CHAPTER 32
Adam
Isit in the dirty, overly worn armchair, waiting.The room is mostly dark.It's only dimly lit by a small, weathered lamp that sits on the floor in the corner of the room.I have spent the day preparing for this moment, making the necessary calls this morning and then plotting out the events for the evening after I found the address I needed.
Finally, I hear talking outside.Ideally, only one person will walk through that door, but I'm more than prepared for anything.
The talking outside ceases and the sound of footsteps come closer.The knob turns and my blood electrifies in my veins.I have waited all day for this moment, and I can't wait to satiate this need.Then, I see him.Paul Hastings, soon to be John Doe.He continues into the unkempt room, not noticing me sitting in the corner.I let him get to the center of the space with his back turned to me before I speak."Hello, Mr.Hastings."
He nearly jumps out of his skin when he spins toward me."Who the hell are you?Get the fuck out of my house!"
He's obviously scared and making his best attempt to look tough.
"Now Paul, is that any way to talk to the man who posted your bail?"
Paul is clearly confused by this revelation.He surely wondered who posted his bail but didn't expect said person to be in his home waiting for him.
"It was you?Who are you?"
"Well Paul, I'm so glad you've asked.You see, I'm someone with an interest in your crimes.I've had a look at your past offenses, and it seems that you like women, but women don't seem to like you.Is that a fair assessment, Paul?"
"Fuck you.I didn't ask you to do shit, man.Get the fuck out of my house before things get messy in here."
I clear my throat as my blood hums with excitement.It's been so long.I need this.He deserves this.
"Ah okay.I do hate a mess.I just have some questions, Paul."
He cuts me off, saying "Quit saying my fucking name so much man.How do you even know me?"
"Let's make a deal, Paul.You answer my question and then I'll answer yours.Deal?"
Paul doesn't say a word.He just nods in agreement.
"Okay, Paul.I noticed that you've been arrested seven times for various assaults on women, but none of the charges have stuck.The women recant."
Paul spits out, "That wasn't a question, asshole.I don't have time for this shit."
"My question is, how do you get them to do it?"
He starts shaking his head before he says, "Nah, man.Nah.I ain't gettin' into that shit with you."
"Can I tell you what I think is happening?"I ask with sugar in my tone.
"I don't give a fuck, man.I just want you out of here and I don't give a fuck what you think about nothin."
"I think that you or someone you know is intimidating these women after charges have been pressed.It leads me to wonder how many women there actually are in total since some probably took your initial threats to heart and didn't press charges in the first place."
Paul laughs without humor.His expression becomes less scared and more menacing."You know what, asshole?I don't care how you know me.I don't care what you think you know about me.You have thirty seconds to get the hell out of my house-"
This time, it's me who cuts him off."Or what, Paul?"
"Or you don't leave here alive, mother fucker.That's what."
