Page 117 of Love on the Line

Chapter 47

Paul’s pulsequickened as a guard led Devon, wearing an orange jumpsuit, into the prison visiting room partitioned by a glass wall.

Far cry from his designer threads. The sweet taste of retribution swirled in Paul’s mouth. He swallowed and studied Devon, happy for the barrier. No telling what the psychopath would do without one.

Two months incarcerated, and Devon’s skin had paled. A couple of cuts on his face looked fresh. Good. Bastard deserved that and more. Probably wasn’t playing nice in the sandbox. What a shock.

He slid into the seat across from Paul, and the guard stepped back, crossing his arms. Devon picked up the receiver from the telephone on the counter and Paul did the same.

“Hello, Paulie.” Devon leaned closer to the glass. “I almost refused your visit, but I had to hear what you could possibly have left to say after all the talking you did to the police.” A muscle in his cheek popped up as he gritted out the words, “And there’s something I wanted to tell you.”

“My name is Paul, and don’t forget it.” He held Devon’s gaze. How could he have missed the pure evil that radiated off the guy and ever believed they were friends? “We have some unsettled business. But first I want to ask you something.”

“Ask away. Clearly I have all the time in the world.” A vein on Devon’s forehead bulged, belying the calmness of his voice.

“Why did you do it? Kill your family and Lynn?”

Devon scoffed. “Because they deserved it. I punish people who wrong me, Paul-ie.”

“You feel nothing? No regrets?”

“Oh, I have regrets, but not over any of them.” He pointed a finger at Paul. “What I regret is ever bringing you onboard. I paid you enough to keep your mouth permanently shut. Why did you turn me in, and why aren’t you in jail?”

“They cut me a deal, so at least I’m free, unlike you.” Paul shook his head, his heart an empty shell. “I’m bankrupt after all the fines and taxes. House and car taken. My wife left me, and I’m starting from scratch.” He waved his hand in dismissal. “But I don’t care. It’s just money and stuff.” Leaning closer to the glass, he narrowed his eyes. “I did it for Lynn, and now, you’re finally getting what you deserve, you bastard.”

Devon’s body shook as his face turned red.

“Now what is it you wanted to tell me?” Paul sat back and adjusted his glasses.

Devon’s hand balled into a fist. “I’m going to get out of here, and when I do, you’re the first one I’m coming after.” His voice raised, and his mouth twisted. “There’ll be nothing left of you when I’m done.” He slammed his fist on the table, and the guard stepped toward him with cuffs. “You’re a fucking dead man. You hear me?”

Paul stood and smiled. “I won the bet, and now you owe me a beer. It’s okay. I know you won’t be able to pay up, because the only bars you will ever be around again are the ones in front of your face.”

Devon lunged at the glass, his face contorted in rage as he yelled, “I’m gonna fucking kill you.”

The guard grabbed him, yanking his arms back to cuff.

“Tsk tsk. No time off for good behavior now.” Paul hung up the phone and walked away, chin held high as the room reverberated with the sound of a scuffle, a thump, and then…

Silence.

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