Culture Aftershock

by jtrue

A sequel to Culture Shock. Emmett McCarty's Emirati partner Nasir has a new job and a green card, but will their lives together be as easy as they think? And what will happen to Seth and Garrett? SLASH LEMONS MA

51. Chapter 51: One Attorney, Two Attorneys

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

New chappy. Didn't want to leave you hanging.

James' story is nearly done. An original about Tony and Dane is also nearly done. And if anyone would be interested in Milan and his fellow hunky waiters as they encounter a pair of thirsty zombies, that short is finished and available now on Amazon ~dot~ com. Search for Spunk Craving Zombies, or for me, John T. Liz has also included a link on her blog.

I did not give my sister an opportunity to review this chapter carefully, so any and all mistakes that might be hiding from me are entirely mine. Sis, I love you so much and I don't know what I would do without you.

As ever, big hugs and much fondness to my girls, Maureen, Rebecca, Kate and Miss Pauline.

The FF witch hunt appears to be over. I will continue to post here and move to AO3 as and when I have to. When/if I am forced to complete the relocation you can find me at - archiveofourown ~dot~ org. Then just do a search for Jtrue.

Anyone who has not read the incredible Equal & Opposite, or is not now reading the brilliance that is Errors & Omissions, or Enticements & Obstructions, all by OhJasperMyJasper, should go do so right now. Here is how you find them since the FF witch hunt removed Liz from this site - ohjaspermyjasper ~dot~ blogspot ~dot~ com.

WARNING:

This story is intended for an adult audience! There is crude speech, hate speech and adult sexual subject matter of a homosexual nature. If you are under 18 stop reading now!

AU/AH/OC

All character names from Twilight belong to Stephenie Meyer. The similarities end there.

---

Chapter 51: One Attorney, Two Attorneys, Three Attorneys, Four

Nasir listened to the sounds of the dorm during the night, ever wary and fearful. Sometimes he heard someone stir. Sometimes he heard the murmur of a low voice speaking words he couldn't make out. He heard people in the bathroom and he heard them in the showers. Nasir was dead exhausted, but would not allow himself to sleep. It was just too dangerous a place to let his guard down enough to do that. In spite of himself, Nasir dozed toward morning. A fact he became aware of when the lights suddenly came on.

"Count!" the command over the speakers came with the lights. "Line up!"

Nasir was glad the barking announcement had masked the audible gasp of his fright. He realized he should get up when he heard Nafie open his locker. Nasir looked around as saw that everyone was getting up. He quickly slipped over the side of the bunk to land on his feet. The last thing he wanted as for the others to notice that he had slept in his clothes.

"Morning," Nafie almost gave a smile as he walked past Nasir to stand for the Count.

"Good morning," Nasir took his place next to his bunkmate. "Will you show me the phones after this?"

"After the Count, we make Wud'u and go to prayers. Then we will join with the others for breakfast. After that I will show you how the phones work," Nafie outlined. Nasir nodded, but was immensely frustrated. He imagined Emmett a wreck by now, trying to reach him and wondering what had become of him.

"I wonder, could they wake us up when they are ready?" Nasir mused aloud after fifteen minutes had passed without any sign of the guards.

Nafie just laughed. "I have something for you, Nasir," he walked back to the head of the bunks. Nasir followed and watched him open his locker. Nafie removed a knitted, white kufi from the top shelf.

"My daughter made this for me. It has never been worn. I give it to you," Nafie handed it to Nasir.

"I could not possibly accept this," Nasir protested.

"No," Nafie held up his hand. "I will not wear a white one. I judge you to be from a Gulf State. In my experience you like a white one."

"My taqiyah is white and very like this," Nasir nodded.

"Wear it with my blessing and as a sign of peace," Nafie patted Nasir's arm.

"I will," Nasir nodded. He knew his hair had to look slept in anyway. Nasir pulled it onto his head as he followed Nafie back to the central aisle of the dorm at the foot of their bunks.

In another few minutes the big, heavy, barred gates that isolated their dorm parted and slid out of sight. Guards that Nasir had never seen before, finally made their pass through and counted them. And then they still had to stand and wait.

"Breakfast," came the bark over the speakers to let them know that Count was concluded.

While most inmates began to make their way toward food, Nafie headed for the bathroom. And Nasir knew why. He followed Nafie and, like the other Muslims, paused to take a piss before they all moved to the sinks. Nasir pulled his kufi off of his head and set it on the little ledge above the sink as the others did. He stoppered the sink and turned on the water as he rolled up his sleeves.

"Nasir, what are the Arabic words?" Nafie asked as he filled his own sink.

"Bismillah, ar Rahman, ar Raheem," Nasir immersed his hands in the water as he spoke the words that he could recite in his sleep, words he had been raised speaking, and which no longer meant anything to him.

"James, what do the words mean?" Nafie asked another Muslim, a young black man on this other side.

"James is my slave name, given to me by my oppressors!" James exclaimed. Nasir looked over at the younger man as he rubbed his hands together. This was a man who might have his back, but who also had to be watched closely. There was much anger in this young black man.

"James is the name given to you by your parents," Nafie corrected. "What do the words mean?"

"In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful," James translated.

"Yes, well done," Nafie praised as he washed his own hands.

They washed their hands three times. They bent down and brought a handful of water to rinse out their mouths three times. They sniffed water into their noses three times to clean even their sinuses. They washed their faces and arms, starting with their right, up to their elbows three times. They ran their wet hands over their heads from front to back and forward again. They used wet fingers to wipe the inside and outside of their ears. Each man pulled off his shoes and socks, and, right one first, stuck each foot in the sink. They dried their feet, hands, arms and faces, with paper towels.

"Ashhadu anlaa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareekkalahu, washhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluhu," Nasir uttered the programmed words entirely automatically. His father would be so proud.

"Nasir, you speak Arabic beautifully," Nafie appraised.

"He speaks like a Bedouin," another man, the only other who was light skinned like Nasir, commented.

"What is your name?" Nasir asked in Arabic as he put his socks back on and stepped into his shoes.

"Uday," the man answered.

"Iraqi?" Nasir asked.

"And you?" Uday spoke Arabic with Nasir.

"I am from Sharjah," Nasir revealed as he pulled his kufi back on.

Uday grunted. "Al Imaraat," he said the name of the Emirates in Arabic. "You sound like it."

"Gentlemen, let us speak English when not in prayer, so that we all may understand," Nafie urged gently. He was by far the oldest and clearly the father and leader of the few Muslims here.

The rest appeared to be American black men who had converted at some point in their lives.

"James, translate Nasir's words for us," Nafie bid.

"I witness that none should be worshipped except Allah, and that Muhammad is his slave and Messenger," James gave an exact translation, though he had memorized the text, and did not really understand the Arabic words.

"Nasir, let me introduce you. This is James," Nafie gestured.

"Pubudu!" James corrected.

"Pubudu," Nafie gave in. "And this is Jamal and Mustafa," he introduced the remaining men.

"Assalaam alaikum," Nasir greeted them.

"Wa alaikum assalaam, brother," Mustafa did not hesitate.

"And now we will show you where we pray," Nafie put his hand on Nasir's back as he led the group out of the bathroom. They all stopped at their lockers to retrieve their prayer rugs.

"I am sorry that I do not have an extra prayer rug for you, Nasir," Nafie expressed. "Hopefully your family will bring you one. It is one of the few things they will allow us. Do not be concerned. It is a clean place."

"Thank you, Nafie," Nasir was touched by the older man's concern.

Nasir walked with them out of the dorm and through the Day Room. While he had understandably missed it last night, this morning he caught sight of the phone room. It was all Nasir could do to not abandon them and run toward it. Somehow he managed to follow through the hallway adjacent to the Unit Control Room, and out to the outer corridor. Nasir took a deep calming breath and tried to hide that he did so. The very last thing he wanted to do right now was pretend to pray to the made up deity he had been taught to worship and fear, by people who would rather kill him just for being the way he was born.

Nasir nearly retraced his steps from when he arrived at this jail. A different turn took them past the chaplain's office and to an empty room beside it. An arrow had been painted on the floor with white paint to indicate the proper direction of Mecca. They took off their shoes and those with rugs placed them on the floor. They stood and raised their hands, palms out.

"Allahu akbar," Nasir chanted along with the others. He then held his hands together on his sternum as he continued with the first verse of the Qur'an. "Pure from imperfection are You, Allah," Nasir spoke in Arabic. "The glory is Yours. Blessed is Your Name. Your Majesty is most high. There is no god, but You. I seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the Cursed. In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, the glory belongs to Allah, the Lord of all the world, the Beneficent, the Merciful, Ruler of the Day of Judgement. You alone do we worship and You alone do we ask for help. Guide us on the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your blessings, not of those upon whom is Your wrath. Ameen. In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Indeed We have granted you, oh, Muhammad, the Fount. So pray to your Lord and sacrifice. Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off."

Nasir bent at the waist, as did the others, and braced his hands on his knees as he continued. "Glory be to my Lord Almighty. Glory be to my Lord Almighty. Glory be to my Lord Almighty," and then straightened back up. "God listens to those who praise Him. Our Lord, praise be unto You."

As one they fell to their knees and prostrated their hands and forehead on the floor. "Allahu akbar. Glory be to my Lord the Most High. Glory be to my Lord the Most High. Glory be to my Lord the Most High."

Nasir sat up and sat on his left foot with his head bowed. "Allahu akbar. My God, forgive me, forgive me," and then leaned forward to prostrate himself again. "Allahu akbar. Glory be to my Lord the Most High. Glory be to my Lord the Most High. Glory be to my Lord the Most High. God is the Greatest."

All of them then stood to begin the next cycle and repeat the whole thing. This was followed by another section where they sat on their left foot and bowed their heads.

