by Kim Cano
She could’ve saved up to go on a vacation like that. She made good money, out-earning many in the family who had a college degree. She worked banker’s hours and enjoyed a business casual dress code. The owners treated her like family…until it was revealed she’d betrayed them. She knew that’s one of the reasons they had been motivated to push for the maximum sentence.
If she could have given the money back, she would have. She wished they’d let her work so she could begin to pay them back, little by little. Yes, they had been demanding at times, and yes, they relied on her too much, but it didn’t make it right to steal from them. She knew that now. She was mortified when, finally sober, she’d read through her own file. She didn’t even know who that person was.
Earlier in her sentence, Kristen had befriended an inmate who used to be lawyer. She’d helped her fill out the necessary paperwork for an appeal, in hopes of having her sentence reduced, but after months and months of waiting it came back denied. It was worth a try, Kristen thought, but eventually she came to terms with what she had to do: live the rest of the best years of her life behind bars.
She missed her job, though. She’d been a hard worker, never arriving late or taking a sick day, was a whiz with computers and a super-fast typist. When a list of prison jobs opened up, the one at the library seemed a perfect fit, but Kristen applied for the one out in the garden instead. Lots of women were interested in staying busy, so the jobs always went quick and were given to whomever Warden Laura felt deserved them.
Luckily, Kristen landed the position. Maybe Warden Laura had noticed her initiative with the exercise group and liked what she saw. She wasn’t sure. Thankful, and with a desire to show appreciation for being selected, Kristen planned to make the outdoor area shine. Just as soon as she learned her way around plants.
Kristen delved into the task with determination, despite having little experience with gardening. She followed instruction from others, and before she knew it, she was digging into the earth, planting a variety of vegetables and flowers while working up a mighty sweat. She trimmed and pruned and studied so she knew exactly what was needed to make each plant thrive.
The job didn’t pay anything, of course, but for once Kristen didn’t mind. She was enjoying herself and savored the time alone, as privacy inside was in short supply. Someone was always yakking or bragging or arguing. It was incessant. And prison was no place for modesty, either. Shyness and embarrassment didn’t have a home in a place where you brushed your teeth next to another woman taking a dump.
Compared to that, the garden was Heaven. It became Kristen’s own little world, a place where she made plans for the future while toiling away under the hot sun. Life could be grim, but at least she’d get out someday, not like the lifers, whose gain time sheet release date read 999. She still had a chance. She wished it would be with Jeremy, but every time she allowed herself that wish, she quickly pushed it aside. True, he hadn’t pursued divorce…yet. But was that just a matter of time? If he did choose to move on and get remarried someday, she would be sad, but she’d find the strength to wish him well.
Thinking of Ryan’s graduation, Kristen realized she’d end up missing Toby’s too, and probably their weddings. She could even become a grandma while locked away. At first, the idea had depressed her. But the more she considered it, the more exciting it sounded. Maybe they’d need help raising them. Maybe they could use a hand.
Kristen smiled as she thought of the chance to be a better grandma than she had been a mom. She wanted to make it up to Ryan and Toby somehow, even if she couldn’t go back in time and make it up to them.
She thought of her parents. She’d lost almost all contact with them. They never visited or wrote, only deposited some money in her commissary account each Christmas, probably out of guilt. She wondered if she’d ever see them again. While trimming a shrub, she came to the conclusion she highly doubted it. If they ever came around looking for another chance at a better relationship, would she give them the same opportunity she hoped to be given by her own children?
“Time to go back in,” a corrections officer said. Kristen stood, wiped her hands and returned her tools. She was starved and ready for dinner.
After collecting her meal, Abigail waved at her. Jess was behind her in line and cringed as Kristen eyed both of them.
“Hey,” Abigail said, tray in hand. “I heard you’re working in the garden. How nice.”
“Yeah. I’m enjoying it. It’s peaceful,” Kristen said before walking toward an open table.
Abigail followed and took a seat next to her.
Kristen continued. “I’ve always wanted a garden. I’m learning about vegetables, annuals, perennials…” She watched Jess stall for a moment, then walk away, taking a seat at another table with one of her basketball friends. Kristen turned back to Abigail and noticed she was wearing a bewildered expression. Kristen smirked. Let the idiot move on, she thought, and kept talking.
*****
Later on, back in their cell, Abigail asked, “So what’s with you and Kristen? You two never talk.”
Jess was doing sit-ups and stopped. Short of breath, she said, “You noticed that? Yeah. We don’t. We had a fight a while back.”
“A fight? What about?”
Jess stood and ran a hand though her hair. “I don’t know. It was so long ago, I don’t remember anymore, but we don’t speak to each other.”
Abigail grinned. “You got into a fight with Kristen. I can’t believe it. I mean, I guess I can, seeing as you told me the story of why you’re here, but I find it hard to picture.”
“How come?” Jess asked.
Abigail let out a giggle. “I don’t know. I guess because you’re so nice.”
