Page 122 of Spark

Her phone buzzed with another call from Matty. He had called several times since she had bolted. She stepped into the hallway to explain what had happened and to reassure him that he didn’t need to rush over. Matty only hung up after she promised to eat and let them come to the hospital together the following day.

Around noon, as lunch was being delivered, Detective Daniels walked in with an easy smile. Mia stood as heapproached, but Detective Daniels raised a hand, gesturing for her to sit.

“Please, Mia,” he said kindly. “Sit. I bring what I consider to be good news.” He placed a file on the tray beside Aurelio, whose food tray had been pushed aside.

“This is the deal the D.A. is willing to offer you. It’s a good one, considering the precise details you were able to provide us to help bring down the entire gang.” Confusion washed over Aurelio’s face as he glanced at Detective Daniels.

“But I didn’t…” Aurelio began, but Detective Daniels cleared his throat loudly, quieting him.

“Yes,” Detective Daniels said after another clearing of his throat. “I know you were not working for Mr. Hernandez of your own free will. We have taken into account the blackmail he had against you, and that is reflected in the deal. This agreement grants you immunity from prosecution, leaves all your assets untouched, and preserves your freedom in exchange for all the information you provided us.”

Mia understood what Detective Daniels was not saying: Mac wasn’t getting credit for the information. He had given it to Aurelio.

“No,” Aurelio protested, realization dawning on him. “Mac gave you that information. He needs immunity.”

“Mackenzie,” Detective Daniels said, scanning the small room. He walked to the door and closed it gently. He turned back to the couple, hands clasped before him.

“Let me explain what’s happening here,” he continued, his mouth a thin line. “Mac is underage; he will get a slap on the wrist and a sealed record when he turns 18 next year, I’ve seen to that.” He eyed Aurelio and Mia, who listened in silence.

“You, Aurelio, are an adult. You will be charged and tried on several counts, each adding more years until you rot in a cell you don’t belong in.” Aurelio nodded, absorbing the weight of the words.

“This deal, the one Mac has worked incredibly hard for you to have, allows you to go free. It gives you the second chance you deserve,” Detective Daniels said, his gaze shifting to Mia, “The one you both deserve.”

“And what happens then?” Mia asked. “Does he have to testify?”

“The deal does not require that.” He placed his fingers on the envelope, eyes shifting from Mia to Aurelio. “This agreement is his reward for the information that led to the arrest of several prominent gang members, including Mr. Hernandez.” Mia nodded, understanding the implications.

“However,” Detective Daniels added, “if he is called to do so, there’s a promise that he would respond and provide full details regarding the information he shared.” Detective Daniels gave a wink to Aurelio, who returned it with a grin.

Aurelio, looking to Mia and then back to the Detective, nodded, a light cough escaping him, a grimace crossing his face as he shifted slightly. The cuff on his left hand clanked against the bed.

“Here,” Detective Daniels said, stepping forward to uncuff him. “I don’t think that’s necessary.” Aurelio thanked him, moving his wrist to relieve the pressure. His other hand remained tightly gripped in Mia’s.

“This is the chance for freedom you have been searcing for.” The detective said, pulling a pen from his coat pocket.

“Do you understand?” Detective Daniels asked, the pen outstretched. Mia looked between the men, her nerves shot fromall that had happened. Here before them was the answer, the future.

Aurelio nodded, accepting the pen from Detective Daniels. Aurelio clicked it, his eyes meeting Mia’s as the detective opened the folder.

“Once you sign this, you cannot speak to anyone but us about the case or your involvement in any of the gang’s activities. You will communicate with me and only me about it.” Aurelio nodded again, signing the indicated line. A quiet fell over the room, Mia watching as Aurelio Valen signed his name to freedom.

“Very good,” Detective Daniels said, taking the file back. “Now, it goes without saying, but I feel compelled to say it anyway: stay out of trouble, you two.” He smiled and walked to the door. “I’ll be in touch.”

They watched as he made his way to the door. He grabbed the handle and then let out a soft ‘Ah,’ turning back to face them.

“I almost forgot.” He stepped back to them, hand going into his pocket. “I believe these,” he pulled out a familiar set of keys. “Are yours?” he placed them into Aurelio’s outstretched palm. Mia gasped lightly as realization dawned over her. Aurelio swallowed hard, his eyes watering.

“How.” He said, his gaze fixed on the keys in his hand.

“Well, it was hard to find the registration, that can be a tricky thing with these old cars you know.” Detective Daniels gave Mia a wink. “But I was able to find it with some help of a buddy of mine in the DMV.” Mia felt her throat tighten as she watched a single tear fall down Aurelio’s cheek. He closed his fist around the keys, pulling it to his chest as his eyes closed.

Mia wiped her own eyes, looking to the detective and mouthing a soft thank you. Detective Daniels gave her a nod, turned and was out the door.

Mia climbed onto the bed again, unable to stop herself from kissing Aurelio. He opened his eyes, a light she hadn’t seen since before shone in them.

She laughed, loudly and without restraint as she peppered his face with kisses. Aurelio laughed with her, a sound of joy and love filling the room as they let it all soak in.

A surge of excitement coursed through her, her mouth finding his. It was clear that Aurelio felt the same, his hands trailing along her back as she held herself above him. She felt his hands slide under her shirt, attempting to unclip her bra.

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