It was a sunshine-filled morning when a convoy of police cars pulled into the long driveway of Billy Gunn's house. It hadn't taken long for Cole's investigators to confirm six of the girls on the videos were underaged. While the investigation into the rest of the videos was ongoing, Cole felt they had enough to secure arrest and search warrants.
Malenko was almost positive that Cole had the warrants already written up and just waiting to get enough confirmations in order to get the appropriate signature for them.
Gunn must have seen them in his driveway because he was opening the door, a look of confusion on his face, just as Malenko and Cole stepped up to the front door.
"What is…"
Whatever Gunn was going to say was halted when Cole tucked the arrest warrant into Gunn's shirt pocket.
"William Morton Gunn, you are under arrest for multiple counts of statutory rape and possession of child pornography." Cole paused as two uniformed officers began to cuff Gunn's hands behind his back. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a Court of Law. You have the right to talk to an attorney for advice before you are questioned. You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you before questioning. If you decide to answer questions now without a lawyer present, you have the right to stop answering at any time. Do you understand these rights as I have stated?"
Malenko noted Gunn's face had lost all color when the words 'statutory rape and possession of child pornography' had been uttered. Then he saw Gunn slightly shake his head.
"I'm not answering any questions without the approval and presence of my attorney as per the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. Any questioning without the approval and presence of my attorney will be considered a violation of my Constitutional rights under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and those who committed those violations will be held legally responsible."
Cole grinned and silently wondered how long Gunn had practiced that statement. "Duly noted." He placed another warrant into Gunn's shirt pocket. "And this is a search warrant for your home. A third search warrant is being served for your office, and a fourth search warrant is being served at your gym for your private gym locker."
Malenko nodded to the arresting officers. "Take him to the station," he ordered.
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"I have an update on Shawn Spears' arrest."
Hunter waived Lashley towards a chair. "Bad news?" he asked, leaning back in his chair.
Lashley silently nodded. "My information is that Spears has agreed to cooperate with the DA's office in return for sentencing consideration. As you know, he was taken into protective custody by the U.S. Marshals and removed from this area. Since we know the DA hasn't left Davenport, it's most likely those negotiations were carried out via Skype or some other form of electronic methods."
Hunter stared out the window at the bridge crossing the Mississippi River. "How reliable is this information?" he finally asked.
"It comes from our plant within the DA's office. He was put into place well before the current DA arrived," Lashley explained.
"Anything else?"
Lashley put a file on the desk. "The same contact advised the City held a meeting with 3C where they demonstrated some advanced gear for the PD and fire department. The Mayor, DA, Chief Malenko, Chief Shamrock and CFO Robert Roode were the City's representatives for that meeting and demonstrations."
Hunter turned and reached for the folder. "3C?"
"They've historically concentrated on protective equipment," Lashley explained. "However, they've recently branched out into IT, communications, and forensics. According to the information I received, the DA and City CFO are working on the bid documents which are scheduled to go out in three months for bidding. Apparently, they were very impressed."
Hunter absently tapped the folder. "Protective equipment doesn't sound like a threat to us."
"If 3C wins the bid, it could open the door for them to provide advanced equipment and technology in the other areas. Forensics, IT, and communications which would include electronic surveillance devices."
Hunter nodded. "I'll review this information. Advise your contact in the DA's office to keep you informed. I want to see that bidding document as early as possible."
Lashley nodded. "And Spears?"
Hunter returned his eyes to the bridge. "I'll handle that."
Lashley hesitated, then spoke. "Spears probably won't be brought back before he testifies. He's well protected."
When Hunter didn't reply, Lashley quietly left the room.
Nearly thirty minutes elapsed before Hunter reached for his cell phone. He pulled up his contact list and found the number he wanted. The phone on the other end rang twice before it was answered.
"I need an Angel," Hunter spoke.
"Talk to me."
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"Mr. Cole, I'm Corey Graves. Mr. Gunn's attorney."
With a smile, Cole shook the man's hand and sat down across the table from a handcuffed Gunn. "You've been advised of the charges against your client?"
Graves nodded. "And I admit I'm astonished that so prominent a man as Mr. Gunn will be vilified by these false charges."
