Stepping into the infirmary Walker saw the mealy of wounded bodies lain out on cots some so doped up on pain killers they were asleep. A guard noticed Walker and the Ranger badge so he made his way over to Walker to talk to him.
"Can I help you Ranger?"
"Name's Walker. I'm here to talk to some of the prisoners about what happened here a few hours ago."
"Warden Baker told us that you'd want to talk to a few of these low lives. I'd recommend starting with St. James here, he and Vasquez had a few run ins that cost each of them a few days in solitary."
"Thank you officer. Might I ask where you were when all this broke out?"
"Not at all. I was escorting another prisoner right here when the alarms sounded. Immediately as a safety precaution the infirmary doors lock along with several other key entry gates so I was locked in here with just a few sick scumbags and the doc there. The next thing I heard was loud screams, and big booms. The overhead lights began to sway and dressing trays were knocked over. When it was all said and done and the doors were unlocked I began helping transport these men here and helping the doc with whatever he needed."
"What was your impression of Vasquez?"
"I see his kind in here often. He eventually became the top dog in a very elite group of hardened criminals. Those who didn't agree with him ended up with an injury of some sort." Most of the cons didn't want anything to do with him when he almost killed St. James. The others who followed him, well, most of them were killed in the fray." Only one or two of them survived but they are very critical. We had to air lift them to a local medical facility."
"Thank you for your help officer. I'll talk to you later if I have any more questions." With that, Walker knelt down to St. James's cot and gently shook him awake.
St. James opened his eyes and saw another law man staring down at him.
"Whatever you want Ranger, I don't know nuttin', didn't see nuttin' and because I don't know nuttin' I got nailed with a piece of the wall for my troubles. Leave me be."
"I was told differently St. James. If you know what's good for you you'll cooperate."
"Or what?"
"Well, since you were seen in the company of Vasquez before you possibly could be blamed for this. I don't think a judge would have a problem adding a few more life sentences to your existing time for killing all these men."
"I told you that I don't know nuttin'. You can't pin this on me."
"Oh I can't? Just watch." With that Walker began to stand up to walk to the next cot. Before he could move another inch St. James grabbed his arm.
"Wait, I'll answer your questions."
"That's more like it. Now, tell me about Vasquez."
"I didn't like the creep. He tried to kill me once in the exercise room by pushing my barbell down on my throat while I was liftin'. He was one loose cannon and wanted everyone to know he was in charge. After that I tried to stay away every chance I got. I did walk by his crew in the courtyard and I overheard him say something about killing a lady ranger. I didn't know what he was talking about and figured that he couldn't do anything from behind these walls. That's all I know, honest."
"Okay, thanks." With that Walker left the infirmary hastening his steps back to the chow hall. After that conversation and the half burnt picture he knew that Sidney's life was definitely in peril. Hopefully the papers dried out and it will lead to something that would help the rangers find his whereabouts.
"What do you have there Warden?" Asked the guard, that had been lurking in the shadows.
Jumping at the voice because he thought he was alone he was quick to answer.
"Moore, I'm helping out Ranger Walker, we found these in Vasquez's cell and we're trying to determine what they are."
"Oh, did you find anything else in there?"
"No, just these, Walker thinks that one of his Rangers is in danger. We're hoping that these will lead to something."
"I understand and I'm sorry Baker."
"Sorry for wha-"
Just then Moore took out his billy club and hit Baker on the back of the head with it. Quickly grabbing the papers he dashed out of the room leaving the Warden on the floor unconscious.
A second later Walker stepped into the room. Sensing something was wrong he unsnapped the strap to his holster and drew his weapon.
"Baker? Baker? Are you here?" Walker called out as he walked around the table. Quickly noticing Baker on the floor he rushed to his aid.
"What happened?" Walker asked as the Warden was regaining conciousness.
"Moore. Officer Moore. He was asking me about the papers we found and the next thing I know I'm unconscious. Where are the papers?"
"They're not here. Moore must have taken them." Walker replied as he helped Baker to his feet and put his weapon back in the holster. "Can you stand? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine thanks. Moore obviously was in on this from the start. Now what do we do?"
"Can you get me the jacket on Moore? I've got to get back to headquarters and report what I found. You also need to get yourself to a hospital."
"Follow me to my office and I'll get you the jacket on Moore."
A few minutes later Walker had what he needed and he left the prison grounds. Tossing the jacket on the seat of his truck he began to piece together what he saw and what he knew of Vasquez. Walker was certain that Sidney needed protection but there were a lot of unanswered questions that need to be resolved and fast or he may loose one of the best assets to Ranger Company B in a very long time.