The Calling
By
Tracey M. Sides
Copyright © 2010
Smashwords Edition
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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Chapter One
Life in Prison
Hoping a change in leadership would help the country overcome the political turmoil it was in at the time, Americans voted into office an atheistic president. Newly elected President Anthony Jasper’s first action as the chief executive was to call for a complete separation of religion from the government. He stated that it bred bitterness and hatred, causing nothing but trouble for everyone because no one could agree on what to believe. So in his opinion, there was no point to having any religion at all.
Jasper’s administration banned all public references to the Bible. Then he fought hard to get congress to agree to have the Bible banned in the United States. Then a law was passed declaring that anyone who publicly preached, prayed, or read the Bible would be arrested, fined, and possibly imprisoned.
The true Christians would not accept these draconian anti-religious laws. They protested. Angered by the protests, Jasper had all protesters arrested, beaten, and thrown in jail. Then David Grissom started rallying believers, raising an army, with weapons, and faith. This was the beginning of the second U.S. Civil War, which split the country forever.
Sam Wright had grown up in an unstable time in the United States. Political tensions and unrest had been high for as long as he could remember. He joined Grissom’s army when he was sixteen. His mom had to sign for him to join, and she did so despite her doubts about him going to war. Both he and his older brother, Jonathan Moore, were determined to fight for what they believed in and willing to die for it. Their mother Mellissa was proud of them and what they stood for, but when they parted she had a strange feeling she would not see one or both of her sons again.
Sam did not see much action during his first year in the army. He stayed on base as the supply clerk in the middle of Kentucky. As time went on the war kept drawing nearer and nearer to the base. By the time the Commanding Officer, General Jamie Grey, realized how dire the situation was, and then started ordering non-essential personnel to evacuate, it was already too late. Jasper’s forces had them all surrounded. The only thing the C.O. could do was surrender to save the lives of his men from needless slaughter. The C.O. was taken immediately to an oak tree on the base and was hanged in front of his own people.
Grey’s people were then loaded onto the back of trucks and taken to work camps all across the east coast. It was the hand of God that kept Sam and Jonathan together and that none of the prison guards put it together that they were brothers. They had lost their freedom, but not each other, nor had they lost their faith in Jesus Christ. They both worked the fields of the same labor camp in Tennessee. They worked from 4:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. They had little to eat or drink and lived in harsh conditions. The barracks the prisoners lived in were dirty, extremely hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. When it rained or snowed they were also wet.
The Guards stood over them night and day, with their guns ready to shoot at a moments notice. They would even point and laugh, at the prisoners as they were beating them; for the prisoners had no rights at all and all were thought of as animals. The prisoners who refused to work were taken to the Overseer, Lewis Johnson; and then the overseer would decide what punishment the offender would get.
There were several punishments a prisoner could receive. The pole being the least aggressive and the easiest to endure, the prisoner would be tied to a pole at the chest, waist, wrist, knees, and ankles. The second was the wooden box, seven feet tall, four feet wide, and four feet deep. No light could get in and the prisoner was then restrained by the neck, wrist, and ankles and forced to stand in the upright position for twenty-four hours. The third was flogging; and finally after a prisoner had exhausted the patience of the overseer, they would be hanged, as an example. If a prisoner were to escape, they were hunted down, brought back to the prison and shot, in front of everyone.
Then one day a guard named Carl Watson kept pushing Sam around, and tormenting him. He rode up on his horse and kicked Sam in the back, knocking him to the ground. “Get a move on, Wright, and quit being lazy!”
As Sam got up, he glared at Watson. “I’m working as hard as I can,” he yelled back.
“You’re lazy, Wright. Maybe you just need an incentive. How would you like to spend the next twenty-four hours in the hot box?”
“Maybe you need to spend some time in it yourself. It could only help your attitude,” Sam shot back, and then he returned to work.
This made Carl very angry, so he slammed the butt of his rifle into Sam’s ribs, which knocked the boy back onto the ground. Carl laughed when Sam fell. He got off his mount and kicked the boy in the ribs. “Don’t you ever glare at me again, boy! You’re nothing but an animal, and you don’t even have rights! You got that, boy?!”
Sam laid there trying to protect his injured ribs. He had his eyes closed, expecting another hit that did not come. When he opened his eyes, he realized that Carl was fighting with Jonathan. None of the other guards or prisoners did anything to stop the two. Instead, they were all were yelling and encouraging the fighters.
