Chapter 133

A Taste of Freedom, Part I

. . .

As Albert drove up to the massive stone prison entrance, Nathan wasn't at all sure what to expect from this prisoner he had never met.

This same prisoner he had gone to so much trouble for to make this evening happen.

But the truth was Nathan would do anything to help Sarah and Scotty, including this, no matter how much red tape it had taken to tunnel through, including a special dispensation from Commissioner Anderson.

He wasn't sure how things would go, but Scotty deserved to have his Christmas wish filled, one way or another.

Though having seen the deplorable conditions this prisoner had caused his wife and son to live in, it was hard for Nathan to reconcile that the man really loved them.

Still, Nathan prayed that love was somehow still there within him.

The fact remained, whether the prisoner still had a love for his family or not, it was clear to Nathan that both wife and son still loved this man, even after all he had done, whether it was deserved or not.

"Albert, I won't be long. Any last-minute questions?"

"No, Sir! I'm good!"

"You're a good man, Albert. I appreciate you taking your night off to help me with this."

"It's my pleasure, Sir! Happy to be of service."

Nathan smiled in the dark.

While holding the bag containing the new suit in his arms, he turned and walked briskly up the broad stone stairs, nodding to the armed men at each side of the main entrance.

Albert watched as the massive doors opened and the Chief Inspector entered, noticing how quickly and firmly the doors closed behind him…


Inside, the Warden met the Chief Inspector just beyond the metal door, saluting the Officer first, then holding out his hand to shake his in welcome.

Nathan saluted back, then shook the man's proffered hand.

"Chief Inspector Grant, we are ready for you. Is there anything you need before we go back?"

"No, thank you, I'm fine, Warden Javis."

"Are your weapons loaded and ready, Sir?"

"They are."

"Are you sure you don't want guards to accompany you? We have two on standby just in case."

"I'm sure. My driver is trained in both weaponry and martial arts. And our vehicle is as secure as it gets. We also have Security Cars loaded with my team in front of us and behind. We'll be fine."

Nathan's instinct, which was seldom wrong, told him he needed this time alone with the prisoner, unhampered by listening guards.

Besides, he didn't want to make this any harder on the child than it was already going to be…


Across town, Lloyd pulled up in one of the Bradford limousines at the Sandringham Apartments, where Sarah and Scotty were anxiously waiting to go to Dinner with Millicent and Allie.

They had been standing just inside the doors of the front lobby but came out onto the covered portico as soon as the chauffeur got out of the car.

The pair waved excitedly as Lloyd smiled and opened the car door for both mother and son.

Millicent and Allie warmly welcomed the pair into the limousine genuinely and profusely, thrilled to see them.

"I hope you're both hungry! We're taking you to my father's favorite restaurant. As he likes to say, 'the best Prime Rib in all of Canada,'" laughed Millicent. "But the truth is, it really is the best!"

The restaurant was very nice but not so fancy that Sarah or Scotty would feel overwhelmed; Millicent had insisted on that.

However, Nathan had been the one to ultimately choose this restaurant because of the security of the private dining room, which he had gone over in minute detail when he had eaten there earlier with Edward and Allie.

"The food's so delicious," verified Allie. "You're going to love it, Scotty!"

"Sarah, you look beautiful! And Scotty, my, don't you look handsome."

"Thank you, Miss Millicent! I'm really excited," smiled Scotty. "I've never eaten in a fancy restaurant before, so I can't wait. But at least Mama told me all about what to expect. So now, I know how to mind my manners!"

"That's wonderful, Scotty," smiled Millicent. "Just relax, and you and Allie have fun together!"

"Thank you for the compliment, Millicent. You and Allie look beautiful, as always! And thank you so very much for giving Scotty and me this special dinner out! We really needed the distraction."

The children started chattering away as Millicent calmed Sarah into genuinely relaxing, assuring her that Scotty was going to be just fine.

Sarah turned, taking Millicent's hand, and whispered to her friend.

"Thank you, Millicent! This outing is the only thing that's brought a smile to Scotty's face since he's mentioned wanting to see his father. His first dinner at a fancy restaurant makes this night a really big deal to my boy..."


The Warden walked Nathan into the first lock-up area with two guards at their sides, weapons drawn.

The two men faced forward as the clang of the bars closed behind them, and they waited as another set of bars opened in front of them.

