captain Collins said.

We have video and audio evidence, perhaps you would like to review it first. Cheryl said.

When will our interpreter be here? Asked Captain Collins.

Just then, a Nevada State Trooper walked in.

Sergeant Lee reporting for duty! You requested a Korean interpreter?

Thank you, Sergeant Lee. I'm Captain Collins; This is my son, Detective Sergeant Collins, and ADA Fountain.

ADA Fountain would like to fill in the Sergeant? Captain Collins asked.

Thank you, Captain! Right this was Sergeant Lee. Said Cheryl.

I sat next to John. We waited outside as they were briefed about the plan. It was my idea but they had to execute it.

Cheryl, John, and I watched as Blake, his father, and Sergeant Lee questioned each one of them.

Everyone one of them lawyered up! That was expected.

Two hours went by as we waited for their attorney.

Michael Walker walks in.

Are my clients being treated well? He asked.

Of course! Said Cheryl. We stopped questioning them when they asked for an attorney. Would you like to see your clients?

Yes. Said Mr Walker.

Detective Sergeant, would you show Mr Walker to his clients.

Certainly! Right this way sir! Blake said.

Who would you like to talk to first?

I'd like them in the same room!

Not possible, this is an ongoing investigation. Department protocols require them to be separated. To do otherwise would compromise our investigation. I'm sure you understand! Said Blake.

Blake smiled slightly, it was true what he said. But Blake did what his father suggested and spread the interrogation rooms as far apart from one another as possible.

Captain Collins explained the more walking he had to do the more frustrated he would get. The longer it would take, and less time his clients had with their Attorney. The more likely he would make a mistake or forget something.

It took almost two hours for Mr.Walker to talk with his clients.

Ms Fountain, can we talk? Asked Mr Walker

Certainly, let's go to my office. Would you mind if Detective Park and Ms Stevens joined us?

Not right now! Said Mr Walker

After you said, Cheryl.

Cheryl Fountain and Michael Walker

How can I help you, Mr Walker?

I'd like my clients released in my custody! We both know you don't have any real evidence!

Assaulting four deputies, Video of the assault, Breaking and entering, and resisting arrest. Also attempted kidnapping.

Their foreign nationals were trying to help, and they thought they heard screaming from inside the house.

How did they hear screaming from inside a panel van with the windows up and the A/C on full blast?

You will also have to explain why they backed the van up to the garage door if they were in such a hurry to help.

All your so-called evidence is circumstantial at best, Ms Fountain.

Then, explain to me the Zip ties and cloth bags they had in their possession.

Drop the charges to a misdemeanor and I'll see they get on the first flight to Korea!

Not a chance Mr Walker. We ran their IDs through the system. Two of the men were on the no-fly and no-entry list. They have records for B and E in California. The other two have Interpol Red Notice on them.

What do you want, Ms Fountain?

If you're clients, all confess to who hired them. Maybe I'll consider deportation, but I will make you no guarantee. I'll have to run it by Mr Roland first! But I can't promise you anything! A judge will have to sign off on it first.

I'll ask my clients.

Well, you better talk fast because five o'clock is only a couple of hours away, and the offer expires in an hour!

Let me show you something before you talk to your clients.

Cheryl started the video the police took.

Clearly, you can see them trying to pick up the deadbolt on the door. We have the lock picks in evidence too.

I'll talk to my clients.

Keep in mind no names, no deal! And remember, there's no guarantee beyond me talking to DA.

Mr Walker said I'll see what I can do!

55 minutes later

I spoke to my clients. They all said they didn't have a name only an email address. They all gave me the same one with the password.

Cheryl banged on the 2-way glass.

Blake, can you check this out? Asked Cheryl.

Right away. Said Blake.

Blake and Computer Forensics

Allen Smalls was an independent contractor for the state of Nevada and a recently released ex-con. Allen was a world-class cyber specialist and hacker. Allen was an expert at turning a small lead into a major break in a case

Allen! I'm glad you're here! Said Blake

Blake Collins! My day just got worse, didn't it?