Then one shot of gunfire rang in the air, stopping everyone, including the two combatants. “Knock it off,” the man yelled. “All of you get back to work, except you three.”
Jonathan helped Sam up and slowly walked to the overseer. Jonathan knew he was in serious trouble, because he had assaulted a guard. But then again he could not allow his brother to beaten to death by a bully.
“Carl, what were you going to do? Beat him to death? The prisoners were all working hard. You had no reason to touch him or anyone else.”
“Maybe I didn’t, but that one attacked me! And you know what the penalty is for attacking a guard,” said Carl as he pointed to the nearest tree.
“You provoked him, Carl, so you got what you deserved. Go, get yourself cleaned up. Take Wright with you, but don’t lay another hand on him.” Lewis then turned to Jonathan, “I cannot condone any assault against one of my people for any reason. Morgan,” Lewis said to another nearby guard. “You take him and tie him to the pole for the rest of the work day.”
Lewis Johnson was second in command at the prison, and overseer. He tried to be fair to all the prisoners, as well as strict. He knew what had to be done, but in this case killing the man was not one of them. Carl was mean to all of the prisoners and he’d needed a lesson.
As he walked to the infirmary to talk to the doctor and find out how bad Wright had been hurt. He felt bad, about the boy. Being a prisoner meant harsh treatment, and no mercy for any reason. Lewis hated his job and hated the treatment of the prisoners.
“Lewis! I want to talk to you, now!” Carl yelled as Lewis stopped. “Don’t you ever disrespect me like that again in front of the prisoners. What were you thinking? Now they’ll all think they can get away with assaulting us.”
“Don’t put me in a position where I have to. What you did was uncalled for. Those men work hard every single day. It’s hard enough for them without the abuse that you and everyone else inflicts on them. It has to stop, Carl.” Lewis stared at the black eye and busted lip. “That prisoner is being punished, and if it will make you feel any better, he’ll be tied to the pole again tomorrow too.”
“No, it doesn’t make me feel any better, Lewis. He should be hanged for assault.”
“No, he won’t be hanged. You started beating Wright for no reason at all. Moore could not stand the idea of someone being beaten any more. All he was doing was protecting a friend. End of discussion.”
After talking to the doctor, Wright was placed on work restriction for two weeks; while his broken ribs healed. They had been taped and he was released from the infirmary; then escorted to a small cell where he would remain until he had healed.
Jonathan went with the guard without trouble. He was grateful for the mercy he had been shown. When he attacked that guard, it should have meant, an automatic death sentence. Instead, he was taken to the pole, he could endure his punishment. He stood with his back against the pole, placing both hands behind his back, and around the pole. He did not say a word as the guard tied the ropes around his body.
However, as he stood there he started thinking about what needed to be done and how to do it. They needed help, and it did not look as if anyone from Grissom’s side knew they were suffering here. Someone had to do something, so it was up to him.
The only question was how? He would have to leave at night to try to get a head start on the guards. He had no idea where he was going to go or where it was safe. They knew nothing of whether Grissom or Jasper was wining this war. They knew no new prisoners were coming to the prison, but they didn’t know if the war was over. That was something he needed to find out, and fast in order to help everyone.
Two weeks had gone by and Sam was glad to be out of the small holding cell and back among his friends. He was still wary of Watson and tried his best to avoid the man. There was no sense in opening old wounds again, or so was his thinking. Watson seemed to be avoiding him as well, but noticed the way the man looked at Jonathan. He knew there was a day where the two would confront each other again; and only one would survive. Sam just hoped that Jonathan would be the one to survive.
He went to the fields and worked as fast as he could, and tried hard to keep an eye on Jonathan as much as possible. Sam knew his brother was planning something, but he was unsure of what it was and that bothered him. Jonathan was smart, and very good at covering any tracks he made. For the past two weeks his brother had been unusually quiet, and that too bothered Sam.
Sam had always looked up to his older brother and not just because he was six inches taller than him. Jonathan always looked out for Sam. He never got upset with Sam for following him around or sharing a room as they were growing up. He’d even argued with their mother to allow him to enlist in the military. All because of the love that Jonathan had for him. No matter what, he was Sam’s big, loving, bossy, and protective brother.
