Days turned into weeks, the surface calm masking the turmoil beneath.
On the fourth day, a sleek ck sedan came to a stop in front of the police station. Lawyer Lee stepped out, his expression stormy. Taking a deep breath, he marched inside.
Inside the visitation room, a policeman stood guard at the door. Wayne and Lawyer Lee came face to face.
"Mr. Jones..."
No sooner had Lawyer Lee begun than Wayne cut him off, his gaze dark and unfathomable:
"Lawyer Lee, save it. I''ve told the cops over and over, everything was on me. No one else was involved. Whatever the sentence, I won''t appeal.”
Lawyer Lee clenched his jaw, hesitating, when Wayne spoke again, his voice hollow:
"But before the dust settles, I need to see Mr. Chambers onest time. There are things I must ask him, face to face."
"Mr. Jones, Mr. Chambers is...well, it''s simply out of the question. He... He won''t see you again." Lawyer Lee''s voice was a whisper, speaking Avery''s name as if it sent shivers down his spine.
Wayne''s lips tightened, his fists clenched.
"Also, I''m here on behalf of Mr. Chambers to deliver a message."
Leaning in, Lawyer Lee murmured, "Mr. Chambers says, given the trouble you''re in, there''s noing back. So, it''s best you make peace with that. He''ll take care of your affairs after you''re gone. And your wife..."
The unfinished sentence sent a sharp pang through Wayne''s heart.
"If you just plead guilty and face your punishment, Mr. Chambers will ensure your wife is looked after. Otherwise, idents happen, and Mr. Chambers can''t guarantee her safety."
With that, Lawyer Lee stood, bowed deeply, and left the room, leaving Wayne alone, rage simmering within him, threatening to consume him whole.
Suddenly, a thunderous copse rang in his ears - the sound of a skyscraper falling, the sound of his convictions crumbling.
...
Exiting the police station under a cloud of gloom, Lawyer Lee was about to get into his car when his phone beeped.
A text message:
【Lawyer Lee, Mr. Thaddeus understands you''re in a tough spot, forced into a corner. Could we have a private word?]
The emotionless text inexplicably brought tears to the eyes of this fifty-year-old
man.
Soon after, another message arrived, a location near the police station.
With his heart pounding, Lawyer Lee told his driver, who was assigned by Harvey to keep tabs on him:
"Head back. I knew Director-General Wayne, and it pains me to see his downfall. I need to clear my head alone."
"Sure, stay safe," the driver said, casting him a meaningful nce before driving
off.
...
Fifteen minutester, Lawyer Lee arrived at the arranged spot.
A discreet ck SUV pulled up in front of him, and Gordon stepped out. The rear door opened slowly.
Lawyer Lee couldn''t see Thaddeus''s face but noticed his crisply crossed legs, the impable grey trousers, ck leather shoes, each detail exuding elegance and an intimidating presence.
"Lawyer Lee, Mr. Thaddeus has been looking forward to meeting you. Please, get in,” Gordon said with a polite smile, inviting him into the car.
Breathing heavily, Lawyer Lee felt a lump in his throat.
Ever since Jeff Chambers passed away, and he was reluctantly assisting Avery, he hadn''t been treated with such respect.
As Lawyer Lee got into the car, Thaddeus greeted him with a genial smile, extending his hand:
"Lawyer Lee, nice to meet you."
"Pleasure, Mr. Thaddeus."
Shaking the firm, confident hand of the man, Lawyer Lee felt the tension drain from him, enveloped by Thaddeus''smanding yetposed aura.
"Mr. Thaddeus, if I may be so bold. I represent the Chambers Group, and this private meeting, well, doesn''t it seem a bit... improper?" Lawyer Lee voiced both fact and probe.
"Though we stand on opposing sides, and my grievances with Avery run deep and irreconcble, I''ve always believed in targeting the right culprits. Innocents and those coerced into their roles shouldn''t bear the brunt of my vendetta."