Page 60 of Mouse Trapped

“Yeah, Devil said he was going to do something.”

“You gonna be bringing her home, Brother?”

I fucking hope so,I think as I answer Blade.“In most cases, Carissa’s said, the judge will give an oral decision. But he could wait to give a written one, if he wants to take longer to consider. She may have to stay locked up until he comes to a conclusion.”

Blade’s considering something. “I can’t understand it. Drew and Mariana are brother and sister. Got the same Mom and Dad. But he’s an American, she’s an illegal even though she’s lived almost all her life here. Where’s the fuckin’ sense in that? Should keep blood together.”

At times I don’t understand it myself. “Place where you’re born determines your nationality, Brother.” I purse my lips and sigh. “I can only hope the judge thinks the same way as you.”

“Be hard sitting through that, Brother. Don’t want you there on your own. I could do with a trip to LA.”

My eyes shoot to Prez. I didn’t expect to have company. But if it goes south, it would be good to have support with me. “I won’t be riding,” I warn him. “Just in case, I’ve got to take a bag of stuff down for Mariana.” It was hell packing and preparing for something I hoped would never happen. I had to involve Drew, returning to that trailer to pick up some mementoes and photos as well as clothes. He was brave, but the implications hit him hard too.

Blade’s brow is creasing; he wipes his hand down his face. “Reckon you could do with your brothers with you, Mouse. I don’t mind tagging along. Get Matt to come along with the crash truck.”

“Good idea, Blade.” Drummer nods.

“I could do with a ride,” Viper holds his hand up.

This brotherhood, men jumping in to give moral support as well as physical, is the reason I joined the MC. A slight uneasinesswashes over me as I wonder whether they think the immigration case will fail.

But that’s washed away when Dollar snaps his fingers. “I’ll come with too. Want to see this woman who Mouse has claimed.”

Nosy fuckers.When Marvel says that’s a good fucking point and he’s up for it as well, the corners of my mouth turn up.

That’s how I find myself riding to Los Angeles with my brothers, in formation, two up. When we pass a lone biker coming our way on the opposite side of the road, my mind flits back to that day I’d been the lone rider, and how the Satan’s Devils had stopped. I’ve never regretted my decision to join them. Not once.

If I’d been travelling alone, I’d have worried the whole journey. With my brothers at my side I feel invincible.We’re going to win today. Mariana will be coming home.As the bike rumbles and growls beneath me, I feel ghost arms holding my back. I can’t fucking wait for Mariana’s flesh and blood ones to be around me.

We arrive, park up. Our cuts safely stored in our saddle bags as they have been since we left our territory, the prospect instructed to watch over the bikes. I go inside, taking my place next to my brothers at the back of the courthouse.

Carissa’s sitting at a table, a mound of paperwork in front of her. Someone who I assume is an ICE official, similarly equipped, is close by.

My leg bounces in anticipation, longing to see Mariana again. My eyes are on the door I’m expecting her to come through. Glancing at my watch, I see it’s close to two pm.She should be here any minute.I then run my eyes over the men seated around me, Prez, Blade, Viper, Marvel and Dollar, wondering what they’ll make of the woman I’ve claimed. Hoping they take to her as much as I do.

A door opens, and a man steps in, followed by another who seems overeager, and we’re given the instruction to rise until the first man takes a seat in the middle of the bench. Then, like him, we sit.

The judge, as that’s who he must be, raises an eyebrow at Carissa. “Your client hasn’t turned up.”

Carissa stands. “Your Honour. ICE is transporting her from the processing centre. Any delay is on their part, and not hers.”

“We can proceed in her absence as you’re here to present her case.”

I grit my teeth. From his attitude, I don’t think he’s taking this seriously. It’s Mariana’s future at stake, surely she should be present to take part in the proceedings.

I feel a brief touch to my leg. It’s Drummer reminding me to keep quiet.

“I’d prefer to give her a few more minutes,” Carissa says firmly.

The judge looks at the ICE representative. “Could you please find out what the delay is?”

The man from ICE gets up and disappears out of the courtroom.

I start fidgeting. Fucking ICE can’t even get their detainee to the courtroom on time. No wonder immigration is in such a mess.

Minutes tick by. The judge looks impatient. Then, eventually, the ICE representative returns. He approaches the bench. There’s an exclamation from the man sitting behind it, then he waves Carissa over. A heated conversation ensues, but one carried out in low voices. Then the judge stands and indicates to his clerk. As the judge, Carissa and the ICE man disappear, the clerk announces we should all stay seated.

“What the fuck’s going on?” I snarl at Drummer, while in my head running over all the reasons why Mariana hasn’t appeared.She could have been hurt, the truck bringing her here could have crashed… My leg bounces, and I can’t keep it still.

---