Mercy (Somerset University #3) - Ruby Vincent Page 0,29

I respect your style.”

Aiden moved in between us, snagging the Laphroaig as Winston went to pour some more. “Do you respect him enough to let him settle our argument?”

“Not this again,” Hayes groaned. “You both made good points.”

“And we’re evenly split on who made the best,” Aiden said. “Maverick makes an odd number. Whoever he agrees with, wins.”

The guys passed glances around each other, and then at me. I weathered their scrutiny in stride. Whatever this was, they’d get to the punchline eventually.

“Okay,” Winston finally said. “Maverick decides.

“I decide what?”

“Winston and I are locked in an argument on the function of laws,” Aiden stated. “It came up in his textbook and our discussion spiraled like everything does with this fucker.”

“It’s true,” Winston added.

“Hear us both out and tell us who has the better argument. You’ll help us settle a bet.”

“I can do that.”

“Sweet. So, I say that laws exist merely to restrict social behavior.” Aiden crossed the room and retook his chair. “What one person or people can do to another person. In their essence, every law was created to control people and that will always be their function. They will change only as we, and the way we treat each other, change.”

I nodded, turning over his argument. “All right. Winston?”

“I say his notion is inaccurate from top to bottom. Laws don’t exist merely for people-to-people behaviors. There are laws for animal welfare and cruelty. Laws protecting buildings, trees, or where you can stamp your foot in the forest in case you come down on some rapidly disappearing fauna. Laws exist to restrict our behavior, certainly, but not solely in regard to how we interact with each other.”

“Lay your arms down, gentlemen,” Hayes joked. “Maverick, deliver the verdict.”

I took my time considering both their points. I had to agree each of their arguments were solid, but, in the end, only one truly expressed the reason for laws.

“I have to say... I agree with Aiden.”

Aiden smacked the table. “You see? Tell him why, my friend.”

“Yes.” Winston reclaimed his seat. “Why?”

“While it’s true that laws don’t merely restrict our actions against people, the effect on other people is still the basis for every law made to protect objects, plants, or animals. For example, it’s the horror others felt when they witnessed a man beating his dog or starving his horse that pushed them to demand laws against animal cruelty.

“Strange as it is to admit, it’s not really about that animal’s welfare so much as it is about the voices speaking up for their welfare, and the growing understanding we’ve accepted as a society, in the vileness of the act. The proof is in the fact that we can be charged for animal cruelty, but not for carving up an animal and eating its meat.

“One act is viewed by the majority as wrong while the other is not. Whereas I’m sure Bambi would vote for neither. Laws are only about people. What horrifies us. What goes against our interests. What hurts us and the things we care about. As Aiden said, it’s all about social behavior.”

A thick silence descended on the room. Absolute for our position underground. The only thing that could be heard was the screaming smugness on Aiden’s face.

“I couldn’t have said it better myself. Boys?”

Nasir blew out a breath. “Rick’s argument is sound. Aiden wins. Winston, hand over the keys.”

The cravat-wearing Brit swore under his breath as he dug in his pocket.

“Keys?” I spoke up. “Keys to what?”

“My Jag. And you’re giving me a ride home, mate,” he said to my openly stunned expression. “We’re discussing your theory further.”

“Don’t bother,” Aiden said. “You lost. The car is mine.”

“Hold up,” I cried. “Dropping ten grand on the poker table is one thing. But did you seriously bet your car on the winner of an offhand thought you got out of a textbook?”

Winston shrugged. “I’ve got three others.”

Like that’s the fucking point.

“It’s all fun between friends,” Sawyer cut in. He raised his brows. “Which we are, right? Friends.”

“Slow down,” I said mildly. “I’m not that easy.”

The group found that amusing.

“We try to do this every week,” Hayes said. “You should join us.” He spoke in my direction but I had a feeling the statement was for the room.

Winston confirmed the feeling, replying, “Fine. He’s a decent bloke. Let him in.”

Nods went around the table.

“What do you say, Rick?” Sawyer asked. “Will we see you next week?”

My muscles moved of their own accord—contracting and loosening, moving my head up and down.

“See you next