This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
Master of Descriptions: Perils (Part III) ¶
Published on July 23, 2019
As Martin's lawyer, Wallace, arrived at the scene, he was met with a tense conversation between Martin and his wife, Leila. Leila had just shot a man in self-defense, and Martin was trying to downplay the situation.
“Thanks for calling me in time. Your other boys could have handled this. Why me?” Martin said, trying to deflect attention from the situation.
Wallace, however, was not buying it. “You are the only person I can trust. Furthermore, I do not need to raise her eyebrows. She needs to believe this was a random home invasion, and she is not to be blamed for what she did,” he said, trying to reassure Leila.
As the conversation continued, it became clear that Martin was more concerned about his own reputation than Leila's well-being. “Whatever it is, it was self-defense. She will be fine, how much does she know about you…? I mean your other life?” he asked, trying to shift the focus away from Leila's actions.
Wallace, however, was not having it. “She is your wife for heaven sake, Martin. How do you expect her to protect you?” he asked, pointing out the obvious.
As the argument continued, it became clear that Martin was not taking the situation seriously. “I do not need a woman’s protection. I have people for that. This is work. You know my policy about work,” he said, trying to justify his actions.
Wallace, however, was not convinced. “The same old crap of not taking work home. Where has that gotten you so far?” he asked, pointing out the consequences of Martin's actions.
As the conversation continued, it became clear that Leila was struggling to cope with the trauma she experienced. She was pale and fragile, and her eyes were puffy from lack of sleep. Her neck was bruised, and her arms were covered in bruises.
“Did he hurt you?” Martin asked, finally showing some concern for Leila's well-being.
Leila burst into tears, and Martin pulled her close to his chest. “He would have killed you, and God knows what he could have done to our kids. Our beautiful kids. You did fine,” he said, trying to reassure her.
As they continued to talk, it became clear that Leila was struggling to come to terms with what had happened. She was haunted by the memory of the man she had shot, and she was worried about the consequences of her actions.
Just as it seemed like the conversation was coming to an end, a gunshot rang out, and the car was hit. “Everyone get down!” Wallace shouted, as Martin grabbed Leila and pulled her down.
As they waited for the danger to pass, Leila's head was hidden between Martin's laps, shuddering with fear. “Is everyone alright?” Martin asked, trying to reassure her.
But it was too late. Leila had been hit, and she was bleeding from her chest. “Shit! She has been hit,” Wallace exclaimed, as Martin hit the accelerator and sped towards the hospital.
As they drove, Leila's eyes drifted, and she whispered, “I am sorry.” Martin tried to reassure her, but it was too late. Leila's eyes closed, and she slipped away.