Chapter 12
Lakeisha was bored. Her job had always been a bit tedious but with little happening in her “stories,” it began to feel less like an entertaining soap opera and more like…opening prison mail. She began thinking of her college years, and how she hoped to get into the publishing industry. Things hadn’t gone as planned, but there was a bright side. She met her husband after graduation and got married.
Shrugging, she let go of her career ideals and focused on the work at hand. She repeated the process of opening each envelope and checking it for contraband, taking care to check the seams and running her thumb over the stamps. If there was a bump underneath, it was usually narcotics. It amazed her how crafty people could get when they wanted to take drugs.
As she made it to the end of incoming mail and was about to start outgoing, Warden Laura passed by. Lakeisha sat up once she saw her. She had been getting groggy and wanted to look alert.
As Laura paused in front of Lakeisha’s office, her phone rang. “God damn it!” she cursed. “I’ll be right there,” she said, then took off running.
Lakeisha grew alarmed. Laura didn’t run unless there was an emergency.
*****
Rushing through the doors of the infirmary, Laura raced to where Megan lay. She was thankful to see there was no blood, but she was shaken. This shouldn’t have happened.
Megan’s eyes grew wide when she saw Laura.
“Are you okay?” Laura asked her. “Can you talk?”
Megan’s eyes were red, and her neck was covered in bruises.
Megan began to speak, but it looked painful. “I was in session with Tanya,” she said in a raspy tone. “She seemed fine. Then I glanced down at my notepad for a second, and she sprung at me.”
Laura turned to the nurse who had just tapped her on the shoulder.
“The guard outside her office took quick action, otherwise her larynx would’ve been crushed. I think she’ll be okay. I just gave her a painkiller. She needs to rest.”
Laura turned back to Megan. “Okay. I don’t want you to talk anymore. You need to rest your throat. I’m going to ask you some questions and instead of answering, you can lift one finger for yes or two for no.”
Megan looked weary, like even that might be asking too much.
>
“Do you have anyone at home who can take care of you?”
Megan lifted two fingers.
“Do you have family nearby that you’d like me to call?”
Megan lifted two fingers again.
“You have any family near you?”
Megan lifted one finger.
“Good. You have family. Do you want me to call them?”
Megan lifted two fingers again.
“I see what you’re up to,” Laura said. “It’s brave, but I can’t send you home alone.”
Laura mulled over an idea. “How about this, I can take you to my house after work. We have a spare bedroom. You can be my fifth kid until you’ve recovered. What do you think?”
Megan closed her eyes and lifted one finger. She had a smile on her face, no doubt from the happy drugs finally kicking in.
“Good. It’s settled then,” Laura said, and turned on her heel and left.
*****
Lakeisha stopped working when she saw Laura. She’d already heard the news, but figured she’d listen to her tell the story again.
“I’m sure you know by now,” Laura said.
Lakeisha nodded. “It’s terrible. But to be honest, I knew it was only a matter of time until something like that happened.”
Tapping her fingers on the top of the desk, Laura said, “Agreed. I haven’t been comfortable with all her methods, especially allowing all prisoners to be un-cuffed during their visits, but I didn’t want to interfere. She’s been such an amazing help to a lot of the women. She’s good at what she does.” Crossing her arms and pacing, Laura added, “But I’m going to have to put my foot down. There has to be common sense. If the inmates have shown respect and can act like regular patients, then fine. They can be treated like one. But Tanya? She’s a psycho. Why Megan would allow her to be un-cuffed is beyond me.”
Lakeisha knew why. Because the crazy ones intrigued Megan the most. They were her passion.
“I think she just wants to help,” Lakeisha replied.
Laura stopped pacing and looked furious. “That whack job doesn’t need help. She needs a beating.”
Lakeisha raised an eyebrow but thought it unwise to reply.
“I’m going to keep her in solitary until I figure out what to do with her. Right now, I don’t want to subject anyone else to her special brand of madness.” Laura crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Things are going to change around here going forward. I’m not taking any more chances. I’ve only got one Megan and lots of women who need help. Inmates that have an actual release date. I think we need to keep our focus there.”
Lakeisha didn’t have a response. She sensed Laura was just making a statement more than anything, which was confirmed when she abruptly walked away.
*****
As the workday drew to an end, Laura checked in on Megan.
“I’ve got your purse and sweater from your office. We’ll swing by your place and gather what you need, and then when we’ll have dinner at my house. You like pot roast?”
Megan went to nod her head yes but felt pain, so she gave her boss a thumbs up instead.
Once they arrived at Megan’s apartment, Laura sat on the sofa while Megan put clothes and toiletries in her bag. Megan grabbed her Kindle too, figuring there would be plenty of downtime over the weekend. Looking around the place, she was thankful she’d cleaned recently. It would’ve been embarrassing to have her boss over if it looked like it usually did. She couldn’t help it though. When she was immersed in research, neatness took a back seat to knowledge.
As they pulled into Laura’s driveway, Megan noted the middle class neighborhood and nicely kept yards. A great place to raise a family, she thought. Once inside, the scent of prepared food hit her nostrils. It smelled great, and she hoped she’d be able to eat without too much pain. After brief introductions, she was shown to her room to drop off her things.
