Blind Lawyer
Wilson Fisk, the most powerful gang leader in New York City and even across the United States, was a billionaire of international renown.
Known by the alias Kingpin, he operated under the guise of a successful entrepreneur while his criminal empire thrived in the shadows. Despite his notorious activities—organizing thefts and drug trades—his legal acumen and powerful connections kept him beyond the reach of the law, even earning him a peculiar kind of admiration akin to celebrity status.
Bruno Costa, the man who had taken Frank's family from him, was one of Kingpin's lieutenants. When Frank heard the name, a wave of anger coursed through him, his fists clenching involuntarily.
"I've come with a straightforward offer," Senter said, producing a check from his pocket. "One million dollars. Take it and forget about that night... you know what I mean."
Frank hesitated, eyeing the substantial sum. "That's a lot of money..."
"Indeed. Most people wouldn't earn this much in two lifetimes. With this, you could live comfortably for the rest of yours," Senter replied with a smile.
But Frank's next words wiped the smile off Senter's face.
"But I refuse." Frank winced from the pain of his injuries. "Tell Bruno and Kingpin that they'll face justice. I'll make sure of it—even if it means preparing their coffins!"
While public opinion in America increasingly leaned against capital punishment, only a handful of states had actually abolished it, and New York was not one of them.
Given Bruno's brutal actions within New York's borders—taking the lives of many, including two children—the death penalty seemed inevitable.
"Frank, you're an adult," Senter said solemnly. "This isn't your fight."
"We'll see about that!" Frank attempted to rise and strike him, but his injuries hindered his movement.
"Very well," Senter nodded. "We'll meet in court. I believe it'll be a trial that truly embodies the spirit of justice."
Frank believed in the law and its ability to deliver justice. He was confident that Bruno would be held accountable for his crimes.
However, events took an unexpected turn.
Several days later, a brunette woman visited Frank at the hospital.
"Lawyer Soya, how's it going? When's the trial?" Frank asked eagerly, sitting up in bed.
Soya shook her head. "I'm sorry, Frank. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we can't represent you."
"Why not?" Frank was incredulous.
Soya could only offer, "Like any profession, our primary duty is to support our families... I'm truly sorry. As a friend, I sympathize with what you're going through, but we can't help."
Frank couldn't understand. "What's so difficult about taking on this case? Bruno was caught by the police!"
"Sorry, Frank," Soya apologized again before leaving abruptly.
Over the following days, Frank contacted numerous lawyers he knew, but none were willing to take his case.
While this didn't necessarily mean the case was lost—given Bruno Costa's crimes, the New York City police and prosecutors seemed well-equipped to ensure justice—Frank couldn't shake the feeling that Kingpin's influence might somehow help Bruno escape legal consequences.
Frustration and fear gnawed at him, plunging him into a constant state of anxiety.
Memories of his wife and children's deaths haunted Frank's dreams, tormenting him like a jagged blade, shattering his already fragile existence.
One afternoon,
A soft-spoken man wearing sunglasses arrived at the hospital, accompanied by a portly man with long hair.
"Who are you?" Frank Custer demanded, his tone curt, a torrent of rage bubbling beneath the surface.
In recent days, his mood had soured, his heart weighed down by despair and anger.
"My name is Matt Murdoch, and I'm a lawyer," Murdoch said, extending his hand in greeting. He introduced the portly man behind him. "This is my friend, Foggy Nelson."
It was then that Frank noticed Matt's peculiar behavior, the sunglasses he wore. "Are you... blind?"
"Yes," Matt confirmed with a smile.
Frank frowned, momentarily speechless. "Are you Bruno Costa's lawyer?"
"Why would you think that?" Matt looked puzzled for a moment, then realization dawned. "Because no lawyer in New York wants to take your case?"
Frank remained silent.
Matt smiled reassuringly. "Actually, we're here to help you."
"Why help me?"
Matt shrugged. "No reason. We heard about what happened to you and wanted to ensure the guilty are punished and justice is served."
Silence hung in the air for a moment.
Taking a deep breath, Frank managed to temporarily quell the turmoil within. "Alright, Matt. Thank you, whatever the outcome."
In truth, Frank had lost faith in the legal system and justice itself.
Prior to Matt Murdoch's arrival, Frank had harbored some hope. Now, however, he faced the stark reality—only someone who couldn't see was willing to assist him.
And so, Frank began devising a plan for justice outside the confines of the law.
As events unfolded, Frank's suspicions were confirmed.
Despite Matt Murdoch's legal expertise and the battles fought against Kingpin's hired attorneys, the case ended in defeat.
Bruno Costa's murder charges were dismissed due to police misconduct during an illegal search.
This was a glaring feature of American law. Should law enforcement fail to adhere strictly to search protocols, any evidence gathered would be deemed inadmissible.
Inside the courtroom,
Bruno Costa approached Frank triumphantly, flanked by his defense attorney, Senter.
"This trial was easier than I anticipated. Seems a million dollars was too much," he sneered.
Staring at Bruno with fiery determination, Frank Custer uttered each word deliberately, his eyes burning with intensity. "I promise you'll face the consequences you deserve. Not just you, but Kingpin, all the gangsters in New York City, and every sinner in the world!"