The judge finally decided to start speaking again. “I have listened to the prosecution and the defence; both sides have made compelling arguments regarding bail. Although this case is being referred to by the media as a high-profile case, not a single decision in my court will be made as a result of classifications made by the press or anyone else. We are members of a respectable judicial system, and we have to act in a responsible and professional manner. For this reason, I will do everything within my power to ensure that justice is what takes precedence during these proceedings, from start to finish. After careful deliberation, I have decided that, because Mr. Dominguez has never been convicted of any crimes and fleeing the UNEA realistically would not be in his best interest, bail will be granted.”
“But Your Honour!” the lead prosecutor responded in shock.
“I have made my decision. Bail is set at thirty million credits. Mr. Dominguez, you are not to step foot outside of the UNEA. A tracking bracelet will be placed on your wrist, which should not be tampered with or removed. These are the terms of your bail. Any violation of these terms nullifies your bail, you will be fined five million credits, and you will be returned to jail. Court adjourned,” the judge concluded.
I stood up and replied, “Thank you, Your Honour.” I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. I panned over to Joe, and he looked almost as shocked as I did. I’m sure that deep inside he must have had his doubts about getting bail. The look on the prosecutors’ faces almost brought a grin to mine, but I kept my cool.
Chapter 4
I Want In
Where: Puerto Plata
When: 1725 hours, Friday, April 14, 1995
Currency: Dominican peso
Guillermo couldn’t stop thinking about his conversation with the officer—migrating to America with his family would mean better opportunities. He had heard stories about people who travelled to America and made a decent life for themselves. He believed that the Americans had it way too easy. As far as he was concerned, they had life handed to them on a platter, and they didn’t know how to make the best of the opportunities available to them. He also believed, that, if given the opportunity to go to America, he would become wealthy in a matter of years. With the information he received from the officer, he was going to find a way to get himself and his family to America, one way or another. He didn’t have much information about the logistics of the special cargo ship, but he was already devising a plan to come up with the travel fare. It had been weeks since his discussion with the officer, and though the officer had visited the restaurant frequently, Guillermo hadn’t mentioned his travel interest.
El Pez Grande restaurant had a very busy day serving lunch and drinks to local workers. El Pez Grande was the name of Guillermo’s restaurant. It was the bistro of choice for people in the area. Busy days kept Guillermo in a good mood; busy days meant more money in the cash register. It was Friday and the restaurant had more than enough supplies of seafood, drinks, and snacks. He increased the restaurant’s supply in preparation for the weekend, for it was then that the restaurant served the highest number of customers.
Most of the men in Puerto Plata spent their Friday and Saturday evenings at the local restaurants eating and drinking, but mostly drinking. The weekend was when people had the time to relax and enjoy the ambience of the local eateries. It wasn’t exactly five-star, but El Pez Grande was one of the best restaurants in the area. It served fresh seafood and played the best music, and the customers loved it.
Most of the customers who frequented the restaurant on weekends came to meet young ladies. A number of them were married men with children. Some of the girls who turned up at the weekend were university graduates who were just out having a nice time. The guys didn’t seem to have a problem with spending their hard-earned cash on entertaining these young women. Money that could have been put towards feeding their families, towards school and clothes for their children.
El Pez Grande was a decent-sized restaurant and could seat at least forty customers. There were times when extra tables and chairs had to be set up outside the restaurant, but this was only during the busiest nights when the restaurant was at full capacity. Guillermo would request the restaurant lights to be dimmed around eight o’clock, and the music came on around the same time. Eight o’clock was the time that most customers finished their main course. It was around this time they all ordered beers, wines, and spirits. Some would order nuts and pretzels to go with their drinks.
Guillermo had a backup generator that would run whenever there was a power outage. The generator would come on automatically during a power cut to prevent interruptions to the music and ceiling fans. Power cuts were a regular occurrence due to the city’s unstable electricity infrastructure.
At about 5:25 that afternoon, Guillermo’s officer friend waltzed into the restaurant in the manner that he usually did. Anyone that didn’t know better would think he owned the place. “Guillermo, my friend!” the officer bellowed with much excitement.
“Hello!” Guillermo responded with a matching tone. The officer seemed to be in a good mood. They both walked to the back to sit down in their usual spot, and the waiter brought drinks.
“So, my good friend, you seem to be in a very good mood. I take it today has been a good day?” Guillermo said to the officer.
“Yes, it has, it has been a rewarding day
