It had been another week before Christian heard anything from his lawyer, who had gotten the ball rolling on reopening his case. The Carver had struck again after Kimber and the attacks seemed to be escalating. The police were looking into other suspects. With a renewed sense of hope, Christian had let his guard down a little. It was during his yard time that he had his first run-in with Merrill.
"Avoiding me, Christian?" Merrill asked, finally cornering him. "You know, I could hardly believe it when word got around that you were the Carver."
"I'm not the Carver, Merrill. I was framed and railroaded by some goddamn bitch because I kicked her out of my bed." Christian was still convinced that Detective Kit McGraw had everything to do with his condom ending up at that crime scene.
"Now see, that's more like it. I knew you couldn't do all those things they said you did. Though then again, who thought I'd do everything I did either..." Merrill trailed off.
Christian was understandably uncomfortable talking with Bobolit. "Look, I'd like to get a few more laps in out here before it's time to go in, so-"
"Not so fast," Bobolit said, putting a hand out to stop him. "There's someone here that wants to see you and I can't come back empty handed. Now, you can either come with me of your own volition or we can do this the hard way."
"Who are you mixed up with that wants to see me, Merrill?" Christian asked, more than a little concerned for his own safety. He cautiously began to walk with Merrill, darting his eyes around the yard as he went to look out for potential threats.
"We have a mutual friend now, Christian - Escobar Gallardo. Well, we're not exactly friends, but he gives me protection here." The two were headed towards a partially blocked off area with some large convicts standing guard. Christian felt panic rise within him. He'd been dreading the day he'd have a face to face with Escobar Gallardo again. He looked for a way out, but he knew running now would surely get him killed. "Don't even think about it," Merrill warned him.
The convicts parted for them to enter the area that was a prime spot in the yard. It was partially shaded and blocked by a few trees. Gallardo was seated, flanked on either side by more of his gang. He smiled as Christian and Merrill approached.
"Doctor Troy," He greeted him. "Who would have thought we'd meet again like this, huh?" He asked with a smile as one of the larger men pushed Christian to sit down on an upside down bucket that was meant to serve as a makeshift chair.
"What do you want, Gallardo? There's nothing I can give you in here."
"That's not exactly true, is it?" Escobar told him with a smirk, watching as Christian visibly paled at the suggestion. "Not to worry, Dr. Troy. I've got Merrill here for that, but know that if I wanted you, I could have you. No, I've got a lot of power in here and on the outside, but I'm always looking to expand. Having the Carver himself-"
"I'm not the goddamn Carver," Christian interrupted. "I was framed."
Escobar smiled at that. "I never thought you were. Neither you or your partner have the balls."
"Is there a point to all of this?" Christian asked him.
Escobar smiled at him and walked over. "The point is, you do what I say when I say. You work for me now, Dr. Troy and everybody's going to know it." He moved closer to him and gripped his face in one hand. "Looks like somebody already had a run at that face of yours. It'd be a shame if somebody finished the job. I'm sure my friend Merrill here might have a few surgeries he could do," He let go of his face and stepped back, looking at him. "You know I've followed that Carver story... what you and Sean did for the victims," He mentioned. "How the two of you became victims yourselves. You know, it is curious how you're the only one so far not to have their face messed up. Wonder why that is..."
"I don't know," Christian admitted quietly. He knew he didn't have much of a choice but to comply with whatever Escobar wanted him to do. "What is it that you want me to do?"
"Ah ah ah. I'll let you know when I need your expertise, Dr. Troy," He said to him. "Until then, stay close," He advised him. "And remember I've got eyes and ears all over this place. You try to cross me again and it'll cost you," He motioned for him to get up. "By the way, say hi to Perez for me. He's one of my best guys."
A chill ran through Christian despite the warm air. His cellmate worked for Escobar Gallardo. He didn't know who he could trust anymore. He got up and made his way away from the group. His stomach was in knots and he felt sick. He knew that if Gallardo wanted him dead, he would be already, but it wasn't much of a comfort.