Chapter 2
Escape
A month had gone by since the altercation with officer Watson had happened; and Jonathan had completed his preparations for an attempt to escape. He had everything he needed. He had a hammer for taking up the floorboards, an old blanket for covering up the razor wire above the fence, and rope with the skeleton of an umbrella to get over a brick wall. He just had to make certain no one else knew he was going to attempt to escape. That way if he were caught he could honestly say he acted alone.
He just hoped and prayed that this would work out and he could get the help that they all desperately needed. He knew that Sam had an idea of what was going to happen, but was smart enough not to ask questions, with anyone around.
He waited for everyone to go to sleep before removing the floorboards; the tunnel he had been working on was complete. He just hoped he wouldn’t wake anyone from their sleep or alert the guards to what he was doing. Something told him that someone was watching and waiting; and that someone was Sam.
He raised up to check on his brother to make sure that he was asleep, and was not surprised to see him watching with anticipation. “You need to go to sleep, Sam,” said Jonathan. “You don’t need to know about what I’m doing.”
“Sure I do because I am going with you,” Sam said.
“No, you’re not going with me. You’re staying here for now. I’ll come back for you real soon.”
Sam looked like he was about to cry, “You want me to stay while you escape? No I can’t do that, what if you need me?”
“Listen to me, okay? I need to do this alone because if I’m caught, I’ll be the only one killed. I don’t think I could stand the thought of you being killed, because of me.”
“What if you don’t get caught? Then what? You go free while I stay here in prison?”
“No I am going for help. Grissom is going to want to know that some of his people are suffering and dying here. I promise you this, when I make it back, I will come back; and get you and the others.” Jonathan placed a hand on his brother’s shoulders. “I will come back, but there is something I want you to promise me.”
Sam stared at Jonathan, curious despite himself, “What?”
“Sam, if I don’t make and get caught…”
“Don’t start talking like that,” said Sam cutting him off.
“Let me finish. If I don’t make it, promise me that you’ll pick up where I finish as soon as things quiet down. Please, can you promise me that? They are going to need your help. Promise me.”
Sam smiled at his brother. He had complete faith in his abilities. “I promise, Jonathan. Please be careful.”
“I always am. Act like nothing is wrong and that you don’t know anything.”
Sam watched as Jonathan slipped through the small opening in the floor. Once he was sure that Jonathan was not coming back through, he placed the floorboards back in their place. Then laid back down, quietly praying that somehow his brother would make it home.
Sam got up for breakfast just like he did every morning and acted like nothing was amiss, but this day there was. So, far it seemed as if no one had noticed that Jonathan was gone, but then Officer Watson came by. Sam tried hard to ignore the man, praying he wouldn’t notice his brother’s absence.
“Hey you, come over here!” he demanded.
Sam knew who he was talking to and had no choice but to obey, but he would not look into Watson’s eyes, “Yes, sir,” he said.
“Have you seen Moore this morning? I haven’t, and neither have any of the other officers.” Watson seemed to realize that something wasn’t right.
Sam thought to himself for a second and knew how much trouble he would get into for lying, but he could not betray his brother. “Um... I think I saw him go into the latrine. Then again I’m not sure.” Sam was hoping that he sounded more convincing than he felt.
Watson nodded slowly, “I hope for your sake that you’re not covering up for him.” Sam gulped and went back to breakfast.
Watson went to the latrine, looking for Moore once more. He stopped and asked some other prisoners there if they had seen Moore, but they all said no. Then it struck Watson that Moore had managed to escape! Watson ran out of the cafeteria and down the hall to Lewis Johnson’s office. He didn’t even bother to knock as he entered. “Moore, escaped,” Carl said breathlessly.
Lewis looked at him with skepticism, “Are you sure about that?”
“I have looked for him all morning, asked around and nobody has seen him.”
Shaking his head Lewis got up from his desk, “Round everyone up, and put all the prisoners back in the barracks. Then count all of them again. I want to be sure that one is missing before I have to make a report to the Warden. And search the grounds thoroughly!”
“Yes, sir,” said Carl.
It was nearly 12:00 p.m. before they had an accurate count on all the prisoners, and the only one who was missing was Jonathan Moore. The guards had no idea at what time he had slipped through the fence or how he gotten out of the barracks, but Watson had an idea of who really knew the answers to those questions. So, instead of searching with the rest of the guards, Watson cornered Wright, slamming him against the wall of the barracks. “I know you know something about how he escaped; and I know you know about what time. But most importantly, you are going to tell me.”
