TWENTY SIX
SOMEBODY WAS howling like a hungry hound in the room two doors down and it wasn't helping with the tension between them. Nigel lifted up his blanket slightly and Stan's nostrils started to twinge.
"That's a bit fruity," smelled Stan. He sat up,
"Is this how it's going to be now?"
"You were always for taking the easy way out."
"No, Dad. Listen to me, this is Michael. I won't take a chance on his life."
"So Nincotte will continue to scam innocent guys coming into this country?"
"This is not our fight dad. It's not our country."
"You're making decisions again without my say- so, Stan. And Harvey….don't get me started on him." "He was only doing what he thought was right. You should have done the same when you arrived.
Why did you give him a choice?"
"At least I made it to see him. I wasn't blind drunk, then hit by a Tic Tac."
Nigel struggled out of bed and began to dress.
"Where are you going?"
"I have an appointment with Pamon."
"Who's Pamon?"
"The lawyer, Stan. Try to keep up."
"You can't leave."
Nigel gave Stan a sideways look as he strapped on his watch. "The case is over, isn't it?"
"You can't just walk out, not like this. What are you so mad about?"
"Mike stood by his principles and is doing time to prove a point - yet you just pay his way out."
"This is not about what is right and wrong. This is family, and I have failed him by being stuck in here."
"You've failed him, not me."
"Thank you for reminding me."
"Have you done anything remotely useful Stan, since you've been here?"
"I've been keeping our ladies informed."
"That's something." Nigel frowned.
"I want to make this right, whatever the cost."
"You do, do you?"
"I thought you of all people would understand."
"You do whatever you have to Stan, you always did and you always will."
Nigel was on the point of storming out when Stan blocked his path with a crutch.
"Wait a minute, will you? At least have a doctor give you the all clear."
"I'm fine."
Stan's phone vibrated. He took it out and read a text. "Harvey's on his way. He said it all went to plan. Don't you want to speak to him?"
Nigel shook his head, kicked away the crutch and strolled out of the door.