Cole raised both eyebrows. "Then let me explain. A confidential informant provided copies of videos showing Mr. Gunn having sex with underaged girls. A search of Mr. Gunn's home computer provided confirmation of those videos. Sex with underaged girls is statutory rape. Possession of videos showing sex with underage minors is possession of child pornography."
"And how would this alleged confidential informant have access to these alleged videos?" Graves smirked.
Cole just smiled but he noticed the look of fear in Gunn's blue eyes. 'He knows who sent the videos.'
Graves studied Cole for a few seconds. "My client has nothing to say."
Cole nodded. "I hadn't planned on asking any questions at this point, but I'm always ready to listen if Mr. Gunn has anything he wishes to say. Mr. Gunn will be incarcerated in the City Jail…away from the general population, of course. I believe his arraignment will be sometime next Tuesday." With a nod, he stood and left the room.
"That must've been short and sweet," Malenko wryly spoke as Cole closed the door behind him.
"Didn't expect much," Cole admitted. "Graves hasn't had a chance to really talk with Gunn in order to plan a strategy." He impishly grinned. "But I'm pretty sure Gunn knows who sent the videos to you." When Malenko silently waited, he continued, "I told Graves the videos had come from a confidential informant. Gunn looked scared to death. He put two and two together and got the right answer." He glanced over his shoulder at the closed interrogation room door. "Problem is, I think he's more scared of whoever that is than he is of us."
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"Stop fidgeting."
Mox sighed and forced himself to stand still.
Roman repressed a smile and finished straightening Mox's tie. "Now leave it alone."
"It's strangling me," Mox almost whined, automatically tugging on the offending item.
"You can still breathe enough to whine," Seth pointed out. He raised both hands in a defensive motion when Mox glared at him and mumbled something under his breath. "If you hate this so much, why didn't you just elope?"
"Thought about it," Mox admitted. "But then she started talking about dresses and music and flowers…"
"Remember when I got married? On the beach in Jamaica?" Roman asked. "Mom and Galina were knee-deep in travel plans, sight-seeing, getting stuff set up on the beach and all that other stuff. I was halfway convinced to take Galina to the airport and get married in Vegas."
Mox stared at his brother in silence for several seconds. "You do realize you wouldn't have gotten within miles of the airport before Galina frog-marched you back to your parents' house."
Seth laughed and ignored Roman's glare.
"What Dad told me then is that weddings are for the bride," Roman continued. "It special for them. All the flowers and music and…whatever else…is so they can shine. All this is Alexa's way of showing everyone how proud she is to be marrying you."
Seth put a hand on Mox's shoulder. "So go with the flow, okay?" When Mox nodded, he grinned. "Besides, you'd be surprised how many brownie points with Alexa this is going to earn you."
Mox nodded. "Wish they were here. Mom and…I mean your Mom and Dad."
"Yours too," Roman reminded him. "Dad would've had his chest puffed out in pride. Mom would've been straightening your tie and hugging on you. They're here and loving every minute of this."
The door opened and Pastor James stuck his head into the room. "We're ready," he smiled.
Mox straightened his shoulders. "I look okay?"
Roman nodded. "You look ready."
The first thing Mox saw when he took his place was Mitch sitting on the small table that stood next to Pastor James. He glanced back at Seth who impishly smiled.
"Of course, your nephews wanted to be a part of this," he whispered.
Roman grinned as the Little Princess began slowly walking down the aisle in her pale lavender dress. She carefully spread flower petals in front of her with one hand while the other held the small basket. Kevin's leash was loosely wrapped around her wrist, and the small dog walked decorously at her side. When she reached the front of the church, she sat in one of the front pews next to her mother. She then reached down and put Kevin on the pew next to her.
Kevin looked around then stared at Mitch for a few seconds. Mox would've sworn Mitch's leaves moved slightly causing Kevin to calm down.
Bayley was next to walk down the aisle. She wore a dark burgundy dress with an asymmetrical cut and carried a bouquet of carnations. As she passed Finn, she gave him a slow wink. The Irishman widely grinned in response.
"I think those two are the next to get married," Seth whispered.
As Matron of Honor, Nikki began walking down the aisle. Her dress was a royal blue color which came to her mid-calf. Her usual enthusiasm was carefully reigned in otherwise Seth was sure she would've run down the aisle in her excitement.
