"Both of us are aware that offenders can be granted amnesty with the help of attorneys. You've done it yourself." The words he spoke brought a chill to the air, yet he continued on nonetheless. "I understand that you believe you are purifying your spirit by acting in accordance with the rules. But to tell you the truth, there are occasions when reading that book does more harm than good.
"So it's acceptable to kill someone as long as you have a good reason for it?"
Who did she think she was to judge him? "I'm not interested in making a lot of money or getting a lot of recognition. Simply put, I want Pedro and Randy to be put out of business.
She shouted at him, "You bastard," as she walked away. "That was an awful thing to say to me,"
"I'm sorry, honey, but I have to tell you the truth, and I wasn't referring to you. I meant in general. Tell me. How does it make you feel to consider the idea of allowing someone like Pedro or Randy walk free on the basis of a damn technicality? Is it OK to let them go even if it will endanger the lives of more people? You're able to accept it, right?"
"No one claims that they are going to walk. However, what would you like for me to do? Fabricate evidence to ensure convictions?"
"How can you let them get away with it if you know that person is guilty, and you know that person will kill innocent people?"
Her voice had a slight wheezing quality to it. "I am unable to fathom what transpired between the two of you when you were with Pedro; but, whatever it was, it obliterated your point of view." Her voice became more resolute and assertive as she spoke. "It is impossible for you to contribute to a system that you do not believe in. You can't put criminals behind bars if you're willing to do the same things they do.
He asked, with a sour laugh, "Don't you get it?" (Don't you understand?) "In order to become one, the system requested that I do so. This was the only strategy that would work to defeat Pedro. You utilize the many wrongs committed by other people, like myself, to make your cases and yourself feel more honorable and secure. Because of the system, I am the person I am today. You can hate me all you want, but if you are unable to convict Pedro or even Randy, I will do the task for you.
He kept his attention on the road and was aware that what he had said was accurate; nonetheless, he was aware of the heat emanating from her angry look and could feel her judging and disapproving him. And it troubled him in that regard. He increased the pressure he was applying to the steering wheel. Why? Why did this woman bother him to such an annoying degree? Why does it matter to him what she thinks?
She continued to remain silent while turning her back on him and offered him her back. He had been successful in driving her away from him. Good. So why did he feel like complete and utter garbage?
They were getting closer to the roadway now that the forest had been cleared. "Randy will consider what I did to be a betrayal on a personal level. I was someone he thought of as a friend. I managed to trick him when no one else had before. That will be his sole motivation for coming after me. If you can find a way to make Pedro happy, you will get nothing but bonus points.
I had the impression that he was a member of the Pedro takedown team.
It was expected that he would be. On the night of the heist, he managed to evade capture in some way. I had hoped that he would be located before he turned into a problem. But since that harmless daydream hasn't materialized into reality, I have only one choice."
Anna did so with her mouth. She understood what he was getting at. He was discussing the possibility of pursuing Randy.
Every moment she spent with Jerome seemed to make her normally straightforward life more difficult to navigate. Every time she turned around, he was treading that fine line that she worked so hard to avoid, going into the gray rather than residing in a world of black and white, where good and wrong were clear-cut.
Even without hearing Jerome speak, it was not difficult to understand what he was trying to say. She was of the opinion that if there were no more men in the world like Pedro and Randy, the world would be a better place. But she was also aware that there was logic behind the legal system. to safeguard the legal rights of individuals. When you allowed it to wither away, the system as well as the basis for its existence withered away with it. That being the case, she was forced to consider how best to deal with Jerome. She cast a fleeting glance over his ruggedly attractive profile, unsure of the response she should give.
Should she give him her support? Make an effort to bring him around to the right way of thinking? A man like Jerome, on the other hand, has the ability to make a woman forget who she is. Perhaps she ought to get the hell out of there before she becomes the one who is converted.
Jerome gripped the steering wheel of the mustang coupe that he had stealth caught roughly 20 minutes outside the trailer park.Had Jack, who he counted as one of the few persons in whom he placed his trust, deceived him? He actively resisted the idea that it was true. Jack had been like a brother to him and a close friend. In fact, Jack was one of the only people he could ever remember calling a friend. However, at that time, his environment was corrupt, and his life was full with adversaries.
Anna remarked, "No response" as she dialed the number on one of the disposable cell phones they had acquired from a business that was open twenty-four hours a day and catered to tourists. They were
both wearing clean T-shirts and had given themselves a bath. Even Anna had gone out and purchased a new pair of tennis shoes. "Neither from my sister nor from my boss. I am able to comprehend my superior. Although it's likely that he's accompanying his wife to the clinic, hearing that he's keeping an eye on this situation will make me feel better. I'm more ready than anyone else to hand Pedro over to the authorities. Even if there is a minor delay in the trial as a result of all of this, I should be able to return to Austin within a week and get started. If everything goes according to plan, we'll be able to keep the jury that we've already chosen."
