On a Sunday noon, Rae Bennett received a phone call.
"Hello."
The other side introduced themselves: "Clement Atkins."
Wyatt Wright was in Willow Lane, he had filmed a documentary for the funeral home last week, and there were some post-production work to handle.
In the afternoon, Rae Bennett took a boat alone to Noressee Isle.
The cramped rental was packed with people, sunlight couldn't reach the half-basement, damp and dim, Matthew James curled up on the ground holding his head while four men surrounded him, beating and kicking.
He spat out a mouthful of bloody spittle, grinning in pain: "Stop hitting me."
The men ignored him, continuing to brutally kick his stomach.
He desperately grabbed one man's leg: "Please stop, Brother Howard, I'll definitely pay back the money."
Brother Howard was a thug in Noressee Isle, specializing in lending money. Matthew James had borrowed several sums over the last couple of weeks, all blown at the gambling house.
