A Dark Place - Ch 4 - The Wedding
MIKE
15th September 1815, Connecticut
Mike closed the diary. He hadn't thought he would actually use it, but he had become more and more morose as the wedding day came closer. So he had searched for a distraction from his worries concerning Diana's presence at the wedding. He'd started to order his thoughts in this book. Soon the words had began to flow easily. He had started at the day that had changed his life - the day when he had fallen in love with Diana. He had written it all down; the two nights they had shared, the trouble he got in with Henry Wilmington, the whole year of imprisonment. Mike hadn't left out any romantic or gory details; spilling out his deepest secrets, hurt, fears, and scars that were on his soul. He would never allow anyone to read it, though he wondered what people might think of it if these pages would ever end in a book. Maybe a novel? He chuckled at the thought. Who would pay even a penny for this amount of tears and drama? Probably no one. Maybe some would see him with different eyes or even offer a few words of comfort.
It was the stuff a good story was made of, that he was sure of. The only problem was - it wasn't a story; this was his real life and he would be the happiest man alive if closing the book would turn this cold lonely reality into his dreamworld, and he could return to bed where Diana would be waiting to welcome him in her warm, loving embrace.
Mike sighed heavily, rubbing his tired eyes. Tomorrow was the wedding. He was still nervous but he would take it as it came and try to deal with it like an adult, like Wade wanted. He didn't want to ruin Wade and Clara's big day. He loved them both and wished them all the luck in the world. But he couldn't guarantee anything.
*** EST ***
16th September 1815 - Wilmington Farm
Mike had never seen Wade this nervous. He kept fumbling with his ascot and jacket and didn't stop pacing for even a second. Mike got up and stopped him from crossing the room again. "Wade, calm down. You know she'll say 'yes', so there's no reason to be so nervous."
Wade nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I know that. I don't know why I'm so stressed out. I just want this day to be perfect."
Mike patted his shoulder, looking into his friend's deep gray eyes. They were the same color as his sister's. Had she been nervous and happy the same way at her wedding? He had to forget about Diana at least for today. This day was about Wade and Clara. He had to keep his dark thoughts away from them. "You two are already perfect. Better to think about the wedding night so you have something to look forward to," Mike winked.
Wade gave him an eye roll that left him wondering. Had he missed something?
Bastian came in, "It's time Wade." Wade nodded and once again tugged on his jacket before walking past Bastian and heading out. Bastian shot Mike a glance. "You alright?"
Mike knew why his friend asked him. He turned away from him, biting his lips and balling his fists. Bastian had found Mike completely wasted in his room two days before when he had another breakdown about Diana. "I'll make it through the day, don't worry. I'll just pretend she's not there and look the other way as you said."
Bastian nodded, satisfied. "Good. Do you have the rings?"
Mike shot him a resentful look that Bastian thought him to be that incapable as to watch out for two rings. "Aye, I'm not stupid just because I'm heartbroken. Let's go." Sighing Mike headed out, followed by Bastian. They walked outside to the huge tent that had been erected around the deck for the celebration. It was beautifully decorated with roses and lights for the late evening hours.
*** EST ***
Wade and Clara were a wonderful couple. The ceremony was nice and Mike tried to concentrate on the pastor's words. He had spotted Diana with her husband and little boy in the first row of guests. It was the first time he saw her after two years and she looked even more stunningly beautiful than in his wildest dreams. His heart began to pound like it would jump out of his chest. He needed all his will to not turn and look at her again.
After their vows, the pastor's blessing, and the official kiss of bride and groom, the guests began to congratulate Wade and Clara. Mike took the first opportunity to vanish from the crowd before he had to face Diana.
Mike walked straight behind the barn not far from the house. He met no one on his flight. All were in the garden. Wade would forgive him for leaving that fast, but he just couldn't stay. He strode further along the path winding through the extensive property. Claiming the first bench he found, he tried to calm down. With shaky hands he pulled out the flask from his inside pocket, gulping half the whiskey he had put in it this morning. Desperately sighing, he ran a hand over his face. "Fuck, you are so pathetic, Campbell," Mike scolded himself, staring out at the bright green world around him while he fought to keep his tears at bay.
He lost track of the time and only frowned as he saw he had emptied the little bottle of whiskey he had as his emergency reinforcement. His thoughts got even darker than before and left him brooding and in an unfitting mood to celebrate the wedding of his best friend and Brother.
