by Hope Stone
I held on to that in my heart for a long time.
Now I had the chance to set the record straight, once and for all. I had a mission of vengeance for a worthy cause.
Amber
I struggled to open my car door when I left the prison. I walked out into the Merced sun, dazed and confused about what I’d just witnessed. The lump in my throat was firmly lodged as I threw my paperwork and purse onto the front seat. Oh hubba, hubba what a hunk of a man. He belonged in a magazine with that chiseled jaw and those delicious toned, sinewy arms. Lucy had been right. If she only knew how much.
I hoped the flush of hot lust didn’t show on my face too much when I met him. I made every attempt to keep everything professional. Even the way his lips moved as he talked turned me on. The whole fifteen-minute car ride back to the office, all I saw was those iceberg-blue eyes. From the way his eyes mowed me down, I figured the feelings of attraction were mutual. Then again, the guy had been cooped up with men for the last four and a half years.
I parked in my usual spot. I fluffed my hair and took a tissue to my face and between my boobs to wipe the sweat away. Some of the heat, however, didn’t just come from the sun. I sauntered into the office, welcoming the cool of the air conditioning. I snuck into my desk. I didn’t want Lucy to hound me about the visit. I feared I would give myself away if she saw my face.
I shuffled and played with the paperwork on my desk for way too long. I had a pile of reports to check in with. First, I needed some tea to calm my racing heart down. Colt Winters. Amber Winters. It had a nice ring to it. I shook off the thought of last names and headed to the break room kitchen. I had my phone with me. I glanced at it briefly as it went off with a text. It was my little brother, Hector. What did he want?
I hummed joyfully to myself and made a cup of instant coffee. That prison visit had me in the right mood. I finished pouring my coffee and snuck a few cookies from the staff jar. I bit into the chocolatey goodness and read my text.
Call me. I have something urgent to tell you.
A troubled frown came over my face. Uh-oh. I put my two hands on either side of the counter and hung my head a little. My brother Hector was only twenty-five years old and had already served one year at USP Atwater for assault and armed robbery. Luckily, he took a plea bargain to reduce his sentence. He broke the code and snitched on a couple of people, but he did the right thing in my mind. He survived. The memory of me picking him up from Atwater flashed through my mind.
The first thing I told him was, “Stay out of trouble. You’ve done your time now. You’re on twelve months probation and two hundred hours of community service. You have to keep your nose clean.”
He’d given me a sloppy kiss on the side of my face and hugged me. I’d wiped it off in disgust. “Love you, Amber. Thanks for holding it down.”
“You’re welcome, and I’m so glad you’re home. I love you.” My heart felt lighter now that he was home, but given the text message I’d just received, it was starting to shrink again.
I took my cup of coffee and cookies out back, away from prying eyes and ears.
“Hi,” I said cagily.
I sat down on the backstep. The sunshine hit the left side of my face, making me squint. I placed my coffee beside me, dunked my cookie in the hot liquid, and bit into it. I tried to keep my crunching away from the phone.
“Hey,” Hector replied flatly.
“What’s wrong, baby bro? You sound down.” A large truck rumbled past, and I waited to hear his answer after it passed.
“I got a situation,” he replied warily.
My back became erect as I honed my ears to listen. “What kind of trouble are you talking about, Hector?”
He released a large breath into the phone. “The Las Balas crew. Apparently, there’s a hit out on me. They’re trying to pin me for a prison debt. I’m in big shit, Amber. I need some help.”
Cool, calm, and collected is how I responded with clients when they presented their problems to me. After all, I was a social worker and was used to dissecting people’s lives without judgment, putting the pieces of the puzzles back together. I held the phone away from my face and stared at it blankly.
“Hector. Are you serious? How do you know the threat came from Las Balas?” I replied evenly.
“It’s from them. A few of the guys I used to run with told me over beers. They wanted to warn me about it. I’m telling you because I may need to relocate until I figure it out.”
“Why should you run? What the hell are they talking about? A prison debt?” I twisted my head around to make sure no one was outside smoking and might hear me.
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Hector! You called me, remember? You’re my only brother. Of course I’m worried about it. You’ve been doing so good,” I said.
“Apparently not good enough for Las Balas. They’re looking for some money that was given to me from the robbery. The cops took it, so of course, I don’t have it. There’s no way I can pay it back,” he replied desperately.
“How much is it, Hector?” My voice trembled as I lifted my coffee to my mouth. I burned my lip from misjudging the heat of it and winced. “Shit!”
“You all right?” Hector asked in a concerned voice.
“Yeah. I just burnt my lip with the coffee,” I grumbled.
“Two hundred thousand. Sorry to call you with my bullshit. I’m freaking out a little bit. Las Balas aren’t a crew I want bad blood with,” Hector said apprehensively. “I know you’re connected. You know, in the prison system. I thought—”
I cut him off. “You thought what?”
“I don’t know. That you would know somebody on the inside to help out or have a contact. Something. I’m fresh out of ideas here.”
I dunked the second half of my cookie in the coffee and tried to let my mind go someplace else. The Merced heat was starting to agitate me along with Hector. “Leave me with it, and I’ll see what I can do.”
