by Moriah
The larger blonde man drove the smaller darker man back against the wall slamming him against it. As the aggressor pulled him back to slam him again the smaller man lowered his head possibly to protect it from hitting the wall. As he was slammed again his attacker's face hit his lowered head. As the pain from the head butt blinded his attacker the dark man lifted his knee as hard as he could and connected with the other mans groin. The bigger man doubled over but on his way down he hit the smaller man on the side of his head. Seeing stars the smaller man punched blindly missing as the other man backed up still holding his injured crotch. The crowd halted his retreat and pushed him forward again. The smaller man rushed him trying to keep the advantage but suddenly his peripheral vision detected an object and he pulled his head back as a shoe sailed past his face. This action saved his head but put him off balance and the other man seeing this launched himself. The smaller man, ever agile tried to keep his feet under him but a stray foot strategically placed toppled him. The larger man landed squarely on top of him knocking the wind out of him. A solid blow to the head put his lights out.
Garrison was frantic. He looked around for help only to see the one guard hand the other money. They had stood there the whole time betting on the outcome. Still his disgust was over-powered by his fear for the fate of one of the combatants.
When the fight had started the guards had herded most of the prisoners back behind the cell block door. He had had to stand helpless by as his companion fought, possibly for his life. He watched as the bigger man spat in the face of his victim then stood amid cheers, giving everyone a victorious sneer. Finally the iron gate was unlocked and Garrison was able to enter the hall where he tried to approach his friend. Before he could reached him one of the guards slammed him with the butt of his shotgun.
"Git in line," yelled the guard.
Garrison instinctively began to turn to attack the man but stopped himself when he saw a shotgun barrel in his face.
"That's right, boa. Ye'all do as yer told an' we'll git alon' jes' fan." He drawled, a go ahead look on his face. Garrison knew that without the gun the man was probably a coward.
He turned keeping his eye on the guard. When he tried to look at the downed men he was slammed on the shoulder with the butt of the gun. He continued to walk.
The men were lined up and while they waited Prison Warden Dell arrived. He was a short round man with an open smiling face. He could have been someone's kindly grandpa. His white hair only added to the picture. When he spoke it was with the smooth drawl that spoke of lazy days sitting on the porch watching the world go by.
"Today is road clean up. A nice easy day for yo'all. Now, we got us some new faces today so the rest of you best keep an eye on 'em. Keep 'm in line." Then the tone changed, became harder and darker. There was a cruelty and a threat that that could not be ignored.
"Yo'all know what will happen to the rest of you if 'n anyone tries to escape." He smiled a sickly smile and a murmur ran through the line of men. They knew the threat was real. A couple of men cast quick looks at the two armed men who flanked the Warden, big shouldered men who reminded Garrison of junk yard dogs that stood watching until you made that fatal mistake of stepping too close.
The Prison Warden waited a moment for the prisoners to consider his words then nodded to the guards.
The men were marched out the door and into the waiting trucks. As he sat Garrison thought back to how he had ended up in this hell hole.
At the time it had seemed such a waste of his men's talents, but an easy mission, he thought. Chief had known other wise. Maybe the others had too. One of the wars heroes, Captain Peter Hickson, who had gone back to the States to help recruit new soldiers had disappeared in Texas. Rumour had it he was seen on a chain gang from the local prison but the officials denied it. He was not seen again nor was anyone who looked like him. The rumours persisted so Garrison was asked to take his men, since they were no stranger to prisons, and go in under cover. Colonel Edwards hoped they could find him and break him out.
"Now this is the way it's going to work." The men were seated around the table. Maybe lounging was a better word. Casino was leaning back in his chair, Chief as usual had his feet up on the table and Actor had pulled his chair back to make room for his long legs. Goniff was the only one sitting at the table and that was only because he was trying to keep the crumbs from his sandwich on the plate in front of him.
"Casino, you and I will become guests of the Prison. Hopefully we will be put in the same cell. If not we can still see what we can find out." He looked at his safe cracker to gauge his reaction. It was what he had expected, Casino didn't looked thrilled at the upcoming incarceration.
