Anyway, I hurry to the janitor’s closet by the bathrooms and turn on the overhead light. Man, I’m glad Joseph waited to snap until after the lights came back on. Don’t even want to think about how difficult that would have been in the dark.
Just as I thought! Among the cleaners, mouse traps, brooms, ladders, and florescent bulbs, is a coil of rope. I grab it and head back to the group.
I pass Amelia and Susan at a table playing some kiddy hand game. Melody notices me immediately.
“Is that necessary?” She asks as she points at the rope.
“You tell me.” I don’t have time for these ridiculous questions.
Marc eagerly joins us and watches with anticipation. These wackos make me sick. From the couch, Joseph is moaning and trying to wake up.
“Look, this is just a precaution. Do you really want this guy roaming around free?”
I pull out Joseph’s knife from my pocket and cut off a section of rope. I’m glad I thought to grab it before we came downstairs. I feel a whole lot safer with him unarmed. Taking his hands together, I tie them securely; and not a moment too soon as he starts waking up.
Joseph’s eyes flutter open and he starts coughing and trying to sit up. I carefully help him sit up straight.
“Joseph. Can you hear me?”
He doesn’t answer, he just keeps gasping for breath.
“Joseph! Answer me!” He starts to calm down and I hold onto his chin and study his eyes. I really did a number on this guy. I hold up one finger. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
He squints and blinks a few times. Finally, he croaks out an answer, “T-three?”
From behind me, Marc snickers. “Well, he seems fine to me.”
Marc
I can’t help but laugh. Insulting him like this is the only thing that’s keeping me from strangling him.
Who does this jerk think he is, anyway? I admit I was terrified of him when he first ran at me, but now that he’s been taken down and shown how weak he really is, I realize how ridiculous I was to be afraid of him.
Especially now that he’s been knocked silly.
George lightly smacks Joseph on the face. I consider asking if I could have a turn.
Between coughing, the worm says, “Lay off will ya?”
George backs away and gives him room. I stand nearby, ready to give the ruffian a piece of my mind. And I can more than afford to give it away.
Joseph goes to move his hand and notices the rope. “Hey!” He struggles against it and glares at us. “What’s the big idea?”
George stands up and folds his arms. “We should be asking you the same thing.”
I decide that I’ve waited long enough. I push past George and lean forward in Joseph’s face. “What makes you think you have the right to threaten me?”
His eyes meet mine, and more of that hatred burns in them. Without any warning he stands up from the couch.
George is quick to push him back down and pull me away. “Enough!” He turns to me. “Marc, I want you to go away while I talk to him. Melody, it’s probably best for you to leave too.”
Melody leaves without an argument. I open my mouth to protest, when George gives me a hard look. I’m not one to be bossed around. Marc Amos doesn’t take orders from anyone. Especially from those who are beneath my status. I stand my ground, daring him to tell me to leave again.
Suddenly Joseph speaks, his voice low and dark. “Better do as you’re told. I can still kill you with my hands tied.”
Involuntary fear washes over me and before I can stop myself, I’m walking away.
Joseph
I watch Marc slink away like a frightened animal. In my head, I replay what happened back upstairs. I could kick myself for failing like I did. I mean he was right there! How did it happen?
I know how it happened. The answer is standing in front of me. I glare at George. “Why did you have stick your nose where it doesn’t belong? Things were going fine until you had to interfere!”
George shakes his head and raises an eyebrow. “You and I must have different definitions for the word fine.”
He sits down beside me, like I’m a regular guy. “How about you tell me what’s going on?”
I inch further away and scowl. “Why should I? I don’t have to spill my guts to anyone!”
George shrugs as if he’s not concerned. “Have it your way. But I think it’s in your best interest to get it off your chest before the cops arrive.”
Cops? I grit my teeth. How could I have been so stupid and careless? When I don’t say anything, George continues.
“Because it always helps to have a friend back you up and explain things.”
My jaw drops and I can only stare at him. What is wrong with this guy?
“Friend?” I ask incredulously. “Why would you want to be friends with the likes of me?”
George lets out a sigh and looks down at the carpet. “Listen, Joseph. You’re right when you say don’t know you. I don’t know you from Adam. But you seem like an okay guy.” He stops and points in the direction to where Melody and Marc went. “And what you did back there, I don’t think that’s really you.”
My throat is dry and I don’t think it’s just because I’m thirsty. I bow my head, completely overwhelmed with what George is saying. Surely, he can’t really mean it. He’s probably just trying to soften me up so I sing like a canary. But it’s not gonna work. I’m keeping tight lipped about the whole thing. The way I see it, the less I say the better. And as for those cops coming to release us, I plan on making a break for the next state.
I meet George’s gaze and frown sternly. “No, you listen to me, hero. I don’t need any fake sympathy.”
He arches an eyebrow and opens his mouth to say something but I stop him. “I bet under all that flab, you’re a cop at heart, ain’t ya?”
That did it. He’s upset now. I can see in his eyes he’s trying to hide it, but he’s failing miserably. Good. I don’t need anyone pretending to be on my side when It’s obvious the whole world is against me.
