Page 83 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

Gene cleared his throat.

JP looked between them. “What’d I miss?”

Sabre handed him the drawing.

“That’s the mark that’s on Bay’s arm, right?” JP asked.

“Yes. I was checking to see if Gene knew what or who it represented.”

JP turned to Gene. “Do you?”

“Not for sure, but you and I are going to find out.”

“How?”

“You’re going to get us in to see a friend at Donovan State Prison. He’ll know more.”

Chapter 31

Saturday afternoon

JP watched as his brother moved through the institution he had spent way too long in. It was the first time Gene had been back to Donovan since his release. He signed where he was told, waited where he was told, and moved when they said to. No wasted motion, no attitude, just familiarity.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” JP asked.

“I’m fine. I’m just glad to be on this side of the bars.”

They were led into the visiting area where the tables were bolted to the floor, the chairs were color-coded, and the guards were watchful.

Gene sat first. JP took the seat beside him.

“Who are we meeting?” JP asked.

“His name’s Latham,” Gene said. “He’s been in here a while.”

JP didn’t ask what crime he’d committed. They just needed information. It didn’t take long before Latham came in with the slow, measured walk JP had seen a dozen times in places like this. The prisoner was in his mid-fifties, lean, and had eyes that moved before his head did.

He saw Gene and gave a small nod. “Torn.”

“Latham.”

They shook hands across the table, firm and brief.

Latham glanced at JP. “You brought company.”

“This is my brother, JP,” Gene said. “He’s good.”

Latham gave JP a look that wasn’t unfriendly, just assessing. Then he sat.

“What do you need?” Latham asked.

Gene slid the tattoo image across the table. “Take a look at that.”

Latham picked it up, then turned it, studying the lines.

JP watched his face. No reaction at first, then a small shift.

“Where’d you get it?” Latham asked.