Page 127 of Just Like That

Abel leaned out the window. “We have a summons from this attorney.” He handed the guard a business card. “He said it was an emergency.”

The guard spoke into the radio on his chest and, after a moment, let us pass. We entered the building and walked into the lobby.

I leaned toward my brother. “What the fuck is going on?”

Abel looked around, knowing there was an infinite number of eyes and ears. “Remember Oliver Pendergrass?”

My eyes narrowed. “The guy you shared a cell with? I thought he got out.”

Abel grunted. “He found himself in some trouble. I got a call from his lawyer this morning, and he specifically requested webothshow up.”

Confused but intrigued, I waited until we were called back. In an eerily similar room to the one I’d assaulted my father in, we walked toward Pendergrass’s lawyer.

Abel shook his hand. “I’m Abel King.” He gestured toward me. “This is my brother JP.”

“Gentlemen.” The attorney shook our hands and let loose a deep sigh. “My client has requested to speak with you before his placement into solitary confinement. He is being considered a danger to himself and others. Would you like an armed guard present?”

I looked at my brother, who only shook his head.

The attorney appeared tired and annoyed. “Fine. I’ll send him in.”

When he disappeared behind the door, I leaned toward my brother. “What the hell is happening?”

Abel was hard as stone. “I have no idea.”

Moments later, Oliver was led in, shackled at the wrists and ankles. A wide grin spread across his face.

“Ollie.” Abel stepped forward.

Oliver gestured toward the table. “Please. Sit.”

The guard added a shackle, bolting him to the table.

He laughed and rolled his eyes. “Such drama queens around here. I’m not going to hurt my friends.”

The guard didn’t comment, but his eyes flicked up to us. Moments later, we were alone in a room with Oliver.

Abel spoke first. “What’s going on, man?”

Oliver nodded and pressed his lips together. He stomped his foot and tried to pound on the table to get someone’s attention. “Hey!” he called out. “Can I get my suit and tie back in here?”

He was making enough of a racket that the door pulled open and his lawyer stepped inside the room. “Did you bring it?”

The attorney stifled an eye roll and returned with a single plastic cup with two fingers of what smelled like bourbon.

Oliver scoffed at his lawyer. “Kind of stingy on the pour, but I guess thanks is in order.”

His attorney’s eyes flicked toward the camera in the corner of the room. “Don’t forget who’s watching. Keep your mouth shut until the red light goes out.”

“Ah,” he scoffed. “Too late for secrets, bud. Now leave me with my friends.”

When we were alone again, Oliver sighed and looked us over. The three of us waited in silence until the little red dot on the camera blinked off.

Oliver exhaled and looked at Abel. “You deserve to hear it from me. I did it. I took care of him for you.”

My eyes narrowed as Abel’s voice remained frighteningly calm. “Took care of how?”

Oliver’s hand jerked up twice, the chains rattling and restricting his movements. “Shiv to the kidneys. One to the lung so he couldn’t cry out.” He sat back in his chair with a satisfied grin. “It was masterful. Artwork.”

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