Chapter 56

Chris Hudson waits outside Maidstone Crown Court for Ryan Baird’s hearing, privately acknowledging the case is unsafe but justified as revenge for Ibrahim’s mugging. As he watches, Chris wrestles with Connie Johnson’s threat to Patrice and decides he cannot tell Patrice or involve Elizabeth.

Chris meets Ron Ritchie and Bogdan Jankowski at a concrete table. He asks for help stopping Connie without crossing legal lines. Bogdan, who knows Connie, warns she has done worse, alleging she personally killed the Antonio brothers, heightening Chris’s fear for Patrice.

Ron argues that the line between legal and illegal can blur, recounting protests and minor rule-bending to defend principles. Chris extracts a promise: no killing, but any help to deter Connie is welcome. They agree to keep the plan secret from Donna and Elizabeth, though Bogdan jokes Elizabeth is likely already listening.

As they finalize their quiet commitment to protect Patrice, Ron teases that Chris called Patrice “the woman I love.” Bogdan confirms, and Chris realizes it’s true. Surrounded by allies—and even a pigeon sharing chips—Chris resolves to protect what he now openly acknowledges: his love for Patrice.