Laura had called ahead and asked the kids to turn off the Crock-Pot and set the table. Even in her personal life, things seemed to run in an efficient manner. Already exhausted from the day’s events, Megan was relieved to be sitting down to a home-cooked meal.
Laura must have told her family what happened because they didn’t make small talk with her. Under other circumstances, she would’ve loved to get to know them all, but her throat pain trumped that desire. Her focus was on cutting the tender meat and savory vegetables into miniscule chunks that could be swallowed with the least amount of discomfort.
Megan watched her boss interact with her husband. It was funny, she thought, how stern and forceful she could be at work, yet gentle as a kitten at home. It was clear her hubby was the man of the house, and she seemed content and possibly relieved to not have that title at home.
They reminded her of her own parents, albeit a bit younger. She was grateful Laura had offered to help. Megan wasn’t looking forward to telling her mom and dad what had happened. They both were already paranoid enough she worked at a prison in the first place. There was no point in getting them upset. Not now, at least.
Soon after her meal, Megan grew drowsy. She could barely find the energy to change into pajamas, wash her face and brush her teeth. Once she climbed into bed, she was instantly out.
The day’s trauma unfolded in her sleep. With Tanya’s lifeless blue eyes staring into hers, offering her a serving of her cooked baby.
“Would you prefer an arm or leg?” she casually asked Megan.
Horrified, but unable to scream, Megan began running, trying to escape while Tanya chased at close range with a large butcher knife, ready to strike.
Megan woke in a cold sweat and hoped she hadn’t screamed out loud. When no one came to check on her, she assumed she hadn’t. Thankful, but unable to fall back sleep, she pulled out her Kindle and started reading a romance novel.
The next time she woke, it was mid-afternoon. Laura popped in to check on her soon after.
“Hey there. Glad you got a good night’s sleep. You want breakfast? I can whip something up and bring it to you. Egg white omelet sound good?”
Megan lifted one finger for yes, thankful for Laura’s continued generosity. Laura nodded and gently shut the door on her way out.
Laura returned within fifteen minutes with an omelet, a slice of buttered toast and glass of orange juice, all neatly set up on a wooden tray. Megan sat up in bed, and Laura set it in front of her.
“Enjoy,” she said. “I put fresh towels in the bathroom if you want to take a shower or soak in the tub. I’ve got all kinds of bath salts and bubble bath to choose from. You’ll see them in the basket.”
Megan smiled as Laura walked away. It was hard to believe she had ever thought Laura didn’t like her. She’d forever be grateful for her help and kindness during this ordeal.
By the end of the weekend, Megan felt better, ready to return to work. Laura suggested she spend Monday going over paperwork and not see any patients. She wanted to have a meeting with her first she said, at 3:00 pm.
Megan heard the knock on her office door at the designated hour and smiled as Laura came in. Megan listened as she described the changes she’d decided to implement. There’d be no cuffs for the inmates Megan deemed safe, but restraints would be used on the questionable ones.
“I don’t want to take any more chances,” she said. “Understood?”
“Understood,” Megan said. “You’re right. I should have been more careful. I’m not going to make that mistake again.”
Chapter 13
After an exhausting day in the garden Kristen received a letter from Olivia. She sat back on her bunk and ripped it open.
Kristen,
Hey. How’ve you been? Things are fine here, but I’ve got some good news and some bad news. Might as well tell you the bad stuff first.
Toby is in the hospital. Some kind of stomach thing. He can’t keep anything down and is constantly throwing up. He went to the doctor, and they suggested he not eat certain foods. They gave him medication, but it didn’t help. He ke
pt vomiting and lost a lot of weight in a short amount of time. Now they’re running tests, and he’s being kept overnight. They think it’s an ulcer, which they said would be really unusual for someone his age. Anyway, I thought you should know. As soon as I find out more, I will write back.
Now for the good news. Well, possible good news. Bob read an article online about the state of Florida running out of money, and that they have one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation. The article said they’re looking into releasing some of the less dangerous criminals in order to stay on budget. That sounds like you, right? Fingers crossed.
Same old same old here. Cocoa is feeling better since her dental cleaning. Bob is working non-stop as am I. Looking forward to taking a vacation soon.
Love ya,
Olivia.
Kristen’s hands were shaking. This was just the kind of thing she feared.
“Damn it!” she cursed, then broke into tears. She let them flow freely but didn’t make any sound. She didn’t want to attract attention or get hauled off to see Megan again. The woman had enough trouble of her own lately.
Toby’s ulcer was all her fault. She was certain of it. No doubt because he was under constant stress, both emotional and financial. Olivia had said he was struggling to focus in school, that he was depressed because his mom was gone. Kristen wanted to rush to his side to comfort him, but her hands were tied. All she could do was pray he got better, and hope what Bob had read was true and she’d be selected to leave prison early.
Thinking of it all made her feel like she was losing her mind. She could really use a drink. Then she became furious and whipped the letter across the room. Alcohol had been one of the main reasons she was in this predicament.
She’d never been more upset in her life.