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Benjamin grunted as the heaved his heavy suitcase onto the conveyor belt to be scanned for contraband. He calmly continued his way towards the metal detector that was manned by two security guards. The man took off his watch and dropped it in a tray before stepping through the machine, which did not pick up anything suspicious on his person. Ben grabbed his watch and put it around his wrist before picking up his luggage once the staff cleared him to proceed.
As heavy as his suitcase was, it was nothing compared to the weight he felt on his conscience. He let out a sigh as he looked for the time of his plane on the flight information display above him. Stilwater, 7pm.
Intrusive thoughts kept racing through his head as he made his way through the large hallway. The memory of that fateful phone call was still fresh in his mind.
“Mr. Benjamin King?” The voice on the other end of the line asked.
“Yes, who is this?” King inquired suspiciously, not recognizing the number, only its area code.
“I’m Officer Milton with the Stilwater Police Department,” the man introduced himself, “I’m calling you because you were listed as an emergency contact for Mr. Julius Little.”
“So?” Ben’s throat felt tight at the mention of his old friend, he knew this would not be a happy call.
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Little was found dead this morning, you have my sincerest condolences, sir,” the officer informed him.
This news had hit Benjamin like a truck. It felt like yesterday when he had bid his farewell to Jules before leaving the city for good.
Part of him never wanted to return, but this was an exception that left him little choice.
“T-thanks for informing me,” he quickly hung up before the cop could say anything else.
He paid no attention to the crowd around him as he continued towards his private jet. Julius’ funeral would be later this week,
he had already arranged that much. This gave him some time to think about what he was going to say at the eulogy.
The former gang leader was also hoping to find out more about the circumstances involving his best friend’s death.
King doubted he died of natural causes, not in that city.
Maybe some poking around and hitting up old friends would shed some light on this tragedy. Who knew what he'd uncover.
He just hoped things wouldn't get ugly, but you never knew in that town. Ben brushed those concerns aside for the time being.
For now, the King had returned.