He heard people talking not far away from his position. Since the main part of the wedding was over other guests started walking around the grounds. He couldn't hide in private any longer. Mike had to get it together. He got up and brushed his dark wavy bangs to one side of his forehead and sighed, the effect of the whiskey already dissolved. It didn't matter, he would go on and imbibe the champagne Henry Wilmington had paid for.
His mind still drifted around Diana as he walked around the next hedge and bumped into someone lost in thought. "Oh I'm so sorry, Miss …" He started apologizing while preventing the lady he had absently ran into from falling. His heart nearly stopped. It was none other than Diana.
"Diana!" Mike breathed, suddenly unable to catch another breath. His mouth opened slightly and his eyes showed surprise and shock. Of course it must be her he stumbled into first, and now she stood in front of him - his love - his life - the lost part of his heart that didn't stop hurting him every second.
"Mike!" she answered, overwhelmed.
The world around them faded to nonexistence. Her beautiful scent was all around him and brought the memory to life when he had spent the night with her at the Beltane feast - when he had loved her, tucked her into his Tartan, held her in his arms the whole night. It felt like a knife through his heart. She wasn't his anymore.
"I'm … I'm sorry Diana I didn't mean to run into you. Did I hurt you?" he apologized, taking a step back from her.
"No, uhm, no I'm alright." She looked at him for another moment, studying him closely.
"I heard you were a prisoner of war in Canada," she stated awkwardly.
Mike felt the same. "Uhm, aye, I … sadly when I made it home I found nothing the way it should have been."
Diana reached out her hand and touched him gently on his cheek where his latest scar was visible. "Are you okay?" She looked close to tears now, "I'm so sorry Mike I …"
Before either of them had a chance to say more a small boy ran towards her, screaming loudly and laughing. "Mama, Mama!" Spreading his arms wide for an embrace.
Diana broke the gaze, picking up the little one from the ground to put him on her hip. She didn't care about her fine skirt getting dirty. Then she turned back to Mike with a love for the boy in her eyes that broke him again. "This is Cole, my son. Cole, this is Mike Campbell. He is … a close friend of your Uncle Wade.
Mike didn't know what to say. Should he be happy for her that Tanner had gotten her pregnant as she showed him their child, beaming in joy? He had been hardly able to control his feelings before, but now … the hurt he felt drove him over the edge.
"Hello Mike," the kid said, giving him an innocent trustful smile.
Mike looked at him, forcing a smile, only to find his gaze caught in the boy's bright blue eyes and his anger was washed away. "Hey, buddy." He didn't have a chance to think about the 'why'.
Everything after that moment happened so fast. A man approached the three, putting a hand around Diana in a possessive manner. Mike took a step back, or it would have looked inappropriate.
"Diana, Cole and I searched for you, but I see he found you first." Then he turned to Mike. "I'm Marcus Tanner, and you are?" Tanner held out his other hand to Mike.
He just stared at Tanner for a moment but accepted his hand in the end, gripping it with as much force as he could bring to his hand. Mike pulled him a little closer, adding his name. "Mike Campbell, finally we meet." He hoped it hurt at least a little. The guy looked in no way like a fighter or hunter. More like a man for a feather than a sword. The flinch in Tanner's gaze reaffirmed him in this.
Breaking the handshake, Tanner brought his left hand around the other, rubbing it. The hate in his eyes was hard to miss. Obviously he knew exactly who was standing in front of him. "I see. Diana, it's time to head back to the others." He nodded curtly at Mike. "Mr. Campbell."
They turned, the boy in Diana's arms looked at him over her shoulder until they vanished around the corner. Mike remained frozen in place , feeling the old wounds in his heart rip open again. The heartache turned to hatred and desperation which left him in a furious rage.
With balled fists he stared around at the hedges. He could not stay at this party. It would kill him to see Tanner touching Diana again. He heard footsteps approaching him.
"Mike, I was looking for you." Bastian's hand touched his shoulder in a friendly manner.
He didn't look up. He couldn't face anyone at the moment. He had no control over his feelings anymore.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Bastian asked.
Mike growled, "I'll kill him."
Bastian's voice was concerned now, "What? Who?"
"Tanner," Mike pressed out.
Bastian spoke, surprised now, "Wait, you talked to him? Mike it's time to let this go. She's been married for over two years. I told you to avoid Diana and her husband."
This was just too much for Mike. His world came crashing down again. Bastian would forgive him.
The punch was fast and hard and Bastian's nose immediately started bleeding. He stumbled back, nearly crashing to the ground, totally unprepared for Campbell's outburst.