"Actor." Garrison looked over at his second in command who was toying with his cold pipe. "You will be our attorney." Garrison watched the amused smile play about the handsome man's lips. He enjoyed playing positions of power, especially when he had power over his leader. "Give us three days then you will come to visit. If we find anything then one of us will contact you." He paused waiting for the nod of acknowledgement.
Once it was given he turned to the remaining two men. The rest of you will remain here." Here was a small rented house twenty-five miles from the prison. Because Garrison was not going to be there, Colonel Edwards had insisted two guards accompany them.
"You will not wander off, go see the local sights, go for a drink � Nothing. You will stay here. Got that?"
"Aw Warden. How could you suggest such a thing. I'm hurt." Goniff laid his hand across his heart for dramatic effect and continued, "I'm crushed."
"Why should he trust you after you .." Casino said with a grin. He knew Goniff was trying to lighten the situation and he was glad of it. The thought of going into a prison voluntarily, well maybe not so voluntarily, but still the thought was troubling him.
"That wasn't me that was you. An' I was framed. I was just trying to keep you outta trouble."
They all laughed except Garrison. He knew there was possible trouble, not only inside the prison but possibly out side as well. His men seemed to find it where ever they went. Maybe that was why he had selected Casino to go with him. Goniff was a follower. Maybe without Casino to lead, Goniff would stay put. It was always a hope. Chief would most likely stay at least close. Not likely he would be caught doing some thing. He often took off by himself but Garrison had learned it was usually just to be alone. He would be OK.
"Better if I went with you instead," suggested the quiet man.
"Why you? Not that I wouldn't gladly trade places," asked Casino.
"It's a hell hole. Been there before."
"Why would you agree to go back there if it's that bad?"
"I got my reasons, 'sides now I'll have someone to watch my back." There was a fire in his eyes.
"Wait a minute Chief," said Garrison angrily. "We're going in for one reason and one reason only. If you've got other plans then you're not going. Do I make my self clear?"
Chief had looked him in the eye and the fire disappeared. Garrison wasn't sure if it had died or been banked. He would have to take the chance. If Chief knew his way around the place it would save a lot of time. The less time he spent there the better he liked it.
"Another thing. You say you were there before." Getting no response he continued. "There's nothing on your sheet about this place." He didn't think Chief would lie about this but he was confused. Garrison didn't like being confused especially when it came to details that might affect a mission.
Chief had turned his back to the group. He was obviously trying to hide something and the way Chief dealt with a past painful or embarrassing situation was to refuse to talk. To make it worse Chief was like a cat. The more you pushed him the more he refused. Garrison was still considering how to get what he wanted when Casino provided the answer.
"You're lying."
"No I aint" was the instant reply as he spun around. There was never a rebuttal to the many things he was slandered with such as half breed, or worthless but this one he could deny.
"If you were there then it would be on your sheet," sneered Casino. "I doubt you were that forgettable."
"I was there. I had a different name. That's why."
"A different name, huh. What name? Warden can check it out you know."
In the heat of anger Chief blurted out what he had vowed to never say out loud.
"Tommy Hicks. I was fifteen. I was there for two years. I was there!"
Casino beamed. Pay dirt! He looked over at Garrison. That was how you handled the Indian. Get him mad.
Chief saw the look and realized he had been had. Blind rage exploded as Chief threw himself at his enemy. There was no thought behind it, just reaction. Kill.
Garrison had watched the interplay and had been about to step in when he saw Chief getting angry. He waited when he saw what Casino was doing. Unfortunately he did not expect the severity of Chief's final action.
Ten long minutes later Chief was pinned to the floor by three battered but determined men. He was still angry but at least he was rational.
"Get offa me," he grunted through clenched teeth.
"You stop and we'll let you go. Now stop." Garrison tone said he expected to be obeyed.
Actor watched the change from anger to panic. They all knew Chief's dislike of being touched and now he was pinned as well.
