Golden rays of the setting sun caressed Devon's skin as he strolled down the quiet street heading home. After another intense training session with Tanya on the secluded beach cove, he felt happily drained and ready to devour one of his mother's delicious homemade dinners. Rex trotted happily at Devon's side, wagging its tail in anticipation of the meal ahead.

"Yuh ready fi chow down same as me eh buddy?" Devon chuckled, patting the pitbull's muscular back. Rex responded with an excited bark.

They were only a few blocks from home when the dog suddenly froze, ears pricked warily. A low threatening growl rumbled in Rex's throat as he stared into some roadside bushes.

Devon tensed. "Wah gwaan Rex? Yuh hear something in there?" He cautiously approached the shrubbery, one hand raised ready to discharge his dread energies for protection if needed. But the only sounds were the distant thrum of traffic and chirping evening birds.

"Easy now, probably just—" Devon halted mid-sentence as the bushes rustled. Peering into the dark leaves, he could just make out a hunched figure sitting inside. As his eyes adjusted, Devon sucked in a shocked breath.

It was an elderly man with snowy hair and a gaunt, heavily lined face. Dirt and blood stained his creased skin. But what really alarmed Devon was the man's clothing - an orange jumpsuit with specialized restraint cuffs. The uniform identified him as an escaped Coco criminal.

The old prisoner groaned weakly upon seeing Devon, raising his bound hands in feeble surrender through the branches. "P-please son...no harm... just help me..." he croaked.

Devon looked warily up and down the quiet street. There was no sign of any pursuing police or heroes. The crafty con must have slipped away undetected from the earlier mass breakout downtown. But why crawl into bushes here? How had he removed the power-dampening restraints meant to subdue his Coco abilities?

Devon hesitated, unsure whether to flee or call the authorities about this fugitive. But the old man just gazed back pitifully, clearly posing no threat in this exhausted state.

"What yuh want from me?" Devon asked cautiously. If he could keep the villain talking, it would buy time to decide on a course of action.

The prisoner licked his chapped lips, wincing. "Water...food...somewhere to rest these weary bones for the night," he pleaded hoarsely. "No tricks or escape attempts...on my honour."

Devon weighed the man's words. His reasons dictated alerting the police immediately. This was surely some manipulation by a desperate criminal. But Devon's compassionate heart was stirred seeing the convict so old, helpless and humbled. Did he truly have the authority to condemn this grandfatherly figure without mercy?

Devon made a decision. He pointed sternly at the hidden man. "Don't move from this spot, yuh understand? Stay right there."

The prisoner nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! You have my thanks."

Devon backed away, watching for any sudden movements. "Come Rex, we just going to the patty shop 'cross the street for some food."

The obedient pitbull ceased his suspicious growling and followed Devon out of sight around a corner. But Rex's eyes conveyed reluctance at leaving the potential threat unattended.

At the local patty joint, Devon purchased two spicy beef pastries and two bottles of Ting soda. The young woman at the counter smiled curiously. "Hungry night eh?"

"Yeah, feast fit for a king," Devon chuckled. He hurried back with the greasy bag of Jamaica's iconic portable meals.

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Returning to the bushes, Devon found the convict still huddled inside. Warily, he passed over the food and drinks before backing up several feet. Devon kept a charged dreadlock primed and watchful as the famished prisoner tore into the meal.

Between ravenous bites, the old man gazed up at Devon with profound gratitude. "Young man...you show grace and charity beyond your years. What be your name?" he asked in a refined tone that seemed at odds with his dishevelled appearance.

"I'm Devon. And you?"

The convict wiped sauce from his mouth with a slight smile. "You may call me Andrew... Andrew Sterling."

Devon's brow furrowed. Why did that name ring a bell? But more pressing mysteries filled his thoughts.

"Okay Andrew, tell me straight - how and why yuh escape custody?" Devon pressed. "You’re obviously some crafty villain to slip away from authority after the prison break today."

