One Boy's Journey Chapter 55

Written by Brianna Demonet

Blake showed up about five minutes later.

Ree, are you alright?

I'm fine, just a scratch.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, John always said you were his best student. Blake said.

Sergeant Thomas, do you have the preliminary report?

Yes, Detective Sergeant. Sergeant Thomas handed him the report and the security DVD.

Ree, let's go upstairs. You can give me your statement, and I can review the video. Blake said. Cheryl will be here in a couple hours.

Sounds great! I said. What did you do with Soo-Min and Mi-Lee?

Their in a holding cell for now. We'll let them sit for a little bit.

Did they ask for a lawyer?

Not yet? Said Blake but I'm sure it's coming. It won't do them much good if the video matches the initial report of the deputy.

I wrote down my statement exactly as it happened.

Blake and I watched the video over and over. He enhanced the audio. He replayed the part where I dropped my bags and kicked off my shoes.

He watched the fight several times.

This looks like textbook self-defense, Ree! You have some skills! He said. Remind me not to fight you! We laughed together.

Blake was actually a really nice guy. Since that incident at the diner, he has really turned his life around. I listened to him as he dissected the video and my report.

He asked all the correct clarifying questions. He made notes and recorded our interview. Blake was a damn good detective.

Ree I'm going to move you into the observation room. Cheryl will be here soon. We are bringing up the accused right now.

Ten minutes went by. I watched Soo-Min walk into the same interview room I was in. On the other side was Mi-Lee. Blake was a master of interrogation. Both women tried changing their story, saying I provoked them, and they struck first because they were afraid of me.

Cheryl watched with me and was shaking her head quietly. Don't worry Ree! We're going to take care of this. This is going to be fun!

I knew I could count on you, Cheryl! I said.

You can always count on me, Ree! It's an ongoing investigation now. I'll let you know when they are arraigned.

I demand to see a judge, I have diplomatic immunity! Said Soo-Min.

Not according to your passport! Said Blake. You flew into the United States with a blue passport. Any diplomatic immunity you may have doesn't apply here!

The court opens at 8 am. Get some rest! Said Blake.

Guard! See to it they get separate cells away from one another. They will be arrainged tomorrow.

I was thinking the whole time that I couldn't wait to see them in Jailhouse Orange tomorrow.

It was 2 pm when I got to the Fountain Law Firm.

Cheryl's dad couldn't have been more accommodating. I was given a small office, a guest laptop,p, and a key card for the copy room and law library.

I called John and canceled dinner. I worked until almost 10 pm preparing for John's hospital release and brushed up on the custody laws for Nevada. It was pretty cut and dry. The only wrinkle was the kids had dual citizenship because Lin was a legal alien and was still in the process of getting her US citizenship.

I printed off everything I needed and marked several sights. I also prepared a few motions on the off chance they had an attorney show up.

I went to the courthouse at 7 am checked in with the clerk, and got an arraignment scheduled.

I went to the hospital and had an in-depth chat with the doctors and administration about John's release. For some reason, the administrator couldn't explain his extended stay.

John was released an hour later.

I took John to his house to clean up and change for court. He wore a nice suit and had his detective shield on his lapel like Blake did. He looked so handsome. We held hands in the car all the way to the courthouse for Soo-Min and Mi-Lee's arraignment.

John and I sat behind Cheryl as their case was called. Seeing both of them wearing orange jumpsuits was priceless!

Both of them stood at the defendant's table together. Just as the judge was about to ask where their attorney was, Michael Walker walked in.

I knew him the moment I saw him. He was in Lawyer Magazine and was a very high-priced criminal attorney. He was a great attorney, I actually studied some of his cases in law school.

They announced their case

Cheryl listed the charges of assault.

How do your clients plead?

Not guilty! Your honor!

Does the prosecution have a bail recommendation?

No bail your honor! Said Cheryl. The accused are both foreign nationals who assaulted a California assistant DA. Due to their foreign citizenship and no ties to keep them here. The people recommend no bail.

Your honor my clients have no criminal record and are very eager to clear their names. My clients were provoked into attacking in fear of their own lives.

Anything else, Counselor?

Yes, your honor, we request a motion to strike the video from evidence. It was illegally seized at the time of the incident.