Actor caught Garrison's eye and nodded. They slowly released the angry man who quickly got to his feet and backed away. They were all breathing hard.
"Will anyone recognize you? Will that be a problem?"
"No."
He stood glaring at the younger man. "All right. You go in with me."
The federal government had arranged their incarceration.
Now here he was in the cold rain, picking up road side garbage. He wondered how Chief was. Was he alive? Hopefully he was warm and dry. The other combatant had not been included in the work detail either. Where was he? Was he being punished in solitaire? Had Chief been seen by a doctor before being locked up? And then there was Hickson. Or better yet where was Hickson? They had not seen anyone in the two days they had been there that looked like him.
By the end of the day Garrison hurt. He had spent the day trudging for miles down back roads bent over picking up trash. The day had been cold and rainy and now he was soaked. His hands were numb and his feet squished in his shoes. He was miserable. When did the day end? he wondered not for the first time.
Finally they were ordered to stand in line. A truck appeared and they were driven back to the prison.
Once back in his cell Garrison lay back on his bunk and tried to relax. His back ached and his neck burned where the guard had struck him with a lash. The rules were never stated just enforced. Maybe they made them up as they went. He knew he could handle this because he wouldn't be here long. Could he last two years like Chief had?
And where was Chief. They had been put in different cells when they arrived so he didn't know if he was safe or not. Either way he knew he had to be careful. If anything happened to him no one would ever know what had happened to them. No matter what, he had to get out alive, either to rescue his team member or make sure he had not died for nothing. There was going to be a big stink over this; if he survived. He had to survive.
As he lay there he considered his cell mates. How could he get them to help him? He couldn't tell them who he was but would they tell him if they saw Hickson?
This was a switch. Six months ago, before he had assembled his team, he would have seen them as scum. The enemy. Not worth bothering with. Maybe the Colonel was right and he was identifying with his men. Well, as long as it got the job done with the right results and he survived then that was OK with him.
He leaned over the edge of his bunk and asked, "Any you guys know a fella called Hickson? I got a message from his sister I was to give him." There was no response so he lay back and closed his eyes. Maybe tomorrow.
Tomorrow was a repeat of yesterdays work detail. Again no Chief or the big goon he fought. No one had heard of Hickson either. It was not until the third day he was pulled out of the line up and taken to a small room. The guard stood just inside the door.
There in all his glory was, not Actor as he had hoped but Casino. He was lounging against the wall with a big grin on his face as Garrison entered. He sat as Casino continued to lean against the wall staring at him as he finishing his cigarette. He looked very comfortable and confident in his dark pants and white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top button undone. Finally he dropped it, ground it out then walked over to the table.
"Well, well, well. Couldn't stay out of trouble I see." He was gloating as he leaned over and placed his hands on the table.
"Like the accommodations? You could be here for a while. Unless I get the answers I want. That little job you pulled up in New York. I got you cold. All I want to know is what you did with the money." He stared intently at his victim with a satisfied sneer on his face.
Garrison was not sure what was going on. Where was Actor? He, as his lawyer, was to be the go between. Why was Casino here and what was he trying to tell him?
Reading the situation and deciding to give him a break, Casino continued with a sneer of contempt. "Don't bother waiting for your lawyer. Lawyers apparently don't have much clout here. Cops willing to split the money do though. So you tell me where you hid it and maybe we'll have you outta here and back to stand trial in NY."
Not sure of what to say Garrison remained silent.
Casino pulled his hands back as if reconsidering then his fist lashed out catching Garrison on the jaw. The move, so unexpected, almost toppled him and the chair with it. He managed to remain up right but Casino had come around and grabbed Garrison by the shirt front and pushed him back as far he could go.
Nose to nose he whispered "Well?"
Shocked, all Garrison could manage was to shake his head. He didn't like that glint in Casino's eye. He was enjoying himself, way too much.
