Rose shook with agony as the weight of the situation crashed over her like a tidal wave. She barely kept from screaming in anger, standing and grabbing a volleyball. She walked outside and hit it against the wall as hard as she could until it felt like her arm was going to fall off. She still had more anger to come, though, and didn't know how to use it without being destructive. She'd never felt such powerful emotions. She stormed back inside, leaving the ball, and sat on the couch

Caden leaned back in the chair, his wrists still cuffed, and a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth as he glanced up at the officer. The tension in the room was thick, but Caden was too bored to care.

“So,” he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, “what’s my bail? I’m guessing it’s got a couple of zeroes on it, huh?”

The officer hesitated for a second, like he wasn’t sure if Caden was playing some sort of game or actually wanted to know. He pulled a sheet from the folder and looked down at it, then back at Caden.

“Two million,” the officer said, his tone flat, as if it should be enough to get a rise out of him.

Caden blinked, eyes widening dramatically. “Two million? You’re kidding me.” He leaned forward, dropping his earlier playful tone for a second, looking straight at the officer with a raised eyebrow. “You really think I’m only worth two million?”

The officer didn’t flinch, but Caden could see the hint of confusion on his face. He leaned back again, grinning like it was the best joke he’d ever heard.

“Well, alright then,” Caden said with a chuckle. “That’s pocket change for me. Just have someone wire it over, and I’ll be out of here by dinner.”

The officer stared at him for a long moment, unsure if Caden was being serious. Caden let the silence stretch for a bit, just watching the officer, amused by how uncomfortable his nonchalant attitude was making him.

“Do you... seriously think you can just pay that and leave?” The officer finally asked, still not entirely convinced.

Caden gave him an innocent shrug, like it wasn’t a big deal. “It’s a little higher than the cover charge at a club, but yeah, I’m sure I can manage. You have Venmo, or should I just have my lawyer take care of it?”

The officer’s jaw tightened, frustration creeping into his features. “It doesn’t work like that, Ortiz.”

Caden’s smirk returned, unbothered. “You’d be surprised what money can do. So, how soon can I expect to be out? Or are you guys just going to keep me here while you sort out your paperwork? You know how I feel about paperwork.”

The officer didn’t respond, his frustration now barely contained. He slammed the folder shut and stood up, as if Caden’s cocky attitude was more than he could handle.

“You’re not going anywhere, Ortiz,” the officer snapped, turning on his heel.

Caden chuckled again, relaxing back in his chair. “Sure, sure. I’ll be here when you figure it out.” He let out a long, exaggerated sigh. “But hey, you know where to reach me. Just don’t take too long.”

The officer slammed the door behind him, leaving Caden alone in the dim room. Caden didn’t mind. He was used to the waiting game. He had money, power, and connections. Two million? It was nothing.

Rose stood again, refusing the memories. She walked over to his study and sat down against the door after closing it. It was the only place she had barely any memories. "Well what do you think?" He asks as he flexes his arm,showing the tattoo. "It makes you look even hotter. I didn't think that was possible." She said, smiling at him. "Fuck yeah." Caden said as he went to go shower.

Caden was pacing in the small, sterile room, his cuffed hands clinking lightly with every step. He’d been left alone for what felt like hours—long enough for the initial wave of frustration to simmer down into something else. He wasn’t nervous. Not really. But the more time passed, the more the walls seemed to close in. He hated this part, the waiting. And the silence was deafening.

His mind kept circling back to the same point—two million. That was the bail. Chump change.

But even if he could get out, part of him was almost curious about how long they’d keep him here. They clearly had no idea who they were dealing with, and their lack of understanding was... amusing.

The door swung open, pulling him from his thoughts. Another officer entered, but this one looked different—dressed sharply in a suit, his demeanor cold and professional, like he was above all of this.

Caden cocked an eyebrow as he leaned back in his chair. "Look, I told your buddies—I'm not talking. So, what’s this about? You bring in the ‘big guns’ now?"

The officer ignored the question, pulling a chair out and sitting across from him. He laid a folder in front of Caden, the papers inside rustling slightly. There was a tension in the air—something different about this guy. He wasn’t here to throw petty threats or idle words around.

“I’m not here to waste your time,” the officer said, his voice calm but firm. “But let me make one thing clear, Ortiz. You’re looking at a lot more than just petty theft this time. You’ve got blood on your hands. And don’t think your money can get you out of this.”

Caden smiled, leaning forward. “Blood, huh? You really think I’m worried about that?”

The officer opened the folder, laying out pictures—gruesome, unsettling images of the scene Caden had left behind. A few bodies. A trail of destruction.

The officer’s gaze never wavered from Caden’s face as he studied the reaction. “You can call it what you want, but people don’t just vanish, Ortiz. Not without consequences.”

