Member-only story
What Lionel Did for Love
A short story about the intersection of time and love
Mark cocked his head to the side, sizing up his new client. “From what you’ve told me, no lawyer could get you off. The statutes involved — destruction of property, computer invasion, information security damage, computer hacking, denial of service, cyber terrorism — are all serious crimes.”
Lionel leaned back against the thick, leather chair, the fabric squeaking as he settled in. One of his sneakers had become untied, and he took a moment to retie it before taking a sip of coffee. “And the penalty?” Lionel asked.
“This will be a prosecutor’s field day. The number and magnitude of these felonies add up to multiple life sentences.”
“But not the death penalty.”
“No, not the death penalty.” Mark narrowed his eyes. “But something tells me you already knew that. Something tells me that’s not why you’re here.”
“Hmm.” Lionel took another sip of coffee and set the cup aside.
Rain pelted the window. The office lights flickered off for a moment after a bright, white lightning bolt struck the building’s roof. The sharp, metallic smell of ozone snuck through the gaps between the window and wall.