“Hey. Thanks, Amber. ‘Preciate it,” Hector groveled.
“Okay. I have to get back to work, okay? Give me a couple of days, and we’ll come up with a plan.”
That’s what I did—came up with plans for everyone else other than myself. I had no real complaints, just every now and then it wore me down. I grimaced as I rose from the concrete step. As I looked at the clock, I noted I only had a couple of hours to go, then I could retire to my safe haven with a glass of red. The remainder of my workday passed by quickly, and the pile of paperwork on my desk now looked half the size. I had my headphones on most of the time to concentrate on my cases. When I dragged my head up, it was time to go home.
As I strode out to my car with my bundle of cases to look through, I thought of my brother and me in simpler times. The fun we used to have. We would build fortresses in our backyard, and he would chase me, playing tag. Now he was fresh out of prison with a hit on him.
I rode home to the little house that I’d bought five years ago. It was set back from the main strip of Merced, and I loved it. My luscious green hanging plants welcomed me as I reached my front steps. I tapped them, and they swung silently. I loved my porch, where I could bask in the iconic California sunsets on gorgeous nights like tonight. The skyline looked like fresh cantaloupe had been spread across it. I didn’t want to miss it, so I hurried to drop my bags and pour myself a glass of wine.
I took one sip and headed to the shower to wash away the day. Colt’s sinewy, thick arms swirled into the steam as a memory while I loofahed myself clean. What I wouldn’t do to have those arms around me in the shower. It sent tingles all through my body just thinking about it.
I toweled off and set up some cheese and crackers to go with my wine. My case paperwork was waiting where I’d dropped it off on the porch. I took another delicious sip of red wine as I marveled at the intense changes in the sunset. I took a seat, opened my manilla folder, and re-read the case notes from Colt’s file. Sexy Colt. He was a farmer who grew his own produce. It’s not like I hadn’
t seen the file before. It just took on new meaning now that I’d met him. He was also a former member of the Outlaw Souls. I sliced some cheese on my plate and laid it on top of my water crackers. I re-read that bit again. Outlaw Souls.
An epiphany struck. That’s it! Colt was the connection I needed for Hector. Colt from the Outlaw Souls. From what I knew, they were huge rivals of Las Balas. Colt was part of the Merced chapter and surely would be able to offer a solution. The problem was that my next visit with him wasn’t until next month. Prisoners typically got four hours of visit time a month, and I’d already taken up one hour of his time. It was worth a shot, though. I would see if I could pull some strings since the warden liked me so much.
I scribbled down on my notepad the reminder for a scheduled visit to see Bella. I wanted her to be ready for Colt’s return. I worked late into the night, as always. A social worker’s notes are never complete. There were so many children and people I wanted to save, but the thing is, I couldn’t reach them all. By the time I carried myself off to bed, it was well after ten.
The next morning I woke up at eight o’clock. I wiped the sleep out of my eyes. Hector was the first thought that came to my mind. I rolled over from the comfort of my blanket, unclipping my phone from the charger. I lay on my back and punched in my little brother’s number.
“Hey, little brother,” I said sleepily.
“How many times have I asked you not to call me that? I’m a grown man. Not your little brother,” he grumbled.
“I know that. To me, though, you’re the one I used to boss around when we were making fortresses in the backyard,” I added in a melancholy tone.
“I remember that, and you’re still telling me what to do. Nothing’s changed.”
“Listen. I have an idea of what to do about your situation. I’m not saying don’t leave town. That might be a good idea. But I know an inmate at USP that’s part of the Outlaw Souls. He may have some insight into what to do. No guarantees, but it’s a start.”
“You would do that? Outlaw Souls are a direct enemy to Las Balas, so that would help a lot. I have to do something. I am taking off, though.”
“Where are you headed? Can I reach you?” I sat up in bed and threw the blanket back. It was time to get up.
“Eventually. I don’t want you connected to me. If they find out you’re my sister, then you’re dead meat. I can’t do that to you. I will send word when I get going. I’m heading to San Fran.”
“Can’t you just tell me now?” I steamed.
“No.” Hector had put his metaphorical foot down.
Flustered, I blew my thick hair out of my face and looked in the mirror. My curves were getting a little out of control. I blamed it on the stress of the job.
“Okay. Do what you have to do and stay safe. You’re going to need to contact me somehow. I will have information for you,” I said.
“I know. Like I said, it will only be a couple of days. I’m just going to let the heat die down a little,” Hector argued.
“Okay. Well, let me get off the phone and organize this prison visit.” I surrendered because there was not much I could do if he wouldn’t listen to reason. I moved to the coffee pot in the kitchen.
“Great. See you when I’m looking at you. Take care, Amber.”
“Bye.” I hung up the phone and waited for my coffee to get ready. I made a call to USP and got the switchboard.
“Hello. Can I please be put through to Warden Smith? My name is Amber Atwood. I’m from the Human Services Agency in Merced.”
“One moment, please, and I will see if he is available to speak with you.”
I shifted my weight from one leg to the other as I anticipated his voice.
“Hi, Amber. I didn’t expect a call from you so soon. What can I do for you?” Warden Smith answered with anticipation. I could literally hear his lips smacking together.
