"Best of luck in your future Ms. Lowrance," a tall, female guard, said to Allison as she buzzed her through the steel door.
"Fuck you, and fuck this place. I hope you all rot in hell," Allison snapped as she walked briskly past the guard and exited out to her freedom through the steel doorway.
Allison treaded down a narrow concrete path for a few feet, before she passed through the final gate, in the outermost wire fence. Once on the other side of the fence, Allison stood still for a second and gazed upwards at the institution that had ruled for life for the past, six and a half years.
The second she entered Chowchilla State Penitentiary, she dreamed of this day. She vowed that she was never going to give up on fighting for her innocence – and she didn't. Sure there were bumps in the road, but that was to be expected. When Rachel visited her at the beginning of the week, and told her that she won the appeal; Allison felt like she was floating on cloud nine.
A couple loud honks from a car behind her, managed to startle Allison out of her trance. She quickly spun around, ready to lip off the moron in the black Mercedes who scared her, but she stopped when the driver got out of the car.
Allison's unimpressed expression shattered into a huge grin, "Rachel," Allison chimed as Rachel walked towards her and pulled her into a tight hug, "this is really happening isn't it?"
Rachel Braun let go of her client and smiled, "It really is. It took us a long time, but we did it. You are now a free woman Allison."
"I can't thank you enough Rachel," Allison replied. She felt as if every nerve in her body was vibrating with excitement.
"Come on," Rachel said as she grabbed the plastic bag that contained the few personal belongings Allison owned from her hand, "let's get out of here."
Allison nodded her head, and then climbed into the passenger seat. The odour of fresh leather and new car smell overwhelmed her nose. She remembered that Rachel had told her, she had bought the car only a few days ago.
After Rachel put the bag in her trunk and shut it, her cell phone rang. She walked up to Allison's side of the window and tapped on the glass. As Allison rolled down the window, Rachel said, "I have to take this. It'll just be a second."
Allison nodded and as Rachel took the call, Allison looked around the vehicle. There were so many high tech buttons and gadgets on the dashboard. She couldn't help but to wonder why you would need so many devices in a car?
"Sorry about. I told my office that I was taking the day off, but they just don't listen," Rachel apologized as she settled down into the driver's seat.
"No worries. You are a very busy woman," Allison replied with a small smile.
"So are you ready to go, or do you need a while longer?" Rachel asked seriously. She realized that this was a huge step for Allison.
Allison raised her eyebrows and responded with a sly grin, "I have spent the last six years, seven months and eighteen days here – let's get the hell out of here!"
Rachel chuckled and shifted the car into drive, "Yes Mam."
Once they had navigated their way out of the parking lot, and past the outer watchtowers in the yard, Allison let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding in. When they merged onto the highway, Allison spoke up, "So, how long of a drive is it to Charming?"
"Normally it is an hour and half. They have been doing some roadside construction lately, so we are looking at more like two hours." Rachel answered.
"You know you really didn't have to help me out like this," Allison blurted out, unable to hide her embarrassment. She was almost certain that Rachel did not help out her other clients like this.
"Nonsense Allison, you are not just a client –"
"Past client," Allison happily corrected her.
Rachel laughed, "Past client - I consider you my friend Allison. If what happened to you, happened to me – I don't think I would have made it. You are an inspiration, and I am more than happy to help you out anyways I can."
"That uh," Allison's breath hitched for a moment. The sincerity in Rachel's tone astonished her, "very sweet of you. Thank you. This never could have happened without your legal skills."
Rachel's pride swelled slightly at her comment, "your welcome." Rachel then decided to get down to business, "Now, even though the D.A. hasn't gotten around to cleaning up your record yet, Margaret Murphy – an administrator at St. Thomas Hospital – has agreed to grant you an interview for an R.N. opening they have in their pediatric department, at 11am."
Allison's eyes widened in astonishment, "Really? Like you mean today? I thought that interview wasn't until tomorrow!"
The last thing she had expected was to ever work in health care again. Moreover, she never expected to have a job interview right after she had just been released from prison!
"Yup," Rachel nodded. She was happy that Allison reacted to her surprise the way she expected her to.
"Wow that's surprising. Does she know that I'll still have a count of imperfect self defense voluntary manslaughter, on my record?" Allison asked tentatively.
"Yes she does. I did however explain that due to the fact, that the court couldn't physically prove that Paul was intoxicated at the time of the attack, the judge couldn't diminish the charge to voluntary manslaughter," Rachel replied before she took a sip of her Starbucks.