Ms Fountain, what do the people have to say regarding this video?

Your honor the Video of the assault was collected by deputies on the scene with approval from the victim. The victim had the owner's permission to enter the home with keys and the security code. Cheryl stated.

Your honor the alleged victim had permission to enter the home for clothes and personal items. The alleged victim had no right to seize anything else in the home. Mr Walker stated.

Your honor, the alleged victim in this case is representing the homeowner in another legal manner and was acting on the client's instructions. There were no stipulations on what the victim could and couldn't take from the residents, Cheryl stated.

Your honor! The seizure of the video is inadmissible so to the nature of which it was obtained! Said Mr Walker.

Your honor, the deputy who collected the evidence is here today; perhaps we should hear his side of things. Cheryl said.

Any objections Mr. Walker?

No your honor!

Deputy Lewis, please take the stand! Said the Judge.

The deputy is sworn in.

Deputy Lewis, please walk us through the discovery and collection of the evidence. Said Cheryl.

We observed a fight between the victim and the alleged assailants. We ordered all three to the ground. The accused claimed they were attacked by the victim.

We asked for Identification.

We identified the victim as an attorney with the DA office in San Francisco. She offered us proof of her claim. She unlocked the house, deactivated the alarm, and granted us access to the security system.

I reviewed the video and arrested the suspects.

Thank you, Deputy Lewis.

Deputy Lewis! Is it true my defendants identified themselves as occupants

Yes, they did! Said Deputy Lewis.

Isn't it true they possessed keys to the home?

Yes.

Then why did you proceed into the home without their permission?

Because the suspects didn't have the correct alarm code! Said Deputy Lewis.

Was the homeowner notified?

No sir, the victim produced legal documents as proof of counselor. I gloved up, collected, and bagged the disc and marked the disc according to protocol. My partner and I merandized the suspects and brought them to the station for booking.

Deputy! At any time were you manipulated by the victim or threatened in any way?

No sir! Ms Stevens was cooperative and professional at all times.

Thank you, Deputy.

Your honor I'd like to review the chain of custody and the video!

Very well, Mr Walker, this case adjourned until 10 am tomorrow morning! In the meantime, I will review the evidence chain of custody. The bailiff remanded the defendants back to county lockup until tomorrow morning. Courts adjourned!

Pretty good Ms Fountain! You're going to lose the next round tomorrow! Said Michael Walker.

We'll have to see about that!

I'd like to make an offer! Said Michael.

1st degree Misdemeanor Assault with time served!

Not a chance! Said Cheryl.

Tell your clients to get comfortable. They're going to be guests of the State for a while! Cheryl said.

We'll see about that! Michael said.

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee were taken back to lock-up. They both had cold, angry expressions on their faces.

John, how are you doing? Cheryl asked.

I'm feeling stronger every day. I'm worried about my children.

Don't worry about a thing, John. The entire sheriff's department has your back.

John, Ree I'm going to need to get you both ready to take the stand tomorrow. Cheryl said.

Let's go back to my office, we have some work to do! Cheryl said.

We went back to Cheryl's office. Cheryl, like me, only had two years of experience under her belt, but Cheryl had one big advantage. She was the daughter of one of the best Attorneys in the state.

She was daddy's little girl, but she had also been practicing and reading law her whole life. Cheryl graduated from law school at the University of Michigan summa cum laude.

She was number one in her class and, like me, passed the bar exam with such a high grade she was licensed to practice law in multiple states. Cheryl is an excellent Attorney.

Cheryl and I got off to a rocky start in high school years ago. Now the fate of John's future was in her hands. She saved me years ago, and now she was determined to butt heads with one of the best lawyers in the country. She was fearless!

Cheryl laid everything out for us. She went over everything from multiple angles. As an Attorney, I wanted to interject multiple times, but I kept my mouth shut. The last thing I wanted to do was trip her up.

Cheryl had a plan, It was a good plan. I could see the influence of her father from over the years rubbing off on her. She may not be a seasoned Lawyer from experience but she sure performed like one.

It was almost 7 pm, and John was getting tired. I called Jii and told him we were on the way. The last place John wanted to go was his house. He may not have loved Lin Soo deeply, but it was very clear he cared for her. He felt guilty about her death.

