Chapter Three

Her name was written delicately on the huge panel window of the club. Above it were the words "Performances Tonight By…".

"I can't believe it…" Lincoln muttered. If the circumstances had been normal they would have both been happy. But, of course, that wasn't the case.

Hailey had been trying to become a singer since she was 10 and it hadn't really panned out for her. Well, that's how Michael remembered it. When he had left 2 months ago she had been working as an intern for the local radio station. She had 'given up on something that would never happen'. At least, that's what she had said. But all of the suddenly Michael and Lincoln both leave and she's putting on shows at the local club.

"When I left she still had stage fright." Michael half-smiled. He was a little more than shocked.

"I always knew she'd make it." Lincoln sighed, shoving his hands deep into the pockets of his jumpsuit, "Remember when she use to sing us to sleep?" It was a memory both of them were fond of. She always tried to take care of them, despite the fact she was much younger.

They entered through the large, glass doors. Inside was decorated with sequins and metallic streamers.

"Linc…" The word barely left his mouth. Back when they were teens the Main Stream Club was the coolest place to hang out-- even prom was held there, but as they walked further into the large, seating area they learned that coming home would be harder than either of them had expected.

"The show doesn't start until 9:00, gentlemen." A short but thickset man stepped in front of them.

"We're friends of Hailey Brookes." Lincoln swallowed. He wasn't looking at the stocky man though. His eyes were, along with Michael's, on the stage.

"She's back stage getting ready. She'll be going up for practice in a few minutes. You boys can sit down and wait." He gestured to the luxurious, velvet chairs. They both sat.

"This can't be happening." Michael whispered.

"Maybe we're overreacting. I'm sure singers could have purposes for a pole in the middle of the stage."

Michael's mouth suddenly went dry as provocative music began to play. She was the first one to come out, with other women following behind her. She was barely covered. The small amount of red material she did have on didn't leave much to the imagination. And for a few moments neither of them could speak. It was as if their worlds had come crashing down.

Breaking out of prison wasn't half as hard as watching the girl he had helped to raise dance on stage like some floozy. He looked over at Lincoln who was now wide eyed, his mouth almost touching the floor.

It had been awhile since either of them had been outside those prison walls and it had taken it's toll. The sight of women parading around on stage usually would have done nothing for Michael but now… he couldn't help but let his eyes wander. An uneasy feeling developed in his stomach.

It wasn't suppose to be like this. He had been determined not to let the cold ambiance of Fox River State Penitentiary get to him. But he was helpless now as a young girl, not much older than 18, came towards him. He licked his suddenly arid lips.

"Come for a sneak peek of the show?" She asked, petting his shoulder.

He looked down at her hand and then back to her, "No." It was a weak answer. It had almost sounded like a choke.

"Then what can I do for you boys?"

Neither spoke. But stared at her wide eyed.

"Okay…" She pursed her lips, "Are…you…'special'?" She sounded each word out slowly.

Michael 's brows knitted together.

"I'll…be…back." She smiled and walked off.

"Nice going, Mike. She thinks we're psychotic ." Lincoln sighed.

"Hey, I didn't hear you join the conversation." He gave his brother a side-ways glance, "Besides we're not here for this."

"Okay, boys, I brought a friend." The young blonde walked back over, "This…is…my…friend…Hailey."

Sorry, this chapter took much longer than expected and isnt that long but I promise the next one is almost finished and is a lot lengthier. Thanks for the reviews and keep 'em comin'!