"Greetings belong to Allah," Nasir intoned in Arabic. "As well as prayers and goodness. Peace be upon you, oh Messenger, as well as the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and on the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. Oh, Allah, send Your peace upon Muhammad and upon his family, as You have sent Your peace upon Ibrahim and his family. Indeed You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. May Allah, our Lord, grant us goods in this world, and goods on the hereafter, and guard us from the torment of fire. Our Lord, forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the day we shall be held accountable

"Peace be upon you and God's blessings," Nasir spoke to his right. He then turned his head to the left. "Peace be upon you and God's blessings."

And with that, prayers were concluded. Nasir noticed that James, Jamal and Mustafa spoke some or very little of the Arabic with them. Clearly Nafie and Uday, who were born to this as Nasir was, could do it in their sleep. Nafie and Uday, probably at Nafie's urging and out of necessity in a place like this, had welcomed the African American converts as brothers, which, now, in Islam, they were. Nafie was clearly intent on teaching them about the Prophet and Allah, and all the ways of Islam. Nasir wasn't entirely sure who to trust. Only one of them was an Arab, and the Iraqi didn't seem the friendliest sort. If there were an incident, would the four black men praying with him now, stand with their fellow Muslims, or with their fellow black men?

The dawn Fajr completed, those with rugs rolled them up and they all walked out together. Back to the dorm to stash the rugs safely in lockers and they were off to breakfast. The kitchen knew to hold the Islamic no pork meals toward the end of this round of serving, as they were delayed at prayer. The end of a table was left for them and Nasir sat with his fellows to eat.

"Come," Nafie picked up his tray when he was finished. "I will show you how the phones work. I know you wish to make an important call."

Nasir was up behind Nafie in a flash. They disposed of their trays and made their way back to their unit.

"Here we are," Nafie led the way to the glass enclosed room with a wall of phones.

Just as soon as Nasir dashed inside, it hit him. "Allah!" he put a hand on his forehead. "I do not know the number!"

---

Joel sat down at his desk outside his boss' office at eight forty five, as was his usual, and turned his computer on. He fetched himself a cup of coffee from the employee kitchen while it booted up. The first thing he did every morning was to go through his emails and sort the important from the routine.

At two minutes after nine, the phone on his desk rang. He could see from the display that the call had been transferred from the switchboard.

"Nasir al Qasimi's office, Joel speaking," he answered.

"Joel, glad I got you. My name is Duane Seiler. I'm Nasir's neighbor and attorney," Duane greeted.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Seiler? Mr. al Qasimi isn't in quite yet," Joel informed.

"I know he's not. That's why I'm callin' you," Duane began. "He was picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement last night, right at the door to our building."

"What?" Joel furrowed his brow. His boss was not always in at nine sharp, but he expected to see him walk around the corner, Louis Vuitton over his shoulder, any moment now.

"I have no idea why and I am working to find out now. I needed for you to know and I was hoping to get Emmett's number from you," Duane stated.

"Oh, um," Joel pulled his number book out of his backpack. "I have it, but, I can't give that number out. I hope you understand. I can call him and give him your number. You're calling me from your office?" he jotted down the number Duane was calling from.

"I am. Please do that," Duane agreed. "I'm gonna need ta have a chat with your General Counsel right quick too. Can you put me through to him?"

"Oh, of course," Joel nodded to himself and thought for a quick second. "Could you call back in like fifteen or twenty minutes, Mr. Seiler, to give me a chance to talk to him first? I'm sure he'll be expecting your call after that."

"Will do. Thanks, Bubba," Duane expressed.

"Certainly. Thank you," Joel replaced the handset. "Oh, shit. Oh, shit," he muttered to himself as he looked for the right extension. Once he found it, Joel snatched up the handset again and quickly stabbed in the five digit number.

"Gary Grayling's office, Cathy speaking," the older woman answered.

"Cathy, this is Joel. I'm Nasir al Qasimi's assistant. I need to see Mr. Grayling right away. It's an emergency," Joel informed.

"Come up. I'll get you in," Cathy agreed.

"On my way," Joel hung up and raced for the elevator.

---

It was close to six thirty Pacific Time, when Seth let himself into his best friend's home. "Emmy?" he called as he shut the door behind him. "Are you up?" he headed through the condo and grew uneasy when he heard not a sound. Could Emmett be done talking to Nasir and gone to the gym already?

"Hmm?" Emmett was just stirring when Seth padded into his bedroom. Seth was wearing a loose, wool, pullover hoodie and spandex shorts in which The King bulged obscenely.

"Seth?" Emmett leaned up on his elbows and looked on with bleary eyes. "What's goin' on?"

"I'm not exactly sure. Have you heard from Nasir?" Seth climbed onto the bed.

"What time is it?" Emmett rolled over and sat up as he reached for his cell. "No, I haven't," he confessed. It was past time that he should. His husband should have been to work by now. "I couldn't reach him last night either. What are you doing up at this hour?"

"I have one of those feelings again," Seth reluctantly revealed.

"Like you did when a ranger got shot in Edward's park," Emmett understood. And it made him even more concerned.

They both jumped when the cell in Emmett's hand rang. It wasn't Nasir's ringtone, but the number looked familiar.

"He's calling from the office," Emmett answered and lifted the cell to his face. "Hey, Babe. Did something happen to your phone?"

"Hi. I'm sorry to wake you. Is this Emmett McCarty?" a voice he had never heard before answered.

"Yes," Emmett's face darkened. "Who is this?"

"Mr. McCarty, this is Joel Sirner. I'm Mr. al Qasimi's assistant," Joel introduced himself.

"Oh, yes. Hi, Joel," Emmett greeted. "Nasi's mentioned you many times. It's Nasi's assistant," he relayed to Seth. Seth raised his eyebrows. He was up early again with that same bad feeling and had felt compelled to come down here to Emmett. And he knew in his bones that this was it.

"My boss speaks of you all the time. But, that's not why I called," Joel tried to get to the point.

"Is Nasi there? Is something wrong?" Emmett asked. "He should have called me."

"Mr. al Qasimi was evidently picked up by Immigration yesterday after he left the office," Joel informed.

"What?! Picked up by Immigration! What does that even mean?" Emmett grew agitated. Seth gasped and put a hand over his mouth.

"He's in their custody and I'm sorry, but I'm not exactly sure what that means," Joel confessed.

"Well," Emmett could not remain still. "Fuck!" he climbed out of bed and didn't care one bit that he was naked.

"His attorney called me to let me know this morning and asked me to contact you," Joel relayed.

"His attorney?" Emmett stopped short. "Who is his attorney?"

"Mr. Seiler, Duane Seiler," Joel answered.

"Oh, Duane," Emmett nodded.

"He asked that I pass on his number to you," Joel added.

"Oh, yeah," Emmett suddenly dashed out of the bedroom. Seth flew off the bed and followed.

Emmett ran to his desk and snatched up a pen. "Okay, give me his number," he bid and jotted Duane's number down. "So, is Duane working on this? What's going on?"

"I just came from the chief legal officer's office and I think they're talking now. It's all way over my head at this point," Joel answered.

"Okay," Emmett fought his panic. "Okay. Thank you so much for calling me."

"I'll keep my fingers crossed, Sir," Joel gave his good wishes.

"Yeah, thanks," Emmett ended the call. "Seth!"

"I heard," Seth stood in the doorway of the office.

"Immigration, took him!" Emmett exclaimed. "Why?! How did this happen?"

"I don't know," Seth confessed.

"What do we do?!" Emmett put his hands on top of his head.

"I don't know what to do," Seth shook his head. He was out of his depth, but he knew who they could rely on. "I'm calling Gar," Seth pulled his cell out of the front pouch pocket of his pullover hoodie.

"I'm calling Duane," Emmett grabbed his phone.

---

Garrett awoke to the ring of his cell and knew immediately that something was wrong. Before he even saw his husband's face, he recognized Seth's ring.

"Seth? Why are you calling me? Where are you?" Garrett was deeply concerned at not finding his husband in bed with him when he woke, and evidently not even home.

"I'm sorry, Honey. I'm down at Emmy's and we need you right away," Seth answered.

"Is he alright?" Garrett asked.

"No. We need you," Seth expressed.

"I'm on my way," Garrett threw the covers aside and flew out of bed. He could hear the distress in his husband's voice. Something had to be terribly wrong.

Garrett grabbed a pair of gray sweatpants out of a drawer without even slowing down and tried very hard not to stumble as he pulled them on while heading for the front door. He instinctively snatched up his keys on his way through and was finally stopped by having to wait for an elevator. Garrett touched the picture of Nasir's face to call him. Surely he would know what was wrong with Emmett. He stuffed his phone into a pocket when his call went immediately to Nasir's voicemail and all but jumped into the elevator.

---

"Duane Seiler," Duane answered the line that had been holding for him.

"Duane! It's Emmett!" Emmett tried to keep himself from shouting into the phone.

"Emmett, Buddy, am I glad to talk to you," Duane expressed.

"Duane, what's going on?" Emmett demanded far more forcefully than he should have. Seth put a hand on Emmett's arm and Emmett pulled Seth to him as they stood in Emmett and Nasir's home office.

"Okay, listen. Nasir got picked up last night by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Fuckers grabbed him right in front of our building," Duane informed. "Good thing too. I heard about it from Vlad."

"But, Duane, why?! What do they want with him? Where is he?!" Emmett fired his questions.

"We found an Order for Removal in the system issued by an Immigration Judge," Duane explained. "I'm sure it has to do with that They mean to deport him."

"We know about that. We were all there when it happened," Emmett was dismayed. "He appealed that though! This isn't supposed to happen!"

"You fellas have an immigration attorney?" Duane asked.

"Yes. A very good one supposedly. He didn't say anything about this!" Emmett expressed.

"Seth? Emmett?" Garrett called as he let himself in. All four of them had a key to each other's homes.

"In here, Honey," Seth called back as he let go of Emmett to greet his husband. Garrett flew around the corner, barefoot and shirtless, in only his sweatpants.

"What's going on?" Garrett rushed to Seth's side and put a protective arm around him. "Who is he talking to?" he asked. Emmett stood before them, still naked and clearly distressed.

"And why is this happening in New York and not here?" Emmett demanded.

