Page 25 of Hart of Vengeance
9
Denim
Ihad been singing “Hallelujah” in my head since I heard the parole board grant me freedom.
Fucking freedom.
I couldn’t wait to feel the sun on my face for longer than an hour at a time. I couldn’t wait to drink a beer, fuck a good woman—as in Jade—put my feet up, and watch a football game in peace. Above all else, I couldn’t wait to find the person who’d set me up.
For the last four days, I’d been on a high like no other. I’d never believed the day would come when I would walk out of prison.
Stew and another guard escorted me out, and the closer I got to the gate, the more my heart rammed against my rib cage.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
It was the best feeling ever, the best sound in my ears ever.
I kept my head forward, not daring to give the place one last look.
The sun was high in the sky, colorful leaves rustled along the pavement, and a brisk wind slapped me in the face.Best slap ever.
I inhaled the fresh-cut grass, probably from the lawn on the other side of the road. I took in another breath, and my legs ate up the distance to freedom.
The gates opened up as the guards kept pace with me. I laughed. It wasn’t as if I would run back to the rat-infested building or do anything to screw up my parole before I even left the premises.
Dillon leaned against the passenger door of his shiny, expensive blue car. My brother had done well for himself, the legitimate way no less. I made a mental note to pick his brain. As the owner of a women’s shelter, he knew the ins and outs of running a business.
He smiled as his brown hair whipped around in the wind. I loved seeing him, but I would rather see Jade’s long inky-black hair blowing in the wind as she waited for me. Now that would blow my mind.Hey, a man can dream.
Twenty more feet, and I was free from the monotonous routