The Almighty God of Law

Show off

Bryan handed Ezekiel a new phone. The screen was bright. The device was perfect. Top of the line.

"We're all set," Bryan said. "The new house is ready. I had everything arranged while you were recovering."

Ezekiel looked around. The room was spacious. Modern. Gigantic windows. The view was breathtaking. The city stretched out before him. Skyscrapers. Bridges. Rivers. The sun was setting. Everything looked good.

He walked to the window and placed his palm against the glass. The city below hummed with life.

It was beautiful.

He turned to Bryan. His face was serious.

"Did you get the number of my friend Leo?"

Bryan nodded. He pulled out a notepad. He read the number aloud.

Ezekiel dialed. The phone rang. Once. Twice. Three times.

Leo picked up. His voice was panicked.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"Leo. It's me. Ezekiel."

There was silence. Then a scream.

"Ezekiel? Oh my God! I thought you were dead! I thought the cops took you! I hid when they came. I didn't know what happened. I've been losing my mind!"

Ezekiel smiled. It was good to hear his friend's voice.

"I'm fine, Leo. I'm safe. Listen, I can't explain everything right now. Can we meet?"

"Yes. Yes, of course. Where?"

"The restaurant. The one where we both worked part-time. Remember?"

Ezekiel chose there because it was a place they could talk and remain hidden. It was small and perfect.

Leo paused. Then he laughed.

"The old place? With that crazy woman? You sure?"

"I'm sure. See you there."

Ezekiel hung up. He looked at Bryan.

"I'm going alone."

Bryan nodded. He didn't argue.

The restaurant was small. Greasy. The sign was faded. The windows were dirty. Ezekiel walked in. The bell above the door chimed.

He stopped.

An argument was happening. Loud. Vicious.

The owner's wife was screaming. Her face was red. Her veins bulged in her neck. She pointed a finger at Leo.

"You'll pay me back! Every single cent! Or I'll have you arrested! You think you can borrow money from me and just disappear?"

Leo's back was against the wall. His hands were raised in surrender.

"I'll pay. I promise. Just give me more time."

"I've given you enough time!"

The husband stood behind the counter. He was quiet. His eyes were downcast. He looked tired. He looked defeated. He looked like he had given up a long time ago.

Leo saw Ezekiel. His eyes widened. He tried to signal. A small shake of his head. A warning. Don't get involved.

But it was too late.

The woman followed Leo's gaze. She turned. She saw Ezekiel standing in the doorway. Her eyes narrowed. Recognition flickered across her face.

"Wait," she said. "I remember you. You later went to jail. The husband of that rich girl. The one who got caught."

She laughed. It was harsh. Ugly.

"Look at you now. Ragged. Broken. Pathetic. And you're friends with this loser? Birds of the same feather flock together."

She gestured at Leo and spat on the floor.

"He borrowed money from me. Five thousand dollars. With interest. He owes me eight now. And he can't pay. Just like you. Just like all of you."

Ezekiel didn't react. His face was calm. His voice was steady.

"How much does he owe you? Including interest?"

Leo jumped forward. He grabbed Ezekiel's arm.

"No, Ezekiel. Don't. Don't do this. I'll handle it. Please. Just go. I'll meet you later."

Ezekiel gently pushed Leo's hand away. He looked at the woman. His gaze was cold.

"How much?"

The woman stared at him. Confusion flickered in her eyes. Then she smirked.

"What are you going to do? Work shifts here to pay it off? Are you planning to take over his debt? How pathetic. One would think you two are dating."

She laughed again.

"Who knows? After all, your wife left you. And your son was never yours. You're just a loser with nothing."

Ezekiel didn't flinch. His voice was cold.

"Just tell me the amount. And your account number."

The woman blinked. She looked at him. She couldn't understand.

"Eight thousand. That's what he owes. Plus interest. You can't afford it. Look at you."

Ezekiel pulled out his phone. His new phone. The one Bryan had given him.

"Your account number. Now."

She hesitated. Then she grabbed a napkin. She scribbled numbers and shoved it at him.

"Here. Go ahead. Make a fool of yourself."

Ezekiel typed on his phone. His fingers moved quickly. He pressed send.

A loud beep echoed through the restaurant. The woman's phone buzzed. She looked at the screen.

Her face went pale.

Her mouth dropped open.

"What... what is this?"

Her husband who was behind the counter looked up. His eyes widened.

The alert on the phone showed the balance. Eight thousand. Transferred. In full. With interest.

"How is this possible?" the woman whispered. "Where did you get this money?"

Leo stared at Ezekiel. His jaw hung open.

"Ezekiel... what did you do?"

Ezekiel pocketed his phone. He turned to Leo. His face was calm.

"We should leave here."

He looked at the woman. His voice was flat.

"This should be the end of our ties with her. Let's go."

He walked toward the door. Leo scrambled after him. He was still shocked.

"Where are we going?"

Ezekiel opened the door. The bell chimed.

"The Ritz. The five-star restaurant on Fifth Avenue. I'm hungry."

He walked out. Leo followed. Behind them, the woman screamed. Her voice was shrill. Unhinged.

"He must have borrowed that money! He's just showing off! It's not real! He's a fraud!"

The husband spoke softly. His voice was quiet. Tired. "You just chased away a paying customer. That man had money. Real money. And you insulted him."

The woman opened her mouth. No words came out.

Outside, Leo grabbed Ezekiel's arm. His eyes were wide.

"Ezekiel. What is going on? Where did you get that money? How did you afford that?"

Ezekiel smiled. It was a cold smile.

"I can't explain everything now"

He walked toward the waiting car. The engine purred. The driver opened the door.

Leo followed. His mind was spinning. His friend was back. But he was different. Something had changed.

Ezekiel got into the car. He looked out the window. The city lights blinked in the distance.