"Nasir was taken into custody by immigration officials," Seth relayed.

Garrett's brow clouded. "Why would they do that now?"

"We don't know," Seth confessed. These matters were beyond him. He looked up at Garrett. They needed their Chief to lead them.

"Where is he?!" Emmett demanded again.

"He's in the Orange County Jail," Duane revealed.

"He's in jail!?" Emmett almost doubled over in his horror.

"Honey, Nasir can't be in jail," Seth feared for his brother-in-law.

"I know that," Garrett agreed.

"The government contracts local facilities to house their detainees," Duane explained.

"Jails?!" Emmett could not wrap his head around the fact that his husband was in jail, with criminals.

"Emmett, I just talked with the General Counsel at Loews. They're getting a top notch immigration attorney on this," Duane informed. "Now, I'm gonna head on out to the jail and make sure he's okay."

"Yes, yes, please do that," Emmett begged as he sank into his chair. He felt his eyes well up.

"I'll list myself as his attorney and stay on this. You have my word, Emmett," Duane pledged. "Let me have your attorney out there's contact info. I'm sure whoever they get here will want to get up to speed right quick."

"Oh, fuck. Sure," Emmett began to look for Aro's card that had been right here on his desk. "Here it is. Aro Volturi," he informed and gave Duane Aro's office number.

"Okay, sit tight, brother," Duane advised. "I'll keep in close touch. I'll call you as soon as I get in to see him."

"Duane, I don't have your cell number. Can I have that?" Emmett asked.

"I'll text it to you right now," Duane promised.

"Thank you, Duane. Thank you," Emmett squeezed his eyes shut as his tears spilled. "Help him. Please help him. Help my baby."

"Emmett, I'll do everything I can and I'll keep you in the loop," Duane assured.

"Thank you," Emmett repeated.

"I'll text you right now and I'll call as soon as I know anything more. You keep it together now," Duane ended the call.

Emmett lowered his phone and looked at Seth and Garrett who stood with arms around each other, watching him. "Oh my God, you guys! Nasi's in jail! What the fuck?!"

"What did Duane say, Emmy? Is he going to work with Volturi?" Seth put a hand on Emmett's shoulder.

"Someone is," Emmett shook his head and fought to maintain his composure. "Shit!" he made fists. "What the fuck do we do?!"

"Sweetness," Garrett pulled Seth back. "Go find something for Emmett to put on," he directed. Seth did not hesitate and dashed.

"Garrett, what do I do?!" Emmett was desperate.

"The first thing we need to do is call Aro Volturi ourselves," Garrett kept a level head.

"Right, right," Emmett snatched up his phone and Aro's card.

"When his office opens," Garrett put his hands over Emmett's and slowly urged him to calm himself, and put the phone and card down.

"I can't leave him in jail, Garrett, I can't," Emmett's tears ran down his face.

"We won't, Emmett," Garrett assured. Emmett stood and grabbed Garrett in a tight hug.

"Thank you," Emmett held Garrett to his chest and rested the side of his face on top of the shorter man's head. "I'm so glad you're here."

"Of course I am," Garrett held the naked man.

"Here, Emmy, put these on," Seth returned.

"What?" Emmett let go of Garrett. "Oh, thanks," he took the fleece shorts from Seth and bent to pull them on.

"I'll make a pot of coffee," Garrett announced and headed for the kitchen. He turned back at the doorway. "Has anyone called Edward?"

Emmett and Seth looked at each other with wide eyes. They had a very close loved one in New York with nothing but time on his hands to help.

"I'll call him," Seth whipped out his cell.

---

It was a crisp late autumn day in Manhattan. Edward had started it early, like he did every weekday when Jasper had to work. They had taken an Executive Park View Suite at the Park Lane this time to give them more space since this would be home for the foreseeable future, until they found a suitable place they wanted to buy. Edward missed having a kitchen, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make for the time being. They could have moved in with Jasper's father. Charles had more than enough room, and a nice kitchen, but they would not have the privacy the hotel afforded them. And they had a beautiful view of the park. Though nearly every leaf had fallen by now.

Edward wore a crew neck shirt that fit him like a second skin, snug jeans and a blue Ralph Lauren Garrison Quilted Combat Jacket, an outfit Jasper had picked out for him. He walked to Grand Army Plaza, the square at 5th Avenue where the streets encroached slightly on the southeast corner of the park, obtained a coffee from the man who was quickly becoming his favorite vendor, and headed into the park. Edward always started out on the path that went around the pond. He smiled at the tourists feeding the geese that would soon depart for warmer climes. His phone rang and he pulled it out of his jacket pocket.

"Hey, Seth," Edward smiled. "What's up?"

"Edward, we have a big problem," Seth began.

"What?" Edward continued to walk, but slowed down.

"Nasir's been arrested," Seth revealed.

"Arrested! For what?" Edward could not imagine what he might have done.

"Not arrested. Detained," Seth corrected.

"What's the difference?" Edward asked.

"Eddie?" Emmett was suddenly on the line.

"Em, what's going on?" Edward was concerned.

"They took him, Eddie. Immigration took him," Emmett was clearly distraught.

"What?" Edward stopped in his tracks. "I thought this was handled."

"We thought so too, but they took him and he's in jail," Emmett dropped the other shoe.

"Jail? Why the fuck is he in jail?" Edward was even more concerned.

"That's what they do, I guess. He's in Orange County Jail," Emmett informed.

"Orange County? There's an Orange County in New York?" Edward had never heard of it.

"I guess so," Emmett agreed.

"Say no more, Em. I'm on my way," Edward turned back toward the exit. "I'll see him as fast as I can, and make sure he has anything he needs."

"Eddie, thank you," Emmett was trying to hold it together.

"I know you're scared for him, Em. I am too. I'll call you as soon as I see him," Edward assured.

"What?" Emmett was listening to someone with him and Edward recognized Garrett's voice. "Oh, yeah. Eddie, I'm gonna text you the number of an attorney friend who is working on this for us. Can you coordinate with him?"

"You got it," Edward agreed.

"Thanks, Eddie. I'll text you right now," Emmett stated and ended the call. Edward watched his phone and just as soon as the number came in, he dialed it.

---

Garrett poured all three of them a mug of coffee and prepared them the way he knew Emmett and Seth liked it. Emmett emerged from the office and took a stool at the breakfast bar. Seth stepped between his legs and wrapped his arms around Emmett's torso.

"I don't what to do! I don't know what the fuck I should be doing right now," Emmett lamented as he held Seth to him. "Should I book the next flight out?"

"I know this isn't easy, Emmett, but I don't think we should be rash," Garrett counseled as he set Emmett and Seth's coffees on the bar. "Let's wait and see what our attorney has to say. Our attorney here, I mean."

"We can't call him for at least an hour and a half!" Emmett exclaimed.

"Emmett, we need to face the possibility that this may not be resolved today," Garrett advised as gently as possible.

"I can't leave him in there, Garrett!" Emmett all but shouted.

"Of course not," Garrett came around the end of the bar to put a hand on Emmett's arm. "Emmett, no one wants that," he assured. "I'm going to call my father." Garrett pulled his cell out of his pocket.

Emmett wrapped his arms around Seth and held him tightly. "I'm so glad you're both here."

"We're right here, Emmy," Seth assured. Garrett scrolled through his contacts and when he found the right one, lifted his phone to his ear.

"Judge Thompson's chambers," the older woman answered.

"Good morning, Harriet. It's Garrett," he greeted. "May I speak with my father please? It's an emergency."

"Oh, Sweetie, he's in court this morning," Harriet informed.

"Is he?" Garrett made a fist on the counter. "Damn. I really need to speak with him urgently."

"Is someone hurt?" Harriet asked.

"No. Not yet, that I know of," Garrett answered.

"I'll have him call you the moment he's out, Garrett," Harriet assured. "And when he does, congratulate him. I don't think he'll be too awfully long this morning. They were supposed to wrap up yesterday."

"Congratulate him on what?" Garrett enquired.

"Oh, your father is Chief Judge of the Circuit now. As of yesterday," Harriett informed.

"Is he?" Garrett raised his eyebrows. "I will make a point to do that," Garrett pledged.

"Okay. I'll have him call as soon as he's out. Bye, Garrett," Harriet bid.

"Thank you, Harriet. Bye," Garrett lowered the phone.

"Is he in court?" Seth asked, still wrapped around Emmett.

"Harriett doesn't expect him to be tied up long, though," Garrett informed.

"God, this is killing me!" Emmett made a fist himself and brought it down on the granite bar. "Can we call him? Can we call him in the jail? Is that possible?"

"What did your attorney friend in New York say?" Garrett asked.

"He didn't," Emmett confessed.

"I'm sure if that were a possibility, he would have mentioned it," Garrett surmised.

"Fuck, if only I could talk to him, hear his voice!" Emmett lamented.

Seth's cell rang and he moved back from Emmett to pull it out of his front pouch pocket. "It's Edward. Hi, Edward," he answered.

"Hey, I talked to the attorney and he's picking me up at my hotel, like right now. What's he look like?" Edward asked.

"Here's Emmy," Seth handed over the phone.

"Hi, Eddie," Emmett greeted.

"Hey, Em, Duane is picking me up right now. What's he look like?" Edward asked again.

"Oh, um. He's about Garrett's height and build with short, dirty blonde hair. Good looking I guess. And he's from Georgia or someplace like that," Emmett gave a brief description. He could tell from the sounds that Edward had just stepped out of the hotel lobby onto the street as he spoke.

"Yeah, he sounded like it. Seems like a nice guy," Edward assessed.

"I guess he is at that," Emmett agreed.

"This might be him now. What does he drive?" Edward asked.

"Fuck if I know," Emmett confessed.

"He matches your description, he's driving a Mercedes and he's wearing a nice suit," Edward described. "You Duane?"

"You must be Edward. Hop on in, Bubba," Duane bid and Emmett heard it.