When Nikki reached the front, she raised one clenched hand to Seth and opened the hand which held two small bags. "Take the red one," she muttered. "We couldn't get them tied to Kevin's new collar." Holding her bouquet tightly with her other hand, she took her place next to Bayley.
"Hope Kevin's not mad at not being the ringbearer," Mox muttered to Seth.
"He's getting extra treats at the reception to make up for it," Seth chuckled.
The music switched to the wedding march as Alexa appeared on the arm of William Regal, and they began their slow walk down the aisle. Her tea-length wedding dress was pale pink in color and she carried a larger bouquet of carnations.
'Mine,' Mox thought as he now believed all the preparation and a strangling tie was worth it just to see her like this. Once again, Roman's dad has been right.
Galina grinned to herself as she saw the half-possessive half-besotted look on Mox's face. She caught her husband's smile to her and silently nodded. 'Roman has no idea about the conversation the two of us are going to have later.' Content to allow her husband to enjoy himself in his ignorance, she settled back in the pew.
When Alexa arrived at the front and everyone had sat back down, Pastor James cleared his throat. Both Alexa and Mox had told him to use the same type of ceremony as he'd performed for Seth and Nikki.
"Family, friends, loved ones, we come here together today in the sight of the Devine and with you as witnesses to join Alexandra and Jonathan in Holy Matrimony. We look on with love and hope as these two begin their new life together as one."
"Jonathan?" Jey gleefully muttered to Jimmy. He then winced when Naomi's long fingernails dug into his shoulder.
"As we navigate the stormy seas of life, it's ups and downs, the love, work, commitment, and sacrifice both Alexandra and Jonathan bring to this marriage is what will help them through those stormy times. On this foundation, we can build trust, intimacy, and all the beautiful things that make marriage worthwhile. Jonathan and Alexandra, are you ready to proclaim that foundation for one another in the sight of the Heavens and these witnesses?"
Mox took a deep breath. "Yes."
"Yes," Alexa echoed.
"And who gives this woman into marriage?" Pastor James smiled.
"I do…and proudly." Regal kissed the back of Alexa's hand then put it gently into Mox's hand and smiled at Mox. He then turned and walked back to sit next to Damien Sandow.
"At this time, is there anyone who objects to this marriage, let that person speak now or forever remain silent."
"I OBJECT! I DEMAND YOU STOP THIS WEDDING!"
Startled, everyone turned to look towards the back of the church. Even Kevin turned and stood on his little hind legs, moving his head around to see what was going on.
"What the…" Mox muttered.
"Mother?! What are you doing!" Alexa demanded, looking as though she was going to cry.
"Mother?" Seth looked at Roman in confusion and realized the older man was just as confused as he was.
"Madam, this is a House of God and all His children are welcome," Pastor James sternly spoke. "However, we do not raise our voice here except in His praise."
"How did you get in here?" Mox demanded, knowing Roman had put discrete security into place at the church.
Both Seth and Roman had been told by Mox that none of Alexa's family were invited to the wedding. 'Looks like she's trying to spoil the party.' Seth thought as he put a warning hand on Mox's forearm.
"I've been here for hours," Madeline Bliss proudly stated. "Hiding in that coat closet. Waiting until the time came when I could stop this foul ceremony!"
Seth heard the growl from deep in Mox's throat and glanced over his shoulder to Roman for help.
"I'm a grown woman! You can't stop this!"
"You're a stupid woman. He's only after your money. This…this…ex-convict!" Madeline dramatically pointed at Mox. "And you, Alexandra…look at you! You're not even wearing white! I'm ashamed of you!"
The Little Princess had unknowingly allowed Kevin's leash to slip from her wrist. The little dog now jumped to the floor and stared up at Mitch. Then he quickly spun around and trotted down the aisle towards Madeline.
"What is that…keep that filthy animal away from me!" Madeline demanded.
"He's not filthy!" Nikki angrily protested.
"Kevin! Come here, boy," Seth called out.
Kevin ignored Seth. Instead, he began growling and showing his sharp little teeth. He tucked his tail under his belly and crouched low to the floor. His eyes widened until the whites of his eyes could be seen. He almost belly-crawled two steps closer to Madeline and continued to aggressively growl.
Startled, Madeline back away. "I said you have to stop this wedding!"
"And your objection, Madam?" Pastor James calmly asked.