They advanced into the second lock-up area, the doors once again clanging loudly behind them as they waited for the next set of bars to open in front of them.

Upon opening, they were now in the central part of the prison.

Stark prison cells lined both sides of the area for as long as you could see on two separate levels.

Every time Nathan had to enter a prison, he couldn't help but think about his dad once being a part of this horrible darkness.

Knowing nothing about what was happening tonight, Sarah had still felt strongly enough to warn Nathan, if he ever did encounter her husband, to not share that his father had been in prison. Nathan, however, had instinctively known that wasn't something he could share with the man, even without her warning. Sarah, he trusted completely, but he didn't know her husband.

Besides Archie's imprisonment was his father's past, and he had worked hard to overcome it. Because of that, Archie deserved all that unpleasantness to stay in the family's private memories where they belonged. Although Nathan was sure, moments from his father's incarceration still came flooding back over his dad when he least expected it, even to this day.

If only Nathan could never think of the whole debacle again, as well!

He hated that no matter what, Scotty would also carry the same burden, the same scar.

If only Nathan could never think of the whole debacle again, as well!

He hated that no matter what, Scotty would also carry the same burden, the same scar.

Tonight, guards were spaced strategically throughout the length of the prison, on both sides and levels, in order to ensure order and quiet for their impressive guest.

Warden Javis then directed the Chief Inspector to a holding area, a small room to the right of them.

"The prisoner has already been dispatched," he noted in a low voice, gathering the set of double keys to open the door.

Inside were two more guards guarding a handcuffed and shackled prisoner, who had his head down, as protocol required.

With their legs spread in a firm, wide stance, Nathan stood by the Warden, who was directing the process, just inside the door, neither showing any emotion.

"Where are you taking me?" the prisoner asked blankly.

Neither man answered the prisoner.

Nor did the guards.

"You'll speak when asked and not before. I need you to change into this," instructed the Warden forcefully, nodding to Nathan to hand him the garment bag.

The first guard unlocked the man's shackles while the remaining guards had their loaded guns drawn, allowing the prisoner to take off his slippers and change into the pants he was handed, but right there in front of everyone with no privacy whatsoever.

Privacy was something that didn't exist in prisons as protocol altogether forbade it, presumably for safety reasons though possibly, just as much so for control.

Thankfully, at the last moment of shopping, Nathan remembered that prisoners wore only slippers and were allowed no suitable shoes, so he also purchased a brand-new dress pair along with dress socks.

Millicent had been the one to remind him to get a shirt and tie. No belt or suspenders were allowed, however. If the pants needed any reinforcement, they would be pinned, another safety precaution.

Once the prisoner's new pants were on, he was instructed to place the socks and shoes on his bare feet, one at a time, then the guard quickly shackled his legs just as before, although more loosely so as not to wrinkle the suit pants.

The second guard then unlocked the handcuffs as the Warden handed the prisoner his new shirt.

The prisoner was becoming more rattled by the moment, not knowing what was happening.

All he knew was that this was highly irregular.

Bizarre, even!

Nathan could see the fear in the prisoner's eyes as he slipped on his shirt and wondered how it felt to him, knowing the prisoner had caused that same type of fear of the unknown, only worse, in the eyes of the elderly man he had mugged and robbed.

Next, the second guard tied the prisoner's tie, knotting it securely in a way he would have difficulty getting it loosened by himself, yet another security precaution.

Although tonight there was no chance of him doing that anyway, being so tightly guarded as he was.

Lastly, the Warden instructed the prisoner to put on his suit coat.

What a difference the clothes made; Nathan was most thankful for that.

The man had turned from a nondescript, downcast prisoner serving time to an actual human being before their very eyes.

The Warden nodded to Nathan, who reached and handed him the brush lying on the table next to him.

"Tidy your hair," ordered the Warden, handing the prisoner the brush.

Even without a mirror, it was with that brush the prisoner's transformation was complete.

The prisoner standing before them now looked like a human with dignity, someone's husband and someone's father, all because of the clothes.

But as he knew he was required to do, the prisoner quickly lowered his head.

"Prisoner # EFP-892001, you are now remanded into the custody of The Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Chief Inspector, Second in Command only to the Commissioner. You are to follow his every command. You have three hours and only three hours away from this facility, including travel time. Any disturbance or infringement whatsoever during said time, no matter how small, will immediately place you in a month of solitary confinement, followed by two months of hard labor. Any attempt to escape will double your time of incarceration. You may now raise your head and look directly at me. Do you fully understand?" barked the Warden.