"Edward Cullen," Edward introduced himself and Emmett heard the car door shut. "Em, I'm with Duane and we're on our way. We'll call you when we get there, okay?"

"Eddie, thank you. Thank you so much," Emmett did not want to cry again.

"Let me talk to Seth again, Em," Edward bid.

"He wants to talk to you," Emmett handed Seth the phone.

"Edward?" Seth asked.

"Seth, he really needs you right now," Edward stated.

"I don't need you to tell me that. I'm not going anywhere," Seth assured.

"Okay. Take care of him," Edward bid.

"I am. You take care of that. Kisses," Seth ended the call.

"Fuck, I guess I should call in to work," Emmett slid off his stool to retrieve his cell from his desk.

"Honey, I don't want to leave him," Seth put his hands on his husband's bare chest. "Will you go get my feather? It's in my desk drawer. You know where."

"You are very special and very sweet," Garrett bent to give Seth a kiss on his lips and headed for the door.

"Oh, Honey," Seth followed with an afterthought.

"Yes?" Garrett wondered what it was. Seth walked up to his husband, leaned in and ever so softly drew his wet lips together over Garrett's left nipple.

"Please don't put a shirt on," Seth requested.

"Okay, I won't," Garrett smiled as he opened the door and departed.

---

It was the first time in the history of this building being here, that a Maybach 62 drove onto the property, into the main lot and pulled up at the main front entrance. The uniformed driver walked around the front of the car and opened the large rear door for his passengers. A middle aged man in an expensive European style suit of finely tailored wool emerged first. He wore a ghutra on his head secured with an igal. He had a full, through very trim, dark beard. A second, younger man emerged behind him in an Italian silk suit. He wore nothing on his head and his dark hair was slightly unkempt, though his goatee was perfectly trimmed. They walked together to the front entrance of the Sheriff's Department and Correctional Facility, and proceeded inside.

Two Sheriff's deputies manned the large, granite topped front desk. The seal of Orange County hung on the dark wood panelled wall behind them. The United States, State of New York, and County flags stood on poles to the sides of it.

"Can we help you, Sir?" one of the deputies asked.

"I am Omar bin Salim al Hallad, Vice-Consul of the United Arab Emirates in New York. I speak for His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, the President Emir, and for Dr. His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Emir of Sharjah," the man in the ghutra produced his credentials. "I am here to see one of my detained Nationals. This is his name and Alien Number," Omar set a paper with this information on the desk.

"And who is this?" the deputy gestured to the man who stood to the side a step behind him.

"My assistant," Omar was dry.

"Okay, I'll call the Duty Sergeant and we'll get you in," the deputy picked up the phone. "You'll have to go through the metal detector and have a pat down."

"If you must," Omar was ill humored.

---

"Nasir al Qasimi, report to the Control Room," the voice boomed throughout the unit. Nasir sat on one of the many not at all comfortable sofas in the Day Room. There were far fewer men about at this time of day. The inmates didn't seem to have a choice about having a job in the jail. Many detainees did too, like Nafie, who had gone to gather laundry from the whole unit. He came through with a cart five men could have hidden in and the guards checked it very carefully on his way out.

Nasir rose when the command came and approached the windows. The door to the Control Room slid open and Nasir went to stand in it.

"You Nasir?" one of the guards from that morning's rounds asked.

"Yes, Sir," Nasir pulled out his Muslim meal ID card as it was the only thing he had to prove it.

"Okay. You got a visitor. Come with me," the guard headed out the other door and Nasir followed into the wide, outer corridor.

"Who is it?" Nasir could not imagine who it might be. He had not been able to contact anyone. Who could know he was here?

"Don't know. Don't care," the guard walked along toward the front of the facility. Nasir followed silently through several security doors and finally into an area of the jail he had never seen before, though it was just more of the same dull gray.

"Hands against the wall," the guard commanded. "Spread 'em."

Nasir assumed the position and leaned on the wall with a wide stance. A pat down for a detainee did not, in fact, involve any patting. The guard ran his hands over every clothed inch. He started by sticking his fingers in Nasir's shoes and socks. He ran his hands up each leg and over his ass, taking care to feel in Nasir's crack and to make sure a cock and balls were the only things tucked in his underwear. He ran his hands over Nasir's torso and down each arm.

"Okay, right in here," the guard opened a door and stepped aside. Nasir walked slowly into the room and his eyes widened in horror as the door was shut firmly behind him.

There was a table with one chair on the near side and two on the other. One man sat on the other side. A second man stood behind him. The second man wore a beautiful and expensive Italian silk suit. This was a man who was only two years older than Nasir. A man who did not wear a ghutra, but did have an evil and most satisfied smirk on his face. This was a man Nasir had known all his life.

"Kasim!" Nasir backed up against the wall behind him. He had thought never to see his brother again.

"Hello, Nasir," Kasim smiled. "You remember uncle Omar," he spoke in Arabic.

"Yes," Nasir did remember the man only a couple years younger than their father. A man with same first name as their father. He was not really a relative, but a lifelong friend of their father's who they had always called 'uncle.' And he was a man who thought exactly the same way as their father.

"Why don't you sit down?" Kasim gestured.

"I do not want to sit down," Nasir didn't move.

Kasim made a fist and pressed it onto the table as he leaned on it. "Sit. Down," he seethed. Nasir hesitated for a quick second before he took the chair on his side of the table. Kasim sat down beside their uncle.

"I would beat you within an inch of your life if we would not then have to claim that you attacked us. And then you would face charges that would only delay and complicate taking you home," Kasim shook his head with regret.

"I am not going home with you," Nasir protested.

"Oh, you are," Kasim assured. "I told you that you would, one way or the other. Uncle Omar is Vice-Consul here in New York now."

"I am here to secure your release so that you may return home," Omar finally spoke. "I do this as a favor to your family and your father. Kasim has told me what you have done, and are still doing. If you were my son, I would take you into the desert myself, and I told your father so."

"It is much too late for you to marry properly now. Sheikh al Gargawi will never agree now. Too much time has passed," Kasim stated. "Father wants you to come home, but the desert may be all that awaits you," he added with a smile. A smile that chilled Nasir's blood.

"You are to be Removed from the United States by December the fourth," Omar outlined, "but there is no reason to wait until then. I will send a Consular attorney to file a Motion for Voluntary Departure with the Immigration Court here in New York. Once that is granted, in just a few days, we can take you home."

"I do not have to leave on the fourth. I have appealed," Nasir informed.

"The Motion for Voluntary Departure will cancel the appeal," Omar dismissed.

"I will not do it!" Nasir was defiant.

"You do not need to do it. The Consulate will file it for you," Omar assured.

"Do I not need to appear? Will I not be in the courtroom? I will shout that I do not want this, that I do not agree!" Nasir swore. "I will say that none of you represent me or speak for me! I will shout until they drag me out!"

"Oh?" Kasim was amused. "You would rather be in here?" he gestured. "What is it like in here? It must be great fun for you with all the large, black men. Do they pass you around in the showers?"

"You are being disgusting," Omar chastised.

"Enjoy another night or two in here, Nasir," Kasim rose from the table and very much enjoyed seeing his brother tense. "We will return to see if you have changed your mind."

"I will say that I do not wish to see you," Nasir stated.

"We came too soon," Kasim concluded with a nod. "We'll give you a few more days and a rape or two to think about it," he knocked on the door on the opposite side of the room from the one Nasir had entered.

---

"God, this really is out in the boonies," Edward commented as Duane drove them into the main lot of the Orange County Sheriff's Department and Correctional Facility. "Are there cows in the next field?"

"I think so," Duane chuckled as he steered into a parking space. They both climbed out of the black Mercedes Benz CLS and Duane retrieved his briefcase from the backseat. Edward had traded his blue Ralph Lauren Garrison Quilted Combat Jacket for an olive, slim fitting, corduroy sport coat, also by Ralph Lauren, and also selected for him by his partner. He and Duane made their way around the big Maybach parked right in front of the main entrance and headed into the building. Edward stayed at Duane's side right up to the reception desk.

"Duane Seiler," Duane produced his driver's license and New York State Bar Card. "Here to see my client, an ICE detainee, named Nasir al Qasimi."

"Alien number?" the bored Deputy helping them asked.

Duane didn't notice, but Edward did, the two men who also noticed them, just as soon as Duane uttered Nasir's name. They were on their way out and were clearly Arabs themselves. A fact easily distinguishable by the ghutra one of them wore. A ghutra exactly like the one Edward had seen on Nasir's head more than once.

"Don't have his alien number," Duane confessed.

"You're his attorney and you don't have it?" the Deputy gave him a hard time.

"Don't have it," Duane affirmed.

"It'll take a minute to look him up by his name," the Deputy complained.

"How many Nasir al Qasimi's y'all got in here?" Duane made the point. Edward quickly pulled out his phone to send a quick text.

Em
At the jail
Need Nasir's alien number
You have it?

And while the Deputy was still dicking around trying to figure out if Nasir was filed under A, K, C or Q, a text came back.

784985974

"Here's his alien number," Edward held out his phone.

"Good thinkin', Bubba," Duane complimented.

"And who are you?" the Deputy asked as he typed in the number.

"A close friend," Edward stated.

"Oh," the Deputy's eyebrows raised. Nasir, it immediately became clear, was listed as gay in his file.

"Okay, 'close friend,'" the deputy made a conclusion not entirely accurate. "Visiting hours were eight to eleven, so you missed it. You'll have to wait until one."

"Can he just come in with me?" Duane asked.

"Nope," the Deputy clearly had no desire to be helpful in bending the rules even a little.

"That's fine," Edward looked at his watch. "I'll wait."

"Are you here about his immigration matter or something else?" the deputy asked.

"His immigration case," Duane answered.

"Then you have to fill out this form," the deputy took his time finding the Department of Homeland Security G-28 form, placing it on a clipboard and handing it to Duane.

"So glad y'all don't make this complicated," Duane stepped away to fill out the several page form.