"He's…he's an ex-convict! Alexandra doesn't know what she's doing!"
"I know exactly what I'm doing! I'm marrying the man I love!" Alexa retorted.
Mox proudly smiled and gently squeezed her hand.
Almost mesmerized, Marko leaned past Jericho and watched the small dog backing this angry woman back towards the door.
"Someone get that…that animal away from me!" Another growl from Kevin brought a near-hysterical accusation. "HE'S GOING TO KILL ME!"
Jericho glanced at Black and McIntyre who were sitting two rows behind him and nodded towards Madeline.
The two men rose and came up behind her.
"Come with us," McIntyre gently smiled. "We need to get you out before the dog gets more aggressive. Someone will restrain him." He carefully took her arm and began backing her towards the door. Black had the door open and watched as McIntyre solicitously escorted Madeline from the church. Jericho, phone in hand, followed them. Black then closed the door and resumed his seat next to Zelina.
Kevin relaxed his stance, still staring at the closed door. After a few seconds, he shook his head and 'chuffed' as if to say 'And stay out'. Then he turned and began walking back up the aisle.
The twins began clapping, applause that was joined by more than a few people. The little dog looked left and right as though acknowledging the applause for his actions. By the time he reached the Little Princess in the front aisle, he was almost prancing.
"That Kevin is one bad-ass dog!" Jimmy laughed. Then he yelped when Naomi swatted him on the arm.
"Watch your mouth," Naomi warned. "You're in a church." She looked away before the twins could catch the twinkling in her dark eyes.
Kevin sat in the front pew, the Little Princess now holding tightly to his leash.
With a straight face, Pastor James looked at Kevin and said, "Thank you, Kevin."
The laughter that rolled from one side of the church to the other couldn't be stopped. Kevin curiously looked around him, then put his head in the Little Princess' lap.
"I think we can move one from that last part of the ceremony," Pastor James finally spoke.
"Hell, yeah," Mox muttered. Then he looked at Pastor James in embarrassment. "Uh…sorry about that."
Roman began laughing which caused more people to laugh.
Jericho opened the door and walked back into the church.
"Uh…sorry for interrupting," Jericho apologized. "I just need…" He pointed at Regal and then over his shoulder.
Regal sighed and nodded. He got to his feet and found Sandow following him.
Jericho slid back into his seat. "Sorry again, Father…uh Pastor."
"Please don't use the name Alexandra. Call me Alexa," the bride quietly but firmly stated.
"And I'm Jon," Mox added.
Pastor James nodded.
"Ahem…to continue…Alexa, do you take Jon to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you honor and cherish him, love, trust and commit to him, through joy and pain, sickness and health, and whatever life may throw at your both, until death do you part?"
"I do," Alexa firmly answered, finding Mox's eyes with hers.
"Jon, do you take Alexa to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you honor and cherish her, love, trust and commit to her, through joy and pain, sickness and health, and whatever life may throw at your both, until death do you part?"
"I sure do," Mox replied with a grin.
"At this time, the couple will exchange rings."
Nikki and Seth opened their bags and handed the respective rings to the bride and groom.
"The wedding ring is a symbol of binding…a symbol of attachment and of belonging. Not of possession, but of partnership," Pastor James firmly spoke. "Alexa, please repeat after me. Jon, I promise to love you and commit to you my entire life. I promise to be there for you when you need me, to be honest with you, to be faithful to you and you alone, and to walk through the valleys of life together, just as we will stand atop mountains together."
Alexa slid the ring onto Mox's finger as she calmly repeated the vow.
"Jon, please repeat after me. Alexa, I promise to love you and commit to you my entire life. I promise to be there for you when you need me, to be honest with you, to be faithful to you and you alone, and to walk through the valleys of life together, just as we will stand atop mountains together."
"I do…forever," Mox vowed.
'Mox is someone who cares with all his heart for those he loves and considers family' Alexa remembered the words Galina had spoken and silently vowed she would never damage Mox's heart.
"Alexa and Jon, having proclaimed your love and commitment to one another in the eyes of these loved ones, and with the power vested in me by this Church and the State of Iowa, I am honored and happy to pronounce you husband and wife." Pastor James grinned. "You may now kiss one another."
Mox and Alexa fiercely hugged as they kissed.
