Chapter 8

When they left the Warden’s office Deke headed to meet the others at the hospital while John stopped at Sarah’s desk to thank her for everything she’d done to make his life better. “John, I know things went somewhat crazy this morning, but what happened this afternoon? You’re suddenly being transferred to Winslow in the middle of the night. Brenda is walking around in a daze, and not a happy one, at that. To top everything off I read Mister Templeton’s letter when I copied it; it’s his resignation. Can you please tell me what’s happening?”

“They’re forcing Mary Beth into medical retirement, claiming all this she’s done for me is a result of dementia that preceded her stroke. I’ve become either an embarrassment, or a problem, to someone. As a result, the Governor refused to even talk to Deke about the evidence they’ve found. I’m supposed to be moved from here in a hurry, and someone else will probably try to take credit for my work here.”

“Who’s supposed to take Mary Beth’s place?”

“Sarah, the Governor has appointed Arizona’s famous sheriff / jailer for that task.”

“Then there will be more resignations next week. I’m sure mine will follow just a few minutes after Brenda’s.”

“Well, if you do, ask Brenda to have Dan talk to you. He can probably help you find something.”

“Do you think so?”

“I’m sure of it.”

John proceeded to his apartment; only to find it was mostly empty, with the exception of the bed. There was a note on the counter from Brenda advising him she was making a trip to take food and stuff to her house, but she’d be back shortly. Drifting into his office he found here, too, it was pretty bare. As he thought back over the week he was totally amazed by all they’d done.

“John, is that you?”

“Yes, Bill, it’s me. I was just thinking of what we’ve accomplished this week.”

“It’s pretty amazing, but what’s going on?” John gave Bill the same basic summary he had given Sarah.

“Well, I guess I’ll be adding my resignation to the pile.”

“Bill, there’s no reason for that. I doubt you’ll be negatively affected by this. In fact, your knowledge of what’s done will make you invaluable. Milk it as long as you can, and then let them fire you. If they do, or you get where you can’t take it anymore, the people at Apache will help you. The biggest problem you may have is when the lawsuits start, the state will likely try to have you testify I’d nothing to do with the new system. At that point remember you’ve Apache as an ‘ace in the hole.’ Also, if you need legal advice Deke Templeton is joining Connors and Sanchez, in Phoenix.”

“Are you sure?”

“Very.”

“Thanks, John, it’s been a real treat working with you.”

“Same here, Bill. You’ve learned a lot in the past few days. Expand on it. Learn as much about Linux, SQL, and C Plus Plus as you can.”

“I will. I promise.”

John closed the door to Bill’s work area for the last time, and stretched out on the bed. There was little to do but organize his thoughts, since even the TV was gone. While he rested there he realized over the past few weeks he’d been more alive and more mentally alert than he’d been since he was arrested. He was considering why that might be so, when his cell phone rang. “Hello,” he answered.

“It’s Deke. Mary Beth’s OK. I’ll be back sometime after midnight to see you off. I want your arm, shoulder, and fingers back in bandages when I get there.”

“OK, but why?”

“So I can try to keep you from having to make that long trip in cuffs and shackles.”

“Good reason. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, though I should be thanking you. Dennis and Julian were at the hospital when I arrived. The three of us are about to take our wives out to dinner. I think they’re going to be great to work with.”

“They’re good guys. It’s more like a family.”

“I think you might be right. I’ll see you around midnight.”

Hanging up John lay back on the bed and thought about these special people in his life. Even more, how much he’d changed under the influence of Mary Beth. Brenda was loving and supportive, but Mary Beth had brought her group of friends into the picture, and that had changed so many things. He was glad she was going to be OK, and yet sad she’d no longer be his protector, or his ‘mother.’

In the kitchen area of the prison the phone rang. Mrs Taylor, the manager, answered the phone. “Taylor here.”

A female voice whispered, “I understand things have been awkward the past few weeks.”

A concerned Mrs Taylor closed the door to her office, and sat down. She then replied, “I haven’t been able to provide his food since the hostage situation began. I’m afraid most of the stuff is out of his system by now.”

“That’s OK, you did your best. You at least made him pay for five years for what he did to your daughter.”

“Are you really sure he was the one? The rumor around here is he was an innocent man.”

“Rumors have a way of springing up and then dying. If he was innocent, wouldn’t the Governor, or the courts, set him free?”

Hesitantly Mrs Taylor answered, “I guess so.”

“Do you know anything about what they plan to do with him?”

“Yes. They’re supposed to transfer him to Winslow sometime late tonight.”

