A/N: Hi, Friends! I have been having technical difficulties with the mobile app. It kept crashing on me. I use the mobile app more often than my laptop, so it put a big damper on my writing. I also had covid for a while which was no fun. All is well now. On with the chapter! Xx
Disclaimer: Same 1-35.
A week later, John was sitting up in his hospital bed feeling annoyed. In a week's time, they hadn't allowed him to do anything. All he had done the whole week was stay in the hospital ward and rest. He hadn't even had any of his things to entertain himself, so as crazy as it sounded, he was looking forward to going back to his cell. There he had his books and the capability of writing Anna. They hadn't brought him anything to be able to correspond with her, though nurse Perkins had been kind enough to inform him Anna had been in touch with administration very day regarding his welfare.
His stitches were being removed the following day, and he hoped if that went well they would allow him to leave. He wanted to write Anna. He hated the inconsistency of their letters as of late though it couldn't be helped. She had been away, and just when they were getting back into routine he was attacked. A week was too long not to hear from her even if she was checking in on him.
He wondered what had happened to his attackers. He hoped they would be locked up in solitary for a long time. Maybe with the three of them, including Hyland, being out of general population the threat would be less, but he would not make the mistake of being caught unaware again. He would remain on high alert until he was on the other side of those walls. It would not do to get himself set up for further injury.
Carefully, he lowered his legs off the side of the bed and slowly stood to his feet. He scowled as the guard outside his door came inside the room. He figured they had put a silent alarm in his bed, and every time he stood up a guard was to make sure he wasn't going to do anything foolish. He had no desire to do anything of the sort. He would be on his best behavior until he was freed. He shared a curt nod with the guard and simply stood in place for a few seconds. Nurse Perkins had told him if he felt dizzy to immediately sit back down, but overall he seemed fine. His head wasn't bothering him near as much as it had been, which had to be a good sign.
He began moving towards the small bathroom, which was the only thing that was a plus in the room. No, that and the hospital bed was more comfortable than his cot. The bathroom didn't have a door, yet again in case he had certain inclinations, but it was private enough to go about one's business. After he had done so, he walked to the sink, washed his hands, then looked in the mirror on the wall. His hair was longer than it had been in ages, and his stubble was thick across his face. He looked rather unkempt, which he didn't like. He silently complained about it a bit longer before he forced himself away from the mirror and back into the other room.
He got back into bed under the guard's watchful eye. Pulling the sheet over himself, the guard stepped back outside. He sighed and laid his head back to rest.
"I hope you don't mind."
Anna gave Gwen a look to suggest she was insane.
"Of course I don't mind."
Gwen was attempting to cook and to Anna she looked flustered.
"Only, I was hoping you could get to know Jack a little, and I thought-"
Anna placed a hand on Gwen's shoulder.
"Slow down," Anna insisted. "I very much want to get to know Jack. Let me help. It'll be easier."
Gwen smiled. "Are you sure? You worked all day."
"So did you. Now, give me something to do."
Gwen nodded toward the potatoes on the worktop.
"I was thinking roast chicken, potatoes, and carrots."
"Sounds like a winner to me. I'll cut these up while you work on that chicken."
"Oh, bless you," Gwen replied, feeling relieved.
They worked in silence for a few minutes until Gwen spoke again.
"Did you get to check on John today?"
"I did though they don't tell me much. It's basically just confirming he's improving."
"Well, at least he's getting better each day. Have you heard from Mr. Murray?"
Anna cut up some potatoes as she answered, "No, I haven't yet. I'm sure we'll hear something soon. Either way, I'll be able to see John this Wednesday. I'll get to check on him in person at least."
They both continued to work and chat though Anna's mind drifted to the only man who was worthy to take up so much of her thoughts. She was anxious to hear something from the court, and she rather thought the idea of redecorating her bedroom might give her the distraction she needed until there was word.
"I... thought I might completely revamp my bedroom," Anna mentioned off-hand while they washed up as the dinner baked.
Gwen dried off a bowl and gave Anna an intrigued look.
"Any particular reason?"
Anna rinsed off some cutlery and shrugged one shoulder.
