Ruined (completed) ✔️

86

After being left in the interrogation room for a couple of hours the Agent that led the raid at my office walks through the door with my attorney, Dean. "I know my people haven't spoken to you about anything. That's because I had to do a lot of work at the office, trying to pinpoint where all the fraudulent details were coming from."

Placing my hands on the table I look at the guy. "I'm in here for fraud?" Turning my head towards Dean I say. "I would never do that. Not to the company or my reputation. You know those two are important qualities of mine."

Dean leans forward. "We know. Which is why we searched Clara's office. She has a strong friendship with Casey. She was the one behind leaking the information to the FBI, while the case was hers. She somehow put this folder in with yours. Making you look bad. Things get worst though."

How can it get worse?

Two documents are placed on the table and they both stop in front of me. They both have my signature on them. One is mine and the other is signed by someone else. You can tell the difference between both documents and it looks like the person didn't get enough practice with it.

"Does this mean I get to leave?"

"No," he shakes his head. "I need to keep you in here for a couple of more hours. The people behind this probably have eyes on us right now. If they find out what we know it could be dangerous out there for you."

"Also, the bar association called. They're disbarring you immediately, Austin."

This is exactly what that woman wanted and they got it. I lose. What am I going to do now? I won't be able to find work in this city after what happened. No one wants a former lawyer working for them and they'll all think I'm guilty because of the public walk of shame I was put through.

"Do you think I'll be able to get my license back once I've been proven innocent?"

"You can, but it will be a lengthy process. Are you willing to put yourself through something like that?"

"Yes, I am. I won't be in the city. So, practising law won't be a problem for me."

"Where are you going?"

"I'll be moving in with my parent's. Helping them out, until I can find honest work. Being in this city won't recreate who I am, but the small town I grew up in will. Maybe, I'll even get to see my daughter. I was told that my parents would get to babysit on occasion."

"Are you going to see the mother? Try to work something out when it comes to custody?"

Shaking my head. "I don't deserve to see the child. I hurt the mother badly. The best thing for both of them is me not being in her life. When she's older I hope that Eliza will tell her all about me."

"I have a feeling that woman will do right by you and her daughter. You're a brave man for giving up the family you want."

"It's not about being brave, Dean. It's about what's best for the mother and child. I'm not it for her. She's with a new guy and he loves her the way she should have been loved by me. I can't break a bond like that for selfish reasons. Eliza's happy with this new guy. He can make her smile. He's protective of both Eliza and the baby. He'll make a better father than me. When the time is right I'll have a family. One that will love me. With flaws and all."

Dean stands up. "I'm going to get a coffee. Do you want anything, Austin?"

"A phone call would be nice. I want my family to know the truth about what's going on and not the fabricated bullshit that's being aired on TV right now."

The Agent gives me a phone. "Make it quick." He walks out of the room giving me privacy.

Mom's phone rings a couple of times before she answers.

Mom: Hello?

Me: Hey, Mom. It's Austin.

Mom: I'm glad you called. What's going on? We've seen you splashed all over the news being arrested by the FBI.

Me: It's a fraud case. One that someone I used to work with set up for me. She's been working closely with Casey to ruin my life.

Mom: Fuck, I hate that girl. She's been a pain in the ass since she first walked into your life.

Me: I'm starting to realise that. She got me disbarred, Mom. I have nothing left.

Mom: Don't you ever say you don't have anything. You have this family and we're not turning our backs on you. Once you get out of the FBI Headquarters you're coming home with your father and me.

Me: Okay, Mom. Also, a friend from work will be dropping me off. He's the one helping me with this case and the one I have going against Casey.

Mom: That's great. We'll order takeaway. I don't feel like cooking.

Me: Sounds good to me. I love you, Mom.

Mom: Love you more, son. If you need anything else don't hesitate to call me or Calvin. That kid would kill me if I didn't say his name.

Me: Bye,

Placing the phone on the receiver I wait for the Agent to walk back into the room. When no one does I stand up and pace the room.

I don't like sitting for too long and being in this room reminds me of being a caged animal.

Looking into the glass I say. "Can I get out of this room? I'm starting to feel chlostraphobic." My head starts spinning as I feel the room closing in on me.

The door to the room opens and I see Dean. He rushes over to me and kneels at my side. "Are you okay?"

Shaking my head. "No, please can you get me out of here? I need some fresh air and a room that doesn't smell like piss and that's not a confined space for me." I slowly stand and support my weight in the wall.

"Agent, my client should be treated respectfully now. As we both know he's innocent of the crimes he was led in here for." Dean holds my weight as we make our way down the corridor that has many doors.

When we get to the end of the hall there's a door that says 'Exit'. He looks between Dean and me before saying. "You can go now. If we have any further questions we'll call you. Stay safe. Also, moving back to the small town your from is a good idea. Let this all blow over and once you return you can reinvent yourself. People are going to love you again, Austin." He hands me a card. "If you're ever in trouble and need help don't hesitate to call me."

I look at the card and it says. 'Agent Aaron Hogan.' My mouth opens and closes a couple of times before I say. "Are you related to Detective Hogan?"

A smile spreads across his face. "You've had a run-in with my brother too?"

"No, he's the one handling the fraud case against Casey Jackson. She took all my money from the bank and sold my property without permission."

"Damn, I think I'll help my brother with this case. I have enough resources to make her disappear and never come back."

"She's going to prison. That's the one place she deserves to go. Maybe, when she's released you'll be able to make her disappear."