Jerome replied in response, "I'm sure your supervisor will notice that," but his voice was weak and unfocused. The fact that Anna was concerned about her family illustrated how drastically different their lifestyles were. Back at the cave, he had almost talked himself into believing that they were the same and that perhaps he was prepared for the kind of connection that they had. After all, he had already planned to depart from the agency.
However, that wasn't the case at all. His adversaries would lurk in the shadows at all times, posing a danger to him and anybody else who was nearby. Hell. The only reason Randy would kill Anna is to demonstrate that Jerome was unable to defend her. If he knew that Jerome had feelings for her, it would just increase the amount of satisfaction he gets from the situation.
She said to her boss that she hoped he understood, and this brought him back into the conversation after he had almost completely lost track of it. "I mean, what's the point in putting yet another D. A. in jeopardy. I am already complicit in this, and I have no problem remaining undercover until the trial is over.
Anna had bombarded him with questions about the best places to hide and the strategies they would use to return to the courthouse in time for the trial. He had deduced that whenever she was uncomfortable, whether in or out of bed, she attempted to exert control over the situation. It made no difference to him at all. In point of fact, it gave him a certain amount of satisfaction to know that he had overcome the obstacle in bed.
However, he did not understand why the concept of doing so outside of it appealed to him in the first place. Not that it made any difference any longer. It was inappropriate for him to be so close to her. At this moment, he was faced with the unenviable task of breaking the connection that was just starting to take shape between them before it was too late. Simply put, he was nothing more than a one-night stand. That was essential information for her. If she had to hate him, then she should do so while she is still alive.
He gave her a sidelong glance as she repeatedly punched in the cell phone numbers, and he noticed that her palm was trembling ever-so-slightly. She tucked her hair behind her ear with a hasty motion on her part. "My sister—"
"Is in Hawaii enjoying the results of her bar exam," he told her with a voice that was full of a serene assurance. "Is in Hawaii celebrating the results of her bar exam." It's not a risk to her.
She let out a sigh of exasperation as the sound escaped her mouth. "I'd feel better if I heard her voice. I told you that my dad would turn down the offer of security. It is not surprising that he is the only one I have been able to contact.
Jerome made an effort to reassure and console her. At least he consented to send your mother away, and he is also attempting to get in touch with your sister. Even though Pedro is currently on trial, his influence is widespread and profound. And he has made sure that his workforce is aware of what is expected of them. He made a key change. "Would you please call Jack once more?"
She complied with his request and handed the phone to him while thumbing through the list of phone numbers. After several rings, Jerome finally gave up and gritted his teeth instead of cursing to keep himself from losing his temper.
She said, "You're worried," and he could sense her looking at him as she spoke.
Because he was confused about what she wanted him to say to her, he paid more attention to the white lines on the roadway than to her. He felt anxious, and he didn't want to tell her a lie about it. Before daybreak, he intended to be located quite far away from this location. He had already mentioned to her that he possessed a boat in Padre Island that was not only loaded with provisions but also had lots of cash on board.
She persisted in questioning him after he failed to respond. "Can't you call someone else?"
"I could," he admitted reluctance, "but until I figure out where the leak is, I'd rather not." Randy was able to locate us in some way.
"Would it have been possible for them to follow Jack?"
“Maybe.” Obviously, he had given some thought to that possibility; yet, Jack was cautious—far too cautious to make silly errors. Jerome refrained from offering any further commentary because he did not want to add to her worries.
"Make an effort to get some rest," he recommended. There are still a few hours left till we reach our destination.
He required some time to consider. In the event that Jack had betrayed him, what options did he have? There were others in higher positions to whom he could appeal, but who could he put his faith in?
She let the seat to tilt backward, turned on her side so that she was facing him, and placed her hands on her cheeks. As she did so, she posed the following question to him: "This won't end at the trial, will it?"
When he heard that question, his stomach turned. It was unclear to her how accurate her assumption actually was. He'd acquired his knowledge the hard way. Due to the ineffectiveness of the legal system, he had to bury a brother. Even if we are successful in apprehending Pedro, Randy will not stop coming. For me. For you. To exact his revenge, he is willing to shed blood for anyone. Therefore, in response to your inquiry, the answer is no, it won't be resolved with this trial.
She maintained her silence for a few seconds. "I guarantee that he will be found guilty if you bring him to justice."
He gave her a fleeting look. She was unable to make such a pledge. She was just as knowledgeable about it as he was.
He was enveloped in a shadowy haze. He was quite irate. by the fact that he had let down his sibling. at the system for not providing adequately for his brother. And at Anna for operating inside that system while while benefiting from it.