Melody
After George suggested I leave the room, I head to the restrooms. I hope he isn’t too hard on Joseph. I don’t think he will be though. Underneath that gruff exterior, I believe he’s nothing but a big teddy bear.
I open the heavy door to the restrooms and am surprised to see Susan already inside. She’s standing at the counter. I had hoped to be alone in here to check my hair. Susan’s refection smiles at me and she says, “Hello.” I force myself to smile in return.
From inside the handicap stall, I hear Amelia’s small voice whisper loudly, “Who is that, mommy?”
I lay my messenger bag on the sink. “It’s me, Melody.”
“Hi, Melody.” She replies, then begins to hum loudly to herself.
I open my bag and pull out my pink hairbrush. I stare at my reflection in the mirror and begin to brush out my long blonde hair. Maybe if I stay here long enough, they’ll leave. I don’t like to be rude, but this is a very sensitive matter and honestly, I’m ashamed of it.
Off to the side, Susan is watching me in the mirror. I offer a quick smile and say, “I think the storm finally stopped.”
She nods in agreement. “I hope so.”
I switch hands and begin to slowly brush the other side. Susan looks uncomfortable for some reason.
“Melody…” She begins cautiously. I notice she’s nervously playing with her hands.
“Yes?”
“Is everything alright?” She pauses and lets out a breath. “I studied nursing for a little bit before I got married. I noticed… your sores.”
I freeze in mid-brush. She comes closer and lays a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m concerned about you.”
Slowly I set the brush on the counter and lean forward to steady myself. “W-what sores?” I ask trying to bluff, but my voice shakes and she sees right through it.
Susan is rubbing my back, trying to comfort me, but it’s not helpi
ng.
There’s no point in lying. She knows. “I…I’m sick.” The words taste as bad as they sound.
She quickly says, “You don’t have to say anything else if you don’t want to.”
I quickly shake my head. “I should have told you before.”
The words seem to rush out of my mouth at a dangerous rate. “I was diagnosed with
leukemia . After radiation, I had one treatment of chemo and started losing my hair.” I can’t stop my lip from quivering slightly. “I was devastated. It…you have no idea what it felt like.”
Susan wraps her arms around me and I brush a tear away. It’s just too painful to think about. I’m not trying to be vain, it’s just… hard when you lose what you feel is your only beauty.
After a few moments, I pull away from Susan. Amelia is still humming loudly to herself. I consider saying more, but at that moment, we hear Amelia announce that she’s finished.
That’s the end of the conversation. I place my hairbrush in my bag and leave the restroom. I hope she doesn’t think I’m angry at her. I just shared more information with her than I have with my own mother.
Chapter twelve
Susan
I shouldn’t have said anything. The poor thing has been through enough tonight and I just made matters worse.
I help Amelia wash her hands at the sink. As always, she enjoys playing with the soap and blowing bubbles between her fingers.
Just then Melody returns and sticks her head in around the corner. “George wants to talk to us.” As quickly as she came, she leaves.
“Let’s hurry up, Amelia.” I say as I lean forward and help her rinse off her fingers. She can’t resist splashing and I feel my shirt getting wet.
Once the suds are rinsed off, she dashes for the hand dryer. Amelia laughs as the cool air blows away the water droplets on her hands and they land on her face.
In a matter of seconds, we leave the restroom and head toward the main room. I don’t feel safe being in the same room with Joseph. I can’t even begin to imagine what George has in mind. Well, I take that back. It obviously has to do with Joseph.
Amelia is skipping and pulling on my arm. I don’t think she should be a part of this conversation. She’s too young.
George
I have taken over as warden for us inmates. Someone had to and it might as well be the writer.
My little talk with Joseph didn’t go so well. He’s hostile, desperate, and determined. Three qualities that are always dangerous when mixed together. That’s why we have to get to the bottom of what’s going on, and soon.
Joseph wouldn’t budge from the couch. Fortunately, Dylan Dell is used to handling guys who won’t cooperate. So instead of bringing him to the group, I’m bringing the group to him.
Pretty soon Susan walks over. She stops in her tracks when she sees us all siting together. She looks right at Joseph and picks Amelia up.
Before I can begin, Susan abruptly asks, “What’s this all about?”
I take a breath. One would think it’s pretty obvious. “We have to get this whole thing cleared up.”
Susan looks like she’s ready to bolt. “Then we’ll go to the children’s area and leave you all to figure this out.”
Why do women have to be so obstinate? It’s not like Joseph’s loose. His hands and ankles are both tied. It isn’t like he’s going anywhere. And if he did try something, I’d just put him in a sleeper hold again. It was pretty effective last time.
I stand my ground and respond, “No, we all need to be together on this.”
Melody perks up and suggests, “Why don’t we all go to the children’s area? It’s very relaxing over there. It could do us a lot of good.”
Marc scoffs loudly. “No self-respecting business professional would ever step foot in a children’s area.”
I make a fist and hit it against my thigh. “No one is going to the brat’s area! We are staying right here and we’re going to get to the bottom of this mess!”
