She checked the clock on the wall again. The official shift change would happen when they were in the chow hall. It was as good a moment as any to walk out of here. Being in low security, most of the guards were more relaxed.
A guard called out telling everyone to line up at the door. Abigail joined them. When they were all together, they walked out the door toward the cafeteria building. Abigail was last in line. The day was brutally hot and even though the sun was lower, it still beat down on them. But it felt wonderful to be outside.
There was a small hill that went down to a water retention area that was dry right now due to the hot weather. It was the best spot to walk away because if the guard glanced back, he wouldn’t see her peel off. If she did this smoothly, no one would notice. She trudged along until she saw the retention pond area. With a smooth and confident turn, which would hopefully bring less attention to her departure, Abigail turned and strode up the hill. The line of women went on without her.
Abigail crouched down and found some trees to hide behind. She gave it a few minutes, watching to see if any of the guards were coming back her way,searching for her. They might spot her. On the flip side, they gave prisoners scrubs that were a forest-green color. It was almost like camouflage.
She checked her watch and waited a few more minutes. If no one noticed she was gone, then the guards would swap out. Once they were settled and she was certain they weren’t looking for her, she’d hike out to the meeting spot with Lexie. Not only had Lexie helped get her moved to minimum security and got her a phone, but the young woman was also giving her a ride to help her escape. Abigail had convinced Lexie that she was falsely accused and deserved her freedom.
That would be a mistake for Lexie, but Abigail wouldn’t mention that until later. The guards seemed like they were in place. It was time for her to start walking and hope that no one saw her. She had a small hill to go over and then she’d be home free, minus the clothing of course.
Lexie had told her about a grove of cottonwood trees about a half mile away from the prison complex. Abigail would be able to take cover there until Lexie came with her car. It was near the road and a perfect hiding place.
Abigail power walked and it didn’t take long to spot the stand of trees. They were old and gnarled but had a lot of leaves. As she approached, some startled starlings flew into the air, making indignant cackling noises. The giant trunks provided a great place for Abigail to slip in and wait. With any luck, no one would spot her. She was also happy to have the shade. Even though it was heading toward dusk, it was stillhot. Colorado was experiencing record heat. The past few days were over a hundred degrees and there was no humidity. The grass under Abigail’s feet was so dry it crunched.
She’d been tired of being hot and miserable in prison. It was wonderful to be out in the fresh air, in the shade, allowing the breeze to wash over her. She enjoyed every minute of it. Abigail figured that once she left with Lexie, any downtime was over until her mission was complete.
The sound of a car pulling off the road caught her attention. Lexie. Abigail had wondered if the guard would be nervous or rethink this idea. If she’d been smart, Lexie would have just driven home and forgotten about Abigail. Left her sitting in the trees and then when count came, someone could have realized she was gone and Lexie could have played innocent.
But the young lady really believed in Abigail and even trusted her. Trusting someone in this business would get you killed.
The car pulled to a stop and Abigail came out of her hiding place and slid into the passenger seat. “Thanks for picking me up,” she said.
“Yeah. Of course,” Lexie answered. “Where do you want to go?”
“I’m not sure. You think for tonight I could crash at your place?”
Now Lexie seemed a little nervous. “I don’t know...”
“Maybe I can borrow some clothes. I’ll get out early in the morning,” Abigail said. “It would really help me out.”
“There’s a hotel I could take you to.”
“I don’t have any cash,” Abigail said.
“I could pay for you.”
“That would tie you to me. You don’t want that. Just let me crash and I’ll be gone early in the morning.”
“Staying at my place ties you to me too.” Lexie’s fingers drummed the steering wheel in no particular rhythm. Probably a nervous habit. Abigail wanted to take her hand and smash her fingers so that she’d stop making that annoying noise.
“Please let me stay? Or I can just get some clothes and head out tonight. You have any cash?”
“I do have some spare cash,” Lexie said. “I’ll give you that and then clothes. I know you want to prove that you’re innocent and I’m glad I could help you, but I just don’t feel right having you stay with me.”
The girl had some brains, but not enough to save her.
“Sure,” Abigail said. “I understand. That works. I really appreciate your help.”
“No problem. I hope you can find the person who framed you and prove your innocence. I really do,” Lexie said, continuing to tap the wheel with her hands.
“I do too,” Abigail said.
About a mile down the road, Lexie turned into an apartment complex parking lot.
Abigail gave a reassuring smile. “Let’s get inside before someone sees me.”
Chapter Thirteen
