Page 66 of Desert Loyalties
The day’s here, the one we’ve been waiting for. Probable cause hearing, that’s what we’re calling it. I know it has some fancy legal name, but all I can think is: this is the day we find out what the feds have and if it’s enough to ruin my life.
I’ve been in this courtroom before, but this time, it’s different. I’m not in shackles. No orange jumpsuit either. I walk in beside Christina, Skye close at my side. I’m wearing real clothes ones she picked out for me. Something about them makes her smile, says I look like a teddy bear in them. That shouldn’t matter, but somehow it does. Perception is everything in a courtroom, and today, we need the judge to see me as human not as a threat, not as the face of some dangerous motorcycle club, but as a man with a life, a partner, and a future that’s worth protecting.
The courtroom’s still cold though. Still has that same weird smell. Skye squeezes my arm as we pass through the aisle, and for just a second, her hand slips into mine. Then she veers offtoward the gallery, and I keep walking, following Christina to the defence table.
Across the room, the prosecutor is already setting up. He’s not the frat-boy clown from last time, no Douche today. This one’s older, composed, no flashy bullshit.
I lean toward Christina. “Who’s that?”
She doesn’t look at me when she answers. “Henry Cheng. Used to be a federal bigshot in DC. Then he screwed up and got transferred to Nevada.”
My jaw tightens. “Great.”
She exhales through her nose. “I have a feeling you’re not the real target here.”
I glance at her, confused. “What?”
“Cheng is still good and if he’s here, they’re not just trying to convict,” she says quietly. “They’re hoping to scare you. Pile on the pressure. Make the case look heavier than it is so they can flip you.”
“Flip me?” I repeat, half a scoff. “Like hell that’s happening.”
She finally meets my eyes. “I know. But they don’t.”
Christina opens her folder, hands moving with slow precision. "Stay calm, answer only what you have to, and remember, we’re not here to prove your innocence today. We’re here to find out what they have and whether it’s enough."
The bailiff's voice cuts through the low murmur of the courtroom.
“All rise. Court is now in session. The Honourable Judge Lucille Benton presiding.”
Everyone stands. I plant my feet firmly on the floor, square my shoulders, and try to remind my body how to breathe. The door opens, and in walks Judge Benton, black robe, silver hair pulled back in a tight knot, expression that doesn’t give a damn who you are.
I steel myself, trying to look every bit the respectable citizen Christina wants me to be. Not the biker they’ve painted in some file. Not the monster who killed his friend. Just a guy who loves his girl and wants to go home.
The judge takes her seat. The bailiff gives a short nod.
“You may be seated.”
Everyone settles. The courtroom’s heavy silence makes my skin itch. The judge adjusts her glasses, flips open the folder in front of her, and clears her throat.
“This is the preliminary hearing in the matter of the United States versus Drake Lloyd.”
Her voice is even. Neutral. But the weight behind each word could crush bone.
“The defendant is charged in the complaint as follows: Count One: Violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1111 -Murder. Count Two: Violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1512 -Witness tampering. Count Three: Violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 371 -Conspiracy to commit a federal offense. Count Four: Violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1505 -Obstruction of justice.”
She looks up, eyes landing on me for the briefest of seconds.
“I’ll now hear from the prosecution.”
Next to me, Christina clicks open her pen, not even flinching. Her hands are calm, controlled. She leans in just enough to murmur, “Relax.”
Across the courtroom, Henry Cheng rises. I can already tell that this guy is nothing like the frat-boy from the last time. This one’s here to win.
I feel Skye’s gaze on me from the gallery. And I don’t look at her. Not yet. Because I need to sit here and make the world believe I’m not the monster they say I am.
Henry Cheng straightens his tie and steps forward, voice measured but firm. “Your Honor, members of the court, this case concerns the tragic disappearance and presumed murder of one Kyle Donahue, also known in certain circles as ‘Locke.’”
He lets the name hang in the air for a moment before continuing.
