Chapter 28
In three days I have a hearing—a human trafficking case. I’m reading through the paperwork when my phone rings. I don’t recognize the number, but I decide to answer.
“Hello.” Silence. “Who’s speaking?”
“Judge Owen Blake?”
“Speaking. Who’s calling?”
“You don’t know me, but I’d like to discuss a serious matter with you. Could we meet at the Venice Bar?”
I wonder what this could be about. The bar is usually crowded, so what kind of matter would require meeting there?
“What’s this about?”
“The hearing you have this week.”
“Okay, I’ll be there in half an hour.”
I grab my gun and call my security team.
Even though it’s a public place with plenty of people around, I’ve learned not to trust anyone—especially when it comes to something like this.
We leave a few minutes later, arriving at the bar ten minutes early.
My guards spread out but stay within range.
I order a drink, and when it arrives, a man in a suit and tie sits down at my table.
“Judge Owen, correct?”
“And who are you?”
“My name is Jones Davis.”
“Garcia’s lawyer. The one going to trial this week.”
“That’s right.”
“And what can I do for you, Mr. Jones?”
“My client asked me to reach out and offer you a generous sum in exchange for his freedom.”
“Well, Mr. Jones, that’s not how I work.
I’ve reviewed all the paperwork on your client’s case, and he has a lot to answer for.
Unfortunately for him, I’m a judge who does his job—and does it well.
That’s why I’m the best. I don’t need money.
I just take pride in doing my job right.
So tell your client he’ll be tried with the same rights as every other citizen. If that’s all, I’m leaving.”
I stand up, toss a hundred-euro note on the table, and walk out with my security guards behind me. I take my reputation seriously. I’m a fair judge—that’s why I review every case personally. But this one? There’s nothing to discuss. He trafficked weapons. Even women.
This kind of approach makes me furious. I get in the car and slam the door. We arrive home minutes later. Amy is coming down the stairs, but I’m in such a foul mood from all this that I walk right past her without a word. I head to my office and lock myself inside.
I’ll have to beef up Ellie’s security. They must have a complete dossier on my life, which means they know about my little girl. First thing tomorrow, I’ll meet with Marcus, and if necessary, I’ll hire more security for the house and for my daughter.
I pick up the documents again and leaf through them, making sure I didn’t miss anything. I hope not. The images on the computer get my full attention. Now, more than ever, I’m ready for this hearing.
The next day I hold the meeting with the security team.
I increase protection around the house and around Ellie, then talk to everyone in the household, telling them to take proper precautions and not go out alone.
I feel more at ease once everyone’s been warned.
My employees are very important to me—I treat them like family.
That’s why I take every precaution with them too.
The day of the hearing arrives. I bring some security guards with me, which everyone finds strange, but I don’t care.
I arrive early as always and go directly to my chambers, staying there until it’s time to start.
I put on my robe and walk into the courtroom.
I sit in my chair and survey everyone present—including Garcia himself, who stares back at me hard. I return the look.
We finally begin. The prosecutor opens, then it’s the defense lawyer’s turn. With all the evidence we have, we secure a lengthy prison sentence for him—and the best part: no bail. He’ll have to serve the entire sentence.
It was exhausting. The two brothers tried to storm the courtroom, so I ordered their arrest as well—just to make them spend a few days in jail. I had no evidence against them; the only one who appears in all the videos is Garcia himself. But I don’t doubt the family is involved too.
It’s finally over. After hours cooped up, I can finally breathe some fresh air. I get in the car, eager to get home and see my girls. Amélie has been acting strangely these past few days. I always ask what’s wrong, and she says it’s nothing, so I end up dropping the subject.
As soon as we arrive, I go in and head straight for a shower. I’m tired. But when I enter my room, I see Amy there. She’s startled by my entrance—she was going through my nightstand.
“Owen, you scared me.”
“What are you doing here, Amélie?”
“Oh, I lost a bracelet my grandmother gave me, and since I sleep here some nights, I thought maybe you’d put it away somewhere.”
“When I’m not home, don’t enter my room or my office. I made that clear when you started here.”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“And I didn’t find any bracelet here. Look in your room.”
She leaves without saying a word. I need to keep an eye on her. I’m suspicious she’s after something—but what? That’s what I’d like to know. But in due time, I’ll find out.
After an exhausting day, I get in the shower and take a long, relaxing one. I get out, dry off, put on comfortable pants and a t-shirt, and head downstairs for dinner.
Everyone’s at the table, just waiting for me.
I watch Amélie helping Ellie with her meat and smile at the scene—they really hit it off.
Amy takes care of my daughter like a mother would.
I might be getting ahead of myself, but I’d like to make things official with her.
She’s been so good for me, and for my little girl too, so why not give it a shot?
But that’s a conversation for another time.