I'm afraid so pal! I have a priority one lead; it's time-sensitive! Blake said

I'm buried, Detective! I'll need command approval to drop everything. Just then Allen's phone rang.

Yes, sir, Mr Roland! Right away! Allen hung up

What do you have for me? Asked Allen

I need to know everything this email is connected to, history, and who is using it.

This could take a while. He said. I need a court order for this

I thought you would say that. Here you go! Said Blake.

This is from the 9th district court!

It's a federal court order authorizing you to do what's necessary to find the source! You have 6 hours! If you can't find what we need. The people who attacked John Park's family go free!

I'm on it, sir!

Call me if you need anything! Said Blake

Yes sir!

Five and half hours later.

Blake, Allen here you need to get to my office now! Please bring Mr Roland.

What did you find? Asked Blake.

Not on the phone! Said Allen.

Ten minutes later, Blake returned with Cheryl, Mr Roland, and the Sheriff's Department FBI liaison.

What do you have, son? Said Mr Roland.

Sir! This email address leads back to a Soju company from South Korea. I was able to trace bank activity and money transfers between a bank in Indonesia and a bank in South Korea.

There are also individual emails from Soo-Min Cho and Mi-Lee San.

Is that it? Asked Cheryl.

There's more much more! I was able to recover the deleted emails from their accounts.

Take a look! Said Allen.

Well, that's an interesting twist! Said Mr Roland.

Agent Schell, we have a few phone calls to make, said Mr Roland.

Mr Roland's first call was to the Nevada State Attorney.

After several phone calls to the US State Department, the Department of Justice, and the South Korean embassy.

Two days later.

Everyone involved in the case was remanded to the 9th District Federal Courthouse in Sacramento, California.

All rise!

Judge Hang'em Harris sat down. I smiled seeing him again.

Mr McCall, would you mind explaining to me why I had to seal my courtroom today.

My apologies your honor. We felt it would be best for everyone involved. Including the victims.

Okay, Mr. McCall, you have my attention! Present your case.

Your honor the 6 defendants before you today are being charged with multiple state and federal crimes. At the request of the Clark County District Attorney's office and the Nevada Attorney General's office, we are requesting the defendants be charged federally and held without bail.

You long-winded, Mr McCall! Get to the point! Said, Judge Harris.

Your honor, again my apologies.

To save you time, here is the list of current charges. If it pleases the court, I'd like to add this can all be legally classified under your jurisdiction. The victims in this case are the family of Detective First Grade John Park of the Clark County Sheriff's Department; he is also a federal deputized officer!

I was watching Michael Walker's face when he heard a federal deputized officer. Mike knew his argument was just shot to hell!

John's parents didn't know! Besides Cheryl, Julius, Blake and myself. No one knew except Blake's dad, who sent him into a classified undercover assignment years ago. It was a favor to the FBI.

Mr Walker! You're awfully quiet for a defense attorney?

Your honor! My clients, Soo-Min and Mi-Lee, had a plea agreement for release and return to their country. I request that the agreement be honored! Said Mr Walker.

Yes, and it says it was thrown out due to connecting crimes!

My clients had nothing to do with that, they were in jail at the time!

Maybe, maybe not! I will review the evidence before me and make my ruling. Courts adjourned until 10 am tomorrow. The bailiff remanded the defendants into custody.

Bang!

I was getting ready for bed in my hotel room. I was about to go to sleep when there was a knock on my door.

John! What are you doing here?

I missed you Rianna!

I miss you too, but we can't, I, I mean we shouldn't!

Ree, I talked with Cheryl and Mr McCall. If all goes well tomorrow we can start putting our lives together again.

I know John, but why are you here?

I don't want to waste another moment without you!

John, I want that too! But we can't! Not right now! It's not ethical and it doesn't feel right.

Look! We need to talk! But it's going to have to wait! There is way too much at stake! I said

Go to bed, John! I'll see you at the breakfast buffet at 8 am.

