We sat around the sofa, in a circle. Looking out the French windows, we could see how gleeful Louis was, having some good fun with Summer. He was just like a playful big kid.
Moments later, as everybody quietened down in the living room, John blurted, “Have you heard? Armond’s out.”
Upon hearing the news, my heart sank. I was very surprised, and at the same time, confused because it was a different ending to what I had in mind.
When Ashton’s lawyer was analyzing the case, he stated very clearly that Armond was charged for multiple crimes, namely intentional assault, illegal possession of firearms, and inflicting cruelty against national Class 1 protected wildlife species. He should have been jailed for at least fifteen years. Why was he released?
I huffed as I felt a cold chill running down my spine the moment I recalled the dreadful incidents at the villa.
Just then, Ashton’s big hand patted mine to console me. I lifted my head to look at him. I could read from the message through his gaze. Stay calm. I took a deep breath and tried to hold myself together. Then, I plastered a smile on my face so that he would not get too worried about me.
Seeing that we did not react to him, John continued to share his thoughts solemnly, “He got away when he was on parole for medical treatment. I’ve inquired about this and found out that it was the Venrians who did it. They don’t care about their own safety and will only work for money. It’s so bold of Mr. Murphy to use a million to sacrifice a few lives in exchange for Armond’s freedom. No whistleblower and nothing leaked beforehand. Right after the prison break episode, the police ambushed at the Murphy Residence, only to find out that the Murphys have absconded with the money and went abroad.”
“Does it mean Armond will never ever return?”
I was panic-stricken. As soon as I popped the question, I could feel Ashton tightened his grip on my hand. However, I hid my emotions and tried to maintain a calm composure. “I was just curious. Can’t the law punish him?” I attempted to cover up eloquently.
“You’re too naive, Letty.” Raising one hand, John mocked, “The law is also a set of systems. Hence, in that system, the winner rules. Although it looks like we have the upper hand, the dirty games played inside the prison are not as simple as we think. The prisoner can choose to write his own survival story in this system. As long as he can find a loophole within the law, he’s able to start afresh, somewhere, somehow.”
His analysis had helped me to understand some life concepts. There was nothing much that money could not do in this world. Armond had probably thought of his escape plan the moment I exposed his involvement in organ trafficking. He must have foreseen his downfall one day and had a backup plan prepared in advance.
When someone turns evil, the extent of horror and ugliness the person can demonstrate through his thoughts, speech, and deeds is beyond our imagination. I learned this the hard way from Jared.
Understanding the reality is one thing; being able to calm my anxious heart is another. Like a vine, fear creeps all over me and invades every cell in my body.
Suddenly, Ashton placed my hands in his palm and started rubbing them to give me warmth. Frowning, I looked him in the eyes.
“I’m here with you,” Ashton asserted.
His voice was low yet soothing. Those clear eyes of his were resolute, and they comforted my apprehensive heart.
Ashton had saved me once from Armond. He could definitely save me again and protect me from harm.
Although the devil is prowling, Ashton is the light unto my path. As long as I follow him, I shall not fear.
That assuring thought made me feel better. A faint smile settled upon my face as I locked eyes with Ashton and was met with his unswerving gaze.