Caden glanced at the photos briefly before lifting his chin, indifferent. “People die. It happens.” His voice was nonchalant, like he was talking about a bad day at work, not about murder. "I’m not the first, and I sure as hell won’t be the last."

There was a beat of silence. The officer leaned in a bit closer, his voice dropping just enough to make Caden’s stomach churn with irritation.

“You want to keep playing games? Or do you want to make this easier for yourself?”

Caden’s smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. “Easier for who, exactly? You?”

The officer’s eyes narrowed, but instead of responding with more words, he pushed the folder closer, emphasizing the photographs. “We know you’ve been moving money through some... questionable channels. You think we don’t know about your investments, your assets, your ties?”

Caden raised an eyebrow, a slight chuckle escaping his lips. “You think you know about my business, huh? I’m flattered. You guys do your homework, I’ll give you that. But here’s the thing—I’m not some street thug you can intimidate.”

The officer’s patience was wearing thin, but Caden just kept pushing, grinning like a man who knew he was playing with fire and loved every second of it.

“So, what’s it gonna be?” Caden asked, leaning back in his chair, the chains rattling with the movement. “You gonna lock me in some cell and call it a day? Or are you finally going to admit you’ve got no idea what you're doing? Because honestly, I’m really bored of this whole routine.”

The officer’s lips tightened, his patience running out. He snapped the folder shut, standing abruptly. “You really are as arrogant as they say.”

Caden smirked, unbothered. “I don’t have a reputation for nothing.”

The officer gave him one last cold look. “You’re not going to get out of this by acting cute, Ortiz. Two million might be pocket change for you, but it’s not going to save you from what’s coming.”

Caden watched him walk out, the door slamming behind him. He didn’t flinch.

Two million was nothing. He had that much in the back of his Ferrari, probably, and the paperwork? Hell, his lawyers would have it sorted by the end of the day. But the real game—the one he was playing with the officers? That one was far from over.

He could feel it. This wasn’t just about money or bail. It was about power. Control. And Caden was going to make sure he was the one holding the cards.

Rose's body ached with need for Caden. She felt a tear roll down her cheek, then another, then another. She was nearly sobbing, angry and feeling empty while the drops of agony and sadness ran down her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around her legs and ducked her head between her knees, dizzy

A letter found its way to the house's mailman,a knock on the door.The letter read,

To Whom It May Concern,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits.

I am writing to inform you of the current situation surrounding Mr. Caden Ortiz, who has recently been detained and is currently facing charges. As per the ongoing legal proceedings, the court has set an astonishing bail for Mr. Ortiz—an amount that is, admittedly, a reflection of his status and the nature of the charges laid against him.

The total bail amount has been set at two million dollars.

This sum, while exorbitant, is not without precedent for individuals of Mr. Ortiz’s means and reputation. We understand that such a sum may seem extreme at first glance, but I assure you, this is both a customary practice and a necessary step in securing Mr. Ortiz’s temporary release pending trial.

As you may be aware, Mr. Ortiz is an individual of considerable wealth and influence, and the court’s actions, while stern, are not unexpected given his background. He has been charged with serious offenses, and though he has been cooperative thus far, the full scope of his legal battles remains unclear.

Given the urgency and the nature of the situation, I strongly recommend that you proceed with arranging the bail immediately. Time is of the essence. Should you require any assistance in processing the payment or further clarification regarding the terms of Mr. Ortiz’s release, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Tessa Montgomery
Senior Bail Bondsman
Montgomery & Associates Legal Services
Phone: (555) 384-2183

But scribbled on the back remained this,

Pay.The.Bail.I have enough,pay the freaking bail and i'll be home.Get me out of this place.If you don't pay,im not going to continue.Pay the bail.That's all.Stay safe.

-Caden

Rose read the letter and determination flooded through her. She had a way of getting him back. And soon. She called the number and waited for an answer

Caden sat on the hard, cold bench in the holding cell, his hands cuffed to the metal bench with the same kind of disinterested cruelty that the police had treated him since the moment they dragged him from the streets. The cuffs were tight enough to make his wrists ache, but not tight enough to cause real harm. Not yet, anyway. The waiting, however, was far worse.

He’d been sitting there for hours now—hours that felt like days. His mind kept replaying the sequence of events, the cold click of the handcuffs, the flashing lights, the harsh voices telling him his rights that sounded like nothing more than a hollow formality. He didn’t care about any of it. Not right now.

Two million. The bail was a ridiculous amount, but he wasn’t sweating it. The letter from Montgomery & Associates had already been sent, his lawyer’s people were already working the numbers, and before too long, he'd be walking free again. Not that he had anywhere to go. It didn’t matter, though. There was always another party, another scheme, another opportunity for Caden Ortiz to capitalize on. Life didn’t stop for a mugshot.

