*        *        *  

Two days have passed and Ronald now seems to be recovering from surgery, although very slowly. His bedside cabinet is filled with a number of flowers, sentimental and professional greeting cards, a couple of balloons and some colourful gift items. While the ward nurse brings in another pot of flowers to place just a few metres away from his bedside, Alejandro walks in. He first knocks at the door frame ceremonially and says upon noticing the item fanfare 

“And here I was, about to bring you flowers.” 

“Huh..” Ronald scoffs with a smile, “.. I would have been more than offended if you did.” 

The nurse leaves.

Ronald eyes meet the door as he adds, “One would think that she gotten the signal by now and would stop bringing them all in.” 

Alejandro smiles, “She knows you need all the love you can get. Especially right now.” 

Ronald lets out a heavy breath.

“I can tell her to stop, if you want.” Alejandro offers, noticing his pain.

“No, it's fine. I just..” he takes a tearful breath, “I just need my wife.. and my daughter.. by my side. And no one can give me that. They were the only things that made this world have meaning.. in the brightest and darkest of times. I keep thinking.. even if I were doomed to loss in this life.. why would it ceaselessly be the loss of that which is innocent.. that which is so pure, full of nothing but love and light.” 

Ronald bursts into bitter tears.

Alejandro drops his cup of coffee on the cabinet and immediately hugs his friend from the side of the bed. Wrestler breaks down fully, as though he has been holding this devastation in for a long time, finally allowing the many psycho-emotional wounds to erupt and is now unable to stop. 

"Well..” He sniffs, “.. At least.. she's with Penny. Liz is with Penny.. in heaven." He mutters while still bawling.

Alejandro struggles to hold back his own tears while consoling him. He is not an emotional man or a notably sensitive one by any standard, but this moment makes his heart break into several pieces.

After Wrestler stops weeping, there is a long pause. Alejandro asks sympathetically,
"The doctors said.. they would like to know .. if.. you would want Liz..” hesitating in his words, “.. to be.. cremated." 

"No!!!..” Wrestler barks, as a slew of hot tears pours down his cheeks, “Absolutely not!.. My baby will not..” he gasps, “.. She will not be burned to ashh!!!..” he struggles to wipe his face, “.. Do you hear me???"

Alejandro is speechless. Applying some additional effort, he then whispers again, with a thin stream of tears rolling down his cheek, "Ronald..” he gasps, “Her body is.."

"Is what???", Wrestler interrupts in anger. 

“.. She's very injured.. and burnt in some parts..” Alejandro takes a heavy breath, “They.. They.. weren't able to recover some parts of.. her..” 

“Shut up!!!” Wrestler screams, “Alejandro.. shut.. up..” He breaks into another bout of tears. “She will be buried WHOLE.. bedside our daughter at our home. Tell the doctors. Tell them not to touch a hair on her head!!”

“Alright..” Alejandro replies with another heavy breath.

After turning his head forward to stare intensely into space, Ronald whispers again in sorrow, “I failed.” 

Alejandro places a hand on his left shoulder, “No..” 

"I failed, Alejandro. Thirty three years! Thirty three years of marriage.. And I still couldn't get anything right! I still could not protect her. I couldn't protect my Liz. I couldn't take care of our family.” he gasps, “.. Because of my stubbornness.. and my BLINDNESS, our daughter took her own life. I couldn't protect her.. And now.. I've lost Liz too. It's all my fault. I was taking her out on a date.. to make up for my absence and obsession with work and the firm for so long! It's all my fault. I'm a failure."

"Listen to me, Ronald..” Alejandro holds up Wrester's face, “You are a lot of things. But you are NOT a failure! Do you understand me? You are the strongest.. bravest and the most capable man I know. You've fought relentlessly ALWAYS to keep your family safe, and mine as well. Even when I was a loser.. with my life and with my kids.. you stepped in and you did the noblest thing ALWAYS. Liz was always so proud of you, and I know that even now, she couldn't be prouder.. of the man that you are. That is why she loved you so much. What happened to Penny was a grave tragedy, but listen to me, my friend, it was NOT your fault."
Then he hugs Ronald again with reddened eyes.

Shortly after, Alice walks in and joins the sorrowful pair in tears. She is so glad to see Wrestler finally awake, but she also knows that it means he is in a state of unspeakable grief, knowing what has happened to his wife. They all share a hug and an extended period of intimate discussions regarding the current situation, their family and the next steps moving forward.

“When will I be leaving this hospital?” Wrestler asks, turning to Alice.

“The surgeries were successful, and the doctor said in.. three days.. we'll be able to bring you back home. I've told Greta to prepare everything you'll need.” 

“Thank you, Alice.” Wrestler responds. He inquires further, “How’s Tony?” 

