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Justin’s mother spoke for half an hour, making us laugh and cry with her memories, and then Andrew Howser gave one last eulogy.
We listened to the three-shot salute, and then Justin’s mom was given the flag of remembrance, and then we watched as they lowered Justin into the ground. As the coffin began to move, his parents and son stepped away, unwilling to watch their loved one disappear. People left until only a few remained. I caught Dylan’s gaze and then Axel’s. Behind Axel stood Artemis and Akemi and, surprisingly, Chief Howser.
His sharp stare stole over each of us, and I followed his gaze to find Jacob, the head of our Delta Force allies, also present.
“Whatever it takes to bring Fury and his men in, I don’t care. Justin Goldberg should be at home with his son right now. Not six feet down in a cold grave. You asked me once, Drake, if I could bend the rules.” Andrew leaned forward into my face. “It’s time to break the fuckin’ rules. Get me Fury and the heads of the assholes who put two of mine in hospital and one in the ground. Grey’s a pretty colour today,” Andrew hissed.
Without another word, he withdrew his sunglasses and walked to where his car waited. Andrew climbed inside and pulled away. To my disbelief, the Chief of Police for Rapid City had just given us permission to get as dirty as we wanted, and he all but confirmed that he’d turn a blind eye. Fuck me.
A grin crossed my face, even more deadly for its coldness.
“Today, we mourn; tomorrow, we’re taking revenge,” I whispered.
Those around me nodded, and with a last look at Justin’s final resting place, I marched away. As funny as it might fuckin’ sound, I had a cop to avenge.
Chapter Two.
July - 2021
Amberlea
I jumped as the door slammed shut. Petrified, I stared at the warden, who sat calmly opposite me. Warden Mackles offered a smile, and I wondered what was happening. As far as I knew, I’d not broken any rules, and I had certainly stayed away from fights.
“Miss Folkes, will you take a seat, please?” Warden Mackles ordered.
“Am I in trouble?” I asked, scared.
“No. I brought you here because your release date has been moved up.”
My jaw dropped open. I stared, shocked, unable to form a word.
“Sorry, Warden Mackles, I thought you said I was being released sooner than expected,” I replied with a small giggle. Not that there was anything to laugh about.
“You are. We need space, and you have done ten years, Miss Folkes. Six months early release isn’t much in the scheme of things. You were the first prisoner to come to mind when I was asked for my considerations,” Warden Mackles responded, rocking in his chair.
“Why?” I whispered.
“Because you’ve been an exemplary role model. You have kept out of drama, not caused trouble, and even gained an education here.” Warden Mackles stared, and then his chair slammed into the carpet.
I jumped and waited for a blow.
“And I know you’re innocent,” he stated.
“What?” My heart dropped.
“Please leave us,” Warden Mackles asked the guards behind me. They nodded and did. “You were brought here forty-eight hours after the accident. Miss Folkes, you should still have been in the hospital. Instead, you ended up in the prison infirmary.” Warden Mackle's fingers tapped on a thin file. “In here is photographic evidence of your injuries. When you were prosecuted, this wouldn’t have helped you. Now you’re getting out; I believe it will. And I would highly suggest you make use of Seraphine Cunningham. Oh, I know exactly what Miss Cunningham is, Miss Folkes, and I applaud her efforts.”
“Um…” I was unsure what to say.
“However, as it stands, this will help once you are released. Your release date is set for next Monday, and I am aware they have also informed the families of this.”
I blanched. That meant… oh hell no!
“Never fear, Miss Folkes. The time we have given them is four in the afternoon. A little shuffle around means that being released at eight in the morning will give you some leeway. This file will remain with me until you’re out, and also, as a bonus, there is no parole either. You’ve been a complete model prisoner.
“As for now, I would suggest you stay very close to Miss Cunningham and arrange your transport as quickly as possible. I wish I could help more, but my hands are tied. But I look forward to greeting the true perpetrator one day and seeing a story about a wrongful ruling,” Warden Mackles said. “Keep your head down, Miss Folkes. Some people here love to cause trouble so release dates get postponed.
“I considered solitary confinement, but I think with Miss Cunningham at your constant side, you’ll be fine. Should you sense a situation arising, please inform the guards immediately. I have informed them to remove you at once. I’ll see you Monday.”
