“Cary, we can talk about this!”

“We're been talking. If you'd been listening, you'd understand there is no other way.”

The gun remained aimed at Lionel's chest. The man desparetly looked around the room, for anything he could use against his would-be assailant.

“Cary, I know you're upset—”

“Don't patronize me, you've got no idea how I feel.”

“Charlene was my friend too, you're not the only one who cared for her. We all miss her.”

Cary leaned against the closed door, struggling to breathe between sobs. Eyes red from crying and no sleep, the man looked just about to drop. Lionel wanted to hold his grieving friend.

“It was a mistake. One no one can fix.”

“Mistake? It was no mistake! It stoped being a mistake when he dragged her from her car and stayed till she stopped breathing. It was premediated and you know it.” Cary wiped his eyes before facing his friend.

“Where is he, Lionel?”

“There was never any proof against him, Ellis showed us that.”

“Which is why I'm coming for him after I find Harold. He's covering for him just like you are.”

Lionels fists clenched at his brothers name.

“Cary, please, you don't have to do this.”

“Tell me where he is.”

“You, me and Charlene. We've worked together for thirty years. You're my best friend, I want to help you.”

“I know you do. You're family to me. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“I know you do. Damnit, you were best man at our wedding.”

“And you were mine. Cary, we've been through it all together.”

“Birds of a feather, that's what Charlene used to say.”

“Heh, yeah. She was an incredible woman.”

Gun lowered, Cary glanced at the wedding band on his finger, adjacent to what was once his wife's engagment ring. “She always looked after us. She was the one who organized weekend barbeques, and birthday parties for everyone in the office.”

Lionel chuckled as memories glossed over his vision, brougth back to the present by a shaky voice.

“Please help me, tell me where Harold is.”

“You know I can't.”

“I know.” the gunshot echoed through the office as Lionel fell to the ground. “He's either at your house or Ellis's. I'll find him.”

Cary waited as the man who was his closest confidant faded away at his feet.

“Don't worry, Charlene. I'll see you soon.”