“With all due respect Warden I think we have heard that before and now this. We have four dead in your prison from the same cell mate of Stewart.”
“Three dead.”
“The other inmate just died about ten minutes ago.” Dever looked down at his phone mad that the Governor had to break the news to him not one of his own staff. He would deal with that later. “Things look like they are out of control down here. You’re gone up north chasing Stewart, and all hell is breaking loose down here.” Dever nodded. “You’re putting me in a bad position and almost leave me with no decision.”
“We’ll get him. I promise. How far can he get with a little kid and his wife?”
“How do you know they’re still alive?”
Dever scooted forward a little on the upholstered chair he had never sat in. “Trust me Governor they are still alive. That’s the whole reason he got out of here.”
The Governor slowly stood up and straightened out his suit. “You better be right and you better do it quickly, or I have to do what I have to do. We’ll meet back here again in three days. I hope it will be on better terms, and again I’m sorry about your officer.”
Dever nodded. “Yes Sir.” He watched as the two aides entered the room and escorted the Governor out. A minute later, he looked out the window and saw him fielding questions form the same reporters he had just ignored. Things were not looking good. He had maybe three days left on the job, one of his best officers and a good man was dead as well as three inmates and Stewart were still on the loose. He never failed…not Dever. He punched in three numbers on his phone and two minutes later his Captain was standing in front of him.
“So tell me again what happened.” Dever listened to the whole thing again. He learned that Thomas had smuggled in a metal spoon from the outside. Dever watched as the Captain pulled up a video file on his computer and left him by himself. Dever watched the whole incident three times before wiping a small tear from his left eye as he watched Harris lie on the floor dying. He pulled up his personnel file and dialed Harris’s wife then he dialed his own.
Chapter 43
Jackson awoke to the soft knocks and the pleasant aroma of scrambled eggs and bacon. He quickly jumped out of bed and was amazed at how much better his ankle was feeling and he hadn’t had a painkiller since before he went to bed. As soon as he opened the door, he saw Jessie carrying a large bag of food from Manny’s. She quickly sat it down on the dresser and smiled as Jackson showed her how well he was walking. He quickly made his way back to the bed grabbing the bag and two plates covered with eggs, bacon and deep dark-colored hash browns. He could feel his stomach rumble with excitement.
“It looks like someone is doing much better. You must be resting like I told you.”
Jackson nodded and looked at the laptop he couldn’t wait to get on again. “Yeah I got a good night’s sleep last night.”
“I hope those high school kids didn’t bother you. Ben said they were pretty loud last night.”
“I didn’t hear a thing.”
“You must sleep like a baby.”
“If you only knew.” He saw the confused look on her face. “It’s a story for another day.” She smiled and nodded. “These eggs are unbelievable. Please tell Manny thank you. Actually, maybe I’ll tell him myself now that I’m mobile again.”
“Let’s not get carried away Charles...or Braymond.” Jackson took another heaping bite and a drink of orange juice.
“I can’t tell you how much I owe you.”
“Don’t worry. Wait till you see the bill.” He quickly looked up and she began to laugh. “I’m just kidding. This is on me for being such a good guest.”
“Next time it’s going to be on me.”
She gently clasped his hand. “You just worry about recovering for now. Jackson could instantly feel her warmth enter him. He so longed for Michelle and Stephanie. He thought again about what had been done to him and what he might be doing to them. “Charles…Charles are you okay?” She quickly let go of his hand.
“I’m fine. I was just thinking about something.”
“If this is making you uncomfortable, I can leave you alone.”
“No, please stay. I would be uncomfortable if you left.” Jackson enjoyed her company. It was like they had some kind of common connection. He figured she had taken pity on him because of his condition. He also liked the fact she didn’t ask too many questions otherwise he would have to be on the run again. A few minutes later, they finished breakfast and she changed his bandage. She was happy it was looking better and after she left Jackson took a long hot shower letting his leg and aching body soak in all the hot healing water and steam. He immediately went back to the bed and quickly scanned the news and read about the incident down at The Conduit. He was saddened to see Sergeant Harris’s picture, but he felt no emotion towards the other three inmates and wasn’t surprised to see Carlos the Thomas behind the whole thing. He quickly moved on and clicked on the SITA shortcuts he placed on the laptop last night. He spent a few hours searching through records and after having no luck he, decided he needed a break. He carefully placed his shoes on and opened the door. His leg was feeling pretty good. He was able to put pressure on it and he wasn’t using the crutches. He deiced to take a walk. Ten minutes later, he was seated in Manny’s diner eating a tuna fish sandwich and a Diet Coke. Jessie was right, the tuna was delicious. Things were looking better. He was forcing himself not to think what could be happening to Michelle and Stephanie. He knew he couldn’t function if he thought about them being tortured. After finishing up, he made the walk back to the motel. His leg still felt good, though it was starting to stiffen up, but the pain was tolerable. He went back to his room and called a cab. He waited out front near the office and watched a Red Top pull up. He waved down the driver. Just as he was getting in, he heard his name being called behind him it was Jessie.