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling up from somewhere deep in his chest. The last thing he needed was to be stuck in a cell for hours more, stuck under the gaze of whatever officer or petty bureaucrat decided to throw their weight around today. His phone was gone. His people were out there, no doubt, calling the shots and sorting everything out. But for now, he was stuck here in this shitty little room, waiting for the inevitable.

He knew it was just a matter of time before someone—someone—came to pay the ridiculous bail fee, and when they did, he’d be out. Back to the grind. Back to living in a world that ran on cash, influence, and power. Caden wasn't a fool. He was a millionaire, maybe even a billionaire, and he knew how to move through this system like a ghost in the machine.

But as the minutes ticked by, the reality of his situation slowly started creeping in. The truth? The charges were serious. This wasn’t just a petty arrest. Someone had died.

He didn’t know how much he could trust anyone anymore—not even the people in his closest circle. A million questions swirled around in his head. Who was really behind this? What exactly had gone down that night? And was anyone going to come after him with more than just bail money?

The heavy steel door to the holding area swung open with a creak, and a couple of uniformed officers stepped in. One was older, grey-haired with lines that ran deep around his eyes, and the other was younger, just a kid, really. The older one held a clipboard, eyes scanning over the list of detainees as he approached Caden’s cell.

“You Ortiz?” The old man’s voice was flat, like he’d already asked the same question a hundred times today.

Caden didn’t respond right away. He leaned back against the wall, eyes narrowing in an expression that could only be described as boredom.

“Yeah. That’s me. What’s the deal? You here to bring me some food or just let me rot?”

The older officer ignored the sarcasm, just clicking his pen and making a note. “Your bail’s been set. You’ll be out soon. Two million. Somebody’s working on it.”

Caden sat up, his attention piqued at the mention of the bail. He leaned forward slightly, trying not to show the slightest hint of eagerness. "Who exactly is working on it?" he asked, trying to keep his tone nonchalant.

The officer paused, eyes flicking over to the younger cop, who was fiddling with his phone.

“Not my concern,” the older cop said, brushing him off. “You're gonna be free, sooner or later. Just sit tight.” He turned away and walked back toward the door, the younger cop following.

Caden snorted, watching them go. It was always the same. Always. As if he’d ever been the kind of person who didn’t know how to get out of a tight spot.

He didn’t know how long it would be, but once the money was paid, he'd walk. The system was rigged in his favor. All he had to do was stay calm and keep his head cool.

A minute later, the door creaked open again. This time, it wasn’t an officer but a familiar face: his lawyer, Mrs. Montgomery, stepping into the room with a confident stride, dressed in her usual crisp black blazer. She was exactly what he needed right now—someone who knew how to navigate through the mess he was in.

She nodded to the officer on duty and then turned to Caden, her sharp eyes already scanning his face, sizing him up.

“Everything’s moving along, Caden,” she said, her voice smooth and businesslike, though there was a hint of sympathy behind it. “Two million’s not going to be a problem, but it might take a little more time to get all the paperwork sorted. Meanwhile, try to stay out of trouble.”

Caden flashed her a smirk, feeling a flicker of relief. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for now.

“Trouble? You think I’m the one causing trouble?” He leaned back again, crossing his arms as if this whole situation didn’t faze him. “I’ll be out of here before anyone can blink.”

Mrs. Montgomery raised an eyebrow, but she didn’t respond to his bravado. Instead, she adjusted the sleeve of her blazer and gave him a look that was equal parts understanding and knowing.

“I’m sure you will, Caden,” she said coolly. “But remember—there’s more to this case than just the bail. We’ve got to play this carefully. Don’t forget that.”

Caden smirked again, unbothered. He’d always played things carefully. He wasn’t about to change that now.

“Don’t worry about me,” he said, tone dripping with confidence. “I’ve got this.”

With things set in order and promises of paperwork being done soon, Rose sighed. She was still a bit worried, but not as bad as it had been a couple hours ago. She didn't eat or drink anything, she almost never felt hungry. She was sure it wasn't healthy for an athlete like her, but she honestly didn't feel like she was going to play anytime soon anyways, so why try? She sat down and Murphy sat next to her as she pet him

Caden sat back in the chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the wooden desk as he waited. His bail had been set. His lawyer was confident. In the end, it was just a matter of time before he’d be walking out of this rat hole. But even with all that in his favor, the feeling of being locked in a cell still gnawed at him.

He didn’t care much for the small talk or the formalities. Two million. The amount was laughable to someone like him—just a number on paper, no more significant than the time it took for a fast car to burn rubber on an empty road.

But he was bored. And when Caden Ortiz was bored, he had a tendency to stir things up, just to pass the time. His fingers slid across the table, reaching for the empty plastic cup of water they’d left him. He wasn’t thirsty, but the motion made his hands look busy, like he was doing something important.

