The Undefeated Lawyer: Vince

Where He Belongs

Vince retreated without another word. The trauma he suffered from the day replayed several times over in his mind. He trotted out of the gate just before Maria, his mother-in-law, banged it harshly.

He bent slowly and squatted down. He tried to make sense of his ordeal but couldn’t figure out exactly where he went wrong. He opened his mailbox again and reread both emails. Both contained bad news, the exact opposite of what he had hoped for.

“The company cannot go down for this Vince, Amber has to take the fall for her crimes.” His supervisor’s words from a year ago rang in his ears. He had sought help when Amber got into trouble, but Peak law firm higher ups ignored his plea and abandoned him when he took the fall and now, they mailed him to return to the company, demoted, as a desk worker.

He got up on his feet as he thought through his next action. What other bad news was there to hear aside from all this? He made for Ice Cube bar, a small mobile café owned by his close friend. The only guest that he had twice in his one-year jail term. His friend had denied knowing Amber’s whereabouts after his rent expired, and his luggage was confiscated by the authorities.

Vince knew he had no other choice but to trek his way over there. His stomach grumbled but he ignored it. Kelvin would give him food at least. He took more steps when he suspected a red Rolls-Royce was tailing him.

His heart thumped loudly in his chest, he quickened his pacing, hoping desperately the car wouldn’t meet up with him. Being kidn*pped over his mountainous problems would be disastrous. The driver, as if sensing his suspicion, sped up the car till it was directly beside Vince.

The backseat window lowered, and a voice called out to him.

“You can’t avoid me forever Vince.”

Vince closed his eyes as realization dawned on him. He knew that voice, she had visited him several times in prison, but he kept rejecting her visits after the first time. Vince didn’t respond, he kept walking on pretending to suffer from an ear defect.

I know everything that happened to you. I tried to talk to you about that, but you wouldn’t let me see you.

She knew!

Vince turned around slowly and his eyes met with a pair of wrinkled ones. The older woman had grey hair and her wrinkled skin shone brightly. She had red lipstick on and a large bun sat classy on her head, giving her a refined look.

The only thing out of place in her body was the pitiful look in her eyes. That was exactly what deterred Vince the most. He didn’t want to be pitied! Not by the likes of her.

He turned forward and ignored her completely. The car zoomed off, leaving him to himself. He got to the usual site, to his relief. Kelvin’s mobile truck stood tall and his friend had also improved his service. He had a few chairs and tables to complement the truck. Now his customers do not have to solely buy a takeout.

He took a seat at the only empty table. In the short space of one year, Kelvin had improved his business while he had spoiled his own career. The old woman was right, he was pathetic and pitiful.

He focused his attention on his phone rereading the divorce papers' terms, everything was exactly as it was supposed to be. He had spent a whole night cramming the rule of law so he knew what penalties awaited him if he breached them.

He felt two chairs drawn beside him, and he looked up, his eyes met with a hefty man’s. Beside him was the old woman from earlier. They both sat down and ignored him while they waited for their orders to be taken.

Vince scoffed loudly and focused on his phone. The food truck's back door opened and Kelvin walked out of it. His eyes met with Vince, and he rushed out to him. They drew each other into a tight embrace and exchanged pleasantries.

For the first time that day, Vince felt a little bit relieved. There was still a friendly reaction from one person he knew. Kelvin apologized for his neglect of him, but Vince brushed it off. He sat down in his seat hoping to hold a longer conversation with him.

“I need someone to take our orders,” the old woman said coldly.

Kelvin got up on his feet to attend to her, his two part-time staff were busy attending to other customers. He took a step forward, but Vince pulled him back towards the chair.

“Sit Kelvin, ignore her.” He said with an eye roll.

Kelvin wore a confused expression, but he reluctantly sat while the older woman and Vince glared at each other. Thankfully, one of the part-timers walked up to their table and took their order.

Vince felt too embarrassed to ask for food as the older woman’s gaze was fixated on him. She had shown up when he was in prison with some kind of crazy story. Acknowledging his defeat in front of her would make him a total loser. That he could not afford to be.

“You look terrible Vince.”

“I know.”

“I am sorry about….your baby and Amber.” Kelvin said gently.

Vince was surprised: “You knew?”

I did, but I couldn’t tell you. I was afraid it would break you and I couldn’t face you, hence I stayed away. I am sorry.”

Vince was quiet. Everything replayed in his mind. The older woman’s phone rang, and she picked it up. She listened attentively before dropping the call. She exchanged knowing expressions with her bodyguard, whose countenance remained stoic.

She turned to face Vince and Kelvin, a tear dropped from her eyes.

“Vince, he is dying!”

Vince closed his eyes and balled his fist. Why was he put in this damn difficult position?

“Vince Finn," I said! my son! Your father is dying soon!”