“He was discharged this morning.” she responds, “He had a mild wrist fracture and a dislocated shoulder. He wanted to come here afterwards, but I told him to go home and rest. Hope that was okay.” 

“Oh, that's fine. I just.. I need my computer. And a phone.. because mine was lost in the car wreck.”

“I can help you with that, sir!” Joe asserts from the door as he walks in, quite delighted to see Wrestler looking more active and healthier than the previous day.

“Joseph King!” Wrestler sighs in relief, “You always know how and when to make an entrance.” 

“I learnt form the best, sir. Good to finally see you awake.” Joe responds.

“I wish I could share your enthusiasm.” Wrestler replies with another breath, “I need you to help me contact the insurance company.” 

“Already done, sir.” Joe smiles, “I scheduled a meeting with some of their representatives tomorrow.”

Ronald becomes mesmerized by this man's proactive diligence and turns to Alejandro with a smile, “This is why I made him Partner.” 

Joe nearly blushes at the overwhelmingly positive review he is getting from both older men. Alice on the other hand, simply stares at him resentfully, like she has a vicious bone to pick with her smiling boss. If looks could kill, Joe would be in the ICU. By the time Alice walks out of the hospital room, the men are already so engrossed in conversation that they barely notice. Or so she believes.

*         *         *

"Shut up! Shut up right now, Luna before I… I'll talk to you later. I SAID.. We will finish this later." Diego barks in a low tone before abruptly ending a phone call. Thereafter, he walks into a large abandoned warehouse. It is poorly lit and currently roughly past midday. After a few minutes, two rough and dangerous looking men come to stand before him, as though emerging like walking spectres from the very shadows of the dark building.

"Jefe, hemos buscado en toda la ciudad.  No hay señales de Pedro." one of them echoes at Diego.  His name is Gilberto or more commonly used, Beto for short.

"¿Y el club?" Diego asks.

"No." Beto responds.

“We think he’s left the city.” Tigre adds.

“Fuck!!” barks Diego, “Fuck! You damn idiots!! ¿Qué es lo único que se suponía que debíamos hacer?  ¡¡Para asegurarnos de que no salga de la ciudad!! What am I supposed to tell Rojo? Huh!!” 

“Sorry, boss.” Beto replies.

In the stiff air of hostility, Diego looks up and keeps breathing intensely. The cracks in the roof are transmitting rays of sunlight onto his lower neck, revealing a partial anchor and sword tattoo. Afterwards, he looks down at the henchmen once again, “Your boneheads fucked this up. And you’re going to fix it! You’ve got two days to find that bastard. Find him, or I will throw you in a fucking meat grinder or FEED you to El Rojo himself. ¿Me entiendes, Tigre???” 

“Si jefe.” Tigre responds.

The guys  disperse. 

Afterwards, Diego brings out his phone again and starts to make a call.

“Hello boss.”

“Speak Diego.” 

“The boys are closing in on him. They found him in a group hideout near South Brooklyn.” 

“How many friends do we need to worry about?” Rojo asks.

“There's only six of them.” 

“Will there be need for backup.. or additional firepower?” 

“Don’t worry, jefe. My men can take them.” 

“Alright. Diego!..”

“Yes, boss.”

“Bring him back alive, if you can.” 

“Lo entiendo.” Diego replies.

*       *        * 

Drenched in a stoic yet somewhat mired demeanor, Joseph stands up from his seat and walks toward the front and centre of a nearly full hall with very dim lighting. It has a regally designed set of wood plastered walls and small balustrades for both the members of the jury and some officers in court.

He takes his stance for an opening statement in one of the major outstanding hearings he will be participating in before the Christmas break. This case is one that he decided to take on pro bono earlier in the year. There were preliminary hearings before it finally came to trial, and thus far, it seems to have already made its way into major news headlines across New York City, with the press having more than a field day. It is about a former public school teacher with multiple prior accusations of sexual misconduct and then sexual assault against minors. He is currently being arraigned for allegedly assaulting a 13 year old student.

Joe begins, “There is a saying..” he smoothens down the front lapel of his dark grey suit jacket with one wrist and continues, “.. That the wages of crime..  through loss, hurt and dehumanization are first paid by the victim.”

He pauses and takes a few steps toward the opposite end of the court, away from the jury, “I would like to remind this honourable court.. that Mr. Ferret Johnson is not on trial today for making a human error with consequences of drastic proportions. He is not on trial.. for being a man with questionable desires.. nor is he on trial for being a pedophile! The defendant is on trial today for being a BRUTAL RAPIST, of a young girl who by her age as a minor, and by his callous wielding of social and physical power as her SCHOOL TEACHER, was both UNFIT to give sexual consent and helplessly UNABLE to call for help.” 

