First Degree Innocence

by Ginger Simpson

  “That’s great.” Susanna grabbed Carrie’s hand and squeezed. “I’m so happy for you. Did he give you an idea of how long it might take?”

  “No, but he did show me a picture of the person he believes drove the getaway car, and you’ll never guess who it is.”

  “That’s a pretty good bet. How in the world would I know?”

  “Remember hearing about Marie Collins, my look-a-like? She not only could be my twin, she also drives…drove a car the same make, model and color as mine. What are the chances?”

  “I guess it’s a good thing she’s in another cellblock. I can just see you losing your newfound temper and decking her.”

  Carrie chuckled. “I’m a lover, not a fighter. What I really wish for is to be able to spend some time with Seth. I’m sure Ryan has told him everything, but I owe Seth big time for believing in me. When I get out of this joint, I’m going to find a way to repay him.”

  * * * * *

  Carrie sat with the girls at their usual table in the rec room. As she placed her bridge hand on the table facing her partner, Susanna, her gaze wandered to a commotion near the door.

  Shock and surprise stole the air from her lungs. “Oh, my God!” She gasped in a large breath.

  All eyes at the table looked up from their cards and followed her line of vision.

  “Jesus,” Susanna exclaimed. “She definitely could be your twin.”

  Jet stood next to Marie Collins, a smug and defiant look on her face aimed directly at Carrie.

  “What’s she doing here?” Carrie struggled to remain calm and looked to Susanna for an answer.

  “I’d guess she’s Jet’s new cellie.” Susanna turned her attention back to her circle of friends. “I wonder what evil plot the two of them are hatching.”

  “You can be sure it’s nothing good.” Di slapped an ace of trump on the table.

  Ruthie, not involved in the bridge game, rested her back against the table and poked her tongue in and out of the gap in her smile—something she did frequently when she grew nervous. “By the way Jet’s looking at Carrie, I’d say it has something to do with her.” She turned to Carrie. “Did you do something to piss her off?”

  “I suppose you might say that.”

  “I warned you.” Ruthie patted her side. “She’ll stab you for looking at her crossways.”

  “I know, Ruthie, but there comes a time when you have to stand up for yourself. I’ve had enough of her trying to run my life.” Carrie stood.

  “Where are you going?” Susanna grabbed her arm.

  She shrugged free. “Over to meet my twin. I’m not going to sit here, cower and let them intimidate me.” Her words reflected feigned bravery. Her insides quivered like jelly.

  Carrie crossed the rec room on leaden legs. She forced a smile as she approached the duo and extended her hand to Marie. “Well, it’s nice to finally meet the woman who shares my face.”

  “Well fuck me,” Marie uttered after her gasp, ignoring the outstretched palm. “I heard tell you favored me, but except for my hair being longer than yours, I feel like I’m lookin’ in a mirror.”

  Carrie dropped her arm to her side. “I have to agree. So … what brings you to our block?”

  “Oh, didn’t I tell you, Lang?” Jet interrupted. “Marie is my new cellmate, and she promises to be much better when it comes to upholding her end of a deal.” She leaned closer, her warm breath fanning across Carrie’s face. “You’re gonna regret your decision. You can count on it.”

  Her bravery shattered, Carrie swallowed hard. Now she had double trouble.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Carrie’s after lunch nap was interrupted by Ogden clanking her baton against the side of the bunk. “Visitor for you, Lang. Get your lazy ass up.”

  Popping upright, her heart racing, Carrie knuckled the sleep from her eyes. “Okay, okay. Give me a minute.”

  “Stop with the banging already.” Susanna’s sleepy voice drifted up from below.

  “Shut your face, Crane, or I’ll use your head instead of the bed rail.” Ogden slammed her baton into the metal several more times.

  After sliding to the floor, Carrie jammed her feet into her shoes and quickly ran a comb through her hair. Ogden’s icy stare from the cell door prompted her to hurry.

  “I’m ready.” Carrie smoothed the wrinkles from her uniform top and followed Ogden down the corridor. The slamming of iron echoed as the cell doors shut behind her.

  Ogden led the way to the visitation lounge, opened the door and motioned for Carrie to enter. “Enjoy your visit, and perhaps when you tell whoever it is ‘goodbye’ you should say it like you mean it.”

  A veiled threat? How could someone in a position of authority use her status as a method of intimidation? With any luck, she’d soon be gone and not have to put up with the ugly old troll. The first thing she planned to do was write a letter of complaint to the head of the prison system. Someone needed to know how Ogden used her power to lord over inmates.

  Rather than engaging the woman, Carrie simply smiled and took her seat at the first window as she had last time. Within a few minutes, other inmates filed in and filled the vacant chairs. Curiosity danced in her mind like flames on a log. Her heart raced.

  Could it be Ryan back already with the news she hoped to hear—the case was ready to be heard? Surely not, but maybe so. If not him, then her father.

  As visitors entered through the far door on the opposite side of the glass, Carrie watched and waited, her palms damp, her breathing shallow.

  “Daddy,” she murmured as she spotted him entering the room. This time he wore khaki slacks and a light blue polo shirt. Dressed in his casual attire and sporting salt and pepper hair gave him the distinguished look of someone you’d find on a golf course.

  He sat and picked up the receiver, his smile genuine. She followed his lead. “Hi, Daddy. Or should I call you Dad, the other seems a little juvenile…but that’s how I remember you.”

  “Daddy is fine, my darling. I’m so glad to see you again. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. You look amazing.”

  “And why wouldn’t I? I’ve been in contact with your P.I. friend, and he tells me he’s very hopeful you’ll soon be able to go home.”

  Carrie smiled. “Yes. I’m excited but a little frightened at the same time. The news seems too good to be true.”

  “Have faith, my dear, have faith.”

  The gleeful look on her father’s face turned serious. “I know this has been very hard for you. I wish I could have been there with you at the beginning—to hold your hand and support you, but—”

  She put her finger to her lips. “Hush. I know you would have if you’d known. You’re here now and that’s what matters. And, Daddy, I’m sorry if I was rude last time. I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I really hope you want to be part of my life.”

  His smile returned. “Of course, that’s what I want, too. I know that you have no place to go—no job, no car, so I insist you come live with me. I’ve already instructed Mr. Cullen to let me know the minute you’re released so I can be here to pick you up. My wife, Angelina, and your step brother and sister are anxious to meet you and welcome you to the family.”

  “Imagine, me with siblings. What are their names and ages?” The idea of having a family again warmed her heart.

  “Ronald is fourteen and Amanda is almost twelve. They like the idea of having a big sister.”

  “I can’t wait to meet them. Please tell them that for me.”

  “I will… and, Carrie darling. I love you. I always have.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “I love you, too, Daddy. Thank you for finding me again.”

  The buzzer sounded the end of visitation. Her father hung up the phone and blew a kiss. She patted her heart and smiled, then followed the other inmates out. Her eyes lingered on her father, still visible through the glass. With any luck, her prison stay would soon be over.

  Outside of visitation, the inmates lined up for escort
back to their particular cell blocks. As luck would have it, Carrie was the only one from her area, and had the distinct pleasure of Ogden’s company again. While they walked the long corridor, an awkward silence hung between them. A few cells away from her own, Carrie found herself up against the block wall with Ogden in her face. “Did you have a nice visit?” She ran her baton along Carrie’s jaw.

  “Yes, I did.” She refused to let the old bitch ruin her day.

  “You seem pretty chipper for someone who’s about to get her comeuppance.”

  Carrie squared her shoulders. “Why don’t you just come right out and say what you mean.”

  “I didn’t mean anything in particular, but I would watch my back if I were you. You’ve been a naughty girl and someone is really angry with you.”

  “Yeah, Jet. I know. I’m through playing games with her.”

