Unexpected 9: Crime Set

Chapter 10: Hondo, who?

"Alright, before I make any decision, I would like to hear the young man." the judge said facing Rubio.

The teenager sat up and noticed the translator did the same. As proud as he was, he shook his head and took a deep breath.

"I can speak for myself" he said annoyed to the judge

"Hey! Respect" Street snapped back, whispering to him with a frown.

"Your honor" the boy immediately added, glancing occasionally at Street.

The judge took special interest in the communication between both males, so much so that he jot down notes on his pad. After some seconds he addressed the audience.

"Ok, Damian, thank you for your services. You're dismissed." the judge said

"Yes, your honor." said the man as he stood and left.

"Young man?" the judge said nodding once.

"Thank you, your Honor. I want to say that I have not been more happy to be in the United States than now. I have been homeless and scared, but I'm not anymore. Two people care for me and I have a dog. I understand my pops- I mean- Officer Street make mistakes before, but I have food and a bed now. He don't touch me or make work. He don't treat me bad. Ma is an inspiration for me. She is tough, but that's why she a captain, judge. She don't care when people say she can not do something, she do it. I learn a lot with her and him, isn't that what a home is for? You call this the land of the free, to go for happiness, well...I have it with them. Why you don't believe my pops? He learn from his mistakes, he always tell me. Captain don't have to be with me physically, I respect her. She can be in the moon and I don't mess with her. I want to stay with them, judge, please." he finished by putting his hands together in a prayer gesture, sad expression and watery eyes.

The judge listened intently. He took a deep breath.

"Young man, I'm not the enemy here. We are all in the same team: looking out for your best interest. Making sure to provide you with the best opportunities at a better life. I hope you understand this." the judge said tenderly

"Yes, your Honor." Rubio responded as he lifted his gazed

"Let me ask you this, I know kids like to have active hobbies. My oldest grandson absolutely loves soccer, while his sister is a fan of cheerleading. What do you like to do for fun, Mr. Baez?"

Rubio grabbed his chin and frowned surprised at the question. "Este...I like baseball. Tomorrow my grandpa gonna take me to tryouts for the Dodgers' camp in two weeks!"

"Alright."

"I like SWAT too because we have a team and we train hard."

"SWAT, huh?" the judge asked glancing at Street

"Yeah. Ma and pa help us a lot, and all the guys of the squad. We're Junior Swat, with uniform and everything. It actually helps us stay out of trouble and be friends. We help the kids in our streets and in school."

The judge nodded and took notes. "I understand. Son?" he began as he straightened up in his chair, "Would you excuse us? Adults need to speak now. Bailiff will escort you to the bench outside." Judge Rodgers gestured for the bailiff to go with the teen.

When both had exited the room and the door was closed, the judge continued. "Interesting testimony from the young man."

There were some minutes of silence as the judge put on his glasses and silently went over his notes. He took a dramatic deep breath and turned his attention to the audience.

"Officer Street, Captain Alonso, I want both of you to listen closely: we are in the same team here. We all want to provide the best for this child. Do we agree on that?"