Casino released his hold and straightening he fixed Garrison's shirt. "I can wait. You see I'm going to be here for a few days. Think about it. Keep quiet and stay here or tell me what I want to know and I can get you outta here, babe." He looked Garrison in the eye and winked. With that he walked to the door and the guard opened it. After he left the guard motioned Garrison to follow.
The rest of the day was a repeat of yesterday.
On the fourth day Garrison spotted Chief being escorted to the line up. He was bruised but walking normally. As he passed Garrison he snarled something about a squealer and made a move as if to hit him. Garrison was so startled he pulled back. What the heck was he doing? Then it made sense as the guard stopped and grabbed Chief by the arm and shoved him into line in front of Garrison.
"You gotta problem with blondy? Well too bad. One wrong move and you go back in the hole. Got that, Pretty Boy?" The guard laughed a nasty laugh then stepped back and watched as Chief fumed, glaring at Garrison and the guard.
All went as usual until they were out on the road. Garrison waited until the guard had passed. "You all right?"
"Don't stop workin'. Yeah I'm OK."
"That wasn't an old score you were settling was it? That fight?"
"No."
They continued to work in silence for a time.
"I didn't see Hickson in the Infirmary. Though he coulda been there."
"Other suggestions?".
"Solitary." There was no response so he continued. "They got ten holes here. Gotta start a little ruckus."
Garrison saw the little smile on Chief's face. Chief was going to enjoy that but the thought that one of them could get seriously hurt bothered him. "How are you going to ensure that one of us gets put in the same hole as Hickson if he is there? They're not going to put anyone in with him. Not if they're hiding him."
"If there're too many they'll double up. Did before. Hickson's a blond right? Specially if they know I got a problem with blonds."
"They might just put the two of us together. What about an inspection? Health or Prison Board? Do they ever do that?"
After a moment his dark team member answered. "If some body got real sick in the hole they might do an inspection. Maybe. Gotta be something real bad though."
They both stopped talking as the guard ambled by. Garrison's mind was busy working on the details. If they already knew Actor then Goniff would have to be the inspector. Casino would have to get them something toxic and then raise the stink about the illness. This could work. Besides then only he would be incapacitated not both.
By the time they returned to their cells he was exhausted. The next morning he let it be known he wanted to talk to the New York cop� alone. Once accomplished he explained the plan. Casino pointed out that only one illness and they would only check one cell or ignore it. There had to be several incidences.
Garrison didn't want to have make Chief sick as well but realized Casino was right. Casino was to return the next day and again in private provide him with the means.
The following day there was a fight in the mess hall. Five prisoners were sent to solitaire confinement. Within twelve hours Garrison began to feel light headed. Stomach cramps began shortly after then itching. When he was finally released after two days he was a mess. Casino took one look at him and even though he was expecting something he was appalled. Only the years of being the tough guy helped cover his true concern. The guy looked like death warmed over.
The Prison Warden did not care about the health of the prisoners. They died sometimes. If they had families they were poor and were afraid to raise a stink. In this case if the man died then he would lose the promised share of the bank take. On the other hand if the Health Department was called in then an investigation might uncover what he did not want uncovered. Besides that the cop was a loud mouth and seemed real determined to get the money. If his prisoner died how loud would he squawk? It was at that point that he was informed that the other detainees were also sick with the same symptoms. He had an outbreak apparently centered in the solitary cells. He tried to reason that it was the food. That had happen in the past. The fact that it was only the ones confined that were ill meant it was the cells. All he could do was hose them out with a disinfectant and hope the prisoners got better.
His hopes were dashed that it would all go away when that annoying cop arrived unannounced in his office.
"What the Hell are you trying to do? We're this close to getting a very nice payday and you go screwing it up."
"It was his own fault. He was involved in a fight. I had no choice." No the loud mouth NY cop would squawk. He hoped the cop was just referring to the prisoner being placed in solitary. Maybe it would be all right. Just placate the cop and he could still get the money.
"That scum bag dies and we're out a lot of money. You're out a lot of money. Maybe you don't care. Got it good here? Well I care. I want that money. He dies before he squeals and I'll make sure the shit falls on you so you better get a team of doctors or the Health Department in here to find out what's going on."