"Yes, Sir, I fully understand, Sir!"

Nathan nodded once toward the shackles causing the guards to immediately release them. However, Nathan chose to leave the handcuffs on for now, shaking his head no, instead taking the keys and placing them in the same chest pocket where he had kept Millicent's diamond bracelet.

The Warden moved just outside the door, giving Nathan room to maneuver the prisoner.

Nathan took the prisoner's arm and directed him through the door, waiting with him just outside as the guards gathered into their positions surrounding them.

Collectively, the group moved to the first lock-up cell, which was the second one Nathan had initially come through, now waiting for the bars to open.

As the bars opened, the group moved inside the cell, waiting for the next set of bars to open as the bars behind them clanged shut with a thud.

The process repeated itself as the group moved on into the second lock-up cell, the first one Nathan had gone through upon entering the prison.

The Chief Inspector showed no emotion whatsoever and never once moved his hand in the slightest, still wrapped firmly and securely around the prisoner's arm, his grip never wavering.

As the final set of bars opened and clanged shut most harshly behind them, there were tears in the prisoner's eyes.

Nathan had expected them, as had the Warden and guards.

They were now in the Prison Lobby.

The same lobby where this prisoner had been initially remanded into custody, followed by a brutal strip search in an adjacent room, the most dehumanizing experience possible, which was all part of the process.

Nathan watched as the prisoner experienced intense flashbacks, but not even the prisoner could tell the Officer noticed.

The Chief was that stoic, as he had a job to do.

Cleaned up, the man was surprisingly handsome.

Shorter, a bit stocky, and although physically in shape, that fear Nathan had seen in his eyes still emanated from him, overpowering him even.

Nathan knew the fear would only get worse for his charge as the unknown played crazy mind tricks, creating more and more fear, no more so than to a prisoner coming out of confinement, even if only for such a short period of time.

The Warden and four guards followed the two men to Nathan's vehicle, where they stood at attention.

When the prisoner saw the large black limousine, just as expected, he was even more terrified than ever.

This wasn't a government issue vehicle; what could that mean? And why him? What terrible thing was happening?

None of this could possibly be good.

Were they taking him someplace to beat him up?

But why would a high-up official do that?

And why would they put him in a brand-new suit?

Little did the prisoner know that even more 'terror' was to come.

For terror comes in the little things, especially in kindness when you've been locked up for some time, having experienced none for so long.

As Nathan led the prisoner into the car, pushing the man's head down according to regulation, Warden Javis and his guards stood at attention, saluting the Officer, who crisply returned their salute.

And then the strangest thing happened, or so the prisoner thought.

In silence, the Officer, known as the Chief Inspector, got into the back seat right along with the prisoner.

Alone. The prisoner saw no other guards, just an older driver.

As the guards gave one final salute along with the Warden to the Chief Inspector, Nathan returned their salute from the car's interior, allowing the men to turn and retreat back into the prison….


At Americano's, Sarah was so pleased to be treated, and Scotty was beside himself, looking around everywhere, noticing the Maitre D and all the waiters.

Having been there the day before, Allie excitedly explained the entire process to the boy.

"First, they'll bring out hot appetizers for all of us to eat. Those are little munchies. Then they'll bring us hot bread and the best salad you've ever eaten. I think it's called a Caesar Salad. It's so yummy. Just don't look at the dead fish on top."

Millicent and Sarah had to stifle laughs at that comment, but unnoticed, Allie forged forward.

"I'll show you how to break that dead fish up just like Grandpapa does with his fork, so you won't even know you're eating it," assured Allie. "I think it's called a 'chovie'!"

"Anchovy, Sweetheart," winked her Momma.

"That's it! It's an an…cho…vy, Scott! Thanks, Momma! Then, the waiters will fill the whole table with casseroles and vegetables, along with the biggest baked potatoes you've ever seen. Then the Maitre D, that man by the door, will order all his waiters to bring us big silver trays, and once they place those on our table, the waiters will come from behind us and lift off all the covers, so then, we can eat our prime rib! Those covers must be awfully heavy if we can't even do that ourselves. But other than that, see, it's simple!"

"Sounds a little weird, but fun, too," enthused Scotty. "I can't wait!"

Allie was right.

