Michael's cell phone rang with a number he didn't recognize. It was evening, Charlotte was back home with Veronica, and Sara was cleaning up from dinner. Michael almost hadn't realized his phone was even buzzing, he figured that the dull sensation was just his brain, his fried nerves finally spazzing out. But no, his phone was actually vibrating in his pocket. Sara seemed to notice too, glancing up from the sink with a questioning look.
"Who is it?" she asked.
His brows narrowed, "Not sure."
Under normal circumstances he never answered from numbers he didn't recognize- if it was important, they'd leave a message. But he didn't have that luxury right now.
"Hello?" he answered reluctantly.
"Hello Michael," a voice returned.
"Kellerman," he sighed, slightly relieved. He saw Sara's shoulders relax a bit too as her focus returned to the dishes, though he was certain she'd be listening.
"I'm sure you know why I'm calling," Kellerman started.
"Were you able to make the arrangements?"
"I was, but it might not be as quick as we'd hoped."
Michael's heart leapt into his throat and stuck there, "How…how much later are we talking?"
"Well, I-"
"-we have a deadline," Michael interrupted, the lump in his throat being forced away by his panic, "a very specific deadline, we can't push this off-"
"-I know, I know," Kellerman soothed, "look I'm not saying this will take weeks but there's a process."
Exasperated, "We don't haveweeks,we havedays,and I," his eyes darted up and landed on Sara, her hands frozen mid-air holding a plate, eyes wide. He lowered his voice, trying to dampen the audible panic, "we have to do this as soon as we possibly can. Tomorrow.Maybethe next day."
Kellerman hesitated, his voice apologetic, "I'll try to push this thing through as fast as I can, but Ihighlydoubt it'll be tomorrow. The day after would be the best-case scenario."
Softly, gripping the phone, "Please. Whatever you have to do."
"I'll be in touch."
Michael dropped the phone back into his pocket and stared blankly ahead, his knees sinking so he landed softly on the couch. His mind was somehow blank and yet scrambling frantically at the same time, his eyes resting out the window but not really seeing anything. Footsteps approached him from behind, but he didn't register them, not for what they were. His ears heard them, but his mind didn't process the information until he felt two hands resting on his shoulders from behind, and a kiss being pressed on the top of his head.
"Why the delay?" Sara asked simply.
"He uh, he didn't say," Michael answered quietly, "process, paperwork…I don't know."
He was sotiredof procedures and processes. There was a child's life at stake, but God forbid they blew through some red tape and actually do what was necessary to save him. It shouldn't be this complicated.
"You gonna get that?" Sara asked.
Confused, "Huh?"
"Your phone is ringing again," she informed him patiently.
Genuinely surprised, "Oh," he pulled it out of his pocket and saw the same number from moments ago, "Hello?"
"So uh, we have a slight problem…" Kellerman began.
Michael's heart sank, and he knew he couldn't do this alone; he pressed the button to put it on speaker for Sara to hear, sparing him from having to relay whatever depressing message Kellerman was about to give them.
"Jacob is in the hospital."
They both leaned forward, "What?" Michael asked.
"Yea, apparently an hour or so ago he got transferred there."
"What for?" Sara asked.
"They just said, "a significant injury.""
Sara visibly racked her brain, "Must be really significant if they actually shipped him out."
"So, what does that mean, how does this change things?" Michael asked.
"Well, we can't take him in for questioning if he isn't stable. I can't know for sure but I'm assuming he'll need surgery for whatever it is and end up in recovery for a day or two."
Sara looked at Michael with a furrowed brow and mouthed, "T-bag?"
Michael considered briefly and shook his head, replying quietly, "No I don't think he'd do anything, not after I told him why he shouldn't."
"Sorry?" Kellerman asked, unable to hear Michael's hushed words.
"Nothing," Michael dismissed, "just uh…" he paused to think.
"I'll see if I can find out anything more, and I'll let you know as soon as I do," Kellerman finished. Michael's gaze was fixed again, the phone in his hand but clearly unaware that Kellerman was aiming to end the conversation.
"Thank you," Sara replied and hung up for him.
"This doesn't make sense," Michael stated as Sara grabbed the phone from his still elevated hand and set it on the coffee table. She moved in front of him and then beside him, plopping down on the couch to face him.
"Jacob was planning on taking Mike to Panama," Michael remembered.
"So we think," Sara replied as she propped her head against her fist.
