"Alright""Mr. Josiah, it's too awkward to chat out here. Let's go inside the café to talk. We've spent a lot of time getting ready to meet you this afternoon.'We even checked out lots of tips because you're so experienced. We wanted to make sure we took this seriously,' Charlie thought. Then, with his hands in his pockets, he headed into the café.Josiah seemed to have no choice but to follow, with the three trailing behind him into the café.Once the five of them were seated, the mood turned a bit tense.Josiah broke the silence first, saying, "Let's hear it. What did you want to talk about today? Just lay it all out now because I don't want to have to come back. I'm a busy man."After saying that, Josiah took a sip of his coffee.Hudson then said, "We just wanted to ask if you were the one who got Lacee out of jail today. However, we found out there's more to the story, more people pulling strings. So, we thought we'd ask everything now. "That way, we can all be open with
Feeling backed into a corner, Josiah raised his voice at the three of them, "I've said it a million times, I've got nothing to do with Lacee—end of story. Quit your wild guessing. "If you don't stop, I'm going to sue you for slander. I bet that means jail time, at least a couple of weeks, right?"Charlie could hardly keep from laughing. "If you're clueless about the law, just ask me about it. I'm a lawyer, and not just any lawyer, but someone at the top of my field. Don't worry about anything. If I were to get tough, you wouldn't stand a chance. "And just so you know, we asked Hudson on the way over whether to lock you up for a long stretch and let you out after you become an old man or just scare you a bit this time and let you off the hook. "I asked Hudson earlier, but now, I'm asking you. What's it going to be? Do you want to come out when you have a full head of white hair or enjoy your remaining days in peace? You don't have many left, after all."Charlie finished with a s
Josiah felt a shiver run down his back, and he could not stop shaking.He said to Hudson in a weak voice, "How could this be true? You've been with me since you were a kid. You know me, right? I'm not the type to do such things. I'm a gentleman, and I always keep my promises. I wouldn't do something so dishonest. "Someone must be spreading lies about me. You can't believe them. If you do, it means you don't trust me. Remember who was always there for you when you were little, who grew up with you, and who these strangers are."After speaking, Josiah shot a stern look at the other three, blaming them for leading Hudson down the wrong path."Enough! When will you stop making excuses? Don't think I don't know what you've done."Koven has told me everything, so what's your excuse now? I can't understand why it's so hard for you to admit it. You've done plenty of bad things behind my back, including the ones I helped you with. You've committed at least seven or eight crimes, and that'
Josiah's face went white as a sheet when he heard what Hudson said.He should never have come there today. It was like walking straight into a trap.If he had known that Hudson had so many people on his side, he would not have stepped foot in this mess, let alone meet them.He walked in looking sharp, but he was going to walk out with a whole lot of trouble."I won't pick either of those choices," Josiah spoke up when he saw no one else would. "Why should I have to pick, and who are you to corner me like this? None of you are cops. There's just one lawyer among you. What gives you the right? If you lay a hand on me, I'll sue for assault, and we'll see who comes out on top."After he said his piece, Josiah looked at the three people in front of him.Matthew let out a cold huff and said, "If you think we can't touch you, think again. I've got friends who are police captains, chiefs… you name it. If you don't believe me, go ahead and have a chat with them. I just have to tell them
Josiah heard what they said and shouted back, "I've told you, I won't pick either option. You're just dreaming if you think I'll go to prison. I'll make sure each of you pays for making me mad. You'll see what happens when you mess with me!" He glared at the four of them, his expression fierce as if he could see right through them. However, the four people did not care about his angry look. To them, Josiah was like a bird trapped in a cage, unable to fly away. They had everything under control. If Josiah thought he could change the situation, he would have to get their permission first. They mainly wanted to help Hudson break free from Josiah's tight grip. Josiah was clever and strict with Hudson. If Hudson did not get away from Josiah, he might never be able to do anything on his own, and it could even mess up their own plans. Just then, Charlie said to him, "I was being nice before. If you keep acting like you don't get it, we'll have to take you straight to the cops. Just so y
Josiah declared, "Listen up, even if I have to go to prison today, I'm going to make sure Lacee is happy for the rest of her life. I won't let your sneaky plans work out. If I have to, I'll do ten years behind bars. "But when I'm out, I'll be just as strong as ever, and we'll see who has the last laugh!"By then, Josiah had made peace with the idea. He would rather spend his years in a cell than put up with their insults. Once he was free, he would make them regret everything.Charlie chimed in, "Well, if you're set on this, there's nothing more to say. In ten years, you'll be nothing but an old man. What trouble could you possibly cause us? You might not even make it out of there. My advice? Keep your head down in jail. It's not just small-timers like you in there. There are some real tough characters. You know what I mean?"Charlie's smile was icy and chilling as he finished speaking.Josiah took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Despite his brave words, fear was gnawing
After Josiah finished talking, he gave Hudson a long, meaningful look and smiled.He turned to the other four and said, "I'm sorry for how I acted when I first got here. I've thought it over, and I'm really thankful you're all here for Hudson. He's always been a bit timid, and maybe it's my fault for how I raised him. "That's probably why he doesn't talk to me much. But I've thought it over, and now, I think it's actually pretty great that you four are together. Each of you will be there to help Hudson through tough times, and that makes me feel better. "I've got to go now, but I hope you three will keep looking after my Hudson. That's my final wish, and I don't want anything else."Josiah noticed the confused looks on their faces and quickly added, "I'm not here to complain or ask for sympathy. Don't worry about it, I've decided to face up to the wrongs I've done—not just for Hudson's sake but for my own peace of mind. "I haven't been able to sleep well for years. I'm always d
Hudson looked at his uncle and said, "Don't worry. When you're out, you'll still be my uncle. I'm sorry for my part in all this, but you have to face the consequences of your actions."Even if I were to let you off the hook, I think you'd still feel guilty. Once you're out and older, I'll look after you for life, and we can pick up where we left off!"Josiah listened, tears streaming down his face as he cried softly."Hudson, my dear boy, I can't believe how much you've grown. You were just a little kid back then, always tagging along behind me. I'm sorry if I was too hard on you. Now, you go on and be brave, do your own thing. "With those three friends of yours, I know you'll be fine. Just promise me, Hudson, that you'll come to see me once in a while in prison, or I'll miss you terribly!"Hudson, goodbye!" With those final words, Josiah was escorted into the police car.Cingen Gordon walked over to Matthew and said, "Mr. Leon, we've taken him away. Is there anything else you n