Chapter 10 - Absolute Zero
Two years later.
The concrete walls of the visitor’s room at ADX Florence were a dull, soul-crushing gray. A thick pane of bulletproof glass separated the inmates from the outside world.
Donovan Cross sat in an orange jumpsuit. He looked twenty years older. His hair had thinned and gone stark white. His sharp jawline was buried under the bloat of cheap prison food and severe depression. His eyes were lifeless, dull voids.
The heavy steel door on the visitor's side opened.
Elias Thorne walked in. He looked immaculate. On his wrist gleamed a custom Patek Philippe watch—the exact watch Donovan used to wear before the collapse.
Donovan slowly picked up the heavy plastic receiver. Elias did the same.
"Why are you here, Elias?" Donovan’s voice was a dry rasp. "You won. I have nothing. I am nothing."
Elias looked at him through the thick glass. He didn't smile. He didn't gloat.
"I came because I needed to see it for myself, Donny," Elias said, his voice crystal clear through the speaker. "I needed to see what happens when a man who worshipped illusions is finally forced to live in reality."
Donovan pressed his forehead against the glass, a single tear escaping his eye. "It’s so quiet in here, Elias. It's so cold. Please... just put some money on my books. I just want a hot cup of coffee. Please."
The mighty billionaire, the king of Palm Beach, begging for instant coffee.
Elias stood up, slowly buttoning his suit jacket.
"You built a house of cards, Donovan," Elias said softly. "Now, you get to live in the ruins."
Elias hung up the receiver. He turned his back on the glass and walked toward the exit.
Donovan banged his fists against the bulletproof pane, screaming silently into the phone, begging Elias to come back, begging for anyone to acknowledge he existed. But the glass was soundproof.
May you like
Elias walked out into the bright, blinding sunlight, leaving Donovan Cross in absolute, freezing darkness.
The debt was finally paid in full.