---

"It's my father," Garrett informed as he looked at his ringing cell. He had returned to Emmett's home and stood in Emmett's kitchen, still clad, at his husband's request, in only his sweat pants. Emmett and Seth sat in barstools at the breakfast bar. Seth's Eagle feather was tied into his hair and hung down on the right side of his head. He sat close to Emmett and kept his hand on Emmett's bare back.

"Hi, Dad," Garrett answered.

"Garrett, you said there's an emergency? Are you and Seth alright?" George asked.

"We're fine," Garrett answered.

"Justin and Stephanie? Melinda and the baby?" George pressed.

"We're all fine, Dad," Garrett assured.

"What is it?" George enquired.

"Nasir was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement yesterday," Garrett revealed.

"What did he do?" George asked.

"He didn't do anything," Garrett furrowed his brow. He was taken aback by his father's question.

"He had to have done something," George reasoned. "He has a green card. He showed it to me. People with green cards don't get picked up by ICE unless they've done something. Unless, does he still work for the company that sponsored it? Did they withdraw their sponsorship for some reason?"

"No, Dad. Nasir still works there and he hasn't done anything. The worst thing he has ever done is speed on the freeway," Garrett stated.

"Something is very strange then," George assessed. "Did he have his asylum hearing yet?"

"Last wednesday, and it went exactly as you said it would," Garrett informed. "His asylum was denied."

"Did the Immigration Judge issue an Order for Removal?" George asked.

"Yes," Garrett confirmed. "Do you think that's what triggered this?"

"Judge Jameson's Order for Withholding of Removal would have expired as soon as his case came up," George talked it through. "I don't know why an Order for Removal would be issued for someone with a green card. That's what I don't like about these Immigration Courts. They very much favor the government and aren't really interested in justice at all."

"What do we do, Dad? Should we pursue this here?" Garrett asked.

"Where else would you pursue it?" George didn't understand the question.

"Nasir was taken into custody in New York," Garrett revealed.

"He was? That's odd," George thought for a moment. "And you say he hasn't done anything? No arrests or prosecutions for any kind of felony?"

"Absolutely not," Garrett assured.

"Garrett, can he help?" Emmett was desperate and could not contain himself. He made fists on his granite bar top to keep himself from reaching out and grabbing Garrett. Garrett stepped around the end of the bar to put a reassuring hand on Emmett's back as well.

"Garrett, I'm going to ask what is a potentially very sensitive question," George prefaced. "ICE is a part of USCIS, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. Does anyone in Homeland Security have any reason at all to even suspect that Nasir has any kind of ties to a terrorist organization?"

"No one has ever even suggested such a thing to my knowledge," Garrett stated. "The government's entire case for denying asylum revolved around the fact that Nasir doesn't look gay, whatever that's even supposed to mean."

"And his asylum was denied on those grounds?" George could hardly imagine it.

"The Immigration Judge said that the case was all about Nasir's behavior and that he should hide who he is," Garrett relayed.

"I did tell you that justice is not served in those so-called courts," George gave a sigh. "And that's just such an obvious misapplication of the law. Dick isn't going to like that. Please tell me you filed an appeal."

"That very day," Garrett confirmed.

"Good. I'll give Dick a call," George stated. "I'll call a colleague in the Second Circuit too. See if he can make some inquiries there. We have two issues here. The asylum case, which is progressing exactly as we knew it would, and this detention business in New York. There's something fishy there. It would be easier if New York were in my Circuit, but it's not."

"New York is so close, I thought it would be," Garrett confessed. "Oh, and congratulations, Dad."

"Congratulations, Dad!" Seth called.

"You guys heard, huh?" George chuckled. "Thank you. Really, I just got lucky. Bud hit retirement age and everyone else more senior than me is over sixty five, and therefore ineligible. It's more work, but I'm looking forward to it. And I get the big corner office down the hall. We're moving this afternoon, actually. Oh, say now, I don't know if I'll have a different number or not."

"Will you have your cell on you, Dad, just in case, so we can keep in touch?" Garrett asked.

"Good idea. Let me turn the damn thing on. I'll keep it in my pocket," George promised.

"Thank you, Dad," Garrett expressed.

"No problem. I'd like to get to the bottom of this myself. I'll make some calls and get back to you," George assured. "Give our little son a hug from us."

"I will," Garrett smiled.

"We love you both," George added.

"Love you too, Dad. Bye," Garrett ended the call.

"What did he say?!" Emmett lifted out of his barstool with his anxiety.

"He is going to call Judge Jameson and another Judge in New York to, as he says, 'get to the bottom of this,'" Garrett relayed.

"Get to the bottom of what?" Emmett furrowed his brow.

"He says it's highly irregular for someone to be placed in detention without an arrest or conviction for a felony," Garrett informed.

"Nasi hasn't done anything!" Emmett protested.

"I have assured my father of that," Garrett stressed.

"We heard you, Honey," Seth spoke up.

"Can we call our attorney yet?" Emmett moaned.

"Almost, Emmy," Seth rubbed Emmett's arm. "Just a few more minutes."

---

Nasir had been shaken by his brother's visit. His brother had always been able to get to him and today was no exception. He walked along behind his escort officer and contemplated what he should do. Kasim had inadvertently given him a possible course of action. If he assaulted someone, he would face charges and that would take time. He resolved that if it looked like he had no other hope, he would walk up to Marshal and punch him in the face. He would, without question, be beaten to a pulp, but better here than there, better that than face being taken into the desert.

"Morales, come in," a call came over Nasir's escort guard's shoulder radio before they had even cleared the first barred gate.

"Go ahead, Sarge," Morales answered.

"You got Qasimi, right?" the Duty Sergeant asked.

"Yeah, just takin' him back," Morales informed.

"His attorney is here now. Same room," the Sergeant instructed. Nasir's spirits were suddenly lifted. He had no attorney here in New York. He had called out to Vlad to call Duane. Who else could it be?

"Ten four," Morales spoke into his shoulder mic. "C'mon back," he turned around and Nasir eagerly followed. They hadn't gotten more than fifty feet down the corridor, but it seemed to take forever to get back. The guard finally opened the door and Nasir stepped inside.

"Nasir!" Duane stood on the other side of the table.

"Duane!" Nasir rushed for his neighbor as his neighbor rushed for him, and they caught each other in their arms.

"Nasir, fuck, man. What the hell are you doin' in here?!" Duane asked as he held Nasir.

"I do not know. I am so relieved to see you, Duane," Nasir felt like he was finally in safe hands and could let his guard down. He closed his eyes as his tears spilled.

"Have you talked to Emmett?" Duane asked. "He's goin' out of his tree, man."

"No," Nasir pulled back to look at Duane. "I do not have my cell. They have taken everything!"

"You should be able to buy a calling card," Duane suggested. "Or you can call him collect. I think you can call a cell phone collect."

"I do not know his number! I do not have it memorized," Nasir gripped Duane's arms. "And they have taken all my money as well!"

"Shit, the money's easy, but I wish I thought to write Emmett's number down. Can't bring in anything electronic. I had to leave my cell with your friend Edward," Duane informed.

"Edward is here?! Why did he not come in with you?" Nasir would be even more thrilled and relieved to see Edward.

"It's not visiting hours," Duane explained. "He's waiting right outside till it is though."

---

"Argh! What is he doing?" Emmett could not contain himself. He paced as each eternal second ticked by while they waited for their attorney to call back. "Why doesn't he call?!"

"He will, Emmy," Seth tried to soothe, still in his barstool. They all turned as Emmett's cell rang.

"Is that him?" Emmett all but jumped to the bar where his phone sat.

"It's Edward," Seth saw Edward's face on the screen and handed the cell to Emmett.

"Eddie, are you there?! Have you seen him?!" Emmett was frantic.

"I'm at the jail, yeah. I'm currently sitting out in the waiting room, twiddling my thumbs," Edward informed.

"Won't they let you see him? Is he okay?" Emmett demanded.

"I missed morning visiting hours so now I have to wait until one. That's not too long at this point. Your friend Duane is in with him now," Edward revealed.

"And is he okay?" Emmett repeated his biggest worry.

"Far as I know," Edward had heard nothing to the contrary. "I don't really have much to tell you except that we're here. I thought you would want to know that much."

"Yes. Thank you so much, Eddie," Emmett slid into the barstool beside Seth.

"Oh, here he comes," Edward rose as Duane walked toward him across the waiting room with a legal pad and pen in his hand. "I'm talking to Emmett. What's going on?"

"Nasir needs some cash on his account to get some phone cards and the like," Duane began.

"That's easy. What else you need me to do?" Edward was quick.

"We need to write down everyone's numbers for him," Duane held out the legal pad.

"Em," Edward spoke into the phone as he took the pad and pen, and sat back down, "I need your numbers."

"Seth, give me your phone," Emmett held out his hand. He read his numbers and Garrett's out to Edward, and Garrett called out Seth's.

"Perfect," Edward handed the pad back to Duane.

"Let me talk to him right quick, Bubba," Duane bid. "Hey, Emmett. Ima gonna get back in to him now, but I just wanted y'all to know that he's fine."

"Oh my God, Duane," Emmett put his face in his free hand and leaned his elbow on the bar. "Thank God. Thank God. Thank you!"

"You betcha. Here's Edward," Duane handed the phone back and strode away to go back through security and get another pat down.

"That's good news," Edward was relieved as well. He rose and headed for the cashier and property cage. "And I'm going to put some cash on Nasir's account so he can get phone cards to call us."

"Oh, Eddie, I'll pay you back every cent!" Emmett exclaimed.

"Em, don't be ridiculous," Edward chastised as walked up to the barred window. "Hi, I need to place some money on a detainee's account, please," he smiled to the deputy behind the bars.

"The first thing you need to do is hang up that phone," the humorless deputy instructed.

"Sure," Edward smiled at her like she was a dear old friend. "I need to hang up right now, Em. I'll call you back."

"Okay, Eddie. Thanks for everything," Emmett expressed.

"Happy to do it," Edward ended the call.

"Fill this out," the deputy shoved a thankfully very short form under the bars.