“Charles…you’re up and heading out.”
He slowly sat down and looked up. “I just need to check on something. I should be right back.”
“You don’t need to take a cab. We have a car you can use.” She looked at the driver. “No offense to you.” The driver nodded. “If you think you are able to drive.” She pointed at an older model white Ford sedan near the back of the parking lot.
“What don’t you have here?” He watched Jessie laugh. He looked at the driver then back at her, “next time. Thanks.” He waved and watched her head back into the small office. He smiled and directed the cab towards his house. Fifteen minutes later, they drove past his empty house. There were still no cars or any activity. He directed the cab to drop him off at the nearby Starbucks to eliminate any other suspicion. After a hot cup of coffee, he called another cab and arrived back at the motel. He looked at the white Ford and knew what he had to do next. He went back into his room and bypassed the pain killers and popped several Advil that Jessie had placed on the dresser. He needed a clear mind for what was coming up next. He sat back down on the bed and placed his bandaged leg up on the bed, instantly removing any pain or stiffness and then he went to work.
Michelle awoke to the sound of footsteps below. Stephanie was still curled tight against her. She could feel the warmth of her body emanating heat. She smiled and slowly pulled the covers down from her and placed both feet softly onto the floor. She tiptoed to the window and looked out at the clear and sunny morning below her. She loved this time of year. She closed her eyes and pictured Stephanie riding her two-wheeled bike equipped with training wheels up and down the sidewalk. She wondered what they were thinking back at her house. The Warden and the police officers were probably shocked they were no longer there. She imagined the Warden running around screaming out orders. She expected to hear his loud authoritative voice at any time now. She looked down the long and empty road in both directions and didn’t see anyone coming or going in either direction. The only vehicle around was the dark Jeep Cherokee parked perfectly straight in the narrow driveway down below. She quickly stepped awa
y from the window when she heard the footsteps outside her doorway.
Chapter 44
After a couple of hours of collecting information, Jackson left his motel room and walked down to the motel office. He stepped inside expecting to see Jessie, but instead he saw a similar looking woman who was several years older with two small children seated next to her behind the counter.
“Hi, I’m looking for Jessie.” He looked all around. Both children were staring at him.
The woman stared at him a little too long before speaking then she started to smile when she looked down and saw the bandage. “You must be Charles. I have heard so much about you.”
“I hope it’s all good.”
“It’s all great, except she left out the part about how handsome you are.” Jackson shook his head and laughed.
“I just want to say you guys have a great place here.”
“Thanks. We have worked so hard since our parents passed away. I’m hoping to leave it to these guys one day, though we will hopefully have our remodeling done by then.” Did Jess tell you about that?” Jackson shook his head. “See that picture over there.” Jackson saw a colorful architect’s drawing on the wall showing a beautiful upscale hotel.
“Wow. That is beautiful.”
“One day. We still have some cash issues we need to work out but that’s our goal one day.”
“From what I have seen so far, you’ll get there.”
“Why thanks. That was my dad’s dream. When he bought the place it was falling apart and full of drug addicts and convicts.” Jackson took a deep breath. “So we’ve come a long way but we have a long way to go.” She looked at her children. The little girl who looked no more than five smiled. “I’m sorry to bore you with this. I know you’re looking for Jess. She had to go out and get some supplies. She’ll be back tonight. She’s so good. She works nights and days and lets me be with my kids and husband, couldn’t do it without her. This place is like her family. She took it so hard when our parents died.”
“I’m so sorry about that. Doesn’t she have a family of her own?”
“She used to, but her husband left her and she never had any kids. Anyway, she told me to give you these. You might need to borrow the car. She said you’re recovering or something.” Jackson caught the key chain with his right hand. “It’s the white Ford out there. All we ask is you replace whatever gas you use. Think of it as kind of a courtesy vehicle.”
“Thanks so much. I have never heard of anyplace offering such great service.”