Michael shrugged dismissively, "I doubt they anticipated the F.B.I looking into Emily's search history. If the whole Panama plan was a misdirect it was a pretty long shot on their part," then with certainty, "he was planning on Panama."
Sara shrugged again, clearly not convinced that that long shot is something they wouldn't have taken, but she prompted him to continue, "And?"
He shook his head, "Why would he do this? What's his game?"
Sara looked a bit taken aback, "You thinkhedid this? Injured himself?"
Michael tilted his head as if surprised by his own interpretation of events, realizing that he'd assumed as much from the start, "I guess so, I just thought…he's usually pretty in control. Everything that happens to him is usually a result of careful planning."
"It could have been another inmate," she suggested, "that's normally what happens."
"T-bag said that Jacob had a gang, people who protected him."
She shrugged, "Nobody's perfect."
He exhaled audibly, "I guess. But still, either way…if he's recovering from surgery on the deadline…I don't know what that means for any of us."
They both sat in silence for a moment, thinking.
After a while, Sara asked, "I'm guessing that Paul doesn't know what hospital he's at…"
Michael's eyes shot up to meet hers, "You aren't thinking of talking to him?"
She sighed, "I mean, how else can we find out what this means for us?," with a defeated tone, "but it's a moot point…we'll never be able to figure out where he is anyways. Privacy rules."
"I'm really tired of rules," he sighed and leaned forward.
Sara put a hand on his back, moving it up and down absentmindedly as her neck craned to the side and her gaze ventured outside to where the sun was setting, the darkness settling in earlier and earlier every night as summer started to lose its grip.
She sighed, "There's no way I'm going to sleep tonight."
He smirked, "Me neither."
She eyed him carefully, "You know that thinking about this all night won't solve anything, yea?"
"How do you mean?"
"I mean we're missing several key pieces of information, like how long Jacob will be gone, and what happens if the deadline comes and goes while he's still recovering," eying him carefully, "no amount of thought can answer that for us."
Reluctantly, "I guess."
She scooted a bit closer, leaning her head onto his shoulder, "I'm just saying maybe instead of thinking all night we could spend some time together."
"Ohhh, I get it," he started to tease, "you want to, what? Play board games?"
He felt her smile against his shoulder, "Anything is better than stewing in this, driving ourselves crazy."
A small smile as he wrapped his arm around her, answering her request by pulling her closer and kissing her hair, knowing she was right, and knowing that that shouldn't surprise him.
XXXXXXX
"Oh, thank God," Veronica didn't even try to hide her relief as she hung up the phone, having just received the best possible call from the hospital: Lincoln would be released today. She knew it would be a bumpy road of recovery- he was still on antibiotics and pain meds, the dressing would have to be changed and the stitches kept clean, but that was small potatoes compared to dealing with her increasingly irritated and stir-crazy husband. He'd be home. He could keep himself busy with helping around the house and before long he'd be back to work.
He told her the other day when she was visiting that he was actually looking forward to housework- mowing the lawn, he'd even mentioned doing dishes and helping out in the kitchen. The memory made her smile and yet, she felt like in a day or two those desires would fade and he'd be back on the couch watching football. She'd politely point out that, "You could've done that during your hospitalization," and"don't you remember how much you missed being productive?"Hint hint. He'd brush it off and deem his past self to be crazy, and everything would be back to normal. She was ready for all of it.
Charlotte was ready too, but Veronica was going to save Lincoln's homecoming as a surprise. The day ahead was fairly normal- daycare for Charlotte and work for Veronica, but when Vee picks up Charlotte tonight, they'll make a special trip to the hospital and bring him home.
"You ready?" she asked Charlotte, who was grabbing her backpack.
"Ready," she confirmed, and they headed out the door.
XXXXXX
"Please, I really need to make a phone call," Jacob laid on the charm to his nurse.
"I'm sorry, they were very clear- no visitors and no phone calls," she nodded towards the guard stationed outside his door.
"So, I have to just be in here all alone until…until I have to go back to that place?"
She smirked as she checked a few things, "You're not alone, you've got me," and then turned to walk out the door.
Great,he thought,no way to contact Emily.
He'd anticipated this. He'd communicated with her ahead of time to plan the date and time she should anticipate picking him up and aiding his escape, but it wasn't an exact science. She needed to be vigilant- keeping tabs on him and his recovery to know when he was set to be shipped back to Fox River. He didn't know the details of her sleuthing, but he trusted her. She had the resources and capabilities to do it, and she hadn't failed him yet. Mike was exactly where they wanted him and now Jacob was too.