"How much did you tell her about the attack?" Allison blurted out. The last thing she wanted was for her potential boss to label her as a vicious ex-con right off of the bat.
"Barely anything – all I said was that it was an ongoing domestic situation which came to a boiling point," Rachel tried to reassure Allison.
Allison felt her heart beat slow down immediately, after hearing Rachel's reply. She let out a relieved huff of air and said, "Thanks. I am sorry if I was brash. I guess I am just really anxious."
"No need to apologize, it's perfectly understandable," Rachel asserted. "Now after your interview, we are going to go get you your driver's license, then go buy you a car. After that, I'll drop you off at the motel I booked for you until you find yourself a place. Sound good to you?"
"Yeah, uh, that sounds good to me," Allison found herself a bit tongue tied. She had no idea Rachel had to put so much thought into helping her re-integrate into the real world.
"Good," Rachel hesitated for a moment before she continued, "I just have to ask – if you get this job in Charming, are you okay knowing that there is a Sons of Anarchy charter in town? Given everything that happened in Tacoma, I expect you must be a bit leery of the idea."
Allison sighed to herself. She knew that the topic was going to be brought sooner or later. Thankfully, she had already worked out a spiel on the subject days before, "Yes I am. It happened almost seven years ago; I highly doubt any of the older members of SAMCRO, would even recognize me as Paul Magagnoli's, old lady. Furthermore, nobody has heard from, or seen, Victor or Charlie since they were ex-communicated after shit went down. I am not sacred of SAMCRO, they can't do anything to me."
Rachel slowly nodded - it was a logical, well thought through answer. "You are exactly right."
xxx
Allison stood in front of the body length mirror, in the bathrooms by the main entrance of St. Thomas Hospital.
She was very thankful that Rachel suggested they stop off at a drug store in Lodi, and pick up some makeup for her. The makeup brightened up her ghostly complexion, but didn't do much to hide the tiny wrinkles forming by the corners of her hazel eyes.
"Fuck you aging," Allison mumbled to herself as she contorted her body so she could view her backside.
Allison was only thirty-six years old, but she felt more like seventy years old. Prison hadn't been kind to her face, or mind.
The only real benefit of being in prison was that she became ripped. There wasn't much else to do when you are stuck inside of a cell for sixteen hours a day except work out. Besides, the more physically strong you appear the less likely one of the psychopath dikes, will try and corner you during showers.
Allison's dark wash jean, and button down, purple silk blouse, wasn't the most formal attire for a job interview, but it worked. She quickly twisted her straight, reddish brown hair into bun, and then exited the bathroom.
Rachel was sitting on a bench, checking her emails on her iPhone when Allison emerged. When she heard Allison approach, she looked up and was surprised at Allison's transformation. It was so odd seeing her in civilian clothes, and not in a bright orange jumpsuit that was three sizes too big.
"Well, how do I look?" Allison exclaimed while opening her arms outward for inspection. She knew that her outfit wasn't even close to Rachel's Valentino, black floral print, long sleeved mini dress and black Louboutin heels.
"Very nice! Now let's find this lady's office. We don't want to be late," Rachel said.
After about five minutes of following an endless queue of directional signs, they finally found the door that had, Margaret Murphy, Hospital Administer and General Supervisor, written in large black type.
A short, red headed woman, in a grey pants suit was conversing with a man that appeared to be a doctor. When she saw Allison and Rachel, she excused herself and walked up to the pair.
"You must be Allison," the short, red head addressed Allison as she held out her for a shake.
"Yes I am," Allison replied as she accepted the woman's hand shake.
"Margaret Murphy," Margaret formally introduced herself. She then turned to Rachel, "Mrs. Braun, it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise," Rachel smiled. "Well I will leave you two to it. I'll be waiting around the corner in the cafeteria for you. Good luck Allison."
"Thanks," Allison replied.
As Allison, watched Rachel turn around and leave, her nerves suddenly kicked in. How much would this lady ask about her record? Can a hospital really let an ex-con work as an R.N., or was this lady just humoring Rachel and her? Does she know about her history with SAMTAC – and if so, would she bring up the fact that SAMCRO is based in Charming?
"Well, should we get started Ms. Lowrance?" Margaret questioned in an analytical tone.
Allison was so deep in thought, it didn't even register to her that it was the second time Margaret had tried to get her attention. "Uh, yes of course," Allison's voice wavered, as her cheeks grew red.
Margaret fished out her keys from her pants pocket, and opened up her door. When Allison followed her inside, she was very impressed by what she saw.