  “Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She shoved her baton into the holder on her hip, then lifted her gaze back to Carrie. “Oh, and by the way, Seth Martin resigned two days ago. I don’t think you can count on him for help, if that’s what you had planned.” Ogden grabbed Carrie’s arm and tugged her away from the wall. “You can either go back to your cell, or take advantage of your rec time. Your choice. But I’d recommend you stay behind bars where you’re safe. Consider the warning a present.”

  Not wanting to risk injury or death at this stage, Carrie opted for the cell. Freedom didn’t benefit a dead person, and Jet was certainly out for her blood. Ogden’s laughter bounced off the block walls as she walked back toward her office.

  “Bitch,” Carrie muttered, watching the old hen until she wobbled out of sight. Some day she’d be the one on the receiving end of indignity, and Carrie hoped she was around to witness the occasion.

  Her temper calming, the impact of the guard’s announcement finally dawned. Seth resigned? That had to be a lie. He wouldn’t abandon her now, especially when she needed him most. Hadn’t he sent the note that warned her to watch her back? Surely he wouldn’t quit, knowing she was in danger. Would he? Perhaps Jet sent the missive as a scare tactic…or had one of her ass kissers do her bidding.

  Carrie paced the cell, half of her refusing to believe Ogden, but the other half afraid what she said was true. But how could she verify the story? Without her trustee status, she hadn’t had real access to him in months. She’d missed his sweet smile and sparkling eyes, even more the dreams of being held in his arms. Had he gotten in trouble because of her? Worry tensed her shoulders and pounded in her temples. She would never forgive herself is she was the cause of his leaving.

  Maybe he didn’t resign and waited for her in the gardening shed, as he often did during rec. He wouldn’t just leave without a word. Would he? She had to see. Gathering her courage, she aimed her trembling finger at the call button on the wall and pushed.

  “Yes, what is it, Lang?” a monotone voice responded.

  “I’ve changed my mind. I need to go to the rec room. Can you please open my cell door?”

  “You’ve only got an hour left.”

  “I know, I know, but please let me out.” Carrie’s grasp on the door turned her knuckles white.

  A distinct click and the doors slid apart. Carrie raced down the hall as fast as she could, smiled at the guard who unlocked the door to the rec room, then raced across the floor, headed for outside. Her pulse thudded in her head and hope blossomed in her heart as she pushed through the door, sped across the asphalt court. Clasping her fingers through the chain link fence, she willed Seth to appear. He didn’t.

  Feeling the November chill, she realized he wasn’t there. Tears pooled and spilled down her cheeks. Any hope she’d had that news of his leaving was untrue faded like the sun in a fog.

  A gust of wind sweeping across the empty expanse outside the fence raised goosebumps on her arms and matched the cold emptiness in her heart. Why had he left her? Why?

  “Well, Lang, fancy meeting you here.” Jet’s voice knotted Carrie’s stomach. “We thought you weren’t going to grace us with your presence today.”

  Carrie swiped the wetness from her face and turned. Marie Collins, standing next to Jet, held a toothbrush sharpened into a menacing blade—the shiv Carrie had heard mentioned so often. The determined look Marie fixed on her left no doubt about her intentions. With Carrie’s back against the icy links of the fence and the duo blocking her way, she had nowhere to run. Visions of Seth, her father, Susanna, even her deceased mother flashed through her mind. Surely this wasn’t how things would end. But the scream she tried to muster froze in her throat the moment Marie lunged at her.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Carrie grappled for the shiv in Marie’s raised hand. Jet joined in the fracas, using her body and pinning Carrie in place. With fingers closed around her twin’s wrist, Carrie summoned all the strength she had to keep the blade from finding its mark. Her breath came in huffs and her heart raced.

  “Freeze!” The word echoed through the outside recreation yard right before a rifle shot rang out. The dirt outside the fence splattered as the bullet buried itself in the ground. Jet and Marie stepped back, their eyes wide.

  Carrie’s hand went to her throat. She drew a long breath. Realizing her life had just been saved, her knees went weak. She sagged against the fence, happy for the first time one existed.