Okay, Ree! You win!

He kissed me softly and left.

All I ever wanted was now in front of me! I couldn't do anything to obtain it. I wanted to give in to his advances, but I couldn't do it. I was way too involved with the circumstances before us.

The next morning I sat with John and his family at breakfast. Yon couldn't get over the actions of Soo-Min and Mi-Lee. They were lifelong friends.
Jii said quietly with that same blank face John had.

John's kids were asking about everything. Yon tried to explain that they did bad things, and they had to answer to a judge.

I looked at John's son Caleb. I could see in his eyes he understood a lot more than a five-year-old boy should.

Ree, you worked for this Judge, what do you think he will do? Asked Jii.

To be honest I have no idea! He's a fair man and follows both the spirit and rule of law. Judge Harris is a good man, he covets the law! He's not a political animal. I said

All I can tell you is whatever he decides will be backed up in the name of justice. I trust him! You can too.

We rode to the courthouse together from the hotel.

I have an offer for you I'd like to discuss. Mr Walker asked.

I'm not sure you have any ground to stand on, Mr Walker. But go ahead I'm listening. Mr McCall said.

We both know this case is going to get messy if it goes to trial. My clients are prepared to spend a lot of money on their defense. This will cost your office a lot of money and time. Said Mr Walker.

Why don't we reduce the charges as before suspending sentences? My clients will pay additional fines and you can deport them and add all the travel restrictions you want. Said Mr Walker.

I don't think so! As far as My office is concerned this is a slam dunk case. If it gets to trial, all 6 of them will be serving life in a supermax prison.

If you want another answer, come up with a better offer. Mr McCall said.

All rise!

Too late! Mr McCall whispered.

I've prepared my ruling! Before we get started, Mr McCall, does the government have anything to say? Judge Harris asked.

No your honor!

Mr Walker, do your clients have anything to say!

No your honor!

Cheryl was standing next to one of the best US Attorneys in the country.

Her attention to detail matches my own. I was proud of my friend! She had the heart of a lion and was as ferocious as Shark!

I watched her as she and Mr McCall swapped notes and whispered to each other. I think he has a growing attraction for Cheryl. What guy wouldn't!

Cheryl had blonde hair, Brown eyes, and a heart-shaped face. She still looked like a cheerleader.

Very well! I have considered the previous agreement and deals made in this case. Said, Judge Harris.

I've also reviewed all the evidence. I am granting the request that this case be transferred to my docket. Jury selection will begin in 3 months the defendants will be transferred to federal holding until trial. Courts adjourned!

Bang!

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee gave us glaring looks as they were led back to their holding cells. The men were taken away by an army of US Marshalls.

John had Lin-Soo cremated according to her family's wishes. They had a wake and a small funeral in Vegas. No one from Korea was asked to attend. The family tension was still at an all-time high.

John bought a plot next to his grandparents and buried some of her ashes at the plot. He wanted to ensure his children could visit their mother. I stood with Julius, Shelly, Blake, and Peegy during the ceremony.

John gave a beautiful eulogy to Lin-Soo. He may not have felt love for her like he did me. But you could tell he cared for her. I cried.

The following week, I went back to work at the DAs office. I had weekly conversations with John. I was supportive and did my best to keep him focused on caring for his children and himself.

He was put on desk duty and was seeing a therapist for his trauma and his newfound anger issues. While he never physically lashed out. It was clear to the people closest to him he felt the loss of his wife and all the guilt that went with it.

Jii and Yon were faced with numerous calls from Korea about Soo-Min and Mi-Lee. Most were nosey calls about what happened. Some were more guilt-ridden calls blaming John for Lin-Soo's death and Soo-Min and Mi-Lee's incarceration.

Jii called Mr Roland. Mr Roland put a communication restraining order as well as a physical restraining order against everyone who had issued any threat.

Mr McCall was trying to prepare for trial. He requested Cheryl to assist him and also was assigned an attorney from the US State Department to field all international issues in the cases.

