Chapter Twenty-One
Adam
At least I can make phone calls where the FBI is holding me before my sentencing. I’ve gotten to talk to Sophie a few times and she’s finally out of the hospital. Abel’s apartment has a second bedroom so she’s moved in with him. Abel doesn’t have a job anymore because the Feds have arrested Tom too, but he’s got savings.
I’ve decided to plead guilty to the charges against me. In return for doing that, the kidnapping stuff has been dropped altogether. Ian thought they might go easy on me because the foster family I “kidnapped” her from was busted for abuse and welfare fraud. The federal government is feeling generous since I’m not putting them through the hassle and expense of a trial.
I still have no idea how long my sentence is going to be. I’ve got a lawyer, and Ian has been here to see me a few times. The last time he visited, he told me to hang tight and that things were changing. I haven’t heard a word from Becks, and no one will say why.
“Is she alright?” I ask Abel on the phone one night.
“She’s fine. I wish I could tell you what’s going on, but I can’t. It could screw things up for both of you.”
When he got off the phone with me last night, Abel said he’d see me soon. I have no idea what he meant. Our phone call time ran out before I could ask. As far as I know, I’m looking at a couple of years in prison if things go well.
The morning of my hearing, the guard brings me a suit that Abel sent for me. I get dressed and try to keep my hands from shaking while I button up my shirt. At least in prison, I’ll get visitors. It will be so good to see Sophie’s face again and be able to apologize for not being there for her when she was in the hospital. I hope Abel will come to see me too. We never really got a chance to get started the right way, but he’s stuck by me through everything. I love that Omega, but I want to tell him that to his face.
A van takes me to the federal courthouse and two agents take me into the courtroom. My lawyer is waiting for me, and he’s got a huge smile plastered on his face.
“You’re a very lucky man, Mr. Reid,” he says and shakes my hand.
“What’s going on?” I ask him, but I can’t help but smile back. I’ve never seen this man look happy before.
“I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but…” He has to stop talking because the judge enters the room.
“All rise for the Honorable Judge Markham,” the bailiff says, and we all stand.
“Please be seated,” the judge says and we sit. “I’m going to cut right to the chase and save us all some time, Mr. Reid. You’re a very lucky man. You’ve got friends in high places, and you’re free to go. The court is adjourned.”
“That’s it?” I say to my lawyer when the judge is gone.
“That’s it. You can go. I got word of this a short time before the hearing so I called your friends. There are three very happy-looking people waiting for you outside.”
I walk outside the courthouse, and Sophie, Becks, and Abel are all waiting for me. We embrace for as long as my arms will last, but then I have to ask.
“How? Who are my friends in high places? Do any of you know how this happened?”
“I’m your friend in high places,” Becks says and smiles wickedly. “I offered the FBI the information I collected using the virus in exchange for your release. I also took them up on their offer for employment just to be sure they followed through. I’m going legit.”
“Really?” I say and hug her again.
“Yes, and Abel has some news too. It’s pretty good,” Becks says and nods towards Abel.
“The movie studio wants to end the standoff with your settlement because they want to buy the film rights to your story. You’ll get the money for your injury, and they’re offering seven figures to make your life into a movie. Of course, you could shop the other major studios and try for a better offer. They have been screwing you over with your settlement,” Abel says. He gasps when I pick him up in my arms and swing him around.
I kiss him. Having him in my arms feels like home. But there is someone else waiting to see me.
An immediate stab of guilt causes me to put Abel down quickly but gently. When I turn to see Sophie, she’s beaming. She points to Abel and gives a huge thumbs-up.