For Better And For Worse
Chapter 25

Anti-drug squad.

Commander Boris goes to Marlene’s office.

Boris: Hi Marly, print me the robot portrait of this so-called Gauthier that Mr. Félix made for us.

Marlene: give me a few moments.

She therefore prints the photo and gives it to the commander who returns to his office by calling Inspector Kevin and Lieutenant John.

Boris: here is the sketch of Mr. Gauthier who, according to Krist, is at the origin of everything that happens to him and the distribution of drugs in the city.

John: and you believe it?

Boris: Yes. You will go to the fountain bar and carry out a reconnaissance and espionage mission. You will try to spot Mr. Gauthier, if he shows up. But you should also try to spot people selling drugs in this bar.

Kevin: Understood!

Boris: Inform everyone, I have to talk to you.

John: Okay.

The entire unit has been assembled and the commander is going to speak to them.

Boris: good evening everyone. The drug case in which Krist is accused is not yet over. Before being transferred to prison, Krist assured me that he was innocent and that it was Mr. Gauthier who did everything to ensure that he was convicted. So Detective Kevin and I decided to do a little investigation and it turns out that during the trial, the families of all the jury members were kidnapped, in order to force them to give a false verdict and he threatened to harm their family if there was ever an appeal. Which normally should happen. This is why we must carry out an investigation to know the real face and real name of this Gauthier and stop him before he harms others.

The commander was willing to answer all their questions and then he also informed them of Kevin and John’s mission.

Boris: that will be all.

Everyone returns to their post. The commander returns to his office while Kevin and John leave for their mission.

On the other side at Krist’s, Stella waits all night for Master Célestin’s call but in vain. Until 10 p.m., she decides to sleep.

Stella: I don’t even know why I’m standing here waiting for him to call me.

Prison.

In the morning, all the prisoners meet to do sports as usual. Krist being injured stays quiet to observe. A man approaches him.

Him: hi, I’m Giscard.

Krist: Krist.

Giscard: Nice to meet you Krist, sorry for all that (his injuries).

Krist: no, it’s nothing. I have to toughen up to survive in this place.

Giscard: you’re right, but toughening up alone won’t really help you, you need something else too.

Krist: something else like what?

Giscard: you need to join a group. You know, we are stronger together.

Krist: Yes, you are right.

Giscard: Bayoko and I have an agreement, they don’t touch my men and I don’t touch his so I suggest you join my group. I can promise you that you will be safe.

Krist: why are you suggesting this to me, why do you want to help me, what’s in it for you?

Giscard: nothing, I just help the new people who come here. Some even manage to commit suicide following provocations.

Krist: That’s not likely to happen.

Gérard: I can ensure your safety and do any other service you want.

Krist: Thank you for your concern but I don’t need it. I’m in prison man, I didn’t expect a quiet and easy life.

Giscard: very good, too bad.

He leaves it and leaves. After a few minutes of jogging, Léo joins Krist.

Krist: Are you finished?

Leo: no. Follow me !

They go to a boxer training room.

Krist: What is this place?

Leo: Don’t you see that people are training?

Leo hits the punching bag twice.

Leo: This is where we train for the boxing tournament.

Krist: what, do you also box?

Leo: of course. Being champion has too much privilege.

Krist: do you at least make it to the semi-finals?

Léo: no, it’s my first time this year

Krist: what kind of risks are you taking? You only have two years left here and you want to do boxing? Do you want to come out of here lame or one-armed or something?

Leo: don’t worry my friend, I know how to fight.

Krist: ok, good luck to you.

Leo: thank you buddy.

He continues to hit the punching bag when the champion and his men arrive. Everyone stops training but being very focused, Leonardo didn’t notice it and continues training. At one point, he stopped the blows to take a breath and that’s when he noticed the silence in the room. He looks at Bayoko and fear grows inside him. He wanted to come and apologize but he thinks of Krist’s words: “don’t fear men Leo… confront him and if he beats you, it might be understandable”. These words gave him courage and he continues to train. Bayoko signals to his two men who are going to stop Léo and bring him before the champion.

Bayoko: did you see me arrive or not?

Leo: yes.

Bayoko: so why didn’t you stop training?

Leo: because I just arrived.

Bayoko: everyone needs to stop doing everything they were doing when I’m here, you know that right?

Leo: yes.

Bayoko: ok, I’ll do you a favor. Kneel down and apologize.

Leo looks at Krist and refuses to kneel. Everyone was looking at them.

Leo: Why should I kneel down and apologize, I didn’t do anything wrong?

Bayoko: yes, you rebelled.

Leo: I came here to train and as far as I know, this room is not your property.

Bayoko: last chance!

Leo: sorry but I’m going to train.

Leo turns to leave, keeping his guard up.

Bayoko: wait!

He turns and Bayoko throws a punch which he dodges and gives him a blow with her slipper which makes him step back.

Leo: This room belongs to all prisoners. Anyone can train there.

Bayoko’s men showed up to defend him but he asked them to stop. He walks over to Leo and places his right hand on his left shoulder, looking him straight in the eyes.

Bayoko: see you at the tournament.

He leaves with his men and everyone comes to lift Leo up and they continue their training. Krist approaches him.

Krist: wow, you impressed me.

Leo: it’s thanks to you, my brother.

Krist: How so?

Leo: You told me not to fear men.

Krist: I see, I’m very happy with you.

Leo: you’re not going to participate in the tournament?

Krist: no, it will be without me.

Leo: ok.

Krist: okay, I’ll wait for you outside.

Krist goes out to watch those playing volleyball. After finishing, Leonard joins him. Sports time comes to an end and all the prisoners go off to eat.

Krist’s home.

The mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law and Stella are having breakfast.

Odette: my daughter, when are you going back to work?

Isabelle: by Monday.

Odette: ah, in that case, I will have to return on Sunday evening.

Isabelle: okay mom, no problem.

Odette: I have to go see my son first.

Isabelle: I plan to go see him today too.

Odette: That’s good then, we’ll go together.

Stella: wait for me, I’ll come back from classes at 10 a.m.

Isabelle: okay, we’ll wait for you.

So, after breakfast, Stella goes to college. She returns at 10 a.m. and the three of them go to the prison to see Krist.