"Sure thing," Edward used the pen chained to the small ledge of a counter. "How much money can I put in his account?"

"The maximum is five hundred dollars," she informed.

Edward wrote down Nasir's name and alien number, his own name and address in Covington, as that was the only one he could remember off the top of his head, and took five crisp hundred dollar bills out of his wallet. He signed the form and slid it with the money back under the bars.

"Wait for your receipt," the deputy typed on her keyboard. She tested each bill with a marking pen and slid them into a slot in her drawer. The computer printed a full page receipt and she slid it out to Edward without a further word.

"Thank you. Have a nice day," Edward smiled, folded up the paper to slip it into his jacket pocket, and walked away.

---

Duane was admitted back into the small conference room where Nasir waited, legal pad in hand. "Okay, here we go," he said as he was shut in with his client. "I am assured you are allowed to keep legal papers and the like, so this should be no problem."

"Duane, thank you!" Nasir took the page Duane ripped from the pad.

"I just talked to Emmett right quick too," Duane sat down on his side of the table. "Edward is on the phone with him now."

"How is he?!" Nasir was clearly worried about his husband.

"Worried about you!" Duane informed.

"Allah," Nasir made a fist on the table. "I hate that he has to endure more pain because of me," he shook his head.

"He loves you, man," Duane well knew he spoke the truth. He had seen it for himself.

"Duane, I do not want you to share this with Emmett or anyone else, but my brother came to see me this morning," Nasir revealed. "Very shortly before you arrived."

"Oh, yeah? That's nice. I didn't know you had family here," Duane smiled.

"I do not. And it is very much not nice," Nasir corrected. "My brother is a monster and I am sure he means to kill me just as soon as he gets me back to Sharjah. He came with an old family friend who is an official at the Emirati Consulate."

"Oh," Duane got it.

"Can you do something to prevent Consulate visits? I do not wish to see them ever again," Nasir shook his head. "And they said they would file something with the Immigration Court here to cancel my appeal and say that I wish to leave voluntarily. Can you prevent that? Can you file something that allows only you to file something for me?"

"I don't know if I can do anything to prevent Consular visits, which speaks to my next point," Duane began. "I'm happy to stay right by your side through this whole process and I'll do whatever I can, but you don't want me to represent you. Immigration Law is not my field at all. I spoke to Gary Grayling this morning."

"You did!" Nasir raised his eyebrows. "What did he say?"

"He asked me if I could handle this and I told him no. I told him I would find someone who could and he told me he would do it," Duane relayed. "So whoever that is, needs to take the lead. And I wouldn't worry too much about what your brother said. No one who does not represent you can file something on your behalf."

"They will say that they do!" Nasir was still afraid.

This only made Duane laugh. "Then I hope they enjoyed practicing law in New York. Any attorney who says they represent someone when they don't, and especially if they file false papers with a court, a federal court no less, is gonna find themselves expelled from the bar double quick."

"Oh. Oh, I see. That makes me feel a little better," Nasir nodded.

---

"Shall I run out and grab some lox and bagels?" Garrett offered from where he still stood in Emmett's kitchen.

"You'll have to put a shirt on to do that," Seth thought out loud. "I suppose that's okay if you take it off again when you get back."

"Anything for you, Sweetness," Garrett smiled. He walked around and gave his husband a loving kiss on his lips. Garrett turned to Emmett and reached up to take hold of the back of Emmett's head. He held their foreheads together for a long moment and then gave Emmett a kiss on his lips as well.

"Thanks, Garrett," Emmett expressed.

"It's nothing at all," Garrett assured as he picked up his keys and headed for the door. He stopped in his tracks when Emmett's cell rang.

"It's a local number," Emmett didn't recognize it. "Hello, this is Emmett."

"Emmett McCarty?" a female voice asked.

"Yes," Emmett confirmed.

"Please hold for Aro Volturi," she instructed.

"It's him!" Emmett announced. It took only a moment for Aro to come on the line.

"Good morning, Emmett," the voice was unmistakable.

"Mr. Volturi, I'm so glad to talk to you!" Emmett grabbed Seth's hand.

"Judge Jameson's judicial secretary just called to inform that the judge has granted an Emergency Hearing, that I didn't even need to go to the trouble of asking for, in his courtroom tomorrow morning at ten," Aro revealed.

"Tomorrow! Can't it be today?" Emmett did not want his husband to languish in a terrible and dangerous place for one more minute, much less another night.

"I suppose I could push for that, but the very worst thing we could do for our case is to annoy the judge when he is doing us a favor in the first place," Aro advised.

"Okay, I see that. That makes sense. Okay," Emmett agreed.

"And we do need a little time to prepare," Aro added. "Shall we convene this afternoon? Perhaps a late lunch at the club," he suggested. "We are moving the office and both are in such disarray at the moment. Shall we say two?"

"Two o'clock at Rainier. We'll be there. Thank you!" Emmett expressed. Aro ended the call and Emmett put his phone down.

"Are we meeting on the mountain?" Seth was dry.

"No, the club," Emmett knew what was coming.

"Yuk," Seth commented.

"I will have to put on a shirt for that I'm afraid," Garrett gave a regretful smile.

"You can make it up to me by taking those sweatpants off too when you get back with the bagels," Seth bargained.

"Deal," Garrett headed for the door.

---

Like any general visitor, Edward was able to take nothing with him. He left his cell with Duane, went through the metal detector and was patted down by a male officer. It was the general public pat down as opposed to the inmate pat down. The officer avoided Edward's crotch, but not by much. He and all the other visitors were escorted into an enormous room with incredibly ugly orange vinyl benches, sofas and huge, round, ottomans.

"Okay, visitors, listen up," the Sheriff's Deputy in charge of visitation stood in the wide doorway. "First of all, find a place to sit down and stay there. You don't walk around. The detainee doesn't walk around. This is a contact visit. That means you may hug and kiss the person you are visiting once, when they come in, and once again when you leave. That's it. Friendly. No making out. Any inappropriate contact and your visit is over. Those of you with children may pass your children to the detainee to hold once, and only once. That's it. They go back to you, they stay with you. Children must remain with their adults at all times. Children run around, your visit is over. This session is from one until four. You may stay as long as you like until four, but you stay in this room. You leave this room, your visit is over. There are bathrooms down there at the other end of the room. Nobody goes into the bathroom together. You may not pass anything to the detainee. Anything you brought for the detainee must be submitted through the property officer. If you do attempt to pass anything to a detainee, you are breaking the law and you will be prosecuted. Has any of this been in any way unclear?" he paused to see if there were any questions from anyone. "Okay, detainees will be in shortly," he advised and walked out.

It took less than a minute for the men in their jail clothes to come flooding into the room. Parents, brothers, girlfriends, wives and children all welcomed their men. Nasir was among them and his face lit up as soon as he saw Edward.

"Hey!" Edward stood up.

"Edward!" Nasir grabbed him in a tight hug. "You have no idea how good you feel to me right now."

"You too, Buddy," Edward rubbed Nasir's back. "Let's sit down before they bitch," he suggested. They sat down on the hideous vinyl bench Edward had claimed for them.

"Thank you so much for coming to see me," Nasir expressed.

"Please, of course. Em would be here right now himself if he weren't on the other side of the country," Edward stated.

"Is he very upset?" Nasir was concerned.

"Afraid for you. We all are," Edward wanted so to be able to at least touch Nasir's arm or hand.

"Please tell him how sorry I am that I have brought more heartache upon him," Nasir bid.

"Don't think like that," Edward urged. "None of this bullshit is your fault. No one holds you to blame. We can't figure out why you're even in here at all. Your company is supposed to be getting someone good on it here, and Em and Seth and Garrett are getting your attorney on it back home. You've got a lot of people pulling for you. We'll figure it out."

"Thank you so much, Edward. Thank all of them for me," Nasir expressed.

"I put money on your jail account so you can get some calling cards and whatever else you might need in here," Edward informed. "And if there's anything that you need that you can't get in here, just let me know."

"I will be able to call Emmett!" Nasir was elated. "Edward, thank you so much!"

"Yeah, please call him as soon as you can. I won't stay long so you can go do that. It'll really help him to be able to hear your voice," Edward informed.

"Oh, for me doubly so!" Nasir nodded firmly.

"How is it in here?" Edward asked.

"Edward, I have never been so out of my element," Nasir confessed. "It is very difficult to know who you can trust! A group of men offered me something to eat when I arrived in here last night, which I thought was very kind of them, until it was pointed out to me that they wanted head in the shower in exchange."

"Ho! Not good," Edward evaluated.

"I know. And they seemed so nice," Nasir conveyed.

"They're probably straight and so desperate for anything that they'll butter up the new gay guy. I guess for them head from a guy is better than no head at all," Edward surmised.

"I am not sure that they know I am gay," Nasir considered. "I think any new man is a target. It was the Muslim men that warned me. I do not think they would have accepted me as one of them so readily if they knew. And I am not about to ask."

"Is that why you're wearing that," Edward pointed, "knitted, thing?"

"Oh, my kufi," Nasir took it off. "Yes. There is the kindest older Muslim man in here. I do not know why he is in here. He is from an African country, but I have not asked him which one. He gave it to me."

"Is he watching out for you?" Edward asked.

"He is," Nasir nodded. "And I must pray with them. I have not performed the pre dawn Fajr since the day Emmett and I went to see Dimah," he took a deep breath and looked away. "Now this."

"Nasir, don't blame yourself for this," Edward was firm. "That's bullshit and doesn't help anything. Em would go through anything, do anything, for you. You do know that, right? If you for even one second doubt that, then I'm the one you need to worry about beating the crap out of you!"

"Edward," Nasir took Edward's hand for a brief moment, "you are as dear to me as Garrett. Emmett is my life too and I would die for him. It is because I love him so much that it bothers me deeply to know that he hurts because of me."

"Okay, I get that," Edward nodded. "I guess I don't have to beat some sense into you after all," he gave his trademark Cullen grin.