"I just thought it might be a nice gesture for John and I to have a space that is new and completely ours. Do you think I should wait and get his input?"
"I think that's very touching. I believe he'd love the thought behind it if it were already done. It'll be expensive though."
"I can handle the expense. It isn't like I spend on anything else really besides bills. The shop is profiting nicely."
Gwen placed a few items in a cupboard.
"Then I say go for it. Let me know if you want help picking out anything."
Anna turned off the water and grinned at Gwen.
"I think I know just what I'm going for."
Not too much later, Jack had arrived, and the three of them had sat around the kitchen table and enjoyed their meal. Jack offered to clear the table while Gwen worked on some tea. Anna brought over a small fruit tart Gwen had purchased. With tea ready, Gwen brought over the tray.
The three of them were fixing their cups the way they liked when conversation started back up.
"So, Anna and Gwen, do you both have traditions you do at Christmas?" Jack asked as he stirred his tea.
"You mean besides Anna baking way too many gingerbread cookies for two people to eat and us passed out in sugar and spiked cocoa coma in front of the telly watching Christmas films?" Gwen laughed.
Anna rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Thanks, Gwen. That makes us sound great."
"I'm only kidding... sorta... umm some years I go see my family, but I haven't in a few years. Anna and I will exchange a gift and we have invited some friends over in the past."
"I guess you could say there isn't a steady tradition. We decorate some and all that," Anna added.
"Maybe this year. We can make it extra special," Gwen said with a knowing look at Anna.
"Oh, yeah? Extra special?" Jack smiled.
Gwen turned her head.
"Yes, you'd be more than welcome here for Christmas if you don't have plans, and it's okay with Anna."
Anna scoffed, "Of course it's okay. You don't need my permission. You're very welcome Jack."
"I may just take you up on that offer," he responded shyly.
"Anna's boyfriend may be in town to join us by then, too," Gwen quickly added before she sipped from her cup.
"Really? I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him yet. John isn't? Funny we have the same name. Good thing I go by Jack."
Anna took a slice of tart and placed it on her small plate.
"His name is John, yes. It would be lovely if he were in town for Christmas," she said, feeling her throat tighten a little.
"Surely he can make it," Jack offered. "It's roughly three weeks away."
"Yes," Anna smiled but it didn't reach her eyes.
Two days later, Anna was doing some paperwork in her office. It was her least favorite part of her job. She enjoyed the baking, chocolate making, and even the customer service, but the business side irritated her. It was a necessary evil. She couldn't very well have a business without the business side of it. She could hear Mrs. Patmore and Daisy disagreeing over the consistency of a ganache and chuckled quietly. The shop bell had tinkled, and Jimmy's smooth voice rang out in greeting.
She needed to stop listening to the others and focus on her work, but between listening to them and trying not to think about John her mind was crammed full. She wrote a few figures on a notepad and looked at her computer screen. Honestly, she shouldn't be trying to do this type of work with her attention so spread out, but it simply couldn't be helped. It had to be done. Scolding herself, she focused on her tasks.
About an hour or so later, she leaned back in her chair and stretched. She decided to take a mental break and check on her orders again. She opened the web browser and logged into her account. She had ordered several things the day before for the bedroom. None of the things she had ordered had come from Grantham's; she wasn't that rich, but it was still nice quality pieces. She decided to start with the furniture then add decorative pieces and bedding. The arrival dates hadn't changed. They should be coming at the weekend to her surprise. She would need to let Daisy and Mrs. Patmore know she'd need at least one day to take out the old and bring in the new. She was really rather excited to begin but more excited to surprise John because she had no doubt he'd be out soon.
She was thinking over colors when Daisy knocked on her door and opened it up just enough to poke her head in.
"Sorry to bother you, Anna, but that Mr. Crawley is here and wanted a word with you."
"I'll be right out," she replied automatically.
Daisy disappeared and left the door open. Anna looked around for few seconds for nothing in particular and then walked out of the office and out onto the main floor.
"Robert, how may I help?" She greeted.
Robert took Anna's hand in his and squeezed it softly in greeting before dropping hands.
"Hello, Anna. I was in the village and thought I would stop by to see if you would be available this evening."
She felt a pang of some kind of emotion in her chest at the way he was looking at her.
