@hopelesouls​

Paige noticed the mans tension. It was something she was use to with most of the MC by now, but this was different. Which meant shit was really hitting the fan right now. She expected as much, given the recent news around the rumor mill, but this confirms everything to her.  Still, she tested the waters. She knew Rico wouldn’t even try to do anything to her even if she were a regular citizen around town. At his statement- which was a statement rather than a question- Paige nodded without looking at him. “I did hear. Not sure what all happened, but I heard.”

...

She watched as Madigan chased Cassidy around the yard, and laughed when the dog spazzed. Moments like these, were the only things evenly matched with her moments of peaceful solitude. Despite her oftentimes singleminded business acumen, Fiona knew it was important for her daughter to have as normal a childhood as they could provide. “Sounds good. Be aware, she’ll likely want to take her fancy new science kit, and analyze everything she can get her hands on. As for me, thank you, but no. As much as I love you both, I’m still not too big on camping.” Which was absolutely true, but she also had a major business acquisition lined up, and now she could go out celebrating, so it worked out.

...

++++

He knew. Santiago knew that things could get fucked up pretty bad. He knew all along because he was one of those who was made to know from the start. If blood was involved, there would be blood on his hands from the deeds that he’s pulled for the FBI. To turn in his own best friend for the diner fire. How could he actually call himself a friend if he pulls that shit? How could he call himself a member of the MC when all he’s doing is betraying them. Rico was talking about everything being fucked up. He knew the reason, but he wasn’t sure how to answer. Did he have the right to answer? Honestly, Santiago hates himself for having a hand in anything that happens. But he couldn’t be in jail anymore. He had to make the deal. It was time for him to do something he didn’t want to, to pretend he didn’t have anything to do with the shit that had gone down. 

Santiago takes a drag of his own cigarette. He shakes his head, trying to find the right words. “Those fucking FBI agents, those cops knew. God. It shouldn’t have gone down like this. It was one tiny fire. How could this have lead to so much shit?” It honestly didn’t make sense to him. And it probably never will. “How are you holding up, Rico?”

...

He glanced over at Santiago for a moment before looking back at the space of nothing in front of him. The world was slipping right out from under him and now he here was in a room with someone he didn’t know if he could trust. Been back for a year but things felt different. Rico couldn’t place it. Just noticed a few things off about the other man but nothing ever concrete enough to place judgement. Because of this, Rico left his concerns to the back corner of his mind and allowed Santiago back into his home and heart with open arms. After all, Santi was family. 

++++

Angel had a point, but of course Jules wouldn’t admit that to him. Where were they? Did he not matter enough to the patched members to at least check in on him? Not one of them came to see him; not even the ones close to his age. It was almost like they didn’t care if he was alright or not. Did they wonder if he actually did it if they didn’t know the truth already? So many thoughts traveled through his mind and all it took was for Angel to ask him where they were. For once during this troubling times, he actually felt a little alone. And he hated feeling like he was alone. Jules had to not show emotion to the other. He couldn’t let the cop see that his words actually made him wonder who did have concern for him. All he could do was face the wall, looking out the lone window in the room. How could you reply to something that your heart knew was truth? All he could do was snort lightly at the other’s words, but yet he couldn’t form words without feeling his own voice crack. “It doesn’t matter. They know I didn’t do it.” Jules finally replies, hoping its enough cause he’s truly torn on how to respond. 

Taking a deep breath, Juels slowly risks turning around to face the other man; his face holding no emotion besides nearly pure annoyance. Something deep within him didn’t like how Angel didn’t react to the donuts being smashed. He wanted some sort of reaction, but he didn’t get it. And that somehow sucked for the prospect. “Well your so called eye witness or whatever is full of shit. It wasn’t me, alright? But you’re like most cops. You believe what you want and don’t care enough the truth.” His eyes roll slightly. He trying to figure out how to act now, but he’s losing focus because he’s actually hungry and regrets kicking the donuts. “All cops are liars, so its not surprising you believe lying witness like you are right now.” 