"This is my prison and I will run it the way I see fit. I don't need you telling me what to do." No good Yankees still think they can come in here and tell us what to do. Not here in his prison they couldn't.
"I wonder if the Governor would like your cut? " Casino eyed the little man speculatively.
Warden Dell was in good with the Governor but he was up for election in two months and during an election everything was open. Damn Governor would jump at the chance for that money. He was cornered, and by a Yank at that, over a Yank too. Damn Yankees. Why didn't they go home and leave the South to the Southerners.
The call was made. Within hours the Health Inspector was shown into his office.
"Let me see that picture again. No, 'e wasn't there." Goniff removed his glasses and sat slumped in the chair.
"Did you get into every cell? What about the others?" asked Actor as he was about to replace the glasses Goniff had worn back in their case.
"Yeah. Even the empty ones and I think you gave 'm too much. Warden looked terrible."
"And�?" prompted the con man.
"'ard to tell. 'E looks miserable all the time."
"Goniff!" rebuked their interim leader.
"Well 'e does." Under the relentless glare from Actor he continued. "Yeah, 'e looks about as bad."
Actor was about to scold the man for being so uncaring about his team mate who had saved all of their lives at one point or another when he saw the twinkle in the "Health Inspector's" eye.
"So I guess the FBI goes in and springs 'em now?"
"I do not see as there is anything else we can do. Hickson is not there."
Garrison was feeling better. He was starting to look forward to the pretty young nurse who came three times a day to put cream on his rash. He looked over to his room mate but his eyes were closed.
"Chief?"
"Mm."
"You all right?"
"Uh huh."
"I wasn't sure if you were asleep."
"Catchin' up on it. Peace and quiet won't last though."
Garrison smiled.
As if on cue two men came bustling in the door followed sedately by a third.
"Well, how you doing Warden? Don't look so miserable. Doc says you're about to be sprung." Casino smiled broadly as he stood at the end of the bed and placed his hands on the foot rail.
"Maybe that's why he looks so miserable," interjected Goniff as stood beside his team leader. "He's gonna miss the nurses and all their attention. Know I would."
"Not only that but he has to return to the estate and to the two of you." Actor wore his serious face but there was a twinkle in his eye. There was laughter all around.
The smile dissolved from Casino's face as he spoke again. "FBI or the Army been around yet?" Seeing the slight shake of his leaders head he continued. "I gave them my statement already. Said they wanted to talk to you next." He saw the slight tightening around Chief's eyes and knew the reason. Some time ago they had to work with a cop who was an arson expert. It had been Chief who had objected the loudest. Though he had never told them, Casino figured he had his reasons for his hatred.
"Didn't mention you, babe,' he said as he turned toward the other bed, "so guess you're in the clear." The wary look eased only slightly as the object of his scrutiny looked to their leader.
The five men chatted for a time before the nurse appeared to shoo them all out. Visiting hours were over.
Early the next morning two men in suits appeared at the door.
"Lt. Garrison?" demanded the first man. He looked from one man to the other and settled on the correct one. Swinging around to the other bed he glared at the occupant and demanded, "Who is he?"
Before Chief could answer Garrison jumped in. "I'm Garrison and this is Chief. He was with me. He's one of my men." The interrogator, at least that was what he sounded like to Chief stood glaring at him. Chief glared back.
"Do you want me to have him removed?" asked the second suit.
"He stays," was Garrisons quiet but firm reply.
Finally the suit grunted and turned back to Garrison. Chief let out the breath he was holding.
"I am Special Agent Carlson. This is Special Agent Bennet. Now, Lt., tell us in your words what happened."
When he had finished Special Agent Carlson nodded and prepared to leave. The second man quietly nodded in Chief's direction and muttered "What about him?"
As they left the two patients heard the answer. "He's a convicted felon. Unless it's a confession I don't want to hear from him."
Garrison wanted to jump out of bed and throttle the man. He looked over to his room mate and saw the hatred burning in his eyes as he glared at the open door.
