Page 99 of Unlucky You

“Is there a timeframe on when I can pay the balance for you to end it?”

I had close to thirty grand saved. I was willing to hand that shit over to be done with all of this. Wouldn’t hesitate.

“No, you want to write a check today, you can. When they let me know your balance is zeroed out, I’ll terminate your parole without prejudice and you’re done. No more check-ins, no more curfew. You’re completely done.”

“What guarantees do I have that you’ll keep your word? You made me promises five years ago and you see how that worked out?”

“When I was assigned your case, I was ADA. As much as I believed in the ability to do what was fair and just, not everyone else carried the same sentiment. The previous District Attorney believed in collecting favors for his own personal agenda. I’m not sure what Johnson offered but it was enough for the DA to do what Johnson wanted. He went against my recommendation for sentencing and influenced the judge's decision. I can’t prove it. Won’t even try but I know it happened. You ended up with a five-year sentence. I have since been elected to the position of DA and although I can’t right all of his wrongs, I am doing the best I can to honor the position in the way it should be upheld. Some cases weigh heavy on you. Yours was one of those for me. Icouldn’t help you then but I’m doing so now. City’s understaffed, PO officers are overworked. No one will question my decision to terminate your parole as long as all of your terms are satisfied. It happens all the time. As for what’s going on with Johnson, my office can decide what cases we choose to prosecute. His claims of assault will not be one of them.”

“My PO said my fees were high. Too high for my charges. Can you do anything about that?”

He flipped through the papers again, scanned one of them, and frowned at what he found.

“Fifty grand is a lot. I’m sure that was also influenced by Johnson. I’ll get it adjusted. You’ll still have to pay but it won’t be this much. Should not be more than fifteen thousand for court fees and monitoring services.”

“When I pay, I’m done?”

“Yes, you’re done, but please understand, this is your one get out of prison free card. If you end up here again, there won’t be anything I can do to help. And as for your girlfriend, she gets a free walk as well, but tell her to keep her hands to herself and to stay away from Johnson.”

A scowl settled on my face. “What the fuck does that mean?”

“Saniya Montgomery. Johnson is claiming she assaulted him as well. I have the basics of what transpired yesterday morning but I’ll get to the bottom of things when I officially sit Johnson down. One of my officers is picking him up now. I will lay out his options. At the top of this list will be to stay away from you, which also extends to the people in your life. Your son, Ms. Montgomery, your mother, Talon Mitchell, and Walter Carson. Those names will be listed specifically but I will make it clear that he minds his business and moves on or I will be a thorn in his side.”

All of what he was saying blurred because my mind was stuck on Saniya assaulting Alec. After watching her hit another man atThe Pit, I wasn’t surprised, but this further confirmed I needed this shit done and over with. There was no reason for her to be stuck in the middle of my bullshit and risking her own freedom.

“I appreciate that.”

“Good.” He stood, extended a hand. We sealed the deal with a handshake. “Let’s go.”

I followed him until we reached the front of the precinct just in time to witness Aleah’s father being escorted in by a uniformed officer. He was cuffed and looked like his head was about to explode but the devil himself appeared in his expression when his eyes landed on me and Ryan.

“You did this?” He sneered at Ryan.

“Yes, and I suggest you watch your tone. Pissing off a DA that doesn’t give a shit about your money or your ability to throw your weight around is incredibly stupid.”

“I’m not watching a gotdamn thing but I suggest you get these cuffs off me right now.”

“Sorry, can’t do that. You committed a crime and this is how we treat criminals.”

“I haven’t committed any crimes, and if he’s the reason you dragged me out of my house in handcuffs, then you won’t be DA much longer.”

“You bribed a state employee, called in favors to have two police officers perform an illegal search for a parolee, then provoked him into assaulting you.” Alec lifted his chin, turning his bruised jaw into view. It already looked pretty nasty and was going to get worse.

“I did nothing to provoke this. I’m pressing charges.”

Ryan smirked and moved closer to Alec. “And I have the right to decide whether my office will prosecute. We’re not.”

“You have to.”

“No, I don’t.”

“You’re free to go, Sinclair.”

“You can’t do this.”

“I just did. Mr. Sinclair served his time. You and I both know he was not responsible for what happened to your daughter. The situation was devastating and unfortunate. At the very least, I can commend Sinclair for honoring Aleah’s legacy while you, on the other hand, are not. If you think for one minute she would have condoned your behavior, then you’re as delusional now as you were back then. Grief is hard. I understand your loss but your behavior is not driven by grief and I’m sick of your shit. You broke the law. Please understand bribing and threatening state officials is a very serious crime. One I do not take lightly. I’m giving you one chance, and one chance only, to think about your actions. You either move on and let this young man live his life or I come at you with everything I have. And trust me, Mr. Johnson, I have a lot of time and endless resources. What’s it going to be?”

“You can’t do this…”

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