The Convict by A.J. Rivers

Author:A.J. Rivers [Rivers, A.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-16T00:00:00+00:00

We want Xavier.

The words rattle in my ears and make my heart drop. Why would they want Xavier? I’m confused and worried. I’ve already given my commitment to be here and investigate the case, but I’m afraid of bringing Xavier into all this.

“Why?” I ask.

“We want him here,” Vincent says. “With you. Make it happen. Tell them that he can be the one to bring in the supplies.”

“I can ask,” I say. “That’s all I can do. I can’t guarantee they would even let him in if he did agree to come. But I will try.”

Detective Horton is predictably not receptive to the idea, but I’m able to convince him I will be fully responsible for Xavier and anything that happens while he’s inside the facility.

“Xavier is extremely important to me,” I tell him. “I would not bring him into something like this lightly. I need you to understand that. I am taking full responsibility for him while he is here.”

“You don’t have to do this,” Horton says. “All you have to do is open the gate, and we’ll come in and get you. They don’t have to be in control of you.”

“No. I’ve given my word. I’m going to call Xavier. Have you made arrangements for the supplies yet?” I ask.

“We’re working on it. It may take some time to get everything,” he says.

“I’ll call Xavier.”

I haven’t considered the fact that news of the riot would have hit the media and Xavier would know what’s going on. He’s almost frantic when he gets on the phone with me, and it takes several minutes for me to calm him down enough to tell him exactly what’s going on. I explain everything that’s happening, then take a deep breath.

“They want you to come in,” I say. “They haven’t said why or anything, just that you coming into the prison is one of their demands.”

“I’ll do it,” he says without hesitation.

“X, you can say no. You don’t have to do this. I can figure something out.”

“Dean, I’ll do it. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

“X,” I say.

“Yes, Dean?”

I sigh. “Thank you.”

I tell Detective Horton to expect Xavier’s arrival and give him contact information for both Xavier and Nicole so they can arrange for him to get onto the grounds in a few hours. I go back to the library where the contingency of inmates has increased even further.

“They are gathering the supplies,” I tell them. “It will be a while, but they are getting together everything they can.”

“And Xavier?” Vincent asks.

“Xavier is on his way,” I say.

“Good.”

“It’s getting late,” I say. “I’m going to try to turn in for a couple of hours.”

“Ivan,” Vincent says, “get Dean some blankets and pillows.”

Ivan runs off and returns shortly with a stack of bedding from the laundry room. I thank him and go to the back corner I’ve chosen as my own to try to make myself a bed. The room is brightly lit, so pushing the chairs aside and getting under the table is the only option to cut out some of the light.

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