Page 34 of Secrets

“No. I am an old man. Just let me do what I do,” said Trak.

There was still no explanation for Juan’s ability to see the space in his mind and to suddenly be there. One minute, his feet were firmly on the ground; the next, it was a feeling of flying without the actual flight. Flashes of light and dark, streaks of space of time flew by their faces.

With a rush of energy and stolen breath, they found themselves inside the cell block where Jay was located. A guard and two prisoners were standing against the railing.

“Do you have what you need?” asked the guard.

“We got it,” said one of the prisoners. “He’ll be drowning in his own blood and won’t know what hit him. I hate that bastard.”

“Yeah, well, not as much as his own mother hates him. I’m going to take my break. You meander into his cell that just happens to be unlocked.”

“Happy to,” laughed the other prisoner.

“Go now,” said Trak to Juan. “Get him out of here.”

Juan moved swiftly toward Jay’s cell, finding him lying on his back, staring straight up at the ceiling.

“Jay,” he whispered. The man sat up, looking around. “Jay, do not panic. I was sent by Kari and Katrina.”

“What are you? What is this?” he mumbled.

“Do not scream,” said Juan.

“Why would I…” he started as Juan displayed his head. “Oh, shit.”

“Yeah, oh shit. Listen to me. We don’t have a lot of time. Two prisoners are coming to kill you thanks to a guard. I have to get you out of here.”

“And how in the hell do you think you’re going to do that? I can’t leave here. Don’t you understand? I did kill those men.”

“Juan, are you done?”

“I’m fucking trying. Just do what you need to do.” Jay stared at him with a strange expression. “Ignore that. I understand that you killed those men, but we need you alive.”

“I don’t…”

“For shit’s sake! I’m trying to save your fucking ass, and we don’t have much time. Listen, beneath this cape thing, I’m naked. Ignore that and just hold onto my back. Okay?”

“I guess.”

“Do you want to see your sister again?” His eyes widened, and he smiled with tears running down his face.

“Very much. I need to apologize to her.”

“Save it. Climb on.”

“Give me five minutes to be well away from here, and then you two do what you do. Head back to your cells, pretend you’re asleep, and then I’ll lock his cell. Got it?”

“Got it,” they nodded in unison.

Trak tilted his head, staring at the guard’s face. It was not the one that he’d seen on video who had spoken to Kari and the others. He watched the guard leave, then the two men slowly walked toward the cell. He tapped his comms.

“Juan, are you done?”

“I’m fucking trying.”

“Be done. They’re headed your way.”

Trak followed the men in silence as they walked not so silently toward the cell. When they entered, they tossed back the blanket only to discover an empty bed.