In her past experience, administrator's offices usually looked like a paper tornado had swooped through. However, Margaret's office was the exact opposite. It seemed like every object and file folder had its own distinct spot. To top it all off, there was even the scent of a fresh linen air freshener wafting through the room.
This lady meant business.
"Please have a seat," Margaret gestured with her hand to a chair, on the opposite side of her desk.
Allison realized how much of an idiot she must have seemed by standing in the doorway, looking like a deer in headlights.
When Allison sat down, Margaret pulled a file out of her top desk drawer and opened it. She took a second to re-familiarize herself with the papers before she spoke, "Now I called up Tacoma General Hospital, and had them send over your file from your previous employment. Your old supervisors had nothing but praise when I inquired about you. The head nurse in pediatrics department, Jessica Smithson, said you were one of the most competent and dedicated R.N's she ever had working under her. You are more than qualified for the position Ms. Lowrance, the only issue is -"
"My criminal record," Allison cut her off.
"Yes," Margaret sighed. She readjusted her glasses before she continued on, "When your lawyer contacted me about granting you this interview, I had to run a criminal record check – its standard procedure. Mrs. Braun assured me that all of your charges will be wiped from your record, except the imperfect self-defence charge. Normally, this would automatically mean that the hospital would have to turn down your application. However, the board and I combed through your employment and incarceration records meticulously – despite the charge, we have found no evidence that you may pose a threat to patients. We took a vote on it, and decided that we will grant you a three month trial opportunity. If you don't let us down, we will grant you full time employment. How does that sound to you?"
Allison's jaw basically scraped the floor. A hospital was actually willing to bend the rules and give her a chance. She didn't know whether she wanted to cry, or jump up and do a happy dance.
"I uh – that'd be amazing," Allison stuttered.
Margaret's face broke out into a grin, "That's wonderful to hear. Now the hospital offers bi-monthly, CPR and first aid courses. The next set starts in two weeks. After you pass those and become re-certified, you will be able to start working." Margaret then stood up and held out her hand for a shake.
"Thank you so much," Allison managed to articulate through her shock, as she stood up to shake Margaret's hand.
"It's my pleasure. I know you will become an asset St. Thomas' team. You can register for the courses at the information desk at the front of the hospital," Margaret said as walked around her desk, and opened up the office door.
"Thank you so much, I promise I will not disappoint you or the board," Allison assured her as she took her leave.
She then followed the sign queues once more, until she found the cafeteria. It took every ounce of self-control she had no to sprint to Rachel. When Allison spotted Rachel, she chuckled at the fact that Rachel looked like a worrying mother.
"Guess what?" Allison squealed a little too loudly, causing people other than Rachel to look in her direction as she approached her table.
"Did you get it?" Rachel's wide eyes conveyed how hopeful she was for Allison.
"Yes I did!" Allison chimed, unable to hide her excitement any longer.
"That's so great! I am so happy for you!" Rachel exclaimed as she pulled Allison into a tight embrace.
"Thank you so much," Allison replied she hugged Rachel. She knew that if it wasn't for Rachel's enduring efforts, she would probably be stuck working some low-grade, fast food job.
"So how was it? Was she scary? She kind of came off like a prude the few times I spoke with her," Rachel dug in for details as she broke the embrace.
"She was actually quite easy going for a healthcare admin," Allison told the truth. "In two weeks I need to take some courses to get my First aid and CPR up to date. After I pass those, I am clear to start working!"
"And where do we sign up for that?" Rachel was ecstatic to see Allison so vibrant.
"She said at the information desk by the main entrance," Allison replied.
"Well, let's go get that done! We have a lot more stuff we need to do for you today."
Xxx
Allison was lying down on her bed at Willie's Motel, trying to recuperate from her hectic day. It was 8:30 at night, and Rachel had just left her. She couldn't believe that only twelve hours ago, she was released from prison.
In that short time frame she became free civilian, who had a decent job, owned a 2005 Dodge truck, and had a driver's license and registration on the way. On top of it all, she and Rachel even picked out an apartment for her to move into. It would be a week or so until she would be able to move in, but she wasn't about to complain. Living in an old motel for a week, was like living at a Hilton hotel compared to prison.
Tomorrow Allison would top by the boutique down the block, and pick herself up a few outfits, seeing as the only clothes she owned were the ones she was wearing.
After Rachel and Allison had left St. Thomas, Rachel surprised Allison; she gave Allison back half of the legal fees she had given her over the past six and half years. After paying for her truck in full, and three months' rent on her apartment, she had two-hundred seventy five thousand left; more than enough to get her back up onto her feet.
