“They did.” The huff of confirmation on the end was all Gage needed to know for the next question, but he still asked it anyway.
“How much and does he have the funds to even post it?”
“I don’t know how, but he does. It was low as fuck. The bastard is up for murder and solicitation of human trafficking, and yet, it was only one hundred thousand. He only needed to provide ten grand.”
“The bail judge listed is Julia Santoyo.”
“Where do I know her from?” Gage thought about it for a moment. “Have you heard about her before?”
“No, but maybe she’s just a sympathetic judge. Some of them tend to be. It’s getting stupid how many are lenient on the damn bail or sentencing.” Gage nodded to himself, remembering his last case and why he’d thrown in the towel. Too many corrupt or sympathetic people on the bench.
“It’s the reason I got out in the first place.”
“Damn right. It’s like, why motherfucking bother catching these assholes? Last year, I lost a young deputy, and the asshole that killed him only gotten ten years because he was nineteen. My deputy was twenty-one.” That stung Alex and the entire Rangers. He remembered attending the funeral of the young man and watched as his family grieved the loss. The judge he disliked had presided over the case.
“Oh yeah, I know where I heard her name before. She used to clerk for Judge Oscar Rivera and she’s Monica Santoyo’s older sister.” She was a new DA when Gage had left the office.
“I hate that prick, but I’ve worked the younger Santoyo before. She’s not bad. Her sister I’m not liking,” Savage grumbled on the other end of the line.
“That said it all. That son of a bitch is dirtier than the soil I’m standing on. She learned everything from him. Even if she isn’t corrupt, it’s clear she’s soft with bail.”
“Well, we need to be cautious from now on. As soon as he’s released in the morning, I’ll keep tabs and let you know. You have your security system running, so you should be well protected, but I’m here for you.”
“Thanks,” Gage sighed. “After I get this light work done here, I’ve got some rough work to do at the house.”
“You’ve got to tell Hope?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe you don’t have to…”
“Don’t go there. Trust me, lying to her ain’t going to be a good idea. Besides, I want her to be aware and understand when I put her ass on lockdown. Then I need to hire security. There is no way I’m not beefing up the added protection around the house. The surveillance system isn’t enough.”
“Damn, I don’t want to be in your position. I’m sorry, man.”
“Thanks. I’ll talk to you later. Just keep me informed.” Gage ended the call and sighed. He stared at it for a moment, checking the time. There was still too much to do to call it a day and there was no sense in stressing her out so soon, so he decided it was best to finish up his chores before heading back inside. Still, he needed to talk to the love of his life and hear her voice, so he gave her a call.
Chapter Three
“Hello, beautiful. How’s my boy?” Gage said over the phone, sending a jolt of pleasure coursing through Hope. She loved hearing his deep voice, especially when he expressed any sweet endearments. From the day she met Gage, she’d been addicted to him. He was her protector, her hero, the love of her life.
Her voice became airy and saccharine whenever he called her out of the blue. “He’s playing with his teether, drooling everywhere.” Their son was five months old, born on a cold night in January, and a blessing for both of them. Little Ethan Gage Gibson had his father’s looks that made his grandmother shed a tear for the past every time she saw him.
“Good, and how are you, my treasure?”
“Feeling wonderful now. Someone is being too effusive with their endearments. What’s going on?” He’d been irritated with her last night and told her that they’d finish their conversation when he came home, so she couldn’t figure out why he was being extra loving.
“Because I love hearing the way your voice softens, and I can see the smile that graces your face when you know how much I love you. Your happiness is my goal, Hope.”
“What else, Mr. Gibson?” She insisted, knowing he was going to say something she wouldn’t like. They had only known each other about a year and a half, but she knew her husband inside and out. He was about to upset her with some news.
“Well, Mrs. Gibson, it’s going to be a long, brutally busy day, but I promise to be home by dinner,” he finished quickly, hoping to soften the blow. Hope could picture her husband’s face squinting as he braced for her anger. She loved her stolenminutes with him when he worked out in the field with his ranch hands.
“You’re not going to eat?” With the heat and hard work, Hope freaked out a little more than she knew she should when it came to Gage, but her reasoning was sound. The man hadn’t been ranching that long, even though it had been a part of his life as a kid. He’d spent many years in an air-conditioned office and courtroom as a District Attorney.
“We’re going to be on the far end of the pasture. One of the guys will run to the diner and bring back food to our truck,” Hope sighed with relief. At least he wasn’t going to work hungry.
“Thanks. I’d hate for you to forget to eat.”