Retribution
A Serial in Eight Parts
retribution: deserved punishment for evil done.
Retribution Episode 2
Levi had held up quite well after the murders, continuing to practice medicine and seemingly little different, maybe just a little quieter and more reserved than before. When they let Allens go, however, Levi fell apart and in a space of a few years had lost his house, his practice, everything. I tried to talk to him several times during that time but he put me off, and I eventually left him to himself, respecting his desire just to be left alone. I felt a little guilty about not being able to help, but I was too good a friend to butt in where truly I was not wanted.
During the meal we exchanged small talk and I caught up on his current situation and the goings on of the town. He had quit drinking and had started a small house remodeling and repair business.
“Why don’t you go back into medicine,” I asked.
“Well, I’ve thought about it, but I just don’t have the desire. I enjoy what I’m doing now and getting along fine.”
I wanted to ask if he had been able to start seeing anyone, but I hesitated. During our college days, I could have asked easily, but that was a long time ago, and I wasn’t sure about our current status.
“Why don’t we go hiking tomorrow,” he asked as we walked out of the restaurant after paying the check. “I don’t have anything pressing and it’d be fun. Just like old times.”
I said yes and we made a date to meet. Seven the next morning at the coffee shop on the highway. I watched him walk away down the street. He had seemed ok, and I hoped that he was going to be all right now.
Since I was going with Levi in the morning, I got in the car and drove toward Richard’s house. To spent the evening with my brother and do my best to ignore his wife.
To be continued
