Chapter Two

Trinity

As I turned the corner in our hallway, the scene before me was all too clear. My husband's face was a canvas of pain and anger.

Detective Peter stood there, smug as ever, with a team of officers behind him. I wasn't about to let him invade my home, not in front of my children.

I moved to Stephen, my husband, and tried to soothe him. I reminded him that he needed to be strong for our kids. I told him to call Clint, Mia, and then Benji.

I wasn't going to let these officers into my home, so I stepped outside, despite Stephen's worried look. He understood, though. Our kids were the priority.

I surrendered without a fight, not wanting to cause a scene that would upset my children. As they led me down the stairs, I mouthed to Stephen that I loved him and our babies. I heard a thud and turned to see Stephen, holding our children, slumped in the hallway. I locked eyes with him, silently urging him to stay strong for all of us.

They put me in the car and drove me to the precinct.

“Can we get you a drink before we get started?” the detective asked.

“I would like my phone call, thank you,” I replied.

“All in good time. Now, do you want anything?”

“I would like my phone call, thank you.”

I wasn't going to play their game. I had been advised not to engage with them until Benji was present, and I made that clear.

They left me alone in the interrogation room. I was grateful that I didn't have to wait long—maybe an hour at most—before Benji was brought in.

“Mrs. Gotti, we really need to stop meeting like this,” Benji joked.

“Hi, Benji.”

The officer lingered by the door, and Benji turned to address him.

“You can leave now. Client-attorney privilege. Your presence is no longer required.”

“So, what happens now?” I asked Benji.

“Stephen has explained everything to me, but they haven't given us much to go on. Unfortunately, because they arrested you today, the earliest I can get you before a judge for arraignment is tomorrow. I'm sorry, Trinity.”

“It's not your fault, Benji. Stephen knows what he needs to do. I'll be fine. I have faith in you all.”

Benji then explained the process to me. The police would come back in, notify us of the charges, and take any personal items or money I had with me. They would ask me to sign an inventory of these items, but I should only do so if I agreed with the contents.

Once formally arrested, they would take me through booking. They would ask for basic information about me—address, date of birth, and so on. I could answer these questions, but nothing about the charges.

They would then take my fingerprints and photographs. Depending on the evidence they had, they might ask for more, like a lineup or a handwriting sample. If that happened, I should ask for Benji to be present.

Once they had arrested and booked me, my case would be sent to the appropriate prosecutor's office. They would decide what charges should be filed, if any.

“At this stage, I'll get an idea of who we're up against. They'll likely send the file today since they're already arresting you, so I should be able to get you before a judge early tomorrow,” Benji explained.

“As you have rights, they have to proceed quickly. Once the prosecution has made a decision, they need to notify us as a priority. That being said, the prosecutor isn't bound by the initial charge decision and can later change the crimes charged once more evidence is obtained. You still with me?”

“Yes,” I replied, my head lowered as I fiddled with my hands.

“It's okay, Mrs. Gotti. I'm very good at what I do, which is why your husband pays me extremely well. I plan on having you home tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

Benji then explained the arraignment process. The charges against me would be read in court, and I would be asked to plead guilty or not guilty. I could also plead nolo contendere or no contest, which weren't technically pleas, but indicated that I didn't contest the charges.

“My advice is we plead not guilty. We don't have enough facts from the police to indicate otherwise right now,” Benji advised.

“After the arraignment, you may be able to get out of jail by posting bail. Stephen is working on that now. Given the supposed charges, we're looking at a lot, but Stephen assures me he has it covered. The money is paid to the court to ensure you'll make your future court appearances.”

“Okay.”

“Anything else you need me to explain or that I can do for you?”

“I'm okay, thank you, Benji. Please just let my husband know and tell him to give the kids an extra tight hug for me tonight.”

“Of course. Okay, I'm going out to speak to the arresting officer, and I'll be back in a bit. If you need me, bang on the door and make sure the officer comes and gets me, okay?”

“Okay, thank you, Benji.”

As he left to gather more information, the weight of the situation finally hit me.