Julian moves towards the cell. His lean fingers grasp the bars of the cell that separates them. “Help you? Help me? How can you possibly help me when I’m innocent and everyone in here, including yourself, fucking knows it, huh? How?” His voice comes out just above a whisper. He’s trying not to show emotion, but its getting harder as seconds pass. “You can’t keep me here. We both know that.” Sighing, hearing his stomach growl, Jules breaks eye contact to look down at the floor. “How can you help me, hmm? What kind of power do you have to help someone like me?” He asks, looking back up at the Angel before looking back at the donuts; still hating himself for kicking them. “Dammit.” He says under his breath. “What is it that you want?”

...

He was not unfamiliar of the ‘all cops are liars’ statement. Easier to pin their guilt, their shame and their inability to remain uncaught on the cops doing their job. Hostilities were expected, even to the point of outward trash talk but none of this amused Angel. Nor did it anger him -- Julian was minor league when Deputy has dealt with major league. Temper tantrums and insults weren’t going to make Angel budge. “I can keep you here as long as I like. I would rather you not waste the tax payers’ money and send you on your way but I can’t without your help. But if you would prefer to stay locked up in here and avoid seeing your so-called criminal brothers well I guess we can protect you for a bit longer.” 

Julian was just a kid and because of this he knew fear would be more of a driving influence than anything else. With a slight shrug, he leaned back in his seat, looking back at the other behind bars. “Are you innocent though? We know you run with the MC and that easily ties you up with a few other crimes they’ve committed.” But he didn’t need to say any of this. The prospect’s once bravo was compromised and a briefly satisfied smile appeared. 

“Don’t call me sweetheart,” Aurora stayed keeping a strong front. Many people liked to underestimate her because of the fact she was so young and was a a woman in the club. Fuck that. She wasn’t going to let anybody talk down to her like that. “This is our town too. You can’t just tell us to leave because we aren’t going to.”

...

“It’s okay -- you can stay if you like. You’ll just end up behind bars like the rest of your little friends.” 

“Well shit, no need to be so cold to me,” Aurora replied in a sarcastic manner as she made her way towards Miguel’s cell. The local jail was somewhere she was all too familiar with, having been here one too many times. Still she hated coming here. The girl did not trust the police presence around here one bit, them always getting under her skin. Seeing her fellow member locked up was enough to light a fire inside her and get her riled up. Who did they think they even were to try to mess with them? “Have these at least been feedin’ you good here?” she joked. 

...

He didn’t know what kind of moves were being made behind the scenes but if a member was being allowed to talk to him freely -- shit, he might actually have a shot of getting out. Despite feeling relief over this connection, Miguel only offered a small smile, knowing that eyes were everywhere. As stupid as the cops were, they weren’t that stupid. “I haven’t eaten a damn thing but if you’re offering, I could go for a McDouble and some fries.” 

***

the mechanic mumbled a small don’t worry about it at javier’s thanks, himself wondering why he didn’t just call one of his guy to come and tow javier’s car. why go out of his way, in the middle of the night, to help a man who did not return any calls. it was months ago, and javier did not owe robbie anything. still, robbie didn’t owe anything to javier either. why was javier able to pierce so easily in that wall robbie had taken years to build up, that was a mystery.

when the words left javier’s mouth, robbie paused, and unable to focus anymore on the metal skeleton in fron of him, turned to the mayor. “don’t do this, javier.” robbie, it seemed, kinda had a type. charming, sly smiles and silver words. it did not make for ideal partners, especially when they ended up running for mayor like, days after anything happened between them. thing was, robbie was bad at this : dating, talking, sharing any emotions. so of course, his ego had been bruised when he’d decide to put some effort in the whole thing, just to hit a wall decorated of banners and crime stopping promises.

robbie removed a wild curl from his brow, probably putting grease on his face as usual, before sighing and going back into the heart of the machine. “you’re doing enough for the city, consider this a gift from one of your subject.” and fine, that was way too harsh, meaner than what javier deserved.

thing was, robbie was just a lowlife mechanic in the small town of paraiso. doing his thing, keeping out of the MC business, keeping out of the cops business. keeping out of everyone’s business. he’d help whoever needed help. he wasn’t important enough, not upperclass enough, to deserve any of javier’s attention.

