I Never Lose

Pushing his bloodlust aside, Leo returned his focus to his client and began pondering in silence. After listening to the story, he noticed everything seemed normal, but he had a feeling that there was more to the surface story.

Leo pondered for a while and remembered Lyson talking about Jimmy getting intoxicated only after a glass of beer.

"Did you really kill your friend because he claimed to have had an affair with your wife?" Leo asked with a frown.

Judging based on Lyson's past record and what he could guess through his Empathy ability, this man was not a violent man. So it was hard to wrap his head around it. Although the fact that one of his closest friends had an affair with his wife was a motive to lose himself to violence, it wasn't enough in Leo's eyes. There was also the fact that two friends fought while the third did nothing to separate them, which was strange.

"I know it sounds dumb. I know I did something unforgivable, but it's not my fault. I was so pissed, I couldn't control myself... I never thought I would get so intoxicated I would do something this crazy." Lyson said in a shaky tone and trembling hands.

He seemed to be lost in thought, failing to notice Leo's keen eyes pinned on his smaller frame.

Intoxicated?

Leo frowned slightly upon hearing that word again. His thoughts traced back to the story when Lyson said his friend started acting after one glass. Were they lightweights or was it something else?

Leo rolled his eyes as an idea ran through his mind but there wasn't enough evidence to suggest that.

"Tell me more about Jimmy." Leo said with a deep frown before leaning back.

Upon hearing his question, Lyson paused for a brief moment and pondered deeply for a few seconds. After a short while, he looked up, meeting Leo's gaze before speaking.

"Jimmy has always been the normal one amongst us. He was good at everything but never too outstanding. But that was normal either at. He was good with the ladies, but couldn't hold his liquor, so he didn't drink much at parties and never got drunk. And even when he gets tipsy, he has never acted as irresponsibly as he did that night. I don't know why but just like him, I too behaved inappropriately… I just don't know why. I was angry, but not enough to kill my friend." Lyson covered his face as he spoke with a pained tone.

Leo nodded and pondered on his words before writing down a few things.

"Tell me more about yourself." Leo said in a flat tone void of any emotions.

Lyson seemed to hesitate a bit before speaking.

"What do you need to know?"

"I need to know if you have any history or record of violence or anything that can be used against you in the court. So I suggest you take your time and think before answering this question." Leo said.

Lyson lowered his head and pondered for a few minutes. While he did so, Leo enjoyed his coffee and kept going through few news articles on his phone. Only after a while did Lyson look in his direction with certainty in his eyes.

"There is none. I have never taken drugs, I have never had a case of violence; I have my family to testify to that. I know I party once or twice, but I have never acted this way before. This is the only time it has happened. That's why I'm saying it's a mistake, it has to be." Lyson said with a face full of worry, but Leo remained calm.

"What did you take that night?" Leo asked.

"Just beer." Lyson responded.

"Is there a possibility that Jimmy could have died due to an allergy?" Leo asked as he leaned forward.

"No... No. We drink beer all the time. There has never been any form of allergy issues." Lyson said with a bewildered look on his face.

"You said it felt strange when he got intoxicated after a glass. Have you realized the only person who doesn't seem affected in any way in this story?" Leo asked with a raised eyebrow.

Buzz!

Lyson shivered, and his mind began to race and possibilities flashed across his eyes. His body shivered weakly, and his eyes showed denial. He refused to believe Tyler planned all of this.

"From the little research I did, I found out that Tyler and Jimmy both work for rival companies. You claim Tyler was constantly questioning Jimmy on work-related issues that night?" Leo asked calmly.

Huff!

Lyson exhaled deeply and looked up to meet Leo's gaze. His eyes were filled with fear and denial as he was unwilling to answer because a simple yes, would change the entire narrative of the story.

"Somehow, Jimmy was so intoxicated, he got violent, just after a glass. You got dragged into the mess and killed him. Yet, Tyler was the only one who walked out of it in one piece. Heck, he didn't even separate you two. But he suddenly comes out now to sue you for murdering his 'friend'. Don't you think that's a bit weird?" Leo asked following which Lyson froze.

"You did not kill Jimmy, at least it wasn't your fault," Leo said confidently, shaking Lyson to the core. He looked Leo in the eyes and wondered if he should believe this man or not.

"How can you tell..." Lyson's voice seemed to trail off. His confidence kept diminishing and that's why Leo spoke to him this way.

Leo needed a confident client who could cooperate with him perfectly. With Lyson's jumpy personality, he would be a problem on that day if the lawyer from the other team decides to question him.

"I strongly believed Jimmy was drugged by Tyler. All I need you to do is stick to your story and keep your head high. Leave the rest to me and have faith in me." Leo said before leaning back.

His words made Lyson tremble, but he still seemed to have some doubts.

"What if Jimmy's tolerance had dropped since we haven't gone out in a while? There are so many reasons they can-"

Before Lyson could continue Leo cut him off with his frosty gaze.

"Do you wish to go to jail?" Leo asked and Lyson gulped silently.

"My duty is to defend you as my client and your duty is to believe in me. Whether you are the killer or not does not matter the moment you requested help from my firm." Leo said calmly.

"I believe there is more to this than what you have said so far. I will conduct an investigation. All you need to do is to go back home, relax and wait for my good news." Leo said with confidence brimming in his eyes.

Seeing this, the once dejected Lyson finally saw a ray of hope in the darkness.

"Are you sure?" Lyson sat up with hope in his eyes.

All his fatigue and fear had worn out in an instant as he looked at Leo with hopeful eyes.

"Don't worry Mr. Lyson. I never lose." Leo chuckled.