His friend gave a short surprised outcry, wiping his nose. "Fucking bastard. I've had enough of your moods. You need to get a good dressing-down."
Summers threw himself on Mike. They ended up on the grass, fighting. Bastian beat him over and over again. Mike didn't even try to protect himself. He wanted to be punished for being a foolish soldier. He should have taken Diana after he had climbed up to her room that night and ran away with her. He had been such an idiot. He deserved every punch.
Bastian realized his friend didn't try to block him in any way and stopped. "God, Mike! I have no clue how to help you but this is not the way. Don't you ever use me again to punish you!" Bastian gave him a hard shove before he released Mike's lapel, storming way, angrily.
Mike rolled over to his side, his jaw hurt thoroughly. Who had he tried to fool? He was obviously not able to deal with this like an adult. One look into her eyes had been enough to destroy all the fragile walls of protection his heart had been able to build. He turned toward the wide farmland. He would hide at the little pond in the distance to cool down and clean up a bit before he grabbed his horse and left.
*** EST ***
DIANA
Diana left Cole with her mother in the garden telling her that Marcus wanted to speak with her. He had ranted about her meeting Mike the whole way back to the house. She had never seen him so angry.
Marcus had his hand clutched around her arm so tight on their way upstairs in the house it hurt. "Marcus, you're hurting me. Let me go!" With a last rough shove he forced her into their room inside of Wilmington Farm.
Then Marcus only grabbed harder spitting angry words at her. "How dare you speak to him! I told you I don't want to see him anywhere near you. What did you tell him?"
"Nothing, we met by chance and just said hello. What do you think of me? I did nothing wrong!"
Marcus came closer. "I hope so. I forbid you to have any kind of interaction with him." He gave her another hard shove that made her stumble and fall onto the bed.
Diana heard Marcus locking the door and coming closer. She hurried to get up into a sitting position. He was already there, cupping her chin with his hand.
"In case you might have forgotten whose wife you are, I'll remind you." He grabbed her wrists, pushing her to the bed. "I know you endure sharing the bed with me more than liking it. But when I'm done with you you'll beg me to be as gentle with you as I used to be."
Marcus was careful not to hit her in the face. If he hurt her elsewhere he didn't care. He ripped her underskirt and underpants in pieces and forced himself on her. She couldn't even scream or beg him to stop with his hand pressed over her mouth. He was right, it was so much worse than sharing the bed with him every week.
He left soon after he was satisfied, leaving her in a mess. If a simple talk to Mike had made him this angry, what would he do to her if he found out that she had given Clara a letter yesterday to give to Mike after they left?
She needed an hour to calm down and get back into a tolerable state. She was so ashamed that she had been raped by her own husband, if that was even possible, that she didn't want to face anybody again today. But Cole was still with her mother. He would ask for her and she needed her little morning star so desperately now; to have him in her arms and finding comfort in the little soul.
She checked her appearance in the mirror a last time before she headed out again. No one seemed to have missed her. She found her mother sitting alone at a table watching the couples dance. "Mother, where's Cole?"
"Oh Diana, I hope your headache is better after some rest. Marcus took him to play cards with him. He asked several times about you before Marcus came."
Diana swallowed hard. When has Marcus ever shown any interest in Cole? Her stomach turned as she thought of the possibility that he would even now take her son from her and she could do nothing to stop it.
*** EST ***
GEORGE
"Here, you have to calm down," George ordered, handing Bastian a wet cloth to clean the blood from his face.
"Damn scottish bastard. He is out of control like a rabid dog," Bastian swore. "What have I ever done to him?"
"He knows you are the only one who will forgive him," George answered.
"Now I feel much better."
George gave him a pitiful look. Bastian was right, he had not deserved getting his nose broken by his friend and yet George knew Bastian had already forgiven Mike. "Do you have any idea where he is?"
"No, but I bet he left Wilmington Farm." Bastian mumbled nasally while cleaning the last blood stain from his mouth.
"I'll check on him later when we're at home. We better not tell Wade about this today."
Wade burst into the kitchen staring at them. "Are you alright? I felt an itch from my ring. He then saw Bastian's state. "Bastian, who did this?"
George patted Bastian's shoulder, answering Wade. "Have you seen Mike leaving?"
"What? Mike hit you? Why?" Wade asked, caught off guard. "I should have known that one of you would find a way to make this day special." Wade came closer inspecting Bastian's face disappointedly. Then his gaze went to his bloody knuckles. "Looks like Mike also got a few punches from you."