Joseph chuckles to himself and Marc throws him a glare. This night just keeps getting better and better.
Marc
“You find something funny, delinquent?”
This jerk has a lot of nerve to laugh at us. Even more importantly, he laughed at me. I have such a hate for this guy that I’ve never felt toward anyone. And I don’t even know him.
Joseph’s eyes bore into mine. The laughter is gone and has been replaced with daggers. I squirm under his gaze. This must be how an insect under a piece a glass feels on a sunny day. Finally, I can’t stand it anymore.
“Why do you hate me? What did I ever do to you?”
I didn’t think it was possible, but his icy stare burns a hundred times hotter.
George leans forward next to Joseph. “That’s a good place to start. Talk to us, tell us why you have so much hate.”
The silence is deafening. I can’t imagine anyone hating me. Not when I’ve done so much for this pathetic community. I pause in my thoughts.
This, Joseph, hasn’t really told us anything about him. For all we know, he could be anyone and that could only mean one thing…
I clear my throat and prepare to deliver my mind-blowing statement. “Joseph, if that is your real name; by chance, you wouldn’t happen to be from Sunglow Banking, my rival company, sent to murder me so I can’t attend the Business Award Banquet next weekend and accept my award for most outstanding individual?”
Joseph
Of all the conceded, self-centered, blowhards. I try to raise to my feet, but thanks to the rope around my ankles, I don’t get far and I fall back on the couch.
Marc smirks and nods his puny head knowingly. “I thought as much. You can be sure I’ll let Marshall know that his little stunt failed miserably.” He lightly laughs. “Just wait until the board hears about this!”
But George ain’t no dummy. He’s staring at me, a thoughtful expression on his face. Behind them, Susan is still standing and holding Amelia.
I roll my eyes. “Just sit down,” I tell her. “I’m not gonna hurt you.”
Her mouth opens, either in fear or surprise. Did she think I didn’t see her there the whole time? Melody smiles up at her and gestures for her to sit next to her.
George tilts his head and studies me. “No. I think you’re wrong, Marc. Joseph isn’t out to ruin your chances of collecting your precious award.”
If I could cross my arms, I would. “How did you arrive at that stunning conclusion, Sherlock?”
George ignores my remark and explains, “It’s more personal than some dumb award. Your hate is deeply rooted. Marc’s easy to dislike, but I remember you made a lot of comments earlier that weren’t just out of annoyance. You really loathe this dude. But why? What has he done to you?”
I’m a little surprised he has me figured out. But I’m not about to spill my guts to him or anyone else.
I stare back at George. “Does this prison ever feed its criminals?”
Melody
While the guys are talking, Susan, Amelia, and I are looking for food. George suggested there may be a vending machine somewhere, but I think it’s probably in the back room with the frightened librarian.
I notice Susan is keeping Amelia very close and not letting go of her hand. I understand she’s afraid, but I don’t think Joseph would ever hurt a child. Just anyone who he feels is a threat.
Just then, my right flipflop breaks. I sigh and take them both off. The carpet feels cold under my bare feet but I don’t mind. I’m used to going barefoot.
Amelia looks over at my feet and points. “I like your flowers.” I look down and see that she’s talking about my toenails. I painted flowers on them.
“Thank you,” I tell her.
Amelia frowns curiously. “Do they smell pretty?”
I can’t help but laugh. “No, cutie pie. They smell like feet.” I make a face, causing her to laugh as well.
Susan doesn’t laugh, she doesn’t even crack a smile. I’m worried about her.
/>
Our search for food takes longer than I thought. Until we stumble upon a door marked employees only. Susan reaches for the knob.
“Wait! It’s for employees only!”
Susan sighs tiredly. “I think they’ll understand under the circumstances.”
I shake my head. “But it’s a matter of principle.”
Without another word, Susan opens the door and walks in. I stay outside and wait for her to return.
Chapter thirteen
Susan
We return with a bowl of mixed nuts, and someone’s bagged lunch I found in the fridge. There was no vending machine, only some tables, chairs, a mini fridge, and a counter with a microwave on it, and some cupboards. I didn’t spend a lot of time searching for food with Melody waiting outside.
I know she isn’t very happy with me that I took the food without asking. I don’t want to be unkind to her, but situations like these call for desperate actions. To put it bluntly, she’ll get over it.
The men look up when they see us returning with food. I think I almost see Joseph crack a smile, but if he did, he masks it quickly. He’s just like the kind of murderers you see on the news. It’s men like this that make Mitch look like a gentleman.
The food is passed around pretty quickly. The lunch bag contained a water bottle, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a fruit cup of pears, and a plastic bag of cheese crackers.
Amelia’s stares hungrily at the sandwich. Peanut butter and jelly is her favorite. Before it can be fought over, I use the plastic spoon that came with the fruit cup, to cut the sandwich in fourths. I hand Amelia a piece and she takes a big bite. I’m content with a piece of the sandwich and the crust she hands me.
George hands Joseph a fourth of the sandwich. Then George helps himself to a large handful of nuts, throws back his head and chews them loudly.
24 Hour Lockdown Page 6