  “Don’t move a muscle.” A guard in the tower nearest them barked orders through a bullhorn.

  Her brow furrowed, Marie took another step back and fixed her attention on the turret. She cast a sidelong glance at Jet. “What’ll I do with the weapon?”

  Jet didn’t answer, but tension flexing along her jaw showed her shock at being discovered. Ogden wasn’t around to protect her this time.

  Marie tucked the shiv inside her elastic waistband.

  The outer door flew open, and three female matrons, one of them Ogden, spilled outside, batons drawn and pepper spray ready. The red-headed guard re-holstered her wooden club then using her radio, issued a “stand down,” to the guards in the towers.

  “What the hell happened here?” Ogden locked an icy stare on Carrie.

  “Why are you asking me? I was out here minding my own business when these two showed up.” She pointed at Jet and Marie. “Instead of assuming I did something wrong, I suggest you frisk Marie and see what you find. She was going to stab me.”

  “Is that true?” Ogden turned to Collins.

  “No, Jet and I just came out for a breath of fresh air, and Lang started running her mouth.” A seasoned liar, the woman didn’t even blink.

  “Is that what happened, Jet?” Ogden slapped her baton against her palm in the annoying way she always did.

  “Far as I know.” Jet shrugged and flashed a devious smile at Carrie.

  Indignant at being lied about, Carrie pulled herself to her full height. “Of course, you’re going to take the word of your pet and her lackey over mine. I want to see the warden … in fact, I demand to see the warden.”

  Carrie tipped her chin up. “I demand to see the warden. I’m being set up.” She screamed at the top of her lungs so the guards overhead could hear.

  Ogden’s demeanor changed. She put away her pepper spray and baton. “Calm down, Lang.” She pressed her palms in mid air. “We’ll take care of this. There’s no reason to involve the warden in a minor scuffle.” She flashed a “thumbs up” at the tower.

  “Minor scuffle? Are you fucking kidding me? The woman was going to stab me. It’s all part of Jet’s scheme to punish me for refusing to help her set up Susanna Crane. Ask her.” Carrie turned her gaze to her ex-cellmate. “Go ahead, Jet, tell the truth for once.”

  Jet rolled her eyes. “You have a really vivid imagination, Lang. Have you been reading too many murder mysteries?”

  Carrie’s blood boiled. “You’re such a—”

  “Never mind,” Ogden interrupted. She took hold of Jet’s arm while the third guard grabbed Marie’s. “You two come with us. And Lang, you go about your business.”

&n
bsp; The guards led the two inmates inside leaving her alone in the yard.

  Ogden’s mock display of authority didn’t fool her. Disgust at the unfairness that reigned supreme in the system curled her lip into a sneer. Somehow, the weapon was bound to disappear, and Jet and Marie would emerge looking squeaky clean.

  But the fault was her own. She never should have drifted off alone, making herself vulnerable. From now on, she planned to stick like glue to her friends, at least until

  Ryan worked his magic. She only wished she knew how long it would take.

  * * * * *

  Carrie lay on the top bunk, with knees bent and staring at the ceiling. Thanksgiving had come and gone, and Christmas drew near. Still, Ryan hadn’t visited again, and the daily routine of eating, sleeping and avoiding Jet and her cellmate wore on Carrie’s nerves. As she suspected, Jet and Marie waltzed away from the stabbing attempt without any repercussions. Since then, she and Susanna maintained high alert when around the two. So far, so good.

  Her thoughts turned to Seth. What happened to make him leave so abruptly? And why hadn’t he at least written to her? Incoming mail went through an inspection process, and he most likely didn’t want anyone knowing he was connected in any way to an inmate. The reality she was nothing more to him than a passing phase jabbed at her heart. The spots in the acoustic tiles overhead blurred through her tears.

  Susanna returned from showering, her towel covering her hair like a turban. She walked to the sink, but glanced at Carrie. “Everything all right?”