"An you think I gotta chance when this is all over? If I make it you might as well just tear up that parole."
"Chief, not everybody thinks like that."
He turned his attention and anger on Garrison. "Oh yeah?" After a long hard stare Chief threw the pillows that had been behind him off the bed and lay down facing the wall.
The next day Chief had still not spoken but the doctor had signed their releases. Both were dressed and waiting in the lobby when the car arrived. Chief took one look and remained where he had been sitting on the steps. Garrison was half way down the walk before he realized Chief had not moved and then the reason. Instead of their team mates, the car was driven by the Special Agent Bennet. Carlson got out of the car and stood waiting.
"What's going on here? Where are my men?" asked Garrison.
"Just get in the car." He was just as rude as the day before.
Garrison stood his ground.
Annoyed at being questioned but not willing to make a scene involving a man in the military he continued. "You are required at the prison." From the look on the Lt's face that was not enough. "You will identify the prisoner who attacked and killed our agent."
"I don't know what you are talking about. I didn't see anyone killed."
"Then you have nothing to worry about." He gestured toward the car door.
"All right." Without turning he added, "Let's go Chief."
Chief weighed his options. Go with the Feds and possibly �. probably end up back in prison or refuse and end up back in prison. No choice there. He stood and moved slowly down to the car.
Once inside the prison gates Bennet pulled up to the Administration Building. It was here that the prisoners were processed then escorted deeper into the actual prison beyond. Garrison took a chance and told Chief to stay with the car. He hadn't expected it to work but the Agents went along with it.
Chief watched as Carlson and Garrison walked into the Administration Offices. It was a warm day so he stood beside the car with his one foot on the running board and his arm on the roof of the car. Bennet stood on the other side by the drivers door. Ever observant Chief scanned the area watching the prisoners doing their menial tasks of tending the gardens and sweeping the grounds at their usual speed. Even being this close to a prison made him nervous.
Finally after a very lengthy wait of twenty minutes the two men returned to the car. After they were settled Bennet started the car and they passed through the gates.
Back at the base the two were reunited with their team.
"All right let's get out of here. We got a flight to catch in forty-five minutes."
"Warden," the tone was neutral.
Garrison turned.
"I know where your man is."
"What?"
"I know where they're hidin'm."
Two steps took their leader over to where Chief was standing.
"Where?"
"You get that screw back here and tell him to ask me nice." The anger that had been so evident after the afternoon interview had returned.
"We don't have time for that. Just tell me and they can go get him."
Chief just stood mutely staring Garrison in the eye. Then he said "I got time but that guy don't. They'll be moving 'm soon, if he's still alive."
Garrison wanted to yell at their wheel man. All he wanted was to get the information and get out but then he thought back to the Agent's attitude. Here was Chief's chance to get back at the Fed. Make him come crawling to him, make him beg for help from a felon. Well maybe not crawl but the comparison was there. Neither man would miss it either. He hurried from the room to make the call.
The others crowded around asking what was going on.
When Special Agent Carlson entered the room he felt the hostility. He was surrounded and out numbered but he was a Special Agent of the FBI. He was all powerful. These were just felons. He would make sure they knew who was boss. He walked part way in, then crossing his arms over his chest said, "Well?" He knew which one had been in the hospital but refused to acknowledge him. He was there as requested now let the con come to him. That was the way it was supposed to be.
No one moved or spoke. He could wait.
Actor took the cue. He took out his pipe and began tapping it out preparing to fill it. The sound in the quiet room drew all attention to him as he had planned. Without looking up from his task he spoke.
"It is a terrible shame that you could not rescue Captain Hickson in time. A few minutes sooner and he would have been alive. Such a waste. All because you refused to follow up on a lead. But I guess you will leave that out of your report. Any one tries to contradict you can be discredited as being 'a convicted felon.' Everyone knows how unreliable they are. Still �"
He looked up innocently to watch as the Agent tried to maintain his cool.