When we got to his parent's house, he was welcomed with his children running at him. Daddy, Daddy! They shouted over and over. It was very heartwarming. I cried a bit as he knelt down and hugged his children.

Yon had a huge dinner made of all of John's favorites. I was about to leave when Yon asked, please join us, Ree! Your family too!

Are you sure it's okay I don't want to intrude!

Ree, please join us! Said Jii. We'd be honored!

I accept! I said.

John sat on my left. He held my hand under the table every chance he got. His children were so happy he was home.

His boy Caleb was very smart asking me all kinds of questions.

So are you really a red belt? He asked.

First-degree Black belt now. I earned it while I was in college I said.

Really, said Yon. Good thing you kept up with your study. Soo-Min was a Korean National champion, and so was Mi-Lee, a few years behind her. They must have heard about our scuffle.

I'm surprised that the fight wasn't longer or anyone getting seriously hurt. Said Yon

They were telegraphing their moves! It wasn't too hard. I said, besides I wanted to display some restraint.

I'm not sure Soo-Min and Mi-Lee deserve it, Jii whispered.

You may be right. However, it looks really good on the security camera video! I said.

We caught up at dinner John's sisters were attending Ballet classes and doing great in school.

Jii and Yon were busy with the expansion of their businesses. Yon showed me her remodeled Kitchen. She was very proud of it. John still had a Civic Si; it was in the garage under a car cover. Jii told me John hasn't driven it in over five years.

I found that interesting!

Yon wanted to know everything I was up too. She was loaded with questions. It felt like I never left. I'm so proud to have them as friends.

John's sisters showed a little ballet routine they were working on. They ask me to come to their recital. I told them I would try.

It was getting late when John and I went to his room. We talked quietly. I wanted to make love to him right there, but I held my composure.

John kissed me, and I fell right back into old habits. I felt like myself again. After five years of nothing, everything came flooding back all at once. I felt like that scared, confused 13-year-old boy who was still learning to be a girl. I felt vulnerable, yet safe and desired.

I woke up to my reality, realizing I was a 25-year-old woman and had my own life now. This was both a wish and a curve ball. Even after all these years, my feelings for him had not diminished. I had forgotten about them and moved on. I realized they were just dormant.

John, wait! Please we need to stop!

What's wrong Ree?

Nothing, Everything! John, this is simple and complicated.

I love you, John! I never stopped loving you. At the moment you are in turmoil. Your family being threatened, Your emotional; and not thinking clearly. John, before we do anything, we need to face what's in front of us.

We have a very big day tomorrow! We both need our rest. Get some sleep. I'll pick you up in the morning and we'll get some breakfast and talk.

But Ree...

Just focus, John, just like the diner and fighting Li-Pok! Tomorrow is going to be a different kind of combat. I'm well trained in this form of battle and so is Cheryl. We are Mustangs and Mustangs stick together.

He kissed me again. It was a deep kiss. I responded just like it was high school! I couldn't help it. There wasn't anything I wanted more than to stay and make love. But I couldn't do it, there was way too much at stake.

It was after 10 pm when I left. I called Cheryl, and she was still up.

Hey girl!

Hey Ree!

I have a couple ideas I wanted to run by you, I said.

We talked for about 30 minutes.

I'll call Julius in the morning.

Thanks again, Cheryl! I owe you!

No, you don't! You'd do the same for me!

Damn right, I would! Good night! I said. I meant it.

I was up early. I was staying at Aunt V's for now. I didn't have time to move to my house. Besides, I was driving Aunt V's Escalade. It was quieter than my house would have been.

After my routines and a good swim. I put on my dark gray pantsuit with my 6-inch Louis Vuitton stiletto heels. My makeup was light but dramatic, a trick Cathy and Becky taught me.

I picked up John. I noticed several unmarked police cars parked in various spots around the house.

We went to the diner for breakfast. John had steak and eggs; I had an omelet!

We talked about the case and custody of his children.

I talked to Cheryl after I left last night. We have a few ideas but I couldn't say anymore. As far as the kids go neither one of them had a leg to stand on. They would have a hell of a time trying to prove you an unfit parent.