“Does the kitchen normally prepare anything for a trip like this? Like sandwiches, coffee, etcetera?”

“Sometimes, but they don’t normally make a transfer late at night.”

“Then I’d think a picnic basket and hot coffee would be appreciated.”

“Yes, it probably would.”

With a distinct change in voice and tone the caller said, “Zander, zander, Taylor, too.”

“Yes, mistress?”

“At eight o’clock tonight you’ll remember you need to pick up something at the pharmacy at First and Eason. When you arrive purchase something for a corn on your toe. As you leave someone will hand you an envelope. Bring the envelope back, and add the contents of the envelope to the thermos of coffee you are preparing for the driver.”

“Yes, mistress.”

“You will not remember this phone call. You will not remember the envelope, nor putting the contents of the envelope into the coffee. You went to the pharmacy to get something for that corn that’s trying to start on your toe.”

“Yes, mistress - corn on my toe.”

“Taylor, Taylor, close the door.”

Mrs Taylor, looking a little glassy eyed, said, “Thanks for calling about my daughter’s condition.”

“You’re welcome. I think she’ll soon be much better.”

Mrs Taylor hung up the phone, opened the door, and went back into the kitchen to supervise the preparation of the evening meal. By the time she started talking to her employees about the meal she’d completely forgotten about the call.

The woman who’d been on the other end of the call turned to the man standing beside her, and said, “Brother, I need you to prepare a melatonin - sugar mixture that will slowly be absorbed by the sugar. It needs to be undetectable after twenty four hours. We need enough for a quart thermos of coffee. I want it so that after three cups the driver will have difficulty keeping his eyes open. I’ll need you to deliver it to Missus Taylor at the pharmacy.”

“I’ll take care of it, Sister dear.”

She picked up the phone a second time and dialed another number. Someone answered, “Hello?”

“Jean, I’ve additional information. The transfer will be after midnight tonight. I assume they’ll take Seventeen to Flagstaff, and Forty to Winslow. The thermos will have a natural element that will make the driver extremely sleepy.”

“Thanks, I’ll take over from here.”

Hanging up the phone an evil smile emerged while she smugly thought to herself, Well! Soon, I’ll have one more potential complication removed from my life!

When Brenda returned she found John had slipped into a fitful sleep. He was tossing, moaning, and flailing his arms as if he was in a fight. She crawled onto the bed, holding him close, until he finally awoke enough to be coherent. When his consciousness returned John realized Brenda was behind him, with her arms wrapped tightly around him. He tilted his head backward, and she placed her cheek next to his. They cuddled like this for several minutes, neither saying a word.

Finally, Brenda’s curiosity got the best of her and she asked, “Are you OK? At first I thought you were having a seizure or something.”

“I’m not sure,” he answered. “I guess it was a dream, but it was the strangest dream I’ve ever had.”

“In what way?”

“It’s like there were two forces, both trying to control me. I don’t remember ever having a dream like that before. Do you think I’m losing my mind?”

“No, but I’d like to get Aunt Beth’s friend, Elizabeth, to talk to you about it. Maybe she’ll have an idea.”

‘Well, it’ll have to be after I get to Winslow, because nothing is going to disturb these last few hours I have with you. I don’t know when I’ll ever have time alone with you again.”

“I just wish I had enough warning so I could’ve gotten off the pill.”

Confused, John asked, “Why’s that?”

She tickled his ribs and gave his ear a little nip, before she said, “So you could’ve gotten me pregnant.”

John was stunned at her comment. He asked softly, “Would you’ve really wanted my child?”

She nuzzled her face into his neck and said, “You betcha!”

Puzzled, John asked, “Why would you, or anyone, want my child?”

Brenda jumped up and ran around to his front, climbing back up on the bed, but in a position where they could look at each other eye to eye. Shouting, she answered, “Why? I’ll tell you why! You’re one of the smartest, kindest, tenderest men I’ve ever known!”

John was floored. Every woman he’d ever been close to, including his wife, had made a big deal about not getting pregnant. Even his mother seemed to take the attitude it was something a wife had to endure. The few girls in college he had sex with emphasized their fear and anxiety concerning getting pregnant. He’d never met a woman who’d wanted a baby, any baby, much less his specifically. When he tried explaining this to Brenda she laughed, and said, “John, for someone so smart you sure can be dumb. Yes, most girls don’t want children until they’re married and are ready. As for your wife, she was such a bitch-whore that, if she’d gotten pregnant I seriously doubt it would’ve been yours. But, I promise you, when a woman truly falls in love with a man she wants his children so badly it hurts.” After pausing for a moment, she added, “In your case, it’s even more than that. Because I may never be able to have you for myself, I’d happily settle for just a part of you I’d carry next to my heart for nine months, nurse at my breast for six months, and encourage to grow up just like you for at least eighteen years.”