"He practically begged for it," was all Bastian said. Wade shot George a puzzled look.
George explained it to Wade. "Mike met Diana and Marcus. I don't know what they talked about, but I'm sure Mike didn't like it. Looks like he left."
Wade sighed, frustrated. "Wonderful. I can't leave my own wedding to babysit a grown up man."
George patted Wade's shoulder. "Give him some space. He has to calm down. If he isn't back at the Summers' after the wedding I'll search for him. That should be enough time to get his head straight."
"Ok. I hope he stays out of trouble."
*** EST ***
MIKE
Mike spurred his horse to a fast pace toward Hartford. As he rode into town he had calmed a bit but not enough to just head home. To be alone would be as bad as if he had stayed at the wedding. He needed people around him who didn't remind him of her. The Old Barrel would be fitting enough.
He visited occasionally with George. It was cozy in a way. The tavern was like a winded wooden labyrinth with carvings and lots of tables, and a long counter with large barrels behind it from which the bartender poured finest whiskey.
The house also held a brothel in the upper level. George often spent his evenings here and always tried to convince Mike to find some female company himself - so far without success.
He claimed a bar stool at the counter and ordered a whiskey even though he probably already had enough alcohol at the wedding. So be it; he just wanted to forget who he was and what he had been through at the moment.
Three glasses later he still didn't feel any better. Grumpy, brooding and intoxicated, he held his glass firm like a lifeline until a soft female hand touched his arm.
"Hey, are you alright? You're George's friend Mike, right? Is he with you?"
Mike looked at the woman. He knew her from here. She was one of the whores George likes to stay the night with. "'m fine. He's at a weddin' today. S'ry," he slurred while lifting his glass to take another sip.
She stopped him midway with her hand. "I think you should stop drinking for today. Usually you watch out for George. I never saw you this drunk. How about you spend your money on something you'll remember? Maybe I can help you with this something?"
Mike looked at her closer. She was young and pretty with dark hair. She almost looked a bit like Diana. Mike felt so endlessly lonely today. Why shouldn't he find some solace in her arms tonight. No one would blame him and he could feel bad about it tomorrow. At least for tonight he could care for his needs and fill the hole inside of his heart with some physical love.
He let her take him upstairs, not knowing that she had dumped the little group of men at the other table to flee to him, a man she knew who would at least treat her like a human being with at least a minimum of respect, maybe even too drunk to take her.
She closed the door, letting out a breath of relief. Mike was way too drunk to register her strange behavior.
The room was quiet and warm. The bed looked inviting with soft pillows in different kinds of red hues. On the opposite wall was another door, probably a backdoor to the outer stair he knew was on the back of the building. "How many glasses of whiskey will you cost me?" Mike blurted out uncharacteristically direct.
She came closer, taking off her loose fitting dress that slid soundlessly to the ground. Mike couldn't take his eyes off her beautiful well shaped body, feeling his own arousal grow.
Slowly she approached him, pushing her naked body against his. "Let's say I'll save you from an evil hangover and at least five more glasses of the best Scottish Whiskey." Mike put the money on her sideboard.
Satisfied with the payment she began running her fingers through his dark hair which sent comforting shivers down his spine. Mike closed his eyes and let her touch him. Her fingers traced along his neck over his chest where she opened his vest and the buttons of his shirt before she tried to brush it down over his muscular shoulders. Mike flinched and stopped her for a second, which made her look him in the eyes questioningly.
He hadn't let anyone touch him like this since he had returned from Quebec. He felt insecure and vulnerable without a shirt.
"It's okay, whatever you are hiding. It won't scare me."
Mike let her go on. If she was caught off guard about his scars, she didn't show it in any way. Skillfully she touched him and he let himself fall; enjoyed her and touched her too.
He closed his eyes, relaxing somewhat. When he opened his eyes again he only saw Diana in front of him. Rolling them both over on the mattress, he pushed into her with as much gentleness as he could muster at the moment. Mike felt her so close around him, so wonderful, warm, and soft. "I love you, Diana," he whispered into her ear, beginning to move faster until he came inside her.
Breathing exhaustedly, he rolled off her, only feeling satisfied for a moment before realizing where he was and what he had done. Mike felt horrible, staring at the wooden ceiling for two more intakes of breath, before he rolled up and grabbed his pants and slid into them, searching for the rest of his clothes.
"Who is Diana?" the whore asked.
Mike whirled around. Had he said the words aloud earlier? "It's not your concern. I have to go."