---

She was dressed for court in a smart pinstriped gray skirt suit. Her long, straight strawberry blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders. She was tall and wore high heels, and her walk conveyed that she meant business. She strode determinedly up to the officers at the front desk.

"Gillian Moss," she introduced herself. "Here to see my client, Nasir al Qasimi, an ICE detainee. Here's my G-28," Gillian presented her driver's license and New York State Bar Card along with the same form Duane had been forced to fill out.

Duane deliberately had chosen a seat near the front desk in the vast waiting room to be able to overhear if exactly this happened.

"Excuse me, Miss Moss?" Duane approached respectfully. "We haven't met before," he read her face and offered his hand. "Duane Seiler, Cosgrove, Wilhite and Messenger."

"Gillian Moss, Sable and Associates," she shook his hand.

"I've already been in to see Nasir and he's visiting with a friend right now," Duane outlined. "I've also been in touch with his attorney in Seattle. I wonder if we could take a few minutes to chat while Nasir is with his friend."

"Let's do that," Gillian picked up her license and bar card. "File the form, please," she left it and followed Duane to seats out of earshot.

Outside the main entrance, the Maybach 62 no longer blocked the sidewalk. It was parked in a far corner of the lot facing the building. The driver's side rear door was open and Kasim stood in it, resting his arms on the top of the door. The Vice-Consul sat comfortably in the backseat on the passenger side.

The air was cool, but the sun was warming. Kasim just stood in the door with one foot on the sill of the car and watched the building. He pulled his cell out of his pocket when it rang.

"Yes?" Kasim sounded as bored as he was.

"Kasim?" a wary voice asked.

"You said you could have him moved!" Kasim berated. "What are you doing?! I am standing here watching and nothing has happened! You said you would transfer him to Houston or someplace!"

"One of Judge Pooler's law clerks called over here and started asking questions about this case," the man informed. "Questions that aren't easy to answer. Judge Pooler is a Federal Circuit Judge! I'm out. You're on your own."

"I paid you handsomely, you son of a goat! I will tell everyone that you have taken a bribe!" Kasim threatened.

"It's an equal crime to pay a bribe, you jackass. Perhaps we'll get to share a cell," the man pointed out.

"You are out when I say you are out!" Kasim barked.

"Go fuck yourself," the man bid and ended the call.

"Fuck!" Kasim swore and threw his phone into the car.

"Kasim, get in the car. We are leaving," Omar instructed in Arabic.

Edward Cullen walked out of the Sheriff's Department main entrance for some fresh air. His visit with Nasir concluded when a deputy came to inform Nasir that he had another private meeting with his attorneys. Edward was happy to wait while Nasir met with Duane and whoever the legal expert on immigration law was.

He noticed that the big Maybach he and Duane had to walk around when they arrived was gone from the front entrance, but did recognize it across the lot. And he recognized the man standing in the open rear door as one of the Arabs that were leaving when he and Duane first got here. And he wondered what they were doing openly watching from across the parking lot. Edward did not hesitate as he set off in the direction of the big, parked car.

Kasim was about to get into the car as he was commanded, but paused when he saw the white man striding toward them. It was the man he had seen with the attorney who asked to see his brother.

"What are you doing? Get in the car," Omar directed again.

"Who is this?" Kasim gestured to the man they could all see coming straight toward them.

"I do not care who that is. Get in this car or I will leave you here. Drive!" Omar commanded.

Edward saw the Arab look into the car and gesture toward him. He had also noticed the defiant look on the man's face. This man looked enough like Nasir and Nasir's description of his brother, that Edward was all but certain. If this was Nasir's brother, and Kasim was somehow behind this, he would save Emmett the trouble and break the man's nose again himself.

And then the man who had appeared not only ready, but desirous of a confrontation, a confrontation Edward was all too ready to give him, just got into the car and closed his door.

"Hey!" Edward shouted, but the big car's engine roared as it took off at speed. He stood in the parking lot and watched the Maybach drive away. If that was Nasir's brother, what was he doing here? Did he see his brother? And if he did, why hadn't Nasir said anything? There was more going on here than met the eye and Edward resolved to ask Nasir about it the very next chance he got.

---

Garrett had been instructed to remove his sweatpants along with his sweatshirt when he returned with bagels, cream cheese, lox and egg salad. He was expecting it and readily complied. His husband occasionally fondled him while they stood around and ate in Emmett's kitchen. Over two hours later he was still naked while Emmett wore shorts and Seth still wore his hooded, woolen pullover and spandex shorts. Garrett reclined on Emmett's sofa while Seth sat between his legs and held his balls. Emmett paced back and forth behind the sofa.

"I know this waiting isn't easy, Emmy," Seth commiserated.

"It's killing me!" Emmett exclaimed. "I want to meet with our attorney, but I feel like I should have been on a plane by now. I need to get to him. I need to punch something and I need to scream in somebody's face!" he made fists.

"We'll know more and we can make a plan when we meet with our uber creepy attorney," Seth assured.

"Yeah," Emmett nodded, though it gave little comfort and he continued to pace.

"Speaking of," Garrett picked up his cell from the coffee table to check the time. "Perhaps we should think about getting in the shower?"

"I don't wanna leave Emmy, Honey," Seth stated.

"Shall I run up and leave you boys to get ready?" Garrett offered.

Emmett stopped his pacing and just stood over them behind the sofa. "Can we all just shower and get ready together?"

"Oh, I guess I don't know why not," Garrett considered. "Can we all shower at the same time? I think we might fit."

"We'll make it work," Emmett decided. "C'mon," he headed for his bedroom.

Garrett smiled at his husband who made no move to follow. "You're going to have to let go of my balls."

"I don't wanna," Seth was playfully contrary.

"What will they say at the club when I arrive with no pants and you clutching my balls?" Garrett mused.

"Huh. That stuffy place should be so lucky," Seth let go of his husband and rose which gave Garrett the opportunity to do the same. Seth took Garrett's hand and led him into the bedroom and master bath behind Emmett.

Emmett had shed his shorts and turned on the water in the shower. Seth carefully removed his feather from his hair and set it on the vanity. He then lifted his pullover up, over his head and dropped it on the floor.

"Oh, do, please, allow me," Garrett fell to his knees before his husband and took hold of the waistband of Seth's lycra shorts. He slowly peeled the skin tight garment down Seth's body and licked his lips as his King was exposed inch by glorious inch. Garrett was more than half way to Seth's knees before the magnificent sleeping python was fully freed. Seth smiled and ran his fingers through Garrett's hair as Garrett stripped him.

"I am finding it really very difficult to behave right at this moment," Garrett confessed as he cradled the substantial cock in his palm.

"How do you think I feel while you've been naked the last two and half hours?" Seth posed. "I'm desperate to feel your dick down my throat," both his cock and Garrett's gave a twitch at his words, "but we need to be here for Emmy right now."

"Yes," Garrett let go of his husband's meat and stood up. He put his hands on Seth's shoulders. "You're right and I agree."

Emmett had stepped into the shower and gotten himself wet. He moved out of the water as Seth and Garrett joined him. Emmett washed himself and Seth and Garrett did the same, lest soapy hands and fingers be tempted to go further. Emmett was finished first naturally, as he had far less hair to wash. He fetched towels for Seth and Garrett and had them ready by the time they needed them.

"I'm gonna use your blow dryer, Emmy," Seth opened the doors beneath Nasir's sink.

"Go ahead. You guys are the only reason we even have one," Emmett stated.

"I'm going to run upstairs to do the same. Otherwise my hair will never be dry in time," Garrett continued to dry himself. "I'll get dressed as well. What would you like me to bring down for you, Sweetness?"

"My red leather vest and whichever leather pants you'd like me to wear," Seth unwound the hair dryer's cord.

"What would you like me to bring down for you, that they will let you wear into the club?" Garrett revised.

"Boring," Seth complained. "Whatever you think, Honey. A tux shirt, I don't care what color, and my bolo tie."

Garrett moved forward to give his husband a kiss on his temple, and then turned to Emmett. "You too. Come here," he reached for Emmett. Emmett leaned down for Garrett to kiss his temple as well. Emmett would not be able to get through this at all if not for the love and support from Seth and Garrett, but in some ways, it only made him feel worse.

Garrett walked out to the living room where his clothes had been shed. He stepped into his sweatpants and pulled on his sweatshirt as he headed for the door.

"Sweetie, wait a second," Emmett bid as Seth plugged in the hair dryer. "Come out here for a second."

Seth said nothing, but followed Emmett out into his bedroom. Emmett sat on his bed and opened his arms. Seth knew what his best friend needed and did not hesitate to step into his arms. Emmett wrapped his arms around the small of Seth's back and pressed the side of his face into Seth's stomach. Both men were naked, but neither cared. Seth's ample cock and balls pressed into the valley between Emmett's pecs, but he paid it no mind. He needed Seth's strength. And Seth knew it.

"I don't know what I would do without you, Seth," Emmett held the smaller man tightly.

"You have me, Emmy," Seth soothed. He held Emmett's head and rubbed his broad back. "I'm right here. You have both of us."

"That's what makes me feel so shitty. I have both of you and I really need both of you, and Nasi has nobody. He's all alone," Emmett lamented.

"He has Edward. Edward is there," Seth pointed out.

"Not like this," Emmett countered.

"It would be better if Edward got naked and let Nasir hold him?" Seth posed.

"You know what I mean. He can visit Nasi, but he can't be with him," Emmett complained. "Not really. You've been with me all day."

"I know what you mean," Seth agreed.

"You've held my hand all day. You even showered with me," Emmett noted. "Again."

"He might well have someone to shower with, but that's probably not a good thing," Seth surmised.

"Seth!" Emmett looked up at Seth with horror filled eyes.

"I'm sorry, Emmy," Seth pulled Emmett's head back against him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put that image in your mind. Edward is there and two attorneys are there too. Not to mention his company attorney overseeing things. We're meeting with our attorney here in less than an hour. Nasir has all of us. We're all pulling for him and working to free him. We all love him and we all love you. Gar called Dad. I'll keep wearing my feather."