The South Korean embassy was working their State Department connections and demanding the return of all six defendants. Saying they had diplomatic immunity and it was unlawful to hold them.

Several arguments were made in the three months leading up to the trial. All failed in federal court. Judge Harris had zero tolerance for unregistered agents with blue passports.

Judge Harris reminded the South Korean representatives if they had black passports, they would have been released and deported. He also mentioned that with their black passports, it would have been an international incident because of the actions against a sworn officer of the court and a federal officer.

Days before the trial was set to start. I got a call from Cheryl to testify as a witness. My testimony was going to be against two of the four men that broke into my condo.

I asked Cheryl how things were going. She didn't comment directly, she couldn't. But she said working with Mr McCall was a dream come true. She was learning a lot from him and was shifting from joining her father's firm and hoping to become a federal prosecutor.

Judge Harris decided to change all six defendants to attempted Kidnapping. The four men would be remanded back to Nevada after the trial in federal court for assaulting four police officers.

Mr Walker wasn't thrilled with trying all six at the same time. But he also knew that he could use it on appeal if he had to. Mr Walker brought in two associates and the entire office staff that populated the first row behind him

Mr McCall, would the government like to make an opening statement? Judge Harris asked.

Thank you, your honor!

Mr McCall turned on his charm. He talked to the jury like he was having a normal conversation. He explained the Charges and the evidence they have. He explained the connections between all defendants through the emails and the money transfers and how they linked all six defendants. After twenty minutes he was done. He thanked the jury and sat down.

Cheryl whispered, that was fast!

That's the idea get their attention for twenty minutes and let it burn in before they get bored. Said Mr McCall.

Mr Walker the floor is yours.

Thank you, your honor!

Ladies and Gentlemen! Mr Walker introduced himself.

He talked for almost two hours. Cheryl and I both studied the tactics of both veteran trial lawyers. It was clear Mr Walker loved the sound of his voice! It was also clear the jury was bored and ready for lunch!

Mr McCall presented the government's case. He showed the video of the police stopping the break-in of John's parents' home. The altercation with the officers. He also showed the video of my altercation with Soo-Min and Mi-Lee. They heard testimony from the deputies on each scene.

Mr Walker did everything he could to make the deputies contradict their testimony.

Mr McCall called Detective Sergeant Collins to the stand. This is where things got interesting. The hospital video was initially ruled as inadmissible. Mr McCall had to be very careful how he questioned Blake.

Detective Sergeant, is it true you were the deputy who warned the sheriff's department and the court about a kidnapping threat against Detective Park's family?

Yes sir!

How did you learn this information?

From my partner, John Park. He told me he was afraid they were going to be kidnapped and taken to Korea.

Did Detective Park say who he suspected would take them?

Objection! Your honor hearsay!

Your honor I'm asking the detective what he witnessed when learning about the threat.

Overruled, you may answer the question,, Detective Sergeant.

He told me it was the Defendants Soo-Min and Mi-Lee.

Did say why he thought there was a threat. Because his wife was dead he was an irresponsible father and wasn't fit to raise his own children.

Did Detective Park say anything else? Mr McCall asked.

He was told he didn't have a choice in the matter. That this was his wife's wish if anything happened to her.

Thank you, Detective Sergeant

Your witness Mr Walker.

Thank you, your honor.

Detective!

Detective Sergeant! Blake corrected Mr Walker

Apologies... Detective Sergeant Collins.

Isn't it true that you and Detective Park played football in college together?

Yes sir!

Isn't also true you are both partners?

Yes sir!

Objection, your honor, relivence! Mr McCall barked.

I'm coming to a point! Your honor. Said Mr Walker

Quickly Mr Walker. Said, Judge Harris.

So it's safe to say your friends?

Yes sir! Good friends! We have saved each other's lives on several occasions in the field.

Isn't also true you would do anything to protect your partner?

Almost! Said Blake.

Almost? What does that mean, detective?