"You don't have to. I can offer more than just love. I'm a good listener. Come." She offered her embrace.
Mike was hesitant to take the offer, but his hurting broken heart soon won the battle between loneliness and a comforting embrace - no matter from whom. He let her take him in her arms. They stayed like that for a few minutes before Mike told her about Diana. It was not much, just enough to understand the whole drama. He shed silent tears in her arms, falling fast asleep.
*** EST ***
MIKE
The door burst open forcefully and three men from downstairs stormed inside. Mike was startled from sleep. One of them grabbed the girl from his side. Another one pushed Mike's clothes into his arms and told him to leave.
The first man shoved the whore to the sideboard. "Our turn, sweetheart. We waited long enough and already paid for the service downstairs."
"Ouch, you're hurting me, this wasn't the deal. I told you I'll let you know when you can have me."
Mike needed a second to understand what was happening. He threw his things on the chair next to him and grabbed the guy's shoulder. "Hey, you heard her. Let her go!"
He glared at Mike, inspecting the brandings on his torso, "Get your things and keep out of here, British whore."
Mike hit him hard. No one called him British-anything and he definitely was nobody's whore. The guy was knocked out right away and hit the floor heavily. The other two grabbed Mike and a fight broke loose. Mike dived away under the next punch but got hit by the other guy and stumbled against the back door. They didn't give him time to breathe before they beat him so hard the door behind him gave way and broke off the hinges. Mike fell. One of his enemies grabbed him by his hair and gave him a kick that made him fall down the stairs. He tried his best not to hurt himself and landed awkwardly on one foot and knee on the ground.
His ribs hurt from the kick and a mean stitch ran through his side. The two were already over him and twisted his arms behind his back. Mike struggled but couldn't get free. They dragged him to the nearby horse trough and pushed him down.
He heard them laughing. "Time to cool down a bit, asshole."
Mike was pushed under the surface into the world of his nightmares. Desperately he tried not to breathe. He couldn't hold on much longer. He would die and maybe it wasn't that bad at all. All the pain he felt everyday would stop. He didn't have to play happy. He didn't have to hide his wounds that won't heal anymore. The moment when he was ready to give up, his arm got free. His body still fought to live. Instinctively he pushed back from the water and took a deep breath of air.
The girl from earlier was there, clinging to the arm of one of the two men. "Let him go!"
The man slapped her so hard that she fell to the ground, holding her bleeding cheek.
Mike had always had a problem with someone beating a woman. He whirled around, twisting the arm of his last captor and brought him to a brutal fall. The man stayed on the ground, holding his shoulder while writhing in pain. He would no longer be a threat.
Mike turned to the other one, already about to hit the girl again. He jumped on him full force and brought them both to the ground fighting. The man punched into his injured ribs which made Mike cry out in pain. Mike spotted the knife on the belt of his opponent and seized the opportunity to turn the tables. Pulling it from the leather sheath, he cut deep into the man's upper thigh. His opponent cried out in pain and let go of him. Mike dropped the blade and straddled the asshole. He felt so much hatred and pain in his soul that he let his feelings take over. Beating the shit out of the man in front of him felt like ripping free from invisible shackles. All the noises around him faded; there was only him, the blood of his enemy and all the bitter agony he carried inside of him that now broke free.
Then something hit him hard on the head. He felt a blinding pain before everything went black.
*** EST ***
MIKE
He opened his eyes a crack and felt the firm grip on both his arms as two men dragged him into a building. A groan escaped him, alarming the two who held him upright.
"He's waking up. Hurry, into the cell with him. I saw him fighting like the devil himself."
Cell? No! NO! Never again! NO! Mike opened his eyes wide. His brain came to life, telling his muscles to fight. He saw the bars of the cell inside the police office coming closer. "NO! Let me go! I did nothing wrong. No!" he screamed, bracing his feet against the door frame they just were about to pass. Mike tried to wriggle out of their hold. One of the policemen didn't hold him firm enough and Mike tore free, punching his elbow into the man's face. He spun around, trying to get free from the second one.
"Charlie, help us here!" the other one screamed. Another one came running to them, swinging a baton at him. He hit Mike in his ribs again and he went to the ground unable to breathe. They dragged him further into the cell, leaving as quickly as possible to escape this crazy creature and locked the door.
Mike raised a hue and cry to let him go. He rattled at the bars, screamed, begged, screamed again, until he finally gave up. Sliding down along the cold bars, exhausted, intoxicated, beaten, wet, half naked, and so alone, he rolled into a ball on the stone floor. His mind was back in Quebec and he couldn't help but feel totally scared.