At that very moment, a plethora of the most delicious-looking hot appetizers came out for their dining pleasure.

Millicent explained what each one was to Sarah, while Allie showed Scotty which were her favorites.

Watching the pair with her daughter, Millicent couldn't help but smile, knowing if everything went as planned, just how special this night would be for the Hayes…


Nervous, the prisoner remained silent with his head down, unable to understand why any of this was happening. Who was this tall man? And what could he possibly want with him?

Obviously, he was somebody important, but who exactly? And what did he want with him of all people, a nobody! None of this made any sense at all.

Having purposely left the prisoner alone with his thoughts, the Chief Inspector finally spoke.

His job now was to get this man mentally ready to face his family without telling him what would happen till they arrived.

Nathan cleared his throat and began, looking straight ahead.

"Prisoner # EFP-892001, you should know that I'm an expert sharpshooter, as is my driver and the men leading in the car ahead of us and following in the car behind us. We are heavily armed, and no deviation from respecting that will be tolerated. If we are given reason to shoot, all of us are trained to shoot to kill, or in my case, only, at my discretion, to kill or seriously injure. I can easily do either, no matter your position or distance."

The man nodded, still looking down.

"Are we fully understood? Please look at me and give me your honest answer."

The man looked up with frightened eyes, still completely unsure of what was happening. Why this Officer had even said please! That hadn't been a word used much at the prison, if at all.

"Yes, Sir, we are fully understood."

"Good."

"Then, for the next three hours, you are no longer a number. I want you to leave all that behind in prison and dig back deep into your memory to quickly become the man you were before you committed your crime."

The Officer's voice was forceful but calm, though the prisoner had no doubt the man could be steel when needed.

It was incongruous to think this seemingly kind Officer could kill someone, could kill him even in an instant if his job required it.

Yet the prisoner by his side had no doubt that was the case. He knew only that he wouldn't test him. Others, perhaps, he might have, but not this Officer.

Something about his regal bearing told you he clearly meant what he said.

"For you, Caleb Bartholomew Hayes, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a most unusual circumstance not afforded to others. We'll even call it a vacation of sorts from your current circumstances. But make no mistake, this is not about you, nor for you. You see, there's a little boy out there who wants only one thing for Christmas, and that's to see his beloved father. My business tonight, and by default, your business, is to see that that little boy gets his wish."

Caleb gasped.

"You can start this process by looking up, Caleb. You must quickly return to the habit of looking at the person speaking to you. Try it with me. Right now."

Caleb looked at the Officer, still leery and stone-faced but now also in shock.

"You must release this anger inside you, now, Mr. Hayes. We have very little time, and this demeanor simply won't work for tonight's mission…"


Millicent, Sarah, and the children were thoroughly enjoying themselves, chatting away with each other while munching on their appetizers.

"Momma, could I please go to the Lady's Room?" asked Allie.

Millicent glanced quickly at the clock.

She and Nathan hadn't planned for this.

But if they hurried, there might be enough time.

"Of course, Allie. I'll take you. Excuse us, please, Sarah?"

"Of course!"

Millicent led her daughter out into the hall, where she was relieved to see that only Kyle and Lance were still waiting for them there.

Tom and Matt had a more pressing responsibility tonight, and she was thankful they were with Nathan, at least in the car behind him.

Millicent didn't want to interfere with Nathan's plans at all, as they were much too important and significant. Nor did her parents want their daughter to be seen by Caleb Hayes. At least not tonight.

Not till after his time of incarceration was served entirely, and not till they knew him better.

Thankfully, Allie knew nothing of what was about to occur. Her parents would explain it to her as it was happening if needed but felt it was best not to say anything before. So much could go wrong.

And there was no need to upset or worry her.

Kyle and Lance followed Millicent and Allie to the private Ladies' Room, ensuring it was empty before Millicent took her daughter inside.

When they were ready to leave, Kyle spoke up.

"Miss, we need to stay here for a few moments. The Chief has arrived."

Millicent nodded, understanding, and instantly said a prayer of thanks.

"Momma, what's wrong? Is Dad here?"

"Yes, he is, Sweetheart! But he's working tonight. And we mustn't disturb him until we know he's free. Why don't we sit down in the Private Lounge, and I'll explain everything to you."

"But, Momma, aren't we going to finish eating with Scotty and Miss Sarah?"

"Not tonight, Angel..."

. . .