Page 127 of Hail Marry
I smile. “Likewise. Also against my will.”
Bennett chuckles, then looks at the officers again and sobers up. “In my opinion, it would be a mistake to deport Luca Callahan. Especially if you’re Admirals fans.” He steps back and urges Dallin forward.
“My name is Dallin Rivers,” he says, less confident than Bennett. “I met the Callahans at a sports camp Summit Reach Youth Center put on at the end of summer. I didn’t want to be there. I was pi—” He looks at Zach and stops himself. “I was mad because I’d just had to tell the club team I tried out for that I couldn’t play for them because I didn’t have enough money. I was rude to Mrs. Callahan, but she was kind anyway. She hung out with me and tried to make me laugh. And then she started volunteering at Summit Reach. She helped me with my homework and didn’t let me sit and pout over life like I wanted to.”
Dallin’s gaze moves to me. “Mr. Callahan came and played football with us a couple times a week after his own practices were over. And yesterday, I found out that a couple other guys and I received scholarships from him, which means I’m now playing for that club team.”
I shoot him a grateful smile and nod. I can already see a change in him, like he just needed a couple people to really believe in him and to put their money where their mouths were.
“I don’t know anything about immigration,” Dallin continues, “but I know we need people like the Callahans in our community. We’d be worse off without them.” He steps back next to Bennett and Zach, who grips Dallin by the shoulder in appreciation.
“We’re not asking you to turn a blind eye to what happened,” Zach says. “All we ask is that you take the full situation, including my culpability, the Callahans’ naivety, and their important role in our community into account as you make your decision. Thank you.” He nods, then smiles at Tori and me before gesturing for Bennett and Dallin to lead the way out of the room.
Tori and I stand simultaneously and go over to thank them before they leave.
“You didn’t have to do that,” I say with a thick voice as I give Zach a hug. He just put himself and his job at risk.
“I did.” He pulls back and grasps my shoulders. “But more importantly, I wanted to. I just hope it helps.”
Tori pulls away from her hug with Dallin, blinking quickly, and I grab her hand.
“Whether it does or not,” I say, looking at each one of them in turn, “we won’t forget it.”
“Good luck,” Dallin says, and then the door closes on Zach, Bennett, and him.
29
TORI
The immigration officerslean in toward each other and confer in whispers, their mouths shielded by their hands as Luca and I take our seats again.
I look at Luca, my throat still thick with emotion at what just happened. I can’t believe how Zach, Bennett, and Dallin showed up for us. Of all the people I would’ve expected to come barging in today, none of them would have made the list.
And that stack of papers on the table…it’s a representation of all the people rooting for Luca and me. It’s everything.
Preston stands up and straightens his coat. “Thank you for being willing to hear them out, officers. Your patience is much appreciated. We know how important your job is, and like Mr. Moretti said, we aren’t asking you to ignore the ways in which the law was broken. But given the lack ofmens reaand taking into account the other things you’ve heard, I believe some leniency is merited.”
The officers share a long, silent look, then the officer on the left fixes his gaze on Luca and me.
“While this has all been highly irregular,” he says, “we appreciate everyone’s statements and the honesty displayed here. We’ll take everything into account as we review the specifics of your case.” His voice is calm but guarded as his gaze fixes on us. “However, Mr. and Mrs. Callahan, I want to make it clear that what you did—regardless of how it happened—does not align with the expectations of the immigration process in this country. Marrying with the intent to secure a visa carries serious implications, and while we acknowledge the information presented, we also have a responsibility to uphold these standards.”
Preston nods. “Absolutely, sir. My clients now fully understand the gravity of their actions, and as you’ve seen, they’ve been forthright and cooperative throughout this process. With their work in the community and the genuineness of their relationship as it stands today, I respectfully ask that they receive a chance to make this right.”
The officer on the right glances at his notes. “You’ve been frank with us, and I’ll return the favor. Even with today’s statements, the decision won’t be an easy one. Law-breaking, even when done with a certain amount of ignorance, requires consequences. This isn’t a typical case of fraud, however, and we don’t see such community advocacy often. But the truth is, we need time to consider everything, and we’d still like to ask a few further questions.”
“Of course,” Preston says. “My clients will be more than happy to provide whatever information will be most helpful in your decision-making process.” He looks to us, and both Luca and I nod.
“Very well,” the officer says. “Let’s proceed, then.”
The truth shall setyou free.
That’s what people say, and I have no idea whether it’ll be accurate once these officers make a decision, but it surefeelstrue. I’m not nervous as Luca and I spend the next hour answering their questions because this time, we don’t have to worry about getting caught in a web of our own making. We can be honest, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted again.
I think these officers sense and appreciate that, but they’ve been clear that therewillbe consequences, and they have a number of those to choose from. Deportation is still on the table.
“All right,” the officer on the left says, organizing his folder. “That concludes our questions, which means we’ll take a recess while we go over your file and the documentation submitted by Mr. Moretti. You’ll be notified of our decision in writing within two to four weeks. Until then, please refrain from any changes to your current address or employment without notifying USCIS. Whatever our decision, we hope you know we appreciate your honesty today and that the oaths we’ve taken require that our decision be guided by the law.”
That last sentence gets my pulse going. It sounds like they’re trying to prepare us for the worst while softening the blow with a bit of gratitude.