...

The plead silenced him, touching some part of his heart that he did his best to ignore. All he could do was nod and let it all go. He fucked up. Numerous times with many but for some reason the words stung and he forced himself to push down the bitterness. Relationships weren’t his thing. Robbie knew this and yet tangled himself in Javier’s web of bullshit that now he was suddenly feeling horrible about. Perhaps it was because he valued the other man. His opinion, his judgement --- and if Javier was being honest, he saw something special in Robbie. He couldn’t pinpoint what that was exactly but there was something about him. And allowing himself to draw closer felt too dangerous for him.

Of course now the mechanic was making remarks and Javier’s once smile flat-lined. “I’ll send you a check tomorrow morning then,” he replied almost emotionlessly, not daring to look back over at Robbie. He didn’t want to see the other’s face. Didn’t want to make any sort of eye connect. In fact currently the mayor was regretting deeply about not calling for a tow truck. With an audible sigh, he leaned against part of the car, hand still shining the flashlight on the engine. “And I promise next time to call someone else.” 

“Number one, really, you’re that certain you’ve got him? I mean I guess that’s good, but I wouldn’t call it magic, just beginner’s luck. Of course I’m not saying you had nothing to do with it, I’d just hold off on the excitement for a minute, and wait to see how it all turns out.”

...

“It is really quite amazin’ how y’all have so many damn opinions when I don’t see you or anybody else doin’ a lick of shit! Though surely do appreciate the constructive criticism.” 

“well, mr. santiago, aren’t you in luck.”

berenice removed her sunglasses, placed them in her bag, offered miguel a smile, white teeth showing, not unsimilar to miguel’s own cocky expression.

“i am indeed your lawyer.”

with a gesture to the guard, she took a step back for them to take miguel and her to a locked room, as were miguel’s rights. she never did meet the man, she usually represented rico, and the top of the MC, but she’d been asked personally to come here. probably had to do with that rival gang turning the heat up. well, lawyers also had some tricks up their sleeves. removing files and documents out of her bag, bern took a moment to sit in front of miguel, let the silence stretch between them as the guard moved out of the room. she took an immaculate pen out, clicked it before studying the man sitting in front of her.

“here is how things will happen. you need to give me the complete truth, every details you can think about. if the defense brings up something you did not tell me, i can’t promise i won’t let you burn on the stand. is that clear, mr. santiago?”

...

“Crystal.” 

He managed to spit out first but not before the last of the department’s payroll left the room. Being bitter to his lawyer wasn’t going to help anyone including himself, Miguel forced himself to remember. Berenice wasn’t exactly a stranger but he didn’t know her well either. At least back in New York, the MC member was familar with Tristian. Leaning back in the metal chair as he stared back at the woman, unsure what she didn’t already know. The police found drops of blood on his shoe that belonged to Samuel Reyes. While he didn’t think he could get pinged on that, cops do manage to fuck with lives with limited evidence. 

“We beat the shit out of Reyes and burned his diner down with no intentions of saving him. But I ended up dragging him out of the immediate fire along with another member. We all took off before we could hear any sirens. The crowbar used is buried in a nearby state park,” he said with a shrug. “The blood could be from a prior argument, right? And just because we had a disagreement doesn’t mean I tried to kill him, right?” 

{ emily wickersham / cis female / she/her } ☼ ― Desert sands and sunset hues, Arizona is home to the one and only { ANNA CARTER AKA ALICE NOVAK  }. SHE is said to be a { THIRTY FIVE YEAR OLD UNDERCOVER FBI AGENT BARTENDER }, living at Paraiso for almost { TWO } months. They are known to be { + RATIONAL } and { + COURAEGOUS  } as well { - NEUROTIC } and { - SECRETIVE }. Rumor has it, they are {  SECRETLY WORKING WITH THE COPS}. ― ☾ adored by kaz