Chapter 144 Trust and Loyalty
Three months later, River State.
Alexander, now fully recovered from his injuries, was packing his simple luggage. He softly instructed Andrew, "I'll go back first to gather some information. You stay here with Eric and check out the Taylor family's production line. Also, have them introduce you to the necessary connections on the streets. Wait for my call."
"Didn't you say it would take eight months? Why are you in such a hurry to go back?" Andrew asked from the sofa, "Is it Samuel's order?"
"Yes." Alexander nodded. "William resigned, and there will be some changes within the police department. Samuel might have other plans, so he wants me to go back first. Besides, I have a kid at home. It's been over three months without anyone looking after him. I need to go back and make arrangements."
"Alright then." Andrew nodded. "During this time, I'll work with Eric on business connections. It's a hassle to choose routes every time we deliver goods."
"Exactly. If you can focus on doing something right, I'll be relieved," Alexander replied with a smile, "Stop obsessing over women; you're not young anymore."
"Get lost."
"I'll pack my things and say goodbye to Coco before I leave."
"She said she would treat you to a meal before you go."
"She's an interesting woman." Alexander grinned. "I'll call her later and meet up tonight."
Stardust City, Special Prison.
Benjamin was sitting on a large bunk, happily reading a novel.
"Benjamin, what do you want to eat tonight? I'll have someone buy it for you," a burly man asked while picking his feet on a thick quilt.
"You always treat me to meals, but I have nothing to repay you with." Benjamin smiled. "Forget it, save some money. You might still have a chance."
"What's money for if not to spend?" the burly man commented, leaning to one side. "I wouldn't treat others, but I admire you."
"Then you decide," Benjamin said without pretense, "I'll eat whatever you buy."
"Alright, I'll take a nap and have someone bring in some good dishes tonight," the burly man said, lying down and covering himself with a blanket.
After a while, a guard walked into the corridor outside the cell and called out, "Benjamin!"
"Officer." Benjamin put down his novel and walked over. "What are your instructions?"
"Someone from Pine City is here. Wash your face and come to my office to shave. I'll take you to meet them," the middle-aged guard said softly.
Benjamin was taken aback. "Okay, I'll wash my face."
About half an hour later.
Benjamin was taken out of the cell and into the guard's room, where he used the guard's razor to shave.
"Here, put on these clothes," the guard said, handing Benjamin a clean but not new shirt from the cabinet.
Benjamin was surprised. "You're even dressing me up?"
"You're meeting someone you know; you should look decent," the guard replied softly, "The clothes are a bit big, but they'll do."
"Thanks." Benjamin nodded.
"No problem," the guard said, taking a puff from his e-cigarette.
Benjamin had been in prison for three months. Friends and relatives from Pine City had tried to visit him, but because he had killed Tyler, The VitaPharm Company had intervened, ensuring Benjamin suffered. As a result, no one from Pine City had been able to see him or send money.
Despite this, Benjamin lived well in prison, making many friends.
In the cell, even the most vicious criminals and those who had committed serious crimes respected Benjamin. The guards also treated him well, often going out of their way to help him.
Why was this? Was it because he dared to kill Tyler, and everyone feared him?
Definitely not.
As the burly man who wanted to treat Benjamin to a meal said, "I've been in this special prison for eight months. I've seen at least thirty death row inmates. But before their execution, only Benjamin can still eat, drink, and read. Just for that courage, I'll pay for his meals until his execution."
Other inmates and guards had also told Benjamin, "Benjamin, your pharmaceutical business wasn't impressive; anyone could do it. But the fact that you dared to sell your drugs at half the price of The VitaPharm Company and the Patrick Group, we respect you for that."
When the lower class fought against the powerful and lost miserably, it often evoked sympathy from others in the same class. Moreover, Benjamin's affordable drug prices in Pine City had earned him respect because, while making money, he also brought a bit of warmth to a chaotic era.
After changing into the shirt, Benjamin was led out of the office by the guard.
In the narrow corridor, the guard asked softly, "Benjamin, was the verdict issued the day before yesterday?"
"Yes, you weren't on duty that day." Benjamin nodded.
"Alright." The guard nodded. "I'll find you tonight for a drink after I'm done."
"Okay," Benjamin replied with a smile.
Ten minutes later.
The guard opened the door to the visiting room and said softly, "Go in and talk."
Benjamin bent down to enter the door and saw seven or eight people. They were from Pine City, the families of the two patients who had died from the fake drugs. It was they who had rallied others to smash the Anderson family's warehouse.
These people stared blankly at Benjamin, looking at the chains on his feet, and no one spoke.
Benjamin smiled at them. "It's been months since I saw familiar faces."
No one responded.
Standing behind the reinforced glass, Benjamin asked, "Oscar, did the Black Street District police call you in for a case closure meeting?"
"Yes, they did." Oscar Knight, a middle-aged man, nodded woodenly.
"Did they explain the case clearly?" Benjamin asked again.
"Yes," Oscar replied, his voice trembling, his head lowered, and his eyes red. "Benjamin, we wronged you."
"No, you didn't." Benjamin shook his head. "I've had nothing else on my mind these three months in prison, just wanting to see you all. If this matter wasn't clarified, I won't be at peace even in death."
The group remained silent.
Benjamin licked his chapped lips and suddenly took a few steps back. "Although I didn't sell the fake drugs, you didn't wrong me. Why? Because, no matter what, the drugs came from me, Benjamin, and they killed your relatives. Others might not care, but I do. Without your support, we might have been gone long ago."
"Benjamin, don't say that."
"Yes, without your drugs, who knows how many people would have died from illness. Benjamin, we should thank you."
Benjamin waved his hand, his voice trembling as he looked at them. "I can't kneel with these chains, so I'll bow to you. I'm sorry, everyone. I made money, but I didn't manage my people well, causing you to lose your loved ones."
With that, Benjamin bowed deeply.
The group looked at him, tears streaming down their faces.
"Alright, I've lived my life with integrity and have no regrets," Benjamin said, standing up with a firm expression. "Go back and tell the people on Maple Street that I will die, but the drugs won't stop. That's it."
With that, Benjamin turned and left.
River State.
Just as Alexander was about to meet Coco, he glanced at a text message he had just received.
"He will be executed soon."
Alexander was taken aback, frowning as he walked to the window and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.
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