Suddenly, I Am Rich

Gray went to the police station late afternoon, just after Alistair’s lawyer sent him the details regarding Alistair’s custody.

The police station where Alistair was taken care of was located in the middle of the city. Outside, there were a few people standing. They were the die-hard supporters of Alistair. They could only camp outside, because they weren’t allowed to enter.

Gray stepped out of the cab he rode. He went to the police station alone.

He wore a simple black cap to cover his hair and a mask to cover the lower half of his face. In his disguise, no one would know it was him at first glance. His outfit was also plain. He didn’t want to draw attention, especially now.

He glanced around before walking to the entrance. When he saw a man wearing a suit, standing just before the doors, he approached him.

”Mr. Gray?”

The voice called out before he could even go near him. Gray nodded his head slightly at that. The man gladly stepped forward at that.

”I’m attorney Velasco,” he introduced himself again, this time with them seeing together.

Up close, the lawyer looked exactly how he sounded over the phone. He was mid 40’s and looked clean and composed. His hair was neatly combed back, with a few strands of gray starting to show at the sides.

He was wearing a suit that looked well enough. It was pressed perfectly, with not a single crease out of place. He paired with a muted tie that matched his overall appearance.

He looked well enough that you know he was dealing with rich clients all his life.

”I’m glad that you came,” the lawyer said before giving him a small nod.

Gray glanced at him briefly before responding, ”Yeah. You told me that he wants to meet me.”

”Yes. Thank you for coming on such short notice.” Velasco gave a faint and understanding smile.

Gray just nodded before the lawyer turned slightly toward the entrance.

”This way,” he said.

Gray followed him without a word. The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere changed. It was Gray’s first time entering a police station, so it felt new.

The people inside the station were busy.

Some officers were sitting behind a desk speaking to civilians who had come to the station to report something, while others were talking on the phones.

Gray’s eyes moved quietly, taking everything in as they walked. Everything looked organized, which surprised him.

Attorney Velasco led him straight toward the front desk.

”I’ve arranged the visit,” the lawyer told the officer on duty. ”This is Mr. Gray.”

The officer glanced at Gray, his gaze lingering for a second, likely noting the cap and mask.

”ID,” the officer said shortly.

Gray quickly e reached into his pocket and handed over his identification card. The officer examined it carefully, then looked back at him.

”Remove the mask for verification.”

Gray complied without hesitation. It was the police station, so he knew cameras weren’t allowed inside.

He took off his mask for a moment, and when the office gave him approval, he quickly put it back on again.

The officer nodded and handed the ID back.

”Sign here.”

A clipboard was placed in front of him. Gray took the pen and signed his name cleanly on the visitation list.

”Phone and belongings,” the officer added.

Gray paused briefly, then took out his phone and placed it on the counter. After that, another officer approached them.

”I’ll take you to the visiting area.” Gray gave a small nod to the man.

The walk deeper into the station, and it became quieter. The security also became heavier, and their body were patted down before entering another door.

They walked for more, but it didn’t look too long. They stopped in front of a secured door. The officer unlocked it, then pushed it open.

”Wait inside,” he said. ”The detainee will be brought shortly.”

”Okay,” Gray stepped in, and what greeted him was a simple room. There was a table at the center, and two chairs on the opposite side. It was a private visitation room.

After the officer stepped out, the door was locked again.

”You may sit first, Mr. Gray. My client will arrive soon.”

Gray just briefly nodded before taking a seat. The room fell into silence almost immediately after. He leaned back slightly on the chair, his hands resting loosely on his lap as his gaze settled on the empty seat across him.

Minutes passed and a faint sound of footsteps echoed from outside. Soon after, the door opened again. Gray’s eyes shifted toward the door. Two officers stepped in first and behing them was Alistair.

He was brought in with his hands cuffed in front of him, the metal restraints catching the light as he moved. The bright orange shirt he wore stood out sharply.

For a brief second, Gray just looked at him, taking everything in.

It hadn’t even been a full day, and yet the difference was obvious now. Alistair somehow looked smaller, not physically but in presence.

His neatly kept image from before was now gone. His hair was slightly disheveled, his face was pale, and the confidence he used to carry was nowhere to be seen.

Miserable... that was the word for it.

And for a fleeting moment, Gray felt a cold sense of satisfaction when he saw his state. But of course, he couldn’t show it to his face.

Alistair sat across from him, and the officers stepped back toward the door to leave to give them privacy.

The moment they were left alone, Gray immediately showed his false concern.

”What happened, Alistair?” he asked, his tone laced with just the right amount of urgency. ”I saw the news this morning and yesterday...” He paused briefly, studying him.

”I tried calling you yesterday.” He sighed and shook his head.

”And now you’re here.”

Alistair didn’t answer right away.

He exhaled quietly, shaking his head once as if brushing it all aside.

”I’m fine,” he said, ”It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

Alistair adjusted slightly in his seat, the faint sound of the handcuffs echoing in the whole room.

”But let’s talk about that later,” he continued, lifting his gaze to meet Gray’s directly.

”I didn’t ask you to come here for that.”

Gray’s expression remained unchanged. He raised a brow, asking what it was.

”I need you to do something for me, Gray.”