He glanced down at his leg, fully wrapped and gloriously numb. Whatever pain meds they had him on, he'd certainly miss them once he was out and on his own, but he'd just have to deal with it when the time came. He couldn't be sure how much longer he had to recover, but knowing the way the prison system operated, they wouldn't let him stay in the hospital any longer than absolutely necessary-
"-I hate to do this," the nurse came back in, "but I hear they're moving you back today."
Shocked, "Today? I justhad surgery."
"The guard says, "move 'em in, move 'em out,"she shrugged, "you're stable enough but they'll have to keep an eye on you."
"Ijusthad surgery," he repeated, mind scrambling, wondering and hoping that there was a slim chance Emily would be ready. This couldn't all be for nothing.
"Sounds like you'll be here until evening or so, then they'll move you back," her eyes became sympathetic, "I'm sorry. If there's anything you need before then just let me know."
"A phone call," he asked again.
She shook her head, "Ican't.I don't make those rules."
She left the room, and left him alone with his thoughts. Jesus Christ, tonight? There's no way. Even if Emily managed to get him out how could he expect to flee the country like this? Could he even walk? He'd give it a try but the handcuffs linking him to the bedframe prevented any attempts.
This was a disaster, and his blood started to boil.
Not having access to the resources he was used to in the free world was infuriating. His mind darted to Michael, having escaped countless penitentiaries with the same scarcity of resources that Jacob had now. He didn't want to be impressed by it, and when he felt that inclination creeping into his consciousness, he squashed it. He had to win, but right now? He was helpless, at the mercy of Emily and the prison system, and it was absolutelynothis favorite place to be.
XXXXXXX
Emily was at home when her phone rang. She answered, "Hello?"
"Hey, this is Lacey from the hospital, you asked for updates on Jacob?"
A smirk, "Yes, anything new?"
Emily had blackmailed one of the nurses. It was laughably easy, really. When you have access to endless private information, anyone can become a target. Sure, some people think they're innocent but everyone has secrets they'd rather keep tucked away and Lacey was no different. Plus, she was scheduled to work the next four days- Emily wasn't sure if she was Jacob's nurse, but she was at least a consistent presence on his floor, and it looked like it was paying off.
"He's being released tonight," she told Emily in a hushed tone, clearly not wanting to be overheard by the guard stationed outside Jacob's door.
Her brows shot up, "Tonight? That's fast."
"Yea, I thought so too, but they said he'll be gone by this evening," her voice trailed off, not knowing how much else to say, "so are we good, or?"
Emily rolled her eyes, "Yea we're good- your secrets are safe."
After today, you're worthless to me anyways,she added in her mind.
"Ok, uh…bye," and the line clicked.
The hesitation and fear of the nurse amused Emily but she didn't allow herself to linger on it- she needed to get moving. Fast.
XXXXXX
It was mid-morning when Michael stepped out of the shower. He'd gotten up early and went for a walk, enjoyed some coffee and managed a bit of breakfast, even though his appetite was pretty dismal these days. He'd finally gotten bored and was looking for anything to keep his mind even slightly occupied, so he decided a shower would feel good, or at least…not be irritating.
As he dried off and slipped on a shirt, he heard Sara coming up the stairs.
She entered their bedroom with his phone in her hand, "Kellerman called. I answered it."
"And?"
Shaking her head, "Not today. He said tomorrow is the earliest and that's what they're shooting for."
Michael ignored the queasy feeling that was now in his stomach and lowered his head, sighing as he put on a pair of jeans, "I'm not surprised, but…"
"I know," she commiserated, "and he hasn't heard anything more about Jacob."
"Mmm," he hummed, not having an actual response.
"Oh, and I talked to Veronica for a bit- I told her about Jacob, you know, since they've wanted updates on the whole Mike situation."
He nodded, "She tell Linc?"
"I think so, yea. Sounds like anything they can talk about besides how bored he is is a welcome distraction."
He chuckled, "Yea, I can imagine."
Sara moved closer and sat on the bed, "Bright side- Veronica said he's is being released today."
That lifted his mood a little, "Yea?"
Nodding, "He's going home tonight, I'm not sure when."
"Probably whenever Veronica gets out of work," he reasoned, "does she need any help getting him home?"
"Not that she mentioned. I'm sure they're just ready to be home as a family. I'll offer, but if I was her I'd just want a night with you and Mike."