There was only one more thing she wanted to do before her whirlwind of a day ended. She sat up, zipped up her knee high, brown leather boots, and left her room.
She walked straight for three blocks, took a right, and found herself approaching the TM Automotive compound. She was relieved to see that it was still bustling with activity, so there was a good chance he was still there.
When she walked into the compound she noticed that there was a herd of Dyna motorcycles lined up in a row between the SAMCRO clubhouse, and the TM automotive building. To not chance running into any of the members who might recognize her (even though she knew the chances were slim), she decided to see if anybody was in the garage office. When she walked up to the door, she was relieved to see that it was open and that there was a lady sitting at the desk inside.
"Hello," Allison called out as she knocked on the door.
The older looking woman looked up from her paper work, clearly irritated by the disturbance, "You here to get your car fixed honey?"
"No," Allison replied curtly, unimpressed by the woman's tone, "I was just wondering if Juice Ortiz is around?"
The lady's lip parted slightly in shock, "Why?"
"Is he, or isn't he?" Allison spewed. She was tired, and the last thing she wanted to do was play a back and forth game of passive aggressive, bullshit.
"He's not," the woman stated as took off her reading glasses and threw them onto her desk. She stood up and walked up to Allison so they were face to face, "What your name honey?"
"Who wants to know?" Allison retorted, unfazed by the lady's attempted intimidation.
"Gemma Teller-Morrow," she huffed.
"Allison Lowrance," Allison replied. She got an internal thrill when she answered with her maiden name, and not he ex's surname.
"Well Allison," Gemma intentionally accentuated her name, "Juice isn't here. He's locked up in Stockton - gets out in five months."
"That explains a lot," Allison mumbled to herself. She wondered why she hadn't gotten a letter or call from Juice in a while. "Does he have visitation privileges?"
"Why does that concern you sweetie?" Gemma raised an inquisitive brow at her.
"If you don't tell me, I'll find somebody who will," Allison had about enough of this bitch's shit.
"Yeah he does. Not sure about a conjugal thought sweetie," Gemma felt pleased at being able get in a jab.
Who the hell did this chick think she was, just waltzing into TM and talking to Gemma like that?
"Thanks," Allison replied purely fake tone as she turned around to leave. She knew that there wasn't any point in acknowledging Gemma's attempt at a burn.
When Allison's license and registration came in, she would be making a trip out to Stockton. What a surprise Juice will have when he sees Allison, being the one with the "Visitor", sticker on her chest.
Xxx
Kozik, Chibs, and Filthy Phil, were all working in the garage when Allison and Gemma were talking. The door connecting the garage to the office was open, so the guys heard the entire conversation.
When they saw Allison walking away from the garage, Chibs put the wrench he was holding aside, and called out, "Eh' Gemma, get out here."
Gemma walked out into the garage, "Yeah?" Her tone portrayed that she was still worked up by Allison's visit.
"What in tarnation was that all about?" Chibs asked, voicing all the men's thoughts.
"Some gash named Allison, looking for Juice. I don't remember Juice having a girl named Allison though," Gemma's mind was churning. Outsiders, especially rude bitches, were low on her list of people to trust and tolerate.
Chibs nodded understanding. He wouldn't lie to himself, that "gash" sure had one hell of a nice body. It kind of felt like a stone dropped into his gut when Gemma said that Allison was looking for Juice.
Gemma and Chibs then went on to talk about some sort of foul up on a customer's car, and completely moved on from the topic of Allison.
Kozik however, remained as still as a statue and watched Allison disappear into the darkness when she rounded the corner, and left the TM compound.
"I'm going to punch out," Kozik mumbled to nobody in particular as he shed his grey work vest. Chibs, Gemma, and Phil acknowledged him, not really caring too much.
Kozik grabbed his kutte on the workbench, and jogged out to where his bike was parked. He quickly put on his helmet and ripped out of the compound.
He hopped that Allison wasn't too far away. He was relieved when he spotted Allison's figure walking down the sidewalk. He came up to a stop sign, and stayed still for a good minute to put distance between him and Allison.
Kozik then followed her until she disappeared into Room 16 of Willie's Motel. He parked by the curb in the parking lot, at stared at Allison's shut door.
After much internal deliberation, he decided that he wouldn't approach Allison tonight. Instead, he would stop at the liquor store on his way home and picked up a bottle of Jim Beam.
He needed smooth whiskey to silence the screaming guilt that Allison's presence had brought forth, from the catacombs of his mind.