“I hear you. I just have an appeal for one of my clients, and I want it to go well.”
A solemn face peered back at me. “Amber, my dear, we can’t save everyone. Heck, even if we could, they have to want to be saved. Remember that.”
I stopped and started packing up my things. “I understand what you’re saying. I guess I’m a social worker for a reason.”
“That you are. You deserve as many medals as you can hold. After you finish with that appeal, I want to talk to you about a possible promotion. To oversee your division.”
I did a double-take at my boss in shock. “I mean, I didn’t know you were looking at me for promotion. That is…amazing!”
“Nothing is set in stone, but there’s going to be some restructuring, so yes, your hard work is paying off.”
I walked out to my car with a little bit of a smile on my face, deciding that was not a bad way to end the day.
* * *
The room smelled of legalities.I was in a small room where they hold parole board hearings. Bella and Cheryl were in the background. I was so glad they could make it. Colt was dressed in his prison jumpsuit that fit his muscles like a glove. He wore the jumpsuit. It didn’t wear him. His square jaw was set with a serious look on his face. His closely cropped blond hair made him look like a male model. His hotness made me uncomfortable, and given the heat between us, all this hearing did was ignite a dormant flame inside my belly.
I’d managed to call in a favor from a friend, a former criminal defense lawyer, to assist with the parole board hearing appeal. Colt had everyone in his corner. His early release from jail also had a lot riding on it for me. The life and death of my little brother, Hector.
“Thanks again for coming. I appreciate it.” I earnestly appreciated Bernie’s involvement.
“Hey, you’re welcome. I’ve been getting kind of bored lately. Happy to support.” Bernie was an easy, laid back, retired California lawyer in his late fifties, but he was a complete shark for his clients. Every now and then, he took on a case or two, depending on whether he felt like paddleboarding instead. One of the parole board members, with his glasses hanging off the end of his nose, addressed all of us. His worn face was full of wrinkles with a droopy chin.
“We are here today for an expedited appeal concerning the case of Charlie Winters. Please state your case.”
Bernie established that Colt should have been eligible for parole based on overcrowding because of his extenuating circumstances. Therefore, he should not have been denied parole before because he was a non-violent offender and did not present a threat to society. In addition to these facts there was also a threat to his safety while he remained incarcerated. As part of the proceedings the state of California allows additional statements regarding the defendant’s family history and danger to society. As part of that process, I was asked to provide testimony.
“I am Amber Atwood, a social worker from the Department of Human Services in Merced and prison advocate at USP Atwater Correctional Facility. In his four and a half years served at Atwater, Charlie Winters has displayed exemplary behavior amongst his prison mates. He has been part of an in-house group program for business. We are seeking early release to care for his seven-year-old daughter, Bella, and to ensure his safety.”
The board members smiled warmly at a shy Bella, who was hiding behind her grandma’s leg.
“I see. What leads you to believe that Charlie’s safety is at risk at this point?”
“Well, we would like to show you injuries sustained just last week from a correctional officer, Raymond Silvers.”
Bernie stepped in with photographs of Colt’s black and blue back. The board members looked at the photos and then back at Colt.
“Charlie, do you have anything to say to support your appeal?”
Colt stepped forward with a stern yet handsome face. “Yes. My daughter Bella is everything to me. She has suffered enough for my mistakes, which I deeply regret. I want to be there for her during this crucial time of her going to school. My mother and father are taking care of my child, but they are getting older and need to get back to their life. They have held down the fort for close to five years for me. I want to give them their life back. I want to do better. When I was first convicted, I understood I needed to own up to the conviction. Today, I stand before you a changed man. My family should no longer suffer for my mistakes. Death threats have been made against me in prison.”
The parole board members turned to each other to discuss how they should move forward. I couldn’t make out what they were whispering about, but I saw one of them briefly look over at Bella and smile before they faced Colt to deliver their decision.
“I do understand your circumstances. I also know that you suffered the loss of your child’s mother, which no child should ever know.” He looked affectionately in Bella’s direction as she sank farther behind her grandmother’s leg. “I hereby approve your appeal for early release. You are free to go, and I will organize for your belongings to be picked up. Congratulations on serving your time, and may you be a pillar of strength for your family. Thank you.”
Cheryl’s quiet tears came out as she clasped her hand over her mouth. She hugged her son’s neck, and Colt’s smile couldn’t have gotten any brighter. Bella ran to her father’s leg and hugged it tightly. He rubbed her back and lifted her up to him. She laid her head on his chest as the judge left the chambers. I smiled as I watched the scene.
This moment reinforced why I did the job I did. In less than twenty minutes, the judge had deliberated on the appeal. Colt was getting out of jail.
Eleven
Colt
“Let’s see here. We got a watch, a busted wallet, fifty dollars, and some change. Oh, and a pair of cowboy boots. Here’s your clothing.” The lady pushed all of my belongings from four and a half years ago through the slot in the window.
My mother was waiting outside to pick me up. I looked back to see if I was really free. Was it really happening? My legs took me through the front as the sliding doors opened. A feeling of euphoria ran through my veins as the light of Merced warmed my face. I saluted the sun. My mother, with her hands in the prayer position, gave me a moment to process. I let the deep breaths of freedom bury into my lungs as I strode over to greet her.
“Oh, wow. My baby is coming home. I’m so happy for you!” She wept loudly as I hugged her. Her shuddering tears brought water to my eyes, as well.
