Page 108 of The Fire We Make

The room paused.

“Bail is denied. The defendant will remain in custody until trial.”

“What?” Joy whispered in disbelief, vocalizing exactly what Ace felt.

Ace stood. “In that case your honor, we’d like to request a date for trial to be set quickly.”

The judge hesitated and at first, Ace thought his request would be denied. After a moment, the judge nodded.

“Will the prosecution be ready in a month’s time?” he asked, turning to Young.

Elliot nodded. “Yes your honor, we’ll be ready.”

“Very well. Trial will be set for a month from today.” He banged his gavel, dismissing the courtroom.

Ace couldn’t believe what had transpired but didn’t have time to sit in his shock because the bailiffs were already moving to take Blue back to his cell.

“We gon’ get you out, Blue. Don't worry about lil mama or your granny. They'll both be taken care of,” Ace promised.

Blue nodded then dipped his head to Joy in goodbye before being ushered out.

Joy and Ace stood in the emptying courtroom looking at each other with defeat and shock mirrored on both of their faces.

“I need a drink,” Ace said.

“Me too,” Joy sighed, gathering her files and purse. “Let’s go.”

“The usual to drink for both of you?” The waitress asked as soon as they were seated at The Sapphire’s lounge.

Ace nodded in answer for them both, yanking at the tie at his neck to loosen it.

“The judge already had his mind up before I even opened my mouth,” Ace muttered, still in disbelief as soon as they were left alone with their drinks.

Joy sighed and sipped her bourbon. “Can we speak candidly?”

Ace waved for her to take the floor.

“This is starting to look like an inside job.”

Ace leaned up at that. “How so?”

“It’s too perfect. The cops knew exactly where to look like they were tipped off. You said it yourself that Blue is your smartest and most careful client. Plus it sounds like the judge is in someone’s pocket. From what I’ve read about Blue’s bosses, they own this city. Allegedly. Who could have gotten to the judge but someone from within their mafia?”

Ace stroked the hair on his chin as he let Joy’s words wash over him. His mind wandered to the series of unfortunate events that had transpired over the past several months. The missing shipment. The various arrests. The raid. Peanut had said the exact same thing about them knowing exactly where to find what they were looking for.

He had spent many sleepless nights wracking his brain for an explanation as to how Detective Harris was able to find and pull the strings that had been unraveling.

But what if he had help?

It all made too much sense but who could be sabotaging the mafia and why?

“That… makes a lot of sense,” he mumbled, his mind already running.

Joy nodded. “I think we need to focus our attention inwards. See if there’s any internal beef. Any changes in leadership? From where I’m sitting, someone up top isn’t happy. This feels bigger than Blue and that stash house. Do you have any connections we can inquire with?”

Ace nodded. “I’ll look into it,” Ace promised through gritted teeth.

Anger surged through him at Joy’s insinuation but he couldn’t deny she had a point. He regarded her and smirked.