The weight of that image hit him, how desperately he wanted a simple night at home with his family, the wife and child he'd spent far too many years away from, and how he still couldn't have it. He found himself gravitating towards Sara and sitting down next to her on the bed, knowing that being closer to her would make him feel more whole, despite the gaping, Mike-sized void that was around them all the time, threatening to swallow them up.
"I really want that too," he whispered, slipping his fingers between hers, "and I'm sorry."
She narrowed her eyes, "What for?"
He paused to consider his response. How could he possibly put all of his failings into words? All of his regrets?
"For not figuring it out in time, for not-"
"-nope. Stop," she retracted her hand from his and pointed accusingly, lovingly, "we've been through this. This isn't on you. Ever. Jacob did this, he," she huffed, sad and exasperated, "he didallof this. He robbed us ofyearstogether, of building the life that we'd fought so hard for-"
"-he still is, and I can't stop him," Michael countered with an intensity in his eyes, not allowing himself grace or forgiveness. Not yet.
"Maybe," she allowed, "maybeyoucan't stop him, but you aren't alone. Will you just," she grew visibly frustrated for the first time in a long time and her tone startled him into attention. He watched, listened-reallylistened as she continued, "will you just-Let. People. Help."A pause,"let us in. We're here, we're all here- me, your brother, Veronica, hell even Mahone and Kellerman are doing everything they can to help us get our boy back.Jacobdid this, not you, andyouaren't the one who needs to solve everything," her tone softened a bit, "That's not your burden. Not this time."
He sat, silenced by the impact of her words. Could it be true? Could he learn to rely on other people again? The notion was foreign, a deep discomfort. A threat. For years he'd had to look out for himself, to take his own safety and the safety of those he loved and keep it locked within his own mind and his own power. Relinquishing that control…it felt damn near impossible. Vulnerable.
When he finally looked up, he saw that vulnerability reflected back at him, in her eyes. She was scared- openly, shamelessly afraid, and in that moment, it made him feel like he could be too. Her willingness to fully express gave him permission to do the same and against every habit, every wall he'd built up, every meticulously practiced moment of keeping it all together, he felt his throat constrict.
His first reaction was horror. Keep it together, shut it down. Compose yourself. But he couldn't, and she saw.
Her arms were around him in a second and he actually retched a sob.
"It's okay, you're okay," she soothed, hugging him tighter as he buried his cheek into her shoulder. Crying was bad enough, but having his face out in the open while he did so would've been unbearable. Instead, he found refuge in the soft fabric of her sweater, soaking up the tears as they fell, and gripping around her waist, allowing himself to grieve.
It had been a long time since he'd cried, and in the past when he did it was almost always alone. He wasn't embarrassed by it per say, but he just found it easier to fully give in, to allow his body the release of emotion when no one else was around to observe. This time felt different though, and he could sense the complete lack of judgement from her, radiating between their chests as she hugged him. She was offering company, silent comfort, with no need for him to explain or rationalize what he was feeling.
But what was he supposed to do? He couldn't bear the thought of sitting here and just waiting for Paul to arrange everything, not when he didn't know how long Jacob would be in the hospital. But whatcouldhe do?
A buzzing sound brought him back to the present and he realized Sara's phone was ringing. Or rather, his phone that was in her back pocket.
"Sorry," she muttered as she released her arms from around him and answered on speaker, "Hello?"
It was Kellerman, "Hey, I was finally able to get some info from the hospital."
"And?"
"He's being sent back to Fox River tonight."
"Tonight?" Michael asked again, sniffling.
"Yup. I should have the paperwork through by then, so in theory we could still transport him tomorrow but," his voice trailed.
"But what?" Michael asked.
He sighed, "I don't know, wouldn't it seem suspicious that we decide to bring him in right after he has a horrible injury?"
"Why would it?" Sara asked.
"I don't know it just, it's not the best timing. Besides, he'll be doped up on pain killers and immobile."
"The immobile part works in our favor," Michael pointed out, "a lot harder for him to run away."
"So, you still wanna move forward with this?"
"Do we have any other choice?" Michael asked sarcastically.
Kellerman sighed, "Alright, tomorrow it is. If all goes according to plan, he'll be back at Fox River tonight, and tomorrow hopefully by the afternoon I'll be able to swing by and pick him up and…"
"And we'll figure it out from there," Michael finished. He could feel Sara's eyes on him, no doubt she was still wondering what the end goal was here. Killing him? They'd have to find Mike first. Having Jacob dead but not having their son back would just be a different kind of hell.