I turned the conversation back to the case. We talked about the assault and my giving the police the video.

I can't wait to see it! He said.

Well, you did train me for combat! I said.

True but I never dreamed you would fight two people at the same time, especially people with similar training!

Well, it worked! And it worked very well. I thought I was going to get my as kicked. But there was no way I going to stand down! Never again! I said. Especially those two! I was very proud of myself.

Damn, Ree! You are as tough as ever! John said.

Just wait! This isn't over yet!

We got to Cheryl's office and did some last-minute prep. We were ready.

I studied Michael Walker in Law school. His tactics and attention to detail were phenomenal. He had a unique way of twisting things around and leading around to answers that benefit his clients.

As a prosecutor, I used them to expose lies or open doors to strikened questions to expose the truth. Cheryl had seen her dad use similar tactics.

Cheryl was dressed in a dark blue pantsuit and a similar style of hair and makeup as I was wearing. The three of us walked into the courtroom together, ready for combat!

Michael Walker came in looking very smug and confident. His confidence would be intimidating to most people. Cheryl and I didn't buy it.

Yon, Jii, and Aunt V sat in the first row behind with my Mom and Dad. John sat next to his parents John's sisters were watching the kids. At my last count, there were 8 unmarked cars around the Park family home.

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee were escorted into the courtroom, still wearing orange jumpsuits and restraints. My face was all business, but inside, I was smiling.

All rise!

Mr Walker, have you reviewed the chain of custody and the video?

Yes, your honor, I have. I have some questions!

Very well Mr Walker! Proceed.

The Defense calls Detective Sergeant Collins to the stand.

Blake is sworn in.

Detective Sergeant, I noticed that you signed out the video for almost two hours on the day of my client's arrest. What can you tell me about that?

Yes. I reviewed the video for myself before I questioned the victim. I also reviewed the victim's initial report. I took the video back to the evidence lockup.

Two hours! That's quite a long time to review a video.

Cheryl stood up. Is there a question in there?

I'm just trying to establish why it took so long. Said Michael.

Ask a question, Mr Walker! The judge ordered.

Detective, was the video ever out of your possession?

No! Said Blake.

Did anyone else review the video besides yourself?

Yes! Ms Fountain did this while under my supervision.

At no time was the video ever not in your possession?

Asked and answered Your honor! Cheryl said

Move on counselor! Said the Judge.

Detective, did you review the reports in the manner in which the evidence was collected?

Yes! Said Blake.

I smiled as Blake used short answers on the stand. Cheryl prepared him very well. Blake never flinched.

Did you notice anything odd about the way it was obtained?

No! Blake said.

You didn't find it odd that the victim reviewed the video with the deputy?

No!

Why is that? Asked Mr Walker.

Because the deputy was performing an onsite investigation to establish cause. The victim was the only one who had access to the house. The deputy requested an onsite review before making an arrest.

Why was the victim allowed to see the video? Because the deputy asked only to see the video and no crime was committed inside the house at the time of the incident.

Thank you, detective.

Ms Fountain, Your witness! Said the Judge.

Detective Sergeant Collins, did you notice anything in the video that was contrary to the victim's statement?

No! Blake said.

Blake had a cold look on his face the whole time. Completely emotionless. It looked like John taught him how to focus, it was a little scary. But Blake was one of the good guys. I stayed quiet. I didn't say a thing.

Your honor, I move to strike the video. Clearly, there is a time gap that can't be fully accounted for.

Ms Fountain, what do the people have to say.

The video was verified by forensics as genuine your honor. No tampering of any kind as per chain of custody protocols! Cheryl said confidentiality.

I'm satisfied the video is genuine and is submitted into evidence!

Pre-trial hearing on Monday defendants are remanded back into custody.

Your honor, request for bail? Asked Mr Walker.

Denied, courts adjourned! Said the judge. Bang goes the gavel.

Looks like you might be sticking around for a few days. Said Cheryl.

Pretty good, Ms Fountain, I'm impressed, but it's not over yet!

Yes, it is! Once a jury sees that video. It's at least 10 years in prison, maybe 5 with good behavior. I hope your clients will enjoy their stay! Said Cheryl.

Mr Walker disappeared.