Sam looked at his feet, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“You and Moore are so far up each others backsides, it’s impossible for you not to know! So, don’t give me this bullshit that you don’t know,” Carl screamed. Then he grabbed Sam by the arm and pushed him over to one of the other guards. “Take him to the pole for now. No one is to come within twenty feet of him, and no water is to be given to him until farther notice.”
Jonathan was wondering if the guards had noticed that he was missing. Sure, they had to know by now; those people were not really that dumb. He only hoped they would not derive a conclusion and realize that Sam knew anything. But they probably figured that he did, considering how close the two of them were. He just hoped the punishment was not too severe.
Jonathan was tired. He had been running almost nonstop since he made it past the fence of the prison. He stayed as close to the forest line as he could, hoping that he could remain out of sight. So far, no one seemed to notice him at all. The orange jumpsuit he was wearing did not show up as much, since he rolled in the mud of a creek bank; hoping to dull the color a little. Still, he needed some clothing that would not draw attention to him.
He stood behind a tall tree watching a woman hanging clothes on a line; waiting for her to finish. There were some clothes hanging on that line that looked as is they would fit him. After waiting about ten or fifteen minutes for her to finish, then go back into the house, Jonathan quickly ran to the line and grabbed the clothes. He stopped suddenly, raising his hands, as a gun was placed to the back of his head.
“Okay, son, slowly turn around. I really don’t want to shoot you,” said the old woman.
Jonathan slowly did as he was told, “I’m sorry, but I really needed the clothes,” said Jonathan.
“You must be the prisoner who escaped sometime last night,” she said.
Jonathan stood there wondering if he should try to take the gun from her and tie her up. It might be the only way; but something told him not to. Sighing he nodded, “Yes, I did escape from the prison. However, I am just trying to get help for the other prisoners. I have no intention of hurting anyone.”
The old woman smiled at him. “That I have no doubt. The Good Lord told me you were coming and told me to hang my husband’s old clothes out here for you. I can only tell you this, the War is over, and a treaty was signed. You want to head northwest to Farmington Missouri. It’s a military base that belongs to President David Grissom. Maybe he can help you. You need to get moving again. Those people are hot on your tail, change quickly, and bring me your old clothes. I will burn them in that brush pile.”
“Thank you. Can I at least get your name before I go,” asked Jonathan.
“Mary Stephens. You need to hurry, time’s a’ running short.”
Carl Watson had interrogated Wright, and then tortured him to the point of telling all he knew. In his defense that wasn’t much. Now they had a timeline to go by and an idea of how much of a head start he had. They just did not have any idea of which direction he would be going in; and Wright did not know. He smiled at the thought of catching Moore, and this time not even Lewis could help him. It was a death sentence for him, for escaping; and Carl would be the executioner. Oh yes, this was going to be a good day indeed; all because of the embarrassment that man had caused him.
Chapter 3
Jonathan’s Execution
He and Officer Norris went searching on horseback through the woods. They both felt it would give better cover for someone who would stand out in prison orange. They both had really good tracking skills, which were never used. Once they came upon the creek, they knew for certain that they were on the right track. They stayed as close to the creek as they could and still remain out of sight. Both men were hoping to get the drop on their quarry.
It was getting dark and both men were starting to lose patience. The more they looked, the less of a trail they found. Carl was starting to gain more and more respect for the man, they were chasing. If for some strange reason this man were to make it to Grissom’s territory, it would not bother him so badly for this man would have earned his freedom.
Carl was about to give up this chase and call it a night when something up ahead caught his eye. The movement was that of a person and not of an animal, and Carl was certain of that. He signaled to Norris that they would circle around the person up ahead. Norris nodded that he understood. Slowly and quietly, they made their approach.
“Freeze!” yelled Carl as he parted the shrubs and broke into the clearing.
Jonathan was sitting down, rubbing his right ankle that was starting to swell. He looked up at Carl, never saying a word or moving.
Carl replaced his sidearm, walking toward their runaway prisoner. “Norris, watch him. If he moves, shoot him.” The guard went back to his horse to get the rope out of the saddlebag. When he returned, he saw that the man had not moved, accept to raise his hands in surrender. Carl had him to stand, and tied the rope around both hands; then tied the rope to the saddle. As he mounted the horse, he made sure the rope was tight, as he led the recaptured prisoner back to the prison.
