A/N. I truly apologize for not updating in so long. My husband was just deployed to Iraq and I am recovering from cancer treatment. So, now that I have some personal issues resolved I will continue this story. Thank you all for being so patient with me and here comes the next chapter.
Just as Sydney's plane touched down Walker was arriving at Huntsville. Surveying the scene he took note of all the damage to the courtyard and the smoldering guard towers and gates. Realizing that this was truly as bad as Alex said. Based on the severity of damage he surmised that there were at least a dozen killed and who knows how many more wounded. It looked like a small war zone. No way Vasquez did this alone, someone helped him on the outside. Walker thought to himself as he exited his truck and started walking to what was left of the main entrance of the prison.
"Good to see you again, Walker. I'm sorry that it's not under better circumstances." A familiar voice spoke.
Turning slight left Walker immediately recognized Warden Baker and he extended his hand to greet him. Many times before Walker has personally met with Baker and this is no different.
"Good to see you as well. It looks like you had your share of chaos up here. I'm sorry for rushing you but can you take me through the events?"
"Well we are still interviewing a good number of the prisoners so our information is incomplete right now. What we do know is that Vasquez was able to enlist the help of a few prisoners and then killed them for their loyalty. It all boils down to a riot was started in the laundry and then a couple pipe bombs were detonated in Vasquez's cell and in the boiler room. This caused the alarms to sound and the next thing we knew a helicopter was practically knocking on our front gate. A few guards tried to shoot it down but the tower received a bazooka shell for their efforts. Walker, a few very good men died today. I can't figure out where I went wrong."
"I'd like to see his cell if I can Warden. Then I'd like to talk to some of the remaining prisoners and any guards that were on duty."
"I'll arrange it, let's go this way, it's the long way around but you don't have to trample over smoldering debris. We still have medics trying to clear and identify the bodies as well."
Rounding the corner of the next cell block Walker could smell the burning of mattresses, wood and flesh. He also smelled the dampness from the sprinkler system. The scene was enough to make anyone choke but Walker maintained his composure as he and Warden Baker made their way to Vasquez's cell. Baker stopped short of the cell to talk to a guard, relaying Walker's wishes and Walker stepped into the charred room. Looking around it was apparent that there was a pipe bomb set in the toilet and another one taped to the bottom of the bed. There were fragments of material from the mattress and pillow and several burnt pieces of paper along with a burnt desk. Everything was also still dripping wet from the rescue efforts. As he was searching the room Baker entered.
"Not much here to look at. It appears he was trying to get rid of something but we haven't been able to figure out what it was. Most everything in here was too burned, blown up or water soaked for us to make out."
"I think you're right, Warden. There isn't much here."
Just then Walker noticed that a piece of porcelain from the toilet was sitting on top of some papers that seemed to be in relatively good condition. Picking up the debris he carefully picked up the damp items. Taking them over to Warden Baker he dared not try to separate the papers since they're so wet he may destroy something that is crucial.
"Is there a place that I can lay these so we can dry them?"
"Should be able to take them to the chow hall and lay them under the heat lamp. What do you think they are?"
"I'd be willing to bet that these are his escape plans and possibly his plans on what he is going to do on the outside. After we take these to the chow hall do you think I could talk to a few of the prisoners?"
"I don't see why not. Most of them are in the infirmary with minor injuries so we'll go there after we start drying these out."
The two men exited the remains of the cell and proceeded to the chow hall. As they walked down the stairs a guard who was lurking in the shadows stepped out from behind them careful not to be noticed. He followed the duo close but not too close so he could get a bird's eye view of what was happening.
When the men entered the chow hall the Warden flipped the lights on at the warming table and Walker proceeded to gently lay the papers under the lights.
"Warden, I'd appreciate it if you stayed here with these. If they dry too much they might burn or they might stick together. Could you work on separating these while I talk –to –" Walker paused in his sentence looking down at the slop of papers he turned over on the table.
"What is it?"
"Look." Walker said as he pointed to the remains of a picture.
"Isn't that --?"
"Sidney" Walker interrupted Warden Baker. His hunch was right. Sidney was involved in Vasquez's plans somehow, but how exactly?
"I think I'll go talk to the prisoners now Warden. I'll meet you back here in about ten minutes or so. That should be enough time to decipher some of these papers. I know my junior ranger is involved in this somehow and time is critical."
"Alright, ten minutes it is. Do you remember how to get to the infirmary?"
"I do Warden. See you in ten." With that Walker exited the room.
The mysterious guard peeked his head out from around the corner watching Baker as he was carefully separating the dried ends of the slop of papers.