“Hi, Warden Smith. I know this is an abnormal request, but I had a visit with Colt Winters recently.” I paused as I concocted the lie. “I forgot a few details from his file, and something has come up with his daughter. I need to speak to him right away. Do you think I can arrange a visit with him? I don’t want his visiting hours to be affected, though. This is a special visit.”
The warden let the silence hang thickly in the air for a moment. “We normally don’t allow that, but Colt is a model citizen, and I’m a reasonable man. Plus, it’s you that’s asking. For anyone else, I wouldn’t, but I will get the message to him and come back to you with a time and date.”
“Great. Thank you!” Relief flooded through my body with the news.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Colt
Raymond was on duty, stalking the prison halls. Raymond was a guard I’d been warned about beforehand. This man had an ego the size of a mountain and the anger of a pit bull. Once his jaws locked down on you, there was no telling what damage he could do. His chubby fingers rested on his slick black baton. The crunch of his polished black boots could be heard a mile away. The other guards’ boots I couldn’t hear, but Raymond’s I could. It sounded like he had steel taps on the bottom of them. I never bothered to look at the time some days, but now, since I was getting out, I tended to glance at it a little more.
Errol was being disgusting and clipping his nails, dangling his feet over his bunk bed. Raymond peeped in the cell with his beady yellowish eyes. His overgrown belly rubbed against the cell bars.
“Colt. Got a message for you. Get over here,” Raymond commanded.
I stretched my height up from the wonky chair I was sitting in and crossed over to him. I recoiled slightly. His breath stank like a thousand deaths. “What’s the message?”
“Social worker is coming to visit tomorrow,” he said with a disgusted look on his rotund face. His bald head glistened as he spoke, and I focused my eyes on the shine from the light.
“Okay. Great. What time is she coming?” I asked.
“She’s coming when she is, boy. I’ll come and get you. I’m on duty, so it’s your lucky day tomorrow. Don’t be getting fresh with me, or I will send you to solitary confinement.”
I said nothing and eased back to the desk. I knew who to talk back to and who not to talk back to. Raymond waited, poised for the verbal retaliation. When he was satisfied that there would be none, he moved on with his noisy boots.
Errol gave me a knowing stare from the top bunk, swinging his legs. Once Raymond was out of earshot, he said, “That guy needs a royal ass-kicking. Someone needs to put out a jail hit on him. Could make it so that he accidentally slips and falls in the laundry room. Death by laundry liquid. What you think?”
I belly laughed so hard I had to cover my mouth. I was lucky enough to have a great cellmate for my five-year stay in the hellhole hotel. “Sounds like a winning plan to me. Let’s execute.”
Errol jumped down to sit beside me on the chair. “You want me to torture you in spades again? I’m bored.”
“Nah. I have to meet somebody in the yard. There’s some unfinished business I have to take care of.”
“Unfinished business,” Errol repeated as he slid the playing cards out of the deck and shuffled. “Anything to do with Anna?”
Shocked, I stared hard at Errol. “How’d you know?”
“Something told me you’re not the type of man to let something like that slide.” He pointed to the picture of Bella and Anna on the wall.
I cracked my knuckles in silent rage. “You’re not wrong. They killed my woman and left Bella with no mother.”
Errol tapped me on the back with his long spindly fingers. “Don’t end up back here in the process. I’m rooting for you. I want to sit talking to you when I get out of here. Do you need back-up on anything? Cover?”
I rubbed my fingers a few times. “No. I’m fine. The old-timers will have my back.” Doom settled in my voice nonetheless.
“Okay.” Errol nodded. “You got a real treat for the day. Two outings. You get to see that pretty social worker again
. Blondie.”
I tried to hide the smile, but the blood pumped through all my body parts when I thought about running my hands through her hair and overtaking her pretty mouth. I wondered how many times I could make her moan.
“Yeah. I get to see her. I don’t know what she wants, though. I hope everything is okay with Bella. I mean, why else does she need to see me?” I asked, secretly hoping it was because she was feeling me.
“Beats me, farm boy. Wait and see, I guess,” Errol responded dismissively.
The yard bell rang, and I stood up, waiting for the cell to unlock. The customary click came. Another prison guard came to let us out. Thankfully, it wasn’t Raymond. I walked to the yard and, like always, breathed the limited oxygen into my lungs. I ran my eyes over the scene. No one was at the weight bench today. A few guys gathered around on one side, though. One of the prison inmates was performing. Singing. His melodic tones floated all the way over to me. I nodded my head. The guy had some pipes. He wasn’t half bad.
Austin and another beefy dude with full tattoo sleeves were sitting on top of one of the benches. His face held the look of a man you wouldn’t want to mess with. His eyes were as cold as steel. His lips were held in a thin line. His face was clean-shaven, and he had a tattoo on the side of his thick neck. Heavy eyelids gave one of his eyes a slanted appearance.
“Hey. Colt, right?” he posed.
“Yep. That’s me,” I responded.
Frank slid his eyes both ways to look at the guard. His eyes were on the group crowded around the yard singer of the day. Austin sat serenely next to him and started humming. Frank nodded.