Way to go sweetheart!

Daddy!!! Cheryl hugged her dad!

That was quite impressive!

Detective Sergeant, I wish all my witnesses were as steady as you were! Nice work!

Thank you, sir.

How about some lunch? My treat!

I'd love to dad but I have a pre-trial to prepare.

Rain check, sir; I have to get back to the squad and check-in. Said Blake.

Ree?

Yes, sir, I'm starved.

Would your family care to join us?

Everyone smiled, and we all went to this little steak house called Steve's Chop House.

Mrs Fountain joined us at the restaurant. She was an entirely different person from the one I met in the bathroom years ago. I liked the new Mrs Fountain.

She was interested in everything I did after high school; she was extremely proud of Cheryl for following in her father's footsteps.

Cheryl is a very talented Lawyer. I said.

I followed a couple of your cases too. She said. You are a very talented Lawyer as well. I heard you personally clerked for Judge Harris on the 9th district court! That's impressive Ree! Mrs Fountain said.

I learned a lot from Judge Harris. He's a great mentor and influence. I said.

Wait! Said Mr Fountain. You clerked for Hang'em Harris?

Yes, I did; he's a great mentor and a terrific judge. I said.

I clerked for him when he was a Circuit Court Judge, how did I miss that? Mr Fountain asked.

Girls talk sweetheart. Mrs Fountain kissed his cheek. It was cute.

I called my office and updated them on the situation.

I was heading back to Aunt V's when my phone rang.

Hey Cheryl! What's up.

I need you to come back to my office! She said.

Okay, I'll be there in about ten minutes!

I checked in with Cheryl's assistant.

Conference room 3 third door on the left! She said.

I walked in and caught an interesting sight.

Mr Walker, Soo-Min, and Mi-Lee are still shackled in their orange jumpsuits. It made me crack a slight smile.

Cheryl was there, and Julius was there with two women who looked like federal agents. Blake was there with Deputy Lewis and his partner.

Cheryl's boss walked in behind me, DA himself, Bradford Roland.

This is a very complicated scenario. Mr Roland stated. Before my office makes any recommendations, I need to hear all the facts.

As I understand it, there is also a complaint filed by Detective Park against your client, threatening to take his children.

What can you tell about this Mr Walker? And please, no long-winded BS! I don't have the time today!

Sir! Don't know about any complaints!

Maybe you're not as well-informed as I thought then. Are you certain, sir? It was filed the day before your client's arrest.

That was a family argument! Not a threat! Mr Walker said trying to explain it away.

Nevertheless, a complaint was filed, and the video was attached to the complaint.

What Video? Said Mr Walker. He looked at his clients with a shocked look.

Let's play the video, Ms Fountain.

Cheryl starts my phone video. Then we watched my fight with Soo-Min and Mi-Lee.

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee's eyes went wide as they watched themselves, and their strong-armed tactics and veil threats were on full display for everyone to witness.

This recording is illegal! It could never be used as evidence! Said Mr Walker.

On the contrary Mr Walker. Your clients walked in on a conversation between Detective Park and his attorney. The conversation was being recorded.

Your clients interrupted the conversation. Everything recorded is legally obtained whether they knew they were being recorded or not.

So now what do you want to do, Mr Walker?

What is the offer? Mr Walker asked in a voice of defeat.

We can proceed to a one-day trial. In this case, you will lose! Your clients can face between five and fifteen years in prison or if you somehow manage to pull off a win, they get called back for threatening a peace officer.

Before you answer, just know after the pre-trial on Monday; it will take 6 months for the actual trial date. We're very busy; we have a huge backlog of cases and not enough judges.

What are you offering? Asked Mr Walker.

Not much, but it will get your clients on the first flight to Seoul. Said Cheryl.

Ms Fountain, why don't you explain your resolution to this situation like you did with me?

Yes sir! Mr Roland.

Our offer is this and it expires in 20 minutes.

Your clients will plead guilty to the assault charges and the threats. You will credited with time served and a suspended sentence of fifteen years in prison. They will be deported and added to the no-fly and no-entry list to the United States.

Any contact, or harassment of any kind will be reported to your government as harassment. Your embassy has been notified of this situation.

