Axell?
Albert settled into the sofaâs cushions.
After pondering a spell, he looked up, querying, âHowâs he holding up behind bars? Whatâs the legal buzz?â
Emma hesitated.
âHe owned up to his deeds.
As per Ms.
Fowler, his due for charges and sentencing pronto.
Heâs got a hankering to see you.
Thatâs what Ms.
Fowler spilled this morning.
Are you going to visit Albert rose?â
Adjusting his cuff link, he quipped, âSure thing.
Set it up.
â
Before Jessie rolled into the villa, Albert had one last tete-a-tete with Axell.
In a cramped room, Axell was hauled out.
He looked beat down, like heâd aged a decade overnight.
Back in the day, Axell might not have been born with a silver spoon, but he came from a brainy bunch, solid middle-class.
To see him hit rock bottom like this was a shocker.
An iron barrier stood between Axell and Albert as they locked eyes.
Albert retained his mature, dashing demeanor, appearing every bit the successful businessman.
Even the staff here treated him with respect.
âMr.
Waston, you guys chat.
Give me a holler if you need anything.
â
Albert gave a slight nod, keeping his composure.
His gaze shifted to Axell who had an unkempt beard and bloodshot eyes.
With a wry grin, Albert offered Axell a smoke.
âItâs low-tar.
Wonât hurt you as much.
Arenât doctors all about health?â
Axell, hardly a smoker, accepted.
Leaning over the iron railing, Albert lit it for him.
After a couple of puffs, Axell met Albertâs eyes.
âI messed up,â he admitted.
Albert offered a small smile but stayed silent.
Axellâs eyes took on a yellow tinge.
He took another drag, his voice tinged with bitterness.
âI know itâs too late to turn back.
I did wrong, and I know you wonât let it slide.
And giving my folks cash to clear off?
Thatâs your way of saying Iâm due for a decade in prison.
â
Axellâs tone turned self-deprecating as he eyed the cigarette between his fingers.
âYou paid ten million dollars to buy me a decade.
A million a year, isnât that something? Mr.
Waston⦠When I heard the news, you know what I thought? Thought itâd be nice to be loaded.
If I was, I wouldnât have lost Jessie to you.
I wouldnât have to put up with Debra either.
I canât stand her, but for my careerâs sake, so I have to play along.
â
His hand shook as he held the cigarette, lips trembling in sync.
âI have to admit, Iâm into Jessie.
Sheâs gorgeous and got a great vibe.
Guess I got caught up trying to one-up you.
I forgot my own faults.
You, man, youâre slick.
Here I am locked up, while youâre just a bit bruised.
But I reckon Jessieâs going to stick with you out of guilt for good.
â
Axell spilled his guts.
When Axell wrapped up, Albert spoke up gently.
âAxell, youâre kicking yourself âcause you didnât love Jessie enough, didnât think she was worth it.
I almost bit the dust, but I have no regrets.
Because she finally felt something for me.
Axell, Jessieâs a gem.
I didnât treat her right before.
But sheâs mine now; canât hand her off.
â
Axell didnât argue.
He wasnât dumb.
He knew Albert had shown mercy.