“Brenda, I always thought I was the super smart freak whose genes everyone hoped would be lost forever.”

She hugged him, and said, “My poor baby. I know one woman who likes your genes, and who thinks the world would be in a much sadder condition if those genes were lost to mankind.

She pulled away enough to give him a tender kiss. As the kiss lasted longer and longer, the passion felt by both increased proportionately. This continued for several minutes before Brenda drew back, gasping for breath. When she started removing her clothes she exclaimed, “I was having trouble breathing at the end, but that was the most awesome kiss I have ever had. John, I think I need to add it to my list of things about you that are special. You’re a wonderful kisser and lover. Now, get over here and demonstrate that last attribute one more time.”

Slipping off his orange prison jumpsuit John was determined to do just that. Surprisingly, though, their lack of time didn’t lead to a frenzied time of raw emotional sex. Instead, what followed was a time of slow gentle loving. Each partner was dedicated to exploring and exciting the other, over and over again. The emotional and physical result was a sexual release unlike either could’ve ever imagined. It took almost ten minutes for them to recover sufficiently to talk.

Brenda’s first words were, “Wow! Now I know what making love is all about. And you, you came so hard! I’ll be surprised if I’m not pregnant, pill or no pill.” They lay wrapped in each others arms for several minutes longer. Then, afraid he was too heavy for her, he started to get up. She refused to release him from her arms, but pulled even tighter as she said, “I brought us some hamburgers for supper, but right now I don’t want to leave your arms to eat.”

“I can always eat later, but I don’t know when I’ll ever again be in these arms. I don’t want to move either, I just didn’t want to crush you.”

“The only crush I know of around here is the one I have for you. I’m not that small a girl, and you’re not that heavy. We’ll be fine. Do you know how long we have?” Brenda asked.

“Deke said he’d be here around midnight, or shortly thereafter. He wants me re-bandaged before he gets here, including my fingers in splints.”

“Why would he want that?”

John said, “I think to make me look more like the victim, and to give him an excuse to try to keep them from cuffing me for the entire trip.”

“Let’s see, it’s a few minutes to nine. What do you want to do?”

“I don’t think there’s anything we could do tonight to top that last time. It’s so special I think it’s the memory I want to leave here with. Why don’t we go ahead and eat, and then cuddle for the rest of the evening.”

“You know, John, I’m probably the first woman who’s ever been turned away concerning more sex, and felt honored by it. You just made that time of lovemaking even more special. You know, I think I need to put my brand on you before all the other women wise up and find out just how wonderful you are. My Aunt once said your ex-wife was a fool. I think I agree with her on that; not that I plan on giving you back, if she does come to her senses.”

They got up to eat, but found their hamburgers had gotten cold, and the fries both cold and soggy. Brenda ran down to the executive kitchen to see what she could do, since all the appliances and kitchenware had already been removed from the apartment. In fact, Deke had already issued orders to have the bed removed as soon as John left. He and Zed would be taking it to the ranch. When the new administration arrived next week this area would be the new computer area with Bill moving into John’s office and the bedroom would become the server room, complete with extra air conditioning. Contracted workmen, Bill, and the people from Apache Technologies would be working over the weekend making these changes happen.

Waiting for Brenda to return, John thought more about their relationship. He’d been fearful of being hurt in the beginning, but these past few days he’d became more fearful of hurting her. Unprepared for her revelation, tonight, about wanting his child, he wrestled with his feelings. My problem, he thought, is I really don’t know what love is. Not the kind of love that should be between a man and a woman. In some ways it seemed my parents existed more as housemates than lovers, but when she died he did too. It just took him a few months longer to stop breathing. Yet, I never saw them kiss, hold hands, cuddle or even tease one another. I thought I found love with my wife, but I see now I was more seduced and in lust, rather than in love. John’s final thought before Brenda returned was, If there wasn’t real love between them it’s more than he’d experienced before, either directly or indirectly. He also decided if this wasn’t the real thing, it’d do quite nicely until the real thing came along.