"Keep it PG. There are kids here…and Kevin is impressionable," Seth warned when the couple didn't stop kissing.
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Immediately after the official wedding pictures had been taken, Roman and Seth made their way to the reception hall in the basement of the church. Once inside, they made their way to where Regal was standing talking with Sandow.
"Alexa and Mox will be here in a minute or two," Roman quickly said. "What happened with her mother?"
"Mr. Jericho called 911 as he and Mr. McIntyre escorted her out of the church," Regal explained. "They showed up almost immediately. Apparently, they were two blocks away at Golden Donut…a somewhat embarrassing stereotype. As soon as they arrived, Mr. Jericho returned to get me to go outside to provide any legal assistance."
Sandow grinned. "When we got outside, she was accusing the dog of trying to attack her. We explained the dog never came within six feet of her. She then demanded the officers help her stop the wedding. When one of the officers explained that, since her daughter was of legal age and of sound mind, the wedding couldn't be stopped."
"That's when she slapped the officer," Regal spoke.
"She…" Roman shook his head.
Seth's mouth gaped open in surprise.
"She was then arrested and put into the patrol car," Regal concluded. "We provided our contact information if they have any further questions."
"Is she nuts?" Seth hissed.
Sandow shrugged. "As you know, I represented Alexa in her trust fund hearing. In my opinion, she not…nuts, as you put it. But she is a greedy woman used to getting her way by any means necessary. I think she just lost her temper."
"I'll explain all this to Alexa later," Regal assured them. "I don't want to spoil the reception."
"They're coming!"
The Little Princess ran into the room waving her arms in excitement.
Seconds later, Alexa and Mox walked into the room to a round of applause. Alexa worriedly glanced at Regal who calmly smiled back at her. She relaxed and smiled up at Mox.
"What a goofy look he's got on his face," Seth snickered.
Roman judiciously nodded. "Almost as goofy as the one you had at your wedding reception."
Seth smacked Roman's arm and snorted.
The DJ cleared his throat. "The bride and groom will now have their first dance."
"Any bets on what it'll be?" Jericho muttered.
"Dirty Deeds," Seth decided.
"Love Shack," Roman added.
Jericho frowned for a moment, then quickly chose. "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood."
"Loser buys the beer later," Roman nodded.
Seconds later, Seth snickered, Jericho shook his head, and Roman sighed. "Never thought he'd actually chose a romantic song."
'I was standing
All alone against the world outside.
You were searching
For a place to hid.
Lost and lonely
Now you've given me the will to survive.
When we're hungry.
Love will keep us alive.'
"I'm so sorry she tried to keep us apart," Alexa whispered.
"Shhh, she can't do anything," Mox quietly replied. "This is for us. Today is for us…and the rest of our lives."
'Don't you worry
Sometimes you've just gotta let it ride.
The world is changing
Right before your eyes.
Now I've found you
There's no more emptiness inside.
When we're hungry
Love will keep us alive.'
"Everyone, please join in," the DJ quietly invited.
'I would die for you
Climb the highest mountain
Baby, there's nothing I wouldn't do.
Now I've found you
There's no more emptiness inside.
When we're hungry
Love will keep us alive.'
"I love you so much." Mox lowered his forehead to hers.
"I love you just as much," Alexa promised.
'Now I've found you
There's no more emptiness inside.
When we're hungry
Love will keep us alive.'
"I wonder if Mox or Alexa chose this song," Roman mused as he gently danced with his wife.
"Mox," Galina assured him.
"You had some inside information?" Roman teased.
Galina shook her head with a smile. "The song says what he feels he isn't able to say."
Roman thought about it and slowly nodded.
'I was standing
All alone against the world outside.
You were searching
For a place to hide
'Lost and lonely
Now you've given me the will to survive.
When we're hungry
Love will keep us alive.'
"Roman, listen to me. Listen carefully and take it seriously," Galina quietly spoke. When she had her husband's full attention, she continued. "Your daughter and I are tired of living apart from you. And we're not the only ones. And don't interrupt me. I know the reasons for this. Things here are a bit unsettled. But our daughter is in remission, and we can always fly back for checkups."
"I'm working on making things safer," Roman promised.
"I know," Galina nodded. "I don't expect an overnight miracle. But we're all tired of this. We all want to come home. Soon, Roman. Make it very soon."