"Thank you. Thank you," Emmett clutched the smaller man. "I believe in you. I've seen what you can do. And I would be lost without you."

"I'm right here with you, Emmy," Seth assured.

And then the phone rang. But it was not any of the cell phones.

"Are we expecting someone?" Seth stepped back from Emmett. Emmett rose and headed toward the kitchen. There was only one phone plugged into the landline in the condo and that only rang when it was the intercom from the front door of the building. It was not unheard of for someone to call the wrong name.

"Hello?"

"You have a collect call from an inmate at the Orange County Jail...," the computer intoned.

"Yes! Yes!" Emmett shouted into his phone.

"Emmy, what is it?" Seth was alarmed. He had followed Emmett to the kitchen and put a hand on Emmett's side.

"It's Nasi!" Emmett grabbed Seth and pulled him close.

"Habibi?" Nasir came on the line.

"Nasi! Nasi, oh my God! Are you okay, Baby?!" Emmett had a hard time remaining standing and was sure were it not for Seth, he would not have.

"I am fine, my Emmett," Nasir assured. "Please do not be worried."

"I have been! So worried!" Emmett expressed. "It's so good to hear your voice!"

"Yours too," Nasir agreed. "You have no idea."

"I'm sure I do," Emmett stressed. "How did this happen, Nasi? What did happen?"

"Immigration was waiting for me when I got home from work," Nasir conveyed. "They handcuffed me right at our door."

"Jesus, they handcuffed you?! Emmett exclaimed. "Like you're some kind of dangerous criminal?"

"And they took me way downtown," Nasir conveyed. "I was interviewed forever, twice, once there and once again here at the jail."

"But are you okay? What's it like in there? Has anyone tried to hurt you?" Emmett's anxiety poured out into the phone.

"Not so far as yet," Nasir was cautious. "Though I have not yet managed to muster enough courage to take a shower."

"Oh my God," Emmett was terrified for his husband.

"Edward came to see me," Nasir continued.

"We called him this morning," Emmett informed.

"Yes, he told me. I also saw Duane and another attorney that the company hired," Nasir stated. "I think they have been in touch with Mr. Volturi."

"Yeah? We're actually going to meet him right now. Garrett's dad pulled some strings and we have an emergency hearing tomorrow morning," Emmett informed.

"Allah, that is good news!" Nasir was relieved to hear it. "Please get me out of here."

"We're trying, Nasi. I'll do anything! I should be on a plane right now!" Emmett expressed.

"To do what? Sit across a bench from me for a couple of hours while I am not taking a shower?" Nasir posed. "No. I do not want you to see me like this. It is bad enough that Edward had to see me in here. Stay there where you have Sethy and Garrett."

"Do you think I care what you smell like?!" Emmett was beside himself. "Seeing you for a couple of hours, no matter what you smell like, is better than nothing!"

"I did not mean to upset you," Nasir was apologetic.

"You didn't upset me. This whole fucking thing upsets me. I don't want you in a place like that!" Emmett gestured and just as quickly grabbed Seth again.

"I do not want to be here. Believe me," Nasir was sincere.

"You have thirty seconds remaining," the computerized voice interrupted.

"What the fuck was that?!" Emmett exclaimed.

"The calls here have a time limit," Nasir informed. "I did not think it was up already."

"Call me back, Nasi!" Emmett urged. "Call me right back!"

"We have to go," Seth gently reminded from where Emmett still held him to his ribs.

"Oh, crap. We have to go meet our attorney now. Okay, we'll do that," Emmett calmed himself. "Try to call again in a few hours, okay? I love you so much, Nasi."

"Ana b'hebbak, il habibi zawji," Nasir expressed in Arabic that he knew Emmett understood.

"Yeah, ana b'hebbak, Nasi," Emmett wasn't entirely sure if his husband heard him as the line went dead. "Fuck," he hung up the phone. "Jesus fucking Christ, Seth, we have to get him out of there!"

"I know. I know, Emmy," Seth looked up at his distraught best friend. "We're gonna go work on that right now, but we need to put clothes on and I need to dry my hair."

"Oh," Emmett remembered that they were both still naked. "Oh, yeah. Sorry, go ahead," he let go of Seth.

---

"Three for lunch, gentlemen?" the smiling hostess at the Heritage Room on the third floor of the Rainier Club greeted them. Emmett, Garrett and Seth were all dressed in snug jeans, Seth's especially so, and dress shirts. Garrett also wore a suit jacket and Seth wore his sacred pipestone bolo tie. Seth's eagle feather was also tied into his hair and hung down from the right side of his head.

"We're meeting another member," Garrett did the talking. "Aro Volturi."

"Oh, yes. Mr. Volturi is expecting you. Right this way," she smiled and set off across the dining room. On the far side of the opulent Heritage Room were several smaller rooms with curtained French doors leading into them for privacy. Aro was ensconced in one of these in a great throne of a chair. His back was to the wall on the far side of a large round table set for eight. Jane was seated at his right hand and they immediately saw the need for the private room. Jane's laptop was open on the table before her. She was dressed in a formal, dark skirt suit. Her boss, of course, was dressed entirely in black, save his ever present gold medallion with the elaborate V company crest.

"Ah, gentlemen," Aro greeted.

"Mr. Volturi, thank you so much for seeing us," Emmett expressed. He, Seth and Garrett took seats across the table.

"Of course," Aro smiled. "I continue to be impressed by how well connected one of you is."

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," the waiter appeared with menus. "Oh, hey, welcome back," Chuck recognized them. "What may I bring you to drink?"

"Iced tea, with a lemon, please," Emmett ordered.

"Diet whatever with a lemon," Seth sat in the middle.

"Same," Garrett finished.

"Mr. Volturi?" Chuck looked to the hosting member. Aro just smiled and gave the slightest gesture with his hand.

"Be right back," Chuck headed out.

"So," Aro put his hands flat on the table. "Nasir is in Immigration detention."

"You talked to the New York attorneys then," Emmett concluded.

"I have," Aro confirmed. "I must caution you. The very last thing we want to do is give the government more ammunition. What I don't know is why he is in custody. No one seems to know that."

"Immigration just picked him up," Emmett spread his hands.

"Immigration and Customs Enforcement doesn't just pick people up," Aro stated. "There must be a reason. What is that reason," he raised a finger, "is the question."

"We don't know. We were hoping you could tell us," Emmett gestured.

"Jane," Aro bid. She said nothing, but began to type on her laptop.

"It is very important that you do not keep things from me," Aro lectured. "I must know everything if I am to represent Nasir properly."

"We're not keeping anything from you, Sir," Emmett was sincere.

"Someone is keeping something from me," Aro concluded. "And I will collect every facet of the truth. Of that, you may be certain. ICE does not detain a person with a green card unless a crime has been committed. Or perhaps there is some suggestion or suspicion of a terrorist link?"

"You're just saying that because he's an Arab!" Emmett grew heated. "Not all Arabs are terrorists!"

"Mr. Volturi is here to help, Emmett," Garrett tried to calm. Seth sat between them and put a hand on Emmett's thigh.

"I say that because that is what the government would say," Aro clarified. "They have taken him into custody for some reason. Has anyone talked to him?"

"I did, just before we came over here actually," Emmett informed.

"And what did he say was the reason?" Aro asked.

"I was more focused on his safety, Sir. He's in a New York jail," Emmett stated.

"Your concern is perfectly understandable," Aro gave a nod.

"There's nothing here but the Immigration Judge's Order for Removal," Jane spoke for the first time.

"Go outside and call this number," Aro produced his cell from his suit jacket pocket. He took a moment to call up the right contact. "Tell him you are calling for me. He will give us the truth."

"Yes, Sir," Jane took her boss' phone and rose. "Please excuse me," she offered and walked out.

"Here we are, guys," Chuck returned with beverages. "Have we had a chance to look at the menu?"

"Not yet," Emmett answered.

"Let us take a moment to do so," Aro gestured with a smile.

"I'll give you a few more minutes," Chuck offered.

"Thank you, Chucky," Seth acknowledged. He could not help but notice as he picked up his menu, that Aro did not take his own advice. Seth also noticed that Aro did not have a place setting. There was no bread plate and no flatware. He only had a crystal goblet of red wine from which he had not taken a single sip.

"I think I'll do the brisket sandwich today," Emmett set his menu down.

"Is the salmon ceasar good?" Seth asked.

"Very," Garrett confirmed. "I'll have that too."

"What kind of shit food is Nasi eating?" Emmett shook his head.

"You may be sure it is not barbequed beef brisket," Aro stated.

"Exactly my point," Emmett gestured.

Jane returned and Chuck followed her in.

"Everyone ready to order?" Chuck asked. "Mr. Volturi?"

"I've already dined," Aro smiled.

"Miss?" Chuck move to the next person.

"The carrot soup, please," Jane ordered. Chuck finished with the others and withdrew.

"Jane?" Aro prompted.

"He can't find any reason for it. He doesn't know why our client is being detained," Jane reported. "He said he would call the New York office and get back to us," she placed her boss' cell on the table beside him.

"How very curious," Aro commented. "At any rate, we filed our appeal with a full brief with the Circuit Court the very day Nasir's asylum was denied. The judge made grounds for appeal unbelievably easy and the government made it fairly easy for us as well. Jane had to remove counter-arguments from the brief because the Assistant US Attorney never made some of the arguments we had expected him to bring up at the hearing."

"Oh?" Seth found this point most interesting. He considered for the first time, that the Assistant US Attorney might just going through the motions.

"Indeed," Aro confirmed.

"Mr. Volturi, I'm not sure what I should be doing," Emmett sought guidance. "I feel like I should be on a plane, but I also feel like I should be here for court tomorrow."

"My advice would be to wait," Aro answered. "There won't be anything you can do in New York, or anywhere for that matter, before court tomorrow."

"Okay," Emmett nodded. "Okay."

Seth reached to take Emmett's hand. He knew how hard this all was on his best friend.