Jonathan stumbled several times, due to the sprained ankle. When he stumbled and fell, he would then be dragged several feet before he could regain his footing to walk once more. It hurt, but he did not even care. Right at this moment, he was alive. He only hoped that Sam would succeed where he had failed. It was now up to his brother to finish what he had started.
He walked until he could not walk anymore. As he fell the final time, Carl took pity on him, placing him on the horse. The three of them were all tired and ready to rest.
Once at the prison, Jonathan was placed in the box, still having to stand on his bad ankle. He didn’t understand why they didn’t just shoot him once they had returned instead of torturing him. He had idea that he was not alone in the box. “Who’s there,” he asked.
“Sam,” the voice said.
“Oh no!” Jonathan said in a desperate cry. “They found out you knew and you didn’t tell them?”
“Yeah, I talked, but I didn’t tell them anything useful. That’s why they put me in here. Are you okay?”
“Yes, for the most part. I twisted my ankle a little bit, and it hurts, but for the moment, I’m alive, but I’m not sure how much longer that will be the case,” said Jonathan.
“At least ‘til first light, or that’s what I heard a couple of the guards saying. Jonathan, I’m so sorry. I am really beginning to hate these people,” Sam said crying.
“Sam, don’t hate them. They have no idea what they’re doing. Please forgive them, and go on with your life. Show them the forgiveness and mercy that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has given us. Be the light in this dark world.”
“I don’t know if I can. What am I going to tell mom? She needs you more than she’ll ever need me.”
Jonathan sobbed as he heard his brother crying. It was breaking his heart to know that they would never have another day together. They had always been there for one another, even in this prison, and now Sam would be all alone. He wished he had the words to comfort his little brother, but could come up with nothing. So, he started praying, “Lord Jesus, please give Sam the courage to stand in this dark time. Let him be the light of your word. Guide him. Give him the strength that he needs to forgive these people. For without you, my Lord, we are nothing. Let him see these people with your own eyes, and let him love them with your love. In your holy name I pray. A-Men.”
Jonathan was overcome with the peace of God and was not afraid to face his own death. He trusted the Lord with all his heart. He knew where he was going, and that was to meet the Lord. Yet, Sam would miss him as well as his mom, until the coming of their Lord.
Sam had somehow fallen asleep during the night and felt somewhat rested. His heart ached as the guards came to release him and Jonathan from the box. They both were led to a small courtyard where the other prisoners were gathered to watch the execution. Jonathan surprisingly was relaxed and at peace. This was something that puzzled Sam, who was all tied up in knots, and it wasn’t even his execution. How could Jonathan be so relaxed?
Watson stood in the middle of that same courtyard with a satisfied look on his face. He was about to win the fight with Moore, and then he would regain the respect that he had lost. It surprised him that the man was not scared as he walked to where Carl stood waiting. Carl looked at the Warden and then at Lewis with confusion because of the way Jonathan was acting. Never had he or anyone else at the prison seen such control.
The Warden approached Moore with a smug look on his face before reading the form of execution. “Under my power as Warden, Jonathan Moore, is hereby condemned to death for the following crimes; escape, assault, trying to start an upraising, and for treason against the United States of America. For these crimes, the prisoner is to be executed on this day, March 30 2042; with all of you as witnesses. Does the prisoner have any last words?”
Jonathan closed his eyes and took in a deep breath and remembered what Jesus had said in Luke Chapter 21:10-15 (NKJV) Nation will rise up against nation and kingdom again kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famine and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before these thing, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for ‘My names sake.’ But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore, settle it in your hearts not to meditate before hand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your advisories will not be able to contradict or resist.
Jonathan laughed for a second before answering the Warden and everyone there. “I am glad you think it is in your power to have me killed, Warden. However, I have news for you. You have only the authority that Jesus Christ has given you. If it weren’t his will for me to die here, you wouldn’t be killing me today. Everything that has transpired is for his glory, and not yours or mine.
I am standing here right now asking all of my fellow prisoners not to hold this act against these people. What I am asking is for you to forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Jonathan turned to Carl, smiling at him. “Just to let you know, Watson. I don’t hold anything against you, at all. Please forgive me for not being a better witness to you. I am so sorry I failed you.”
Carl stood there shocked. He was about to kill this man, and all this man wanted from him was forgiveness? Carl gave the Warden a horrified look and was unsure of what to do. “You’re asking me for forgiveness?”
“Yes, I am,” said Jonathan.
The Warden stood angrily, “Don’t just stand there. Carry out the execution. You were the one who wanted to do this.”
