Chapter 13 - The Visitor
The visitor room at Allenwood was a sterile, depressing space.
Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead.
Thick plexiglass separated the inmates from the outside world.
Richard Harrington sat in a plastic chair, waiting for his public defender.
He had requested an appeal update.
But when the heavy metal door swung open, the man who walked in was not his lawyer.
It was Harrison Cole.
Harrison wore a bespoke charcoal suit that probably cost more than the prison’s annual food budget.
He sat down on the metal stool.
He didn't pick up the phone on the wall immediately.
He simply looked at Richard through the scratched glass.
Richard felt a cold sweat break out on the back of his neck.
He reluctantly picked up his receiver.
Harrison picked up his.
“You look terrible, Richard.”
Harrison’s voice was smooth, completely devoid of empathy.
“What do you want, Harry?” Richard spat, trying to sound defiant.
“I came to offer you some legal advice.”
“I don't need your advice.”
“Oh, I think you do,” Harrison murmured, leaning closer to the glass.
“Because whoever you hired to sabotage my sister’s building is doing a remarkably sloppy job.”
Richard’s stomach dropped, but he forced a mocking smile.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I’m in prison, Harry. I read books. I eat terrible food.”
“I don't build skyscrapers anymore.”
Harrison didn't blink.
“Marcus Thorne.”
Richard’s smile vanished instantly.
His blood ran ice-cold.
“Did you really think a low-level thug like Marcus could hide from me?” Harrison asked softly.
“Did you really think you could play a game of chess from a concrete box?”
“You have nothing on me,” Richard whispered, his voice trembling.
“I don't need anything on you, Richard.”
Harrison tapped a single finger against the plexiglass.
“I came here to look you in the eye.”
“I wanted to see the exact moment you realized you made a fatal mistake.”
“Khloe isn't the scared pregnant woman you abandoned, Richard.”
“She is an apex predator.”
“And you just walked right into her trap.”
Harrison hung up the phone.
He didn't wait for Richard’s response.
He stood up, smoothed his tie, and walked out of the visitor room.
May you like
Richard sat frozen in his chair, the phone dangling from its metal cord.
For the first time since he had been incarcerated, he felt pure, unadulterated terror.