“Family tradition.” Jackson watched her look up at the ceiling. “This is what Mom and Dad would have wanted, they wouldn’t settle for any less.” Jackson thanked her and waved goodbye to the kids. He walked through the parking lot and started up the old Ford. It turned over right away. He carefully backed out of the lot. He hadn’t driven a car in five years, but everything felt good once he pulled out onto the road. He drove slowly through the streets till he reached his old neighborhood. He drove past his house once, ensuring there was no one there. After several more passes, he finally parked down the street near two large trees partially concealing the car and slowly walked to the house staying in the shadows and made his way to the backyard. Last time he was here, he saw Michelle and Stephanie. Today it was empty and dark. He slowly crept toward the back door. It was a glass paneled door that he easily smashed with a small rock. He reached in and turned the lock after looking all around him. His leg was starting to hurt a little, but he wasn’t sure if it was from the cuts or his nerves, but he ignored it and entered his house. It felt so different. He imagined this moment so many nights in prison. He only wished his family was here, and he was coming to rescue them. He quietly closed the door behind him and took one last look for any nosy neighbors. He didn’t see anyone, so he stepped across the soft beige carpet he and Michelle had picked out. It felt so good beneath his feet compared to the cold cement floor he had lived with for the last few years. He was home. He took his time walking through the living room. Everything was still the same, but yet so different. He knew where he had to go, but he wanted to enjoy this. He stopped and sat on the same couch he had seen Stephanie and Michelle on before. He closed his eyes and imagined they were right here with him. He could feel them. He continued walking towards the front door. It was the same one he got dragged out of on his way to prison. He couldn’t help not staring at the photos of the three of them as he began going upstairs. He still couldn’t believe he was here. It felt so surreal. He pretended he was heading up to check on Stephanie, but when he reached the top of the stairs, he realized the emptiness. There were three bedrooms. The master to the right, Stephanie’s and the guestroom they turned into an office on the other side. He stepped into the master first. He stood in the middle of the room looking in all directions. It felt so good. He wanted to scream out loud. He sat down on the queen-sized bed and rested his sore leg. It was starting to bother him now, but he couldn’t stop. He was so close. He slowly got up and went into Stephanie’s room. It was almost just as it had been five years ago. It was still painted in the soft lavender color he had picked out as well as full of stuffed-teddy bears that they had purchased in the weeks and months prior to her being born. They had wanted everything to be just perfect when she was born. He picked up one of the bears and hugged it tight. He could feel Stephanie. A minute later, he had to wipe the tears from his face and force himself to leave her room and go to the office. He took one long last look back before he finally left. He could almost see Stephanie lying sound asleep on her bed. He quickly closed the door and entered the office. As soon as he stepped in, he knew exactly where he was going. He could see the metal filing cabinet still in the same corner of the room he had dragged it to so many years ago. Nothing changed. He knelt down in front of it and opened the bottom drawer. It only took him a minute to find the SITA file. Michelle had always been so organized. He quickly glanced through it and started reading about Braymond until he heard the car door shut outside on the driveway. He ran to the window and felt the moisture seep onto his forehead as he watched a police officer walk away from his cruiser and head towards the house. Jackson placed the file under his arm and worked his way across the room to the top of the stairs. He heard the front door begin to rattle. He had nowhere to go. His leg was aching and he was having difficulty putting pressure on it but he knew he had to keep moving. He scrambled towards the master bedroom as the front door flung open. He only had one chance and he hoped it was still there. He quickly tiptoed past the bed and stepped into the dressing room quietly closing the door behind him.
Chapter 45
Dever received the call just as Timmons was pulling off of I-95 North and into Northern Virginia. There was a break-in at the Stewart’s. A silent alarm had been activated and an officer was on the scene investigating. Dever tried to lurch the car forward, but he knew it was no hope they were still several minutes away at best. He couldn’t figure out who had broken into the Stewart house, but he had a good idea it was probably Stewart himself. This changed everything. He looked over at Timmons at the wheel. He had bags under his eyes and emotion on his face. It had been a tough night back in North Carolina. Dever had spoken to the new widow and still could feel her sadness and tears in his heart. He had done these several times while in the Corp, but this was the first time as a warden. It never got any easier. He could still remember every single face he had broken the tragic news to. Afterwards, he had held a meeting with his administration team and reiterated the plan to keep the prisoners on lock down, but he knew that couldn’t last because of the extra stress it put on the officers and inmates. He had to find Stewart and get back to the business of running the prison. It was his prison and his responsibility. He enjoyed the time with his wife last night, despite the fact that it had been hurried, and he had only been there physically not mentally. His mind was focused on Stewart and what was happening at The Conduit. He watched Timmons pull into the left lane and pass a slow-moving truck. He didn’t know too m
uch about Timmons. He wished he knew more, but he knew he had a wife and a kids and he was keeping him from them. He forced himself to think about Stewart again. It was just easier to compartmentalize everything. It was something he had always been able to do, and it was the only way he could have so much success in both the Marines and his life in the prison system. The pulled onto the main road leading to Annandale and were no more than five minutes away. Dever could feel the excitement growing inside him; maybe they were finally going to get a break. He adjusted the radio to the same frequency of the police but there was no communication at the moment. All he could do is look out the window and hope they got there in time. The last he had heard was there was a broken window on a door in the back, and the officer was entering the premises now with backup still on the way. Dever tried to think of any reason why Stewart would come back to the house. He already had his family and if it were him, he would be holed up somewhere hunkering down and waiting till things cool down and disappear faraway, but something was different. It was like this since he had first escaped. Something was just different. There was something he was missing. He tried to go through every scenario, but he couldn’t put his finger on it, but every sense and feeling in his worn and stressed out body was telling him differently. He watched Timmons make a quick right cutting in front of a light-blue Toyota. They were right down the road now. A minute later, they were driving down Stewart’s street. Dever saw the two police cars in the driveway, one with its lights still flashing an eerie blue glow. He quickly jumped out of the car and ran through the front door causing the closest officer inside to jump back. Dever quickly identified himself and began walking quietly beside the officer. They both looked back as Timmons joined them. They determined the first floor was clear and Dever and Timmons closely followed the two officers up the stairs.
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