But we have diplomatic immunity! Said Mi-Lee.

Not anymore. Since you flew here with a blue passport and failed to register your travel with the embassy, diplomatic immunity doesn't apply.

You both will also pay a $ 500,000 fine each. The fine must be paid before you can be released into the custody of these federal agents. They will see that you make it safely home to Korea.

Returning to the US for any reason is considered a federal crime; if you are caught in the US, you will be sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The prisoners there aren't known for their hospitality towards foreign prisoners.

I filed for a custody hearing for my grandchildren. Said Mi-Lee.

About that. Once either one of the videos is played in court, it's over!

Don't worry I'll cancel your court date for you!

Sign here! Said Cheryl.

Soo-Min and Mi-Lee signed the agreement.

Mr Walker, I need to use your phone, please? Soo-Min asked.

Soo-Min made the call.

There was a lot of shouting in Korean. I understood most of it. Some of it was her husband saying I told you so!

Then I heard it would take 10 hours to get a wire transfer to pay the fine. Then Soo-Min got very upset. She demanded the money immediately.

I heard her husband say want ten hours or ten years! Your problem, it's your choice! We'll wait ten hours! Hold on She said.

My husband would like to talk to you, please, Ms Fountain.

Cheryl explained how to wire payment for their fines, and she also explained the terms of the agreement.

Yes, sir, I'm happy to send you a copy of the agreement next day-air.

He thanked Cheryl and hung up.

Deputy Lewis!

Yes ma'am! Would you arrange a place in the county holding for these two? Hopefully, they won't be here much longer. Agents, you are more than welcome to take them into custody as soon as their fines are paid.

Ladies, I hope you enjoyed your stay with us. Please have a safe journey home. And please never return to the US! You are no longer welcome here!

What about our things at my son-in-law's house?

They will be shipped back to you this week!

Can't we collect them ourselves?

That won't be possible. You are convicted felons now, and you are no longer welcome on US soil. You aren't authorized to any movement that doesn't involve your direct deportation. Cheryl said.

Deputies if you would! We're done here! Said Cheryl.

Mr Walker! It's been a pleasure! Said Cheryl smiling!

Nice work young lady! You might not be so lucky the next time!

We'll see! Until then, it was nice meeting you, counselor! Cheryl offered a handshake.

He shook it! Impressive, you definitely are your father's daughter! That's a compliment!

Have a nice day Mr Walker! Cheryl was smiling.

Great work ADA Fountain! Said Mr Roland.

Thanks, boss!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have other business that requires my attention. Detective Park; Take care of yourself and your family. If you need anything, call me! Get well son! The department needs you!

Thank you, sir.

Julius, what are you doing here? John asked.

Cheryl called and asked if I had connections with ICE, so I reached out to a couple of friends and explained the situation, and here we are! I'm glad to see you up and around! You had me worried for a minute!

Blake's phone rang.

What? Seriously? When? You have them? Excellent, great work, guys. I'll see you in thirty minutes!

What was that? Cheryl asked.

The deputies sitting at John's parent's house just picked up four men in a van trying to break in! They're bringing them in now.

When will this end! Exclaimed John.

I have an idea! I said but it's a heavy lift! We'll need an experienced interrogation specialist! Someone not associated with the current investigation.

I know just the person! Said Blake

What's the plan! Cheryl asked

I explained everything to Blake and Cheryl all the way back to the break-in at my condo.

That might actually work said Cheryl, but it's a bit risky.

Yes risky, but not illegal!

I'll make a call said Blake.

Dad!

Yes, son!

I need your help can you come down to the squad!?

I'll be there in about an hour!

Perfect! Thanks, Dad!

Bringing out the big guns! Said John.

You wanted a specialist!

My Dad's the best one I know! He makes anyone talk, and he won't lift a finger.

What if they lawyer up? Said Cheryl.

It won't matter; my Dad will talk in front of them until they break. They always break. He won't even ask a question. He's the best. Said Blake proudly.

Okay, guys! You get one crack at this, surveillance cameras will be running the entire time. John, Ree, and I will monitor you. Do not cross the line, Blake; this is going to be hard enough without that.

No problem Cheryl! Just watch and enjoy, Blake said.

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