It means I wouldn't lie! Said Blake

Are sure about that?

Objection!

Sustained! Move on Mr Walker!

Yes, your honor.

You've never lied for your partner? Ever?

No!

Interesting! What about the bar fight at Barbary Coast a year ago?

In your statement, you said you saw a man try to strike your partner with a broken beer bottle! Is that true?

Check your statement, Mr Walker. The statement says I saw the assailant start to swing a broken beer bottle at my partner and I didn't see the rest.

That's convenient! Said Mr Walker

Move to strike your honor! Said Mr McCall

The last statement will be stricken from the record.

That will be all Detective Sergeant said Mr Walker.

The government calls Detective First Grade John Park to the stand.

Detective Park, why is your fear such a threat from your own family?

My wife and I had an arranged marriage. Due to family politics, I was forced to break up with my long-time girlfriend and marry a woman I barely knew for the sake of family legacy.

Explain a little more for us. Detective.

My family roots date back more than five thousand years documented. My Korean family is one of the largest landowners in South Korea. Until my son was born I was the last male Park to carry our name.

That's a very impressive legacy! Said Mr McCall

Thank you, sir. I'm proud of our heritage!

You should be a detective, but you had no interest in joining it?

No sir. I love my country! I was born in the US. I represented the US several times in national and international martial arts tournaments all over the world. I represented the US at an international law enforcement convention in Spain two years ago. I won tournaments for the US several times with my teammates.

Can we move on your honor? Mr Walker asked.

He has a point Mr McCall

Apologize, your honor.

What happened in the hospital room after you regained your conscience?

I woke up and my parents and ex-girlfriend Rianna Stevens were there.

Your long-time girlfriend?

Yes, point her out, please?

Let the record show Rianna Stevens in the present!

So noted. Said the judge.

What did you say to her?

I asked her to represent me and made sure she was my emergency contact.

Why not your parents?

My parents are taking care of my children. I needed someone I could trust to look after me independently. Ms Stevens is the only person I can trust to do both!

What made you think you could trust her? Asked Mr McCall.

While we had no contact for over five years, she never said a bad thing about our break up. She never bothered my wife or family. She showed great respect and restraint.

Who invited her to your bedside?

My mother called her stepfather and asked her to come see me. She feared the same thing I did.

Rianna told us when we broke up if we ever needed her to call. My mother reached out.

What happened next?

I was explaining to Ms Stevens my fears and I asked her to record our conversation for the record In case something happened to me in the hospital. I wanted my fears on the record.

Objection! That video is inadmissible!

Your honor, I never asked about the video! I asked what they talked about. I can't help it if it crosses with previous testimony.

He's right Mr Walker!

What happened next. Soo-Min and Mi-Lee showed up and started talking about taking my children to Korea. I told them no that wasn't going to happen.

They said I didn't have a choice; I was an irresponsible single father, and there was no way I could raise my children without Lin-Soo, and it was my fault she was dead because of my carelessness.

What did you say?

I told them they had no right to take them and. They were born in the US, and they were raised in the United States by myself and my family. I also told them that Lin-Soo had no intention of returning to Korea. She was studying to become a US citizen.

Your honor I'd like to admit this into evidence. Lin-Soo's application to become a naturalized citizen.

So ordered. Said the judge.

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee got very angry and that's when Blake and Peggy walked in. It's all on the video. Rianna recorded everything!

Did they know they were being recorded? Mr McCall asked.

I don't think so because they didn't act like it. But they interrupted a lawyer and the client having a conversation.

After they left, Rianna texted Blake to come into my room. I reported the incident to him, and Rianna showed proof of the threat.

Blake took an initial report and asked for a copy of the video. He told me later he arranged to set up surveillance on my children.
.
That's a good partner you have! Said Mr McCall

Blake is the best!

Thank you, Detective Park

Your witness!

It's getting late! Said, Judge Harris.

You can start your cross-examination tomorrow.

The court will reconvene at 9 am tomorrow; the court adjourned! Bang!