"I do, but Elizabeth requires her own specialized care," Indira said.
"Mr. Hanlon, Lola's case manager, developed a plan based upon his discussions with her surgeon and her ancillary therapy team. I'll be happy to speak with you about it," Martin's words came between clenched teeth.
Unlike her usual conservative clothing or scrubs, today Elizabeth dressed in bright colors, and her hair flowed over her shoulders, secured by a brightly patterned headband. "Indira, never let the truth get in the way of a rumor." Elizabeth gave Lola to Martin. In short medical terms, she detailed the care plan. "Lola will receive round-the-clock care. Is that sufficient enough for you?"
"Elizabeth, I didn't recognize you." The pediatrician took a step back. "You look...uh...well."
"Martin and I are thankful for your exceptional interest in my health and Lola's care." Elizabeth's smile belonged to a ferocious tiger out to protect her new family.
After twenty-four days as Royce Mills, Troy managed to work his way into the graces of the gang of guards and prisoners. Sergeant McAllister stood in the yard with Tim Lampton. "Heard he'll be staying a while. Whatta waste moving drugs. That man is built to fuck and fight." Lampton's eyes fixed on Troy lifting weights. "Get a load of him. He can make us a fortune."
McAllister peered over his sunglasses. "Ro and Etta say the same thing. I think it's time to make him a star."
"I don't want Boyd near him. He'll keep him for himself." Lampton walked away, cackling.
While Elizabeth underwent cardiac stress testing, Martin used every bit of the time reading the case files. Though he was under suspension, Mike kept him in the information loop. Thibodaux Spooner, aka Tibby, was Cicely Moody, mother of three girls: Danielle, nineteen, engaged to Silverton PD officer Trip Mathias; Mary, age seventeen; and Amy, age fifteen. "Blind trust for three? Talbot Reed, you are scum."
The next report made him sure of his theory. Telephone logs showed no calls between Todd Duran and Clay Jenner. Ian confirmed Todd stayed at the Omni for a family wedding with his longtime boyfriend, Asa Minkin. Negative contact with Clay Jenner.
Brynn Hackman's more in-depth background check showed she lacked the qualifications to do the job, but her father had political clout.Stupidity is not illegal.
The background check on Lewis James remained red-flagged. Ian hit a brick wall even with his top clearances. Lewis James disappeared off all rolls effective May 1, 1998. The family had had no contact. No activity, no electronic footprint.
The cardiac lab door opened, and Elizabeth entered, smiling. "I passed."
Martin looked at Pete and Patrick. "Well?"
"Cardiology said, considering what she went through, her heart is functioning well. Tomorrow, the pathology lab. There is a cadaver all picked out for her," Patrick joshed.
Elizabeth stuck out her tongue, and Martin moved his computer to pull her closer. "Be careful, missy." His hand tapped her bottom.
Elizabeth stared at the computer screen. "Who’s that?" A twinge of discomfort rippled across her face.
"Clay Jenner, Silverton Department of Corrections."
The moment she focused on the picture, she tensed. He gave the image a second glance.
"I tried to call him, but I spoke to Tibby instead. He said he would discuss my issues with him. I never heard back." Elizabeth appeared tired all of a sudden.
Martin waggled his brows. "Time to go home, eat some lunch, and take a nap." Elizabeth gave him a playful slap.
Naked, Elizabeth rested in Martin's arms. "Thank you."
Their fingers intertwined. "For what, Sunshine?"
"My second chance. Lola's second chance," Elizabeth spoke with love. "That August night, so long ago, the night we created our other little girl…we were young and naïve. Marty, you were my hero then, even if I didn't understand what a hero was. Now, we’re grown up, and I realize what a courageous man you are. You’re driven to stand up for those who can't. You care. You love hard. You risk yourself to help others. The men and women you work with do too."
Martin rolled to his side to face her and cupped her cheek in his hand. "If I am any of those, you make me a better man."
Bravo team’s Ismael "Fox" DeCastro worked the night shift at Silverton Jail, watching over Troy. The tier was quiet during his 02:00 pass. His shift supervisor, Sergeant Keene Jensen, approached. "We need to bring Mills to segregation."
Ismael could do nothing but offer a "Yes, sir." His keys rattled opening Troy's cell. "Mills, on your feet," his tone was sharp.
Troy stood, wiping the sleep from his eyes. "CO, what's the problem?"
Ismael applied the requisite shackles and walked him down the hall. Uncomfortable with where this might go, he used the mission code. He gave Troy's shoulder a squeeze, giving him a chance to use the duress word. "Time for dinner and a show. You're going to segregation."
Jensen tightened the handcuffs in a show of control. "Go back to your post. I’ll take it from here.” He turned to Troy. “Mills, your talents are being squandered. We have a proposition for you." All Ismael could do was watch.
