Chapter Twelve
Abigail waited patiently, glad the women who were staring at her earlier had gone back to playing cards. She was certain they
wouldn’t try anything until shift change when there were fewer staff. She’d closed her eyes and taken a short nap, still thinking
about payback. She’d thought again about the fact she could walk out of here and go south. Forget seeking her revenge, but
at this point, she didn’t care.
If she did that, then what? Sitting on a beach drinking a cocktail was only fun for so long. It would eventually become boring
and she would only be thinking about how she was stuck in a foreign country on the run while Eric and Maya were able to live
their lives wherever and however they wanted. She knew this much: she sure as hell wouldn’t rot in prison for the rest of
her life. If she was going to escape, she wanted Eric and Maya to pay. Then she’d be able to relax on the beach and have a
cabana boy bring her more drinks. But first, she couldn’t wait to see Eric’s face when she held a gun to his precious granddaughter’s
head. That’s what he got for sticking his nose into things he shouldn’t.
She’d received confirmation from her outside source that he’d been talking to people and investigating a case that was personal to him—the death of a young officer.
He was more involved than he wanted to admit.
Probably felt guilty. There were active warrants out for his arrest, so she was amazed he’d been able to find out any information.
Her partner had caught wind of it and let her know.
That’s when she realized Eric was never going to stop until she had a life sentence or even the death penalty—unusual for federal crimes, but possible.
If Eric could add this crime to her list of charges and she was convicted, she’d never be out and could get the needle. No one would do that to her.
No one.
As she sat there thinking, her phone buzzed. She had to be careful about checking it with these women watching her. They would
probably love nothing more than to get the phone, use it for their own purposes and then turn her in. If that happened, she’d
be moved back out of low security. She turned toward the window near her bed so that she was at an angle where she could reach
into her bag and no one would see her.
The message made her smile.
Plan is in motion. We lucked out. Thompson already knows about Hope. The idiots who have her screwed up which is how Thompson
found out, but she called Kessler. I’m in on the investigation too. See you soon. I love you and can’t wait to be with you.
Abigail stuffed the phone into her bra. She would need it to keep communication going with her partner.
Other than that, she didn’t need anything else than to leave when the time came.
Bright light suddenly hit her eyes through the window, making her turn back around.
The angle of the sun had changed, indicating it was almost time for her to leave.
She checked the clock on the wall again. The official shift change would happen when they were in the chow hall. It was as
good a moment as any to walk out of here. Being in low security, most of the guards were more relaxed.
A guard called out telling everyone to line up at the door. Abigail joined them. When they were all together, they walked
out the door toward the cafeteria building. Abigail was last in line. The day was brutally hot and even though the sun was
lower, it still beat down on them. But it felt wonderful to be outside.
There was a small hill that went down to a water retention area that was dry right now due to the hot weather. It was the
best spot to walk away because if the guard glanced back, he wouldn’t see her peel off. If she did this smoothly, no one would
notice. She trudged along until she saw the retention pond area. With a smooth and confident turn, which would hopefully bring
less attention to her departure, Abigail turned and strode up the hill. The line of women went on without her.
Abigail crouched down and found some trees to hide behind. She gave it a few minutes, watching to see if any of the guards were coming back her way, searching for her. They might spot her. On the flip side, they gave prisoners scrubs that were a forest-green color. It was almost like camouflage.
She checked her watch and waited a few more minutes. If no one noticed she was gone, then the guards would swap out. Once
they were settled and she was certain they weren’t looking for her, she’d hike out to the meeting spot with Lexie. Not only
had Lexie helped get her moved to minimum security and got her a phone, but the young woman was also giving her a ride to
help her escape. Abigail had convinced Lexie that she was falsely accused and deserved her freedom.
That would be a mistake for Lexie, but Abigail wouldn’t mention that until later. The guards seemed like they were in place.
It was time for her to start walking and hope that no one saw her. She had a small hill to go over and then she’d be home
free, minus the clothing of course.
Lexie had told her about a grove of cottonwood trees about a half mile away from the prison complex. Abigail would be able
to take cover there until Lexie came with her car. It was near the road and a perfect hiding place.
Abigail power walked and it didn’t take long to spot the stand of trees.
They were old and gnarled but had a lot of leaves.
As she approached, some startled starlings flew into the air, making indignant cackling noises.
The giant trunks provided a great place for Abigail to slip in and wait.
With any luck, no one would spot her. She was also happy to have the shade.
Even though it was heading toward dusk, it was still hot.
Colorado was experiencing record heat. The past few days were over a hundred degrees and there was no humidity.
The grass under Abigail’s feet was so dry it crunched.
She’d been tired of being hot and miserable in prison. It was wonderful to be out in the fresh air, in the shade, allowing
the breeze to wash over her. She enjoyed every minute of it. Abigail figured that once she left with Lexie, any downtime was
over until her mission was complete.
The sound of a car pulling off the road caught her attention. Lexie. Abigail had wondered if the guard would be nervous or
rethink this idea. If she’d been smart, Lexie would have just driven home and forgotten about Abigail. Left her sitting in
the trees and then when count came, someone could have realized she was gone and Lexie could have played innocent.
But the young lady really believed in Abigail and even trusted her. Trusting someone in this business would get you killed.
The car pulled to a stop and Abigail came out of her hiding place and slid into the passenger seat. “Thanks for picking me
up,” she said.
“Yeah. Of course,” Lexie answered. “Where do you want to go?”
“I’m not sure. You think for tonight I could crash at your place?”
Now Lexie seemed a little nervous. “I don’t know . . .”
“Maybe I can borrow some clothes. I’ll get out early in the morning,” Abigail said. “It would really help me out.”
“There’s a hotel I could take you to.”
“I don’t have any cash,” Abigail said.
“I could pay for you.”
“That would tie you to me. You don’t want that. Just let me crash and I’ll be gone early in the morning.”
“Staying at my place ties you to me too.” Lexie’s fingers drummed the steering wheel in no particular rhythm. Probably a nervous
habit. Abigail wanted to take her hand and smash her fingers so that she’d stop making that annoying noise.
“Please let me stay? Or I can just get some clothes and head out tonight. You have any cash?”
“I do have some spare cash,” Lexie said. “I’ll give you that and then clothes. I know you want to prove that you’re innocent
and I’m glad I could help you, but I just don’t feel right having you stay with me.”
The girl had some brains, but not enough to save her.
“Sure,” Abigail said. “I understand. That works. I really appreciate your help.”
“No problem. I hope you can find the person who framed you and prove your innocence. I really do,” Lexie said, continuing
to tap the wheel with her hands.
“I do too,” Abigail said.
About a mile down the road, Lexie turned into an apartment complex parking lot.
Abigail gave a reassuring smile. “Let’s get inside before someone sees me.”