*** EST ***
GEORGE
They said their goodbyes to Wade and Clara in the late evening. George gave Clara a tight hug, whispering in her ear, "Take good care of our Guardian, my dear. I'm glad he has you at his side now. Good night," George winked at her with an amused grin.
Next he turned to Wade, pulling him tight too. "Enjoy your wedding night, my friend."
Wade gave him a lopsided grin but suddenly hissed in pain. "Ah," he stared at his hand.
"What's wrong?" George asked concernedly.
Wade shot Bastian a gaze. George saw him rubbing his hand too. "It must be Mike. He is already in trouble. I feel he is in pain. I'll come with you."
"No, you stay here. He probably only started a bar fight."
Wade kept rubbing his hand but nodded at his Advisor, "Go and find him, George. Stay with him if necessary. I'll check on him tomorrow."
George gave him a nod. "Don't worry. I'll find him."
He already had one or two ideas where to look for Mike if he hadn't gone to the Summers' yet.
George didn't wait for the Summers' to ride to Hartford and rode ahead. He didn't find Mike there. George had told Bastian to stay home with his parents, in case Mike would show up. He didn't want him to be alone for much longer. In George's opinion Mike had had enough time to calm down by now. And if Wade was right, their friend already had found trouble.
Arriving at the Old Barrel, George talked to some of the patrons including the whore. He heard about Mike fighting with the Nelson Brothers about the girl. George hadn't seen Mike with a girl since he fell in love with Diana. But it seemed like everyone has his breaking point. Who'd have thought it was meeting her again.
Harris headed to the police station with Mike's clothes tucked under his arm. "Damn idiot," he swore under his breath. It wasn't often that George had to save Campbell's ass, but when he caused trouble, he never did it half-hearted.
He entered, turning to the man at the counter. He knew him. They had played cards together a while ago. "Good evening, Hector."
"Ah, George, right? What can I do for you?"
George saw a fresh shiner was blooming on Hector's eye. "Uhm, I'm searching for my friend. I heard you brought him here after he was involved in a fight with the Nelson Brothers."
Hector disgruntledly huffed, "Involved? Yes! You can call it that. And you say this crazy being who beat Jimmy Nelson unconscious and stabbed his brother is your friend?"
"I didn't know he acted out that badly. I assure you he is a good person. He had a pretty bad day and wasn't himself. You know the Nelson Brothers. I'd not call them upright citizens." George hoped he would be able to convince Hector to let him take Mike with him. "Can I see him?"
Hector looked annoyed but grabbed the keys for the cell section. George followed him into a hallway to the cells.
The picture that greeted George was a pitiful one. Mike lay rolled into a ball on the hard stone floor of the cell. His shoulders quivered from silently crying and he incessantly whispered something. George felt guilty. He should have searched for Mike earlier. He had never seen Mike like this. "What's wrong with him?"
"I thought you had an idea. He freaked out as we tried to lock him away. He fought us tooth and nail. He did this." Hector pointed at his black eye.
"I'm really sorry that he hurt you. He's usually not like that." George studied Mike for another moment before he forced his gaze off him. "Can I take him with me? I promise, I will watch out for him."
"No way! He isn't going anywhere until he sobers up. If he is still violent then, he will be brought to the judge."
"Hector, please, I know him. He is like a brother to me. The judge really isn't necessary in this case."
"Maybe, but as I told you he needs to sober up first."
"Can you open the cell? I want to at least stay with him. He was a prisoner of war in Quebec. I'm afraid this trip to the prison could force back some bad memories."
Hector crossed his arms in front of his body. "Hm. That explains the scars. Okay, you can stay with him, but only because I know you to keep your word. No outbreak attempts, understood?"
"Of course not. I just wanna help to calm him down."
Hector began searching for the right key, then looked up again. "Are these his clothes?"
George nodded. "You can go through it. He has no weapons in them. We were at a wedding earlier."
George offered the pack of clothes and Hector checked them. Then he turned and opened the cell to let George in. "You sure you want to be in there with him?"
George turned in the cell, looking at Hector. "I know him. He has been through so much. And today … well, everyone has his breaking point. He won't harm me. And I will not let him down."
"As you wish. Good luck. See you tomorrow." Hector left the cell section to return to his desk.
George sighed. Unsure, he approached his friend, touching him on the shoulder.
Mike jerked away, staring up at him in total fear.
"Mike? It's me - George. Let me help you."
TBC
