Free TRAITORS by Gerardo Robledo

people who know Luis to testify in his favor at the next hearing. They will serve as witnesses for the claim that he has been an outstanding citizen who deserves to stay in this country. The judge only gave us thirty days to provide witnesses and we believe that your presence could be of great impact before the court as you know Luis really well and you are well-recognized in society. We already have some other people who will help us but we must have at least three to win the case. Believe me, Dad, I’m very worried, please don’t turn your back on me now.” Zina was on the verge of tears when she finished.
    Jack stood up again and started pacing. He was angry about the situation but did not want to give an answer that would hurt his relationship with his daughter. Deep inside, he understood the problem and what it meant to be an immigrant but at the same time, he did not want to ruin his hard earned political reputation. He knew he had a great future ahead but he also didn’t want to disappoint his princess. He knew that one comment, out of place, could drive her away from him… perhaps forever.
    “Let me see what I can do first. I’ll talk to his lawyer and ask for a copy of the files to see what steps are to be taken; but beforehand, let me clarify that I will not show up in court and testify for him because I don’t want to risk my career over someone who we are not even sure you will spend the rest of your life with! Please, dear… ,” continued the man, “think about this: he may not be the one for you. His future is uncertain. Let’s say we managed to get him out of trouble, but who knows if he’ll keep out of trouble for the rest of his life. That’s not the future I want for you. Let me think it over and let me analyze all the details then we’ll talk and see what I can do.
    Zina wanted to continue the discussion to explain more about the case but her mother intervened and said:
    “You are right. Investigate things further and we’ll talk later.” She signaled to Zina to end the conversation and wait until she could talk to him and convince him.
    Mr. Lee left the house still upset about the whole situation. In search of peace of mind, he went to a nearby park to think things out. Back in the house, Zina sat crying next to her mother.
    “I’ll talk to him tonight,” said Zina’s mom. “I know that after thinking about the problem, he will decide to help us out and perhaps even pull some strings to get Luis out of jail. I don’t think you can change his mind about appearing in court, but it’s probably not necessary. What I don’t want to say is that you married him to accelerate the legalization process because that would get us in big trouble.”
    “Well, by now nothing matters to me anymore,” Zina said with tears in her eyes. “You know how great our love is, Mom. What would he do if he finds out? I know that he would forbid me from doing a lot of things and would even try to get me out of school. But all that matters to me right now is Luis. Either way, if he has to find out at some point and if he doesn’t support me, I think it’s time to start my own life.”
    Zina prepared for her first visit after the hearing and left for Lancaster to update Luis with details on the case. This time, they talked only through a telephone and could only see each other through a glass wall. They did not talk much. They were still confused by everything that happened. Luis asked if she had any news about his grandmother which was what worried him the most. She simply, and without much emotion, told him that she had spoken to her father but it was not clear whether he would help or not. She told him that it bothered her father to learn about his legal status and the crime he had committed. They sadly parted and with nothing clear in their lives.
    After leaving the prison, Zina visited a friend, which she would occasionally visit during difficult times. She told her the situation and her friend gave