Carl nodded, and slowly raised his weapon, but as he stood with the pistol pointed at Moore’s head, he realized that he couldn’t bring himself to kill him. Carl unloaded the handgun and handed it to the Warden with a puzzled expression on his face, and then started walking away. “If you want it done you’ll have to do it yourself; I can’t,” he said, and then the troubled guard left with Lewis Johnson right behind him.
The Warden laughed, “You got to Watson. However, your little speech didn’t work on me. Now, get on your knees, son.”
Jonathan smiled once more, “Jesus couldn’t reach everyone, so I don’t expect to either. There’s just one other thing, sir. I forgive you,” he said, and then he dropped to his knees. He looked once more over to his little brother, “Remember little brother, forgive and love them, and don’t seek revenge. I love you, Sam.” As he finished the last statement, the warden squeezed the trigger, killing Jonathan.
Sam turned away horrified. His brother and best friend in the whole world lay dead in front of him. He kept hearing the words his brother had spoken a moment before, “forgive them and love them.” How could he now not do what was asked of him?
“Take this prisoner to the box and keep a close eye on him. We don’t need another one to escape,” said the Warden.
Chapter 4
Lewis’ Decision
Lewis Johnson had begun to question his loyalty about six months earlier, after having to witness the execution of a prisoner. That prisoner had not been violent, or even caused the most trouble. The only thing he did was escape and try to get help. The man was a loving person who didn’t deserve to die like an animal.
Lewis’s job was overseer of the fields, and to make sure every prisoner stayed in line. Any prisoners who didn’t, were brought to him for correction. That was the worst part of the job and he hated it. He was also in charge for recapturing any prisoners who escaped. He understood why some of these men would try to escape, and he secretly wished that just once one of them would make it. He tried hard to make things a little better for the prisoners without succeeding.
Lewis had gotten this job because of his father, General Larry Johnson, who was President Anthony Jasper’s second in command. His father was one of the hardest men on the planet and followed Jasper’s orders without questions. He believed that it took hard acts to keep people, as well as the country stable. General Johnson had once told Lewis he was too soft to be in the military. Therefore, Johnson decided it would be best for his son to work at the prison.
The last thing he wanted to do was disappoint his father, but he wasn’t cut out for this. Maybe he was too soft, but he still tried to be strict. The mistreatment of the prisoners really bothered him. “This just isn’t for me. How can I keep coming in and doing this job? I just hate it,” he said to himself. “One of these days I’ll be able to leave, and all this will be forgotten.” He leaned back in his office chair, and placing both hands over his face. Taking a deep breath, he looked again at the report he was writing for the warden. Five a.m., man was this going to be a long day. A knock at the door tore him away from his thoughts. “Enter.”
“Sir, we’ve had a prison break. Prisoner 4552 has escaped. He is the only one unaccounted for.”
Lewis sighed shaking his head, “Get everyone together, and I’ll be down in ten minutes.”
“Yes, sir,” said the guard closing the door behind him.
Lewis leaned forward to pull up the prisoners file:
Sam Wright age: 19
Race: Black
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185lbs
Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Joined the military at 16 after his mother signed the consent papers.
Brother Jonathan Moore had been executed six months earlier after an escape attempt.
The last part caused his breath to freeze in his chest. “That boy had witnessed his brother’s execution?” He said to himself. “No wonder he was making a run for it. How could anyone witness something like that and stay sane?”
If the boy was brought back, he would be killed just like his brother. How would their family ever know what happened to either of them? Lewis stared at the screen. Why did he even care? He didn’t owe him or anyone else anything. “Oh yeah, I am real soft,” he said to himself. Getting his thoughts together, he went down to the briefing room.
“The subject’s name is Sam Wright. He’s a black male 19 years old, and very athletic. So expect him to make a long distance in a short amount of time. He is more than likely heading northwest and is from Kansas City, Missouri. We aren’t sure what time he escaped, but we are going to try to head him off, so let’s get moving.”
Sam Wright had been on the run for nearly five hours. He had spent three weeks digging up the floor of the bunkhouse and making a tunnel under the building. During a couple breaks over the past few weeks, he had stolen a lock cutter and hid it in one of the bushes near the back fence. Then he waited, knowing how foggy it got around that time of the year. It would be so foggy you could barely see three feet in front of you, and at that moment, he knew it was the perfect time to make his move.