The guard, a thick-set guy with a clipboard, was standing by the door, watching him with an air of indifference. Caden caught his eye and smirked.

“You know,” Caden said, drawing out the silence, “I could be out of here faster than you could count the number of times you've eaten your lunch in this place. You guys always take forever to get anything done, huh?”

The guard didn’t even flinch, his gaze flat. “You’ll be out when the papers are signed.”

Caden leaned back in his chair, smirking. “Sure, sure, the papers. But hey, just out of curiosity, how long do you think I’ll be stuck in here before someone with real power comes to deal with me? Someone who knows how to make a phone call, get me out of here?”

The guard didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. Caden had been through enough arrests to know the drill. The system was slow, sure, but his lawyer had the connections. Money made things move faster. And two million wasn’t just pocket change for him—it was a fraction of what he could move in a day if he really felt like it.

But as the minutes ticked by, the clock on the wall ticking too loudly in the otherwise sterile silence, Caden’s patience began to wear thin. He was never one to sit still. Never liked waiting. Especially when the world around him was moving, when he could feel the weight of his empire still pressing against him, even while he was locked behind these bars.

He stood up, restless, his boots clicking against the hard floor. A flash of something deeper, something sharp, flickered in his chest. The night that led to this arrest. The murder. The blood. The truth he wasn’t sure he was ready to face.

It was just a blur. A sequence of bad decisions. He had the money, the power, the influence—and still, something had gone wrong. Someone had died.

And now, it seemed, everything was spiraling out of control.

The door to his cell opened suddenly, and Caden snapped back to the present. Mrs. Montgomery, his lawyer, stepped in with that usual air of quiet authority. She was impeccably dressed, a black blazer hugging her frame, her dark eyes scanning the room like she already knew what to expect.

She gave the guard a quick nod, and he turned to leave, closing the door behind him with a click.

“Good news,” Mrs. Montgomery said without preamble, her voice low and matter-of-fact. “We’ve got everything in motion. Bail should be processed soon. Two million’s been cleared, and the paperwork’s nearly done.”

Caden raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t show any surprise. He knew how she worked—efficient, no-nonsense, always in control.

“Good. It’s about time. I’ve been stuck here for—what, a couple hours now? This place is like a prison or something.” He tossed the words out with the same nonchalant smirk he always wore, but the edge was sharper this time. His mind kept returning to what had actually happened. To what he hadn’t told anyone yet.

But now wasn’t the time for that.

He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, watching her.

“You know,” he began, voice low, “there’s gotta be a reason I’m still in here. Why isn’t this moving faster? I’ve got the money. I’ve got the connections. What’s the real hold-up?”

Mrs. Montgomery paused for a moment, her expression unreadable, and then she stepped closer. “It’s not the money, Caden,” she said, her voice steady but with an edge of something darker lurking behind it. “It’s the nature of the charges. They’re serious. Very serious.”

The weight of her words hit Caden like a cold splash of water. He’d known this in the back of his mind, of course. He’d known it from the moment the sirens had gone off in his rearview mirror, the instant the arresting officer had shoved his hands behind his back. But hearing it out loud, in her voice, made it feel real.

“Serious charges?” He tilted his head, a small, cynical laugh escaping him. “I’m pretty sure I’m not the first guy who’s ever been arrested for... I don’t know... manslaughter? Heck, even murder. I’ll walk away from this. You’ll see.”

Mrs. Montgomery didn’t respond right away. Instead, she stepped closer and locked eyes with him.

“You will walk out of here, Caden. But you need to understand—what you did? It’s being talked about. It’s bigger than you think. And if you don’t take this seriously, if you don’t cooperate... the consequences could be more than just a slap on the wrist.”

Caden smirked again, but this time it didn’t quite reach his eyes. The reality of his situation was starting to sink in. This wasn’t just some rich kid getting off easy. He’d made a serious mistake. And now, it was catching up with him.

“You don’t have to worry about me cooperating,” he said, his voice more clipped than usual. “I’m always... cooperative. As long as the price is right.”

Mrs. Montgomery gave him a sharp look, then nodded, her expression softening just a fraction. “I know you are. Just don’t lose sight of what’s important here. We’ll get you out of this, Caden. But you need to be smart.”

As she turned to leave, Caden sank back into his chair, his mind racing. The whole thing felt like a slow-motion car crash. He was still in control, sure—but the road ahead was getting bumpier.

Two million to get him out, and who knew how much more to get him through the rest of this nightmare. His empire wasn’t going to fall, not yet—but the truth was starting to close in. The cracks in his perfect world were showing, and for the first time in a long while, Caden Ortiz didn’t know what was coming next.