Andrew looked thoughtful as he sipped the soda. "You're right, I've committed great wrongs," he admitted. "But recent traumas have instilled perspective. I'm through with that destructive life."

He met Devon's sceptical gaze. "I know you have no cause to trust me. But this is truth - I only wish to quietly live out my remaining old age in peace away from violence and hatred." Andrew's eyes misted over. "My dark powers have only bred misery. No more."

Arms crossed, Devon weighed the sincere sounding claims. "So yuh expect me to just walk away and let an infamous criminal roam free?"

Andrew grimaced sadly. "I won't insult you by requesting complicity or secrecy. Your conscience must guide the right actions." He placed the empty food bags neatly aside. "But know that I intend no further wrongs. There are always alternatives to hard justice." Andrew spoke carefully. "I will depart this place discreetly and fade from infamy. That is my solemn promise to you, Devon."

With great effort, the old convict pushed up to stand on unsteady feet. Devon saw no deceit in the man's tired eyes, only humility. He made a decision that the pragmatic voice in his head screamed against.

"Look Andrew, I can’t stand by and let you just run off," Devon stated firmly. The prisoner's shoulders slumped in resignation. "But...out of mercy, mi will give you one day head start to make yuhself scarce before mi call the authorities." Devon braced for protests, but Andrew just studied him sadly before inclining his head.

"You demonstrate wisdom beyond your age in balancing justice and charity," Andrew said gently. "I shall not squander this gift." He extended a frail hand.

After a brief hesitation, Devon shook it. "Just try walk a better path, even if alone," he told Andrew.

The old convict was grateful. "Farewell then, virtuous Devon. Tonight restores a glimmer of hope in tired bones." With slow careful steps aided by a branch, Andrew shuffled away and was soon swallowed by the night.

Rex whined at Devon's feet, clearly unsettled by letting the criminal depart freely. Devon just sighed and patted the dog's head. "I know yuh disagree bud, but every man deserves a chance at redemption."

Still second guessing himself, Devon finally turned towards home again. At least he could rest easy knowing that by tomorrow, authorities would be alerted about Andrew's location. Justice would still be served in time.

The next evening after 24 hours had passed, Devon placed an untraceable call to the JPCU hotline from a secure line on a dark empty street. "Hello? Yes I saw the wanted man Andrew Sterling hiding in bushes on Orange Lane last night..."

As Devon relayed the detailed tip, he felt confident the proper outcome would now unfold beyond his control. Andrew's choices and fate rested solely in his own hands now. Devon could only pray the seeds of mercy yielded redemption, not further ruin.

Strolling home beneath the stars with Rex at his heels, Devon looked up at the sky thoughtfully.

"Yuh show faith in man over principle. An admirable quality, if misplaced here." The sudden voice from behind made Devon jump.

Whirling around, he saw a familiar figure detach from the alley's shadows - it was Ras Nine. The Rastafarian master smiled knowingly with his arms crossed over his bongo drum. Devon felt both thrilled and embarrassed to be caught in his act of controversial charity.

"What yuh would've done different, wise Ras?" Devon asked, curious what lesson or rebuke awaited him.

However, Ras Nine just chuckled. "This world never so black and white. Yuh followed yuh heart and conscience. Time alone reveal if seeds planted today grow weeds or blooms."

He stepped forward and gripped Devon's shoulder firmly. "Ras been watching yuh progress patiently. Soon come the time for true training. But what inside can never be taught, only encouraged. Continue on yuh path steadfastly."

With those final cryptic words, Ras Nine became enveloped in his signature swirling smoke and vanished. Devon blinked, confused from the encounter. However Andrew's fate played out, Ras approved of Devon's choice. That alone filled him with hope.

Whistling cheerfully, Devon continued his walk home beneath the vibrant stars. Difficult decisions awaited down the twisting roads of destiny. But the right motives in his heart would light the way forward.