"I close today. I could come by after if it's not too late."
"It won't be. You're more than welcome anytime this evening," he rushed to say though his eyes sparkled.
Anna could feel her employees looking at them, but she didn't care.
The shop bell tinkled and a few people walked inside. Anna and Robert walked out of the way as the customers were greeted by the others.
"Is it what we've been waiting for?" Anna asked quietly clasping her hands in front of her to steady herself. She was beginning to feel a little light headed.
"Oh, sod it," Robert whispered. "Can you step outside?"
"Yes, of course," she replied in a rush. "I'll be out in a minute."
Robert nodded and made for the door. Anna walked over to Daisy and explained she'd be outside for a few minutes. She then grabbed her coat from the office, put it on, and made her way outside.
Robert was standing across the way at the edge of the park. Anna quickly walked over to join him. They headed into the park a ways so their conversation wasn't right on the street. They came to a stop, and Anna turned to face him.
"Is it?" She asked in almost clear desperation.
"Murray phoned me earlier and said Bates would be freed," Robert smiled.
Anna's hands covered her mouth to keep herself from yelling out in pure joy. She lowered them to ask, "When? Did he say when?"
"December 18th," Robert grinned and laughed.
"December 18th," Anna echoed in shock and disbelief.
"You did it Anna. Your hard work has paid off."
Emotion rose up like a wave and when it reached its crest she fell apart completely overwhelmed. Robert stepped forward to offer an embrace to keep her up straight and she accepted. She hugged Robert and sobbed into his coat with a relief she had not ever experienced.
"I was going to tell you tonight then I changed my mind. I couldn't wait," Robert explained.
Anna collected herself enough to step back though the tears were still freely flowing down her cheeks.
"This isn't a dream is it? Please tell me it's not."
"Bates is coming home. It is real."
"I can't believe it." She trembled and pressed a hand to her chest. "It's really happening."
"That it is. He'll still be inside for a short while as the formalities are ironed out, but Murray said his release is at dawn on the 18th."
She couldn't help it. The tears would not stop. She knew she probably looked insane sobbing in the park with Robert watching her, but she didn't care. John was getting out. He was going to be free.
Robert searched his coat pockets and found a kerchief. He handed it to Anna, and she gratefully took it.
"Thank you. Thank you for everything, Robert. I couldn't have done it without your help."
She wiped her eyes even though tears kept spilling over her eyelashes.
"Nonsense. You could have. I'm only glad I was able to help, and you were able to make me come to my senses. It's the least I could do for misjudging Bates. I am so very glad he'll be free."
Anna nodded and with effort said, "Me too."
"When do you see him next?"
She wiped her eyes again. "Tomorrow."
"What a visit that will be. Murray will have a meeting with him today."
"So, he'll know today?"
"He will."
Anna smiled brightly at that. She wished she could see his reaction to the news. She couldn't wait for tomorrow.
"Thank you for telling me now."
"You're very welcome. We will all sleep more soundly tonight. I shall leave you be. I hope you have a pleasant evening."
"Good evening," Anna responded and waved as he started to back away.
After Robert turned and walked away from the park and the shop, Anna realized she still had his kerchief in her hands. She dabbed at her eyes yet again, and the tears were finally controllable. She felt so light she could twirl in circles. John was going to be out of prison in the matter of days.
She happily made her way back to the shop and entered. She closed the door and walked towards the back to go hang up her coat.
"Blimey, what's this about?" Mrs. Patmore asked as she saw Anna's blotchy face.
Anna stopped walking and Daisy and Jimmy looked at her too with worry.
"I just received some happy news is all."
"You couldn't tell by the look of ya," Mrs. Patmore commented.
Anna smiled. "It's a great day. Let's get back to work shall we?"
She continued to smile as she walked to her office.
John had been back in his shared cell for almost two days. He was glad to be among his small but prized possessions, though he could admit he hadn't missed his thin mattress. His right side still felt a bit tender after the removal of his stitches, and he was glad Baker was sleeping as he paced the tiny area. Baker had apologized the previous evening. John hadn't wanted to hear any of it, but Baker insisted he should have had a closer eye and not been in conversation with someone else. John had assured him none of it was his fault, and that it turned out a good thing. Hyland, Farris, and Langley were all in solitary.