With a little effort Brenda had been able to restore the food to an edible condition. They ate slowly, talking about plans for Brenda’s future, the financial trust he’d instructed Dennis to create, and what directions he wanted it to take. They touched at every opportunity. When they weren’t touching, and sometimes when they were, they were gazing into each others eyes. When they finished eating, they still had over an hour before it would be time to start getting ready.

Brenda had an idea and led John by the hand down the hall, and up some steps. She stopped at a door at the top of the steps and motioned for John to step back and be quiet. She opened the door, and was pleased to see Curly sitting at the desk. The old guard looked up, and recognized Brenda. “Good evening, Miss Brenda. What brings you up here?”

“How are you, Curly?”

“I’m OK. Been missing Martha something fierce tonight. It’s like she’s extra close, but just out of reach.”

“Curly, you know about John Grayson don’t you?”

“Yes, Ma’am. I also heard there’s a shake up coming because of him.”

“Well, that’s true. But it’s because someone is trying to cause trouble, not because John has done anything wrong. Curly, John is being transferred in a couple of hours. Can we have a few minutes up here to look out at the lights.”

“I don’t have a problem with it, but I shouldn’t leave my post.”

“You don’t have to leave your post, we won’t be doing anything that would embarrass you.”

“Then I’d be honored for you to share the tower with me.”

Brenda went to the door, took John’s hand in hers, and led him into the room. “John, I want you to meet Curly Johnson. He’s the most senior guard in this prison, and the most respected.”

John reached out his hand and gave Curly a firm shake while he said, “Pleased to meet you, Curly.”

Curly answered, “Same here. Now, I’ve got some things to do, but I’ll be back in a few minutes. I hope you will enjoy the view.”

Brenda led John over to the window facing the east. The view of the lights of Phoenix was incredible. They turned so their bodies faced one another. They wrapped their arms around each other, but they turned their heads to view the lights. It was like they were dancing slowly to music that only they could hear. They were still in that position when Curly returned. As he sat at his desk he’d occasionally glance up and see the love flowing between them. This would bring a small smile to his face, and memories of his deceased wife to his mind.

Shortly before midnight Brenda and John said good night to Curly, and went back downstairs. Instead of the apartment Brenda led him into the infirmary where she started reapplying wrappings. She taped his shoulder and put the aluminum and foam splints on the three fingers that had been hurt during the ‘rescue’ by the guards. When everything else was done she put his arm in a sling, giving him the appearance of being barely able to get around. After checking over her work they returned to the apartment, arriving just minutes before Deke.

While waiting John got his travel bag ready. It had a few changes of underwear, an extra orange jumpsuit, his shaving kit, his Bible and his cell phone. The phone might be discovered later, but he decided to try to risk carrying it. On the other hand the Bible had been his mother’s. John never read it; he just used the concordance to hide phone numbers. Mary Beth had helped renew his love for his mother, and the memories of his childhood she represented. Those were most of the positive memories he had from that time in his life, and this Bible was the only thing of hers he still had. Suddenly, its new found importance made him afraid to risk it in a new prison. He decided he wanted Brenda to keep this treasure for him; she was in tears when he handed it to her and explained his feelings. They were still standing there holding each other when Deke came to the door. Since it was open he was able to observe them without their noticing. His heart was touched by the depth of their love for each other, causing him to vow to himself to try to give more of himself to his wife in the future. He also vowed to give John’s projects everything he had.

Before Deke could say anything two young guards came up behind him, talking rather loudly. This caused Brenda and John to look up. They smiled a ‘thank you’ to Deke, and separated from each other. Deke then entered the room with the guards following.

They immediately started to try to cuff his hands behind his back and apply the shackles. Deke stopped them, saying, “Can’t you see his shoulder is still damaged. His arms won’t go like you’re intending.”

“But Sir, those are the rules.”

“Son, the rules also state a prisoner, his lawyer, and his family are supposed to be given thirty days notice prior to a transfer. That rule was broken in this case, why shouldn’t the other? As for the shackles, I think they’ll make it too easy for him to fall, considering the condition of his body. Since there’s already a pending lawsuit regarding the rescue, we don’t need to add to that.”

One of the guards answered, “Sir, we’ll walk him to the van with just cuffs in front, and then add shackles once he gets inside. Will that work?”

Looking at the guard’s name tag Deke replied, “Bailey, I’d say that’s a reasonable compromise.” Deke was pleased the guard had been willing to compromise. It was not as good a deal as he’d hoped, but, under the circumstances, it was probably the best deal he’d get. Brenda gave John one more quick kiss, and left. Her breaking heart wouldn’t allow her to watch him led away in cuffs, and loaded into a van to go far from her life.

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