He begins to walk toward the jury, “Mr. Johnson did this.. multiple times. Now I'm sure a number of us in this courtroom have kids of our own. Some of us have wards, nieces.. Some, perhaps even grandchildren. And we can only imagine how powerless this 13 year old girl must’ve felt at the hands of her abuser.” 

He pauses again for a few seconds and continues,

“The defendant before us today also went ahead to threaten Miss Peyton with morbid violence.. should she ever open her mouth to speak of what he did to her! Should she ever tell her parents! Should she ever warn her friends at school, who were also minors; Should she ever breathe a word of what she had gone through, to anyone who could provide her psycho-emotional support, or in any way help her seek JUSTICE! THAT.. is why we are here today. Because we need a society that is SAFE for the basic education of minors. We need a society that is SAFE for the psycho-emotional and physical wellbeing of children. One that protects them from the risks of abuse or violation! We need a society.. that stands up for young people who can't stand up for themselves. A society that STANDS UP for children who cannot defend themselves, just like Miss Peyton Baker!” 

The trial lasts for a few hours, after which the court is adjourned.

Joe and his fellow lawyer from the Hanton Law firm on the case gradually exit the courtroom and are hounded by the press outside until Joe decides to speak. He gives an intrepid public statement on the status of the case and about his firm hope that they will ensure justice is served. 

Back at the Hanton Law firm, the elevator opens up on the fifth floor and Joe walks out. 

“Well well well! If it isn't the man of the hour.” says Porsha as she encounters him down the hallway. 

“To what do I owe the cheers?” Joe asks.

“Your statement just aired live on local news.. for the second time in two months.”

“Really?” 

“Some would say you're a local celebrity now.” Porsha replies, tilting her head to the side.

“Well, I'd say I'm flattered. But I hope it won't get you sweet on me?” 

“Haha! Hello no, man. It was barely seven seconds of airtime, and you'll be forgotten in weeks. I'm just here to be sure that you know what you're doing. Whispers are flying around.” 

“Awww.. She cares.” Joe mocks.

“About your safety and the reputation of this firm? Yes!” 

He purses his lips.

She continues, “Wrestler is in the hospital right now. And you are putting yourself on the radar of some not so nice people in our line of work.” 

“I know exactly what I'm doing.” Joe starts to walk away.

“They're dangerous people, Joe!” she echoes.

“They're AMBITIOUS people! And they ain't got shit on me!” he retorts.

As he gets to his office door, he takes a deep breath and opens it. Luckily, his secretary is not there, which gives him a partial sense of relief but at the same time, a subtle longing. 

“She couldn't have not come to work.” he mutters.

Upon entering the main office, he perceives her perfume and realized exactly where she is, shortly before his eyes catch her form from afar. 

Acting occupied and in haste, he mutters, “Hello Alice,” He drops his suitcase and files on top the table before hanging his coat and takes his seat while she adjusts her stance with the case files in her hand and turns to leave the office.

Just before she walks away from the desk, Joe asks, “Did Park leave any message for me?” 

She turns slightly and says, “Oh yeah, he came earlier and said to tell you Congratulations on finally appearing again on local news, and that you should call him later.” 

“Alright,” he replies with a straight face, trying to contain his embarrassment.

Alice walks out of the office and goes back to her desk.

As a way of paying their respects to Wrestler in his period of mourning due to his wife's death, the board has cancelled all end of year activities at the Hanton Law Firm.

Subsequently however, upon finding out their decision, Wrestler strongly insists that rather than all planned activities at the firm being cancelled, they instead be postponed to the end of next year's first quarter. He shared that he did not want all prior investments made thus far to be all in vain. He nevertheless cordially invited them all to join him at his home while he buries his late wife following an intimate funeral service. Liz’s funeral will be taking place in the first week of January. And all major activities leading up to it, particularly involving Wrestler's business affiliations and the firm are being planned by Joe. Alice also, at Wrestler’s request, will be playing a major role in ensuring the event’s success, especially regarding elements that connote sentimental value. Despite this earnest request from Wrestler, Alice still finds herself in a place where she would rather swallow sharp sand than work together with Joe on something so intimately special and dear to her heart right now. She considers it bad enough that she already has to deal with him at work. Planning and organizing this event with him will be an even more emotionally arduous task.

*       *        *

Glossary 

“Jefe, hemos buscado en toda la ciudad.  No hay señales de Pedro.” - “Boss, we've searched the entire city.  There is no sign of Pedro.”

"¿Y el club?" - “And the club?” 

“¿Qué es lo único que se suponía que debíamos hacer?  ¡¡Para asegurarnos de que no salga de la ciudad!!” - “What is the one thing we were supposed to do? To make sure that he does not leave the city!!”

“¿Me entiendes, Tigre?”   -“Do you understand me, Tiger?”