His steps were shuffled as he thought of the message a guard gave him earlier. Mr. Murray was on his way to speak to him. John crossed his arms over his chest deep in thought. Was it good news? Was it bad? Was it neither? Had it all miraculously worked?
He wondered what it would feel like again to be out in the world, and he wondered how devastating it would feel to have to remain here the rest of his sentence. If they had to wait, he wanted to think it would be more heartbreaking for Anna, but he didn't know if that was the truth any longer. It would beat him up internally to know all her effort had been for not.
John chewed his bottom lip and continued his pacing. He had no idea how long he had been wrapped up in his what if's. It could have been minutes or hours, but his legs were certainly getting more exercise than they had in a while. It felt good to feel the muscles working. It would feel even better to be able to walk wherever he wished whenever he wished.
His steps came to a halt as the cell door unlocked and began to roll back. In his peripheral, he could see it had woken Baker as he stirred and sat up.
"Bates," said the guard.
"Yes, officer," John replied.
"Your solicitor is here. I'll be escorting you to the visitation room."
John looked at Baker for only a second, and Baker was smirking at him in a good way. He then looked back at the guard and followed him out. He disliked walking through the prison. It was all metal, cold, and unfeeling. Instead, he focused on what was possibly laying ahead.
Within a few minutes, they were at the door to the room and the guard opened the door to permit him entry. John stepped inside to see Mr. Murray sat a table to the right with his briefcase and some papers in front of him. He walked over until he was behind the vacant chair.
"Mr. Murray, thank you for coming all this way," John greeted politely.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Bates, if you'll join me," Murray greeted back and motioned for him to take a seat.
John sat down and clasped his hands together on the table top. His palms felt somewhat clammy as they pressed together. He waited for Mr. Murray to speak first.
"I've come today with some news I think you might find agreeable," Murray began.
John swallowed and felt his pulse in his neck. He wouldn't get excited, not yet, not until the words were spoken.
"Oh, yes?" He replied.
"Yes, the court has reviewed the newly submitted evidence, and they have declared the previously issued verdict as unsafe."
John tried his best to rapidly digest what the words meant, but he couldn't quite understand.
"Unsafe?" He asked just above a whisper.
"It means, without all the detail, you will be released Mr. Bates. The court will also take into consideration your time served in regards to your false confession. You'll be released at dawn on December 18th."
Murray gave him a small, smug smile as though it were all because of him, but John paid no attention. His throat was constricting with emotion.
"I will be out of prison on December 18th?" John asked, needing to know he had heard it right.
"Correct. You will be a free man. In the meantime, the court will be crossing their T's and dotting their I's, but on the 18th you will no longer reside here."
John wouldn't allow himself to openly cry in front of Mr. Murray, but God help him, his face faltered under the strength of his emotion. It was like a cement block had been removed him his chest. He wanted to run around the room.
In his speechlessness, Mr. Murray spoke again.
"I spoke to Mr. Crawley earlier, and he will be informing Miss Smith. He requested I make you aware he was going to tell her."
John let out a shaking breath. He felt almost tingly in a way he never had before. Anna was going to find out today. Oh, if only he could be with her right then.
"I'm," John started and stopped as he pressed his palms into the wood surface. "I'm very grateful. Thank you, Mr. Murray. I there anything more I need to do?"
"I shouldn't think so. The administration will be brought up to date. You'll have a few forms to sign on the morning of your release. You'll be collecting the belongings you came into prison with along with any money in your account."
A wide grin came over his face. "I can't believe it."
"Time to start believing. You've been given more time on the outside. Use it wisely, Mr. Bates."
Mr. Murray placed his papers inside his case and clasped it shut. He stood, and John followed him to his feet. John reached out his hand and firmly shook the other man's hand.
"I can't thank you, Mr. Crawley, or Miss Smith enough," John stated with barely concealed feelings.
"I'm sure everyone will be glad to have you back. Good luck to you."
They dropped hands, and as Mr. Murray exited, John was escorted back to his cell with thoughts of seeing Anna the next day and his freedom.