Chapter 6:
Tom was sound asleep when a loud noise startled him. He was so startled that he quickly turned over and fell with a loud thud on the ground. "What the hell?" He asked as he heard a loud, obnoxious laugh as he hit the floor. He pushed himself up, rubbing his sore hip. "What the hell is the matter with you?" He asked as he looked at the guard standing in front of his cell, a smile plastered on his face.
"What's wrong Tommy, aren't you happy to see me?"
Tom stood up and walked over to the cell door. "Always happy to see you Dennis Grant." Tom looked at his partner, Dennis Booker, through the bars. "Always a freaking' pleasure!"
Doug was awake by now and walked over to the cell door. "We weren't expecting you here till later."
Dennis shrugged and smiled. "Thought I'd join the party early. Did you boys miss me?"
"About as much as I miss Jude's coffee." Tom said with a smirk. "By the way, we've got someone to introduce you to later."
"Can't wait. See you boys after breakfast." With that, Dennis sauntered away from the cell. "You two behave yourselves now, you hear?"
Tom rubbed his hip once more. "I really do hate that guy."
Doug patted Tom on the shoulder. "Come on Tommy, remember he's here to help."
"Yeah, I hope so." He said as he went back and climbed into his bunk. "If not, I'll have to kick his ass."
Later that morning, Doug and Tom were finishing their breakfast when Josh and his pals came over. They took their seats around the McQuaid's.
"So, where's the new guy? Is he here yet?" Josh leaned in and asked.
Doug nodded his head over to the far corner of the cafeteria where a tall dark haired prison guard was laughing with a few others. He happened to see the older McQuaid looking in his direction and sent him a nod.
"That's him." Doug said. "The name is Dennis Grant. He's been our connection for quite a while now. We'll meet up with him during our time outside."
Josh seemed to be checking the guard out. "So, you've known him for a while?" He was still a bit suspicious, but thought that the new guard looked trustworthy.
Tom swallowed his bite of eggs and said, "Yeah.. We've know Grant for about 4 years now." He finished his juice and added, "Don't worry, you can trust him."
Josh just nodded. "Okay, we'll see you outside then."
Dennis made his way over to the group of men that were standing and talking at the far corner of the prison yard. Tom held out his hand when he reached them.
"Hey Tom… How's it going?" Dennis asked as he shook his hand. "It's been a while." He shook Doug's hand as well. "Hey Doug, looking good."
"Dennis, this is Josh Matthews, the one we were telling you about." Tom said, pointing to Josh. "He's looking for a new partner."
Dennis eyed the prisoner, looking him and his friends over. "So, what are we talking about here?"
"Heroin. We like to move a few Kilos at a time." Josh said, watching the reaction from the prison guard. "Think you can handle it?"
Dennis tried to hold back his laughter but failed. "Can I handle it?" He stepped forward and pushed a finger into Josh's chest. "The question is boy, do you think you can handle it?"
Josh was silent for a moment. Then, slowly a smile crept across his face. "I like you… I think we could do some business here. What do you say?"
Dennis moved his hand away from the prisoner's chest. Then he slowly put out a hand and said, "I'd say welcome, partner."
Fitzgerald was standing off to the side of the prison entrance, watching the meeting that was taking place in the far end of his yard. He cringed as he watched the new guard shaking hands with Josh Matthews. He felt his hands ball into fists as he watched the new guard then pat Tom McQuaid on the cheek. I will make that little shit pay for taking away my business, he said to himself as the anger boiled up inside him, threatening to leak out. I will get him if it's the last thing I do. Tommy McQuaid and that brother of his will be sorry they ever stepped foot into Chase County. With the anger raging inside of him, Fitzgerald threw open the door and made his way inside to plan his revenge for the unsuspecting McQuaid brothers. Payback is a bitch, I promise you that Tommy.