Life at the Top

No longer confined to bed rest, Jasper got off the bed and respectfully invited the old man to take a seat.

“Please have a seat, Mr. Coine. Moving is still a little difficult for me and this place really isn’t appropriate, so I’ll skip out on asking you if you’d like some coffee this time.”

Jasper smiled. “Next time, then. I promise I’ll invite you to a cup of hot coffee next time, Mr. Coine.”

Peter smiled gently and waved him off. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not used to drinking coffee anyway. Alcohol, on the other hand, is always a good choice. But I’ve grown old and my body can’t take that anymore, so I’ve quit it.”

Jasper nodded. “That’s good, then. Seniors like you, Mr. Coine, are important people to us. It’s good to see you taking care of yourself.”

Peter was surprised by Jasper’s attitude. “I thought that our meeting would be an unhappy one, but I like you a lot, young man. Most importantly, I can tell that everything you’re saying and doing now comes from your heart—it’s genuine respect.”

Jasper spoke sternly, “It is truly what I think, after all. People like you are old heroes, Mr. Coine. Your generation is the reason why we can live such great lives. Your heroic achievements are things anyone of Somer descent should never forget.”

“Very good. Thank you for remembering our hard work,” Peter smiled softly and spoke.

At that, Peter pulled up his sleeve and showed a deep knife scar as well as a few bullet wounds. He explained, “These are from three different battles. See this scar? It was from a bayonet that had pierced right into the bone. These few other bullet wounds were also from the enemy troops. I have more wounds on me, but I’ll spare you the sight.”

Jasper looked at his own tightly wrapped shoulder and smiled. “Looks like I’m just weak, then.”

Peter waved him off and spoke slowly, “People grow old and their thoughts change as well. Look at me and the tough life I’ve lived. Despite the enemies’ bayonets and bullets, I lived to 80 only to send my children off instead of the other way around.”

Jasper remained silent.

“Mr. Laine…”

Coine. Just

straight to the point. Seeing that I’m asking you,

is a huge offense, it will not result in the death penalty. I can’t be certain of the judge’s ruling because I’m not the judge,

A word from you and they’ll be out in a year or

at Mr. Coine and spoke, “Logically speaking, Mr. Coine, considering your identity, such a request is in no way overboard. But I also heard

“What use is there in stopping them? They did this to themselves. Who knows how

Coine, but your heroic achievements should not be used to

other old heroes as well, but they’ve done their part to educate and instruct

not that I’m being unreasonable or inconsiderate. I can openly admit that there is resentment between me and them, and I must seek revenge.

silent at Jasper’s

about this, Mr. Coine? Regarding my personal resentment with them, I’ll let go of it for your sake. I have nothing against Len Coine, so as long as he pays up the tax he has evaded, I’m sure the judge will be merciful when he gives the verdict. Marcus, however… Let’s not discuss his issue anymore. Will

and turned to Jasper. “If that’s the case, very well

up, it’s time

rejected Jasper sending him out and

head as he watched Peter slowly walk out of the hospital and get into a

‘Is Peter pitiful?

should not need to send off

pitiful people are distasteful in their

to be spoiling

cause instead of the symptoms.

to five years waiting for him. By the time

…