"You know, fellows if we left right now we could be in a position to affect a rescue ourselves." Casino in full stride now held up his hand as if scanning the headlines. "Can't you just see it. Felons rescue war hero after Feds fail. Has a nice ring to it doesn't it?" He looked over at Carlson and watched him fume.
"What do you want?" anger fully evident in his tone. He had been out manoeuvred and he knew it.
"A little respect for the men fighting for this country would be a start," said Garrison.
Turning to the leader who by his actions was now in the agents mind as low as the felons, he replied, "They are nothing more than convicted felons. That's all they will ever be."
"Well fellas, shall we go?" asked Casino with a big grin. "We should be there and back in, what, half an hour? Still time to catch our flight back to England. The four men began to move towards the door.
"All right. What do you want? Money? Is that it? Money in exchange for your information?" This time he looked right at Chief.
"Nope."
"Well what then?" he demanded angrily.
"An apology."
"What?" He turned to Garrison with a look of astonishment on his face. "An apology for what?" Seeing no answer he turned back to the former patient. "For what?"
Knowing what Chief needed to hear but not sure he knew how to express it Garrison stepped in. "For treating him like garbage. For dismissing him as being unworthy. That would be a start."
"You tell me where Hickson is and if we find him then I'll apologise." He wasn't completely convinced and was not about to be embarrassed.
"You treated me like shit before I even knew where he was. That's what I want an apology for."
"You didn't know ?.... When did you find out?"
Silence. Five pairs of eyes all watching him. Carlson knew it was true. He had dismissed the man because he was a criminal and unworthy. "I am sorry I dismissed you." He was glad Bennet was not going to hear this. It would ruin his image. Then to justify himself he added. "It is my experience that convicted criminals lie. They will tell you anything."
"In 'is case 'e'll tell you nothing", interjected Goniff followed by chuckles all around the room.
Carlson continued, "Please tell me where Hickson is."
"Are you going to put it in your report that Chiefy was the one to tell you? That he broke the case. He's the 'ero you know, 'im and the Warden, I mean the Lt." said Goniff helpfully.
"If, his information secures the safe rescue of the man in question then I will put it in my report. If it is a hoax, then that too will go in." He looked at each man finally settling on the one who claimed he knew.
"They got him in the guard tower by the Northeast corner. Probably drugged. Don't think he's dead yet."
"How do you know? That he's there and not dead yet. Did you see him?"
"Nope." The tone of that one word told the others that that was all he was going to say.
Carlson must have read it too because he stared at Chief for a minute then turned and left.
"So, how did you figure it out?" asked Casino.
"Wasn't in with the inmates or the infirmary and you didn't find him in the holes so I thought he wasn't there but when the Fed took us back to the prison I stayed with the car. Watched the guards and the work crews. Guards in each tower and one with each crew but was an extra one at the bottom of the tower. Had to be guardin somethin. Figured they were keeping him there til the flak blew over."
"Base of the tower's not big so that's why you figure he's drugged."
"Yeah."
"No wonder the Feds couldn't find 'im. They owe you big time now, babe," said Casino.
"Yeah. You should'a asked for your parole instead of an apology," agreed Goniff.
"Good work Chief and I'm glad you didn't ask for your parole. We need you here on the team. All right guys let's get going. We've got a plane to catch."
"Aw Warden, what's your big 'urry." complained Goniff. "'ey," Goniff brightened. "Can we at least swing by the prison and see 'em get 'ickson? Maybe 'elp lock up the ones responsible? Right guys? Maybe see the look on that Feds face as 'e brings 'ickson out of the prison. Maybe there'll be reporters and Chiefy can get 'is picture in the paper."
The others watched as Chief grabbed his gear and made for the door.
Actor was the last to leave as he followed Garrison out. "It would do him good to get some positive recognition but I think Goniff will have a hard times convincing him of that."
Garrison smiled. "I think even you would have a hard time convincing him too."
Actors gentle laugh was the only reply. His ego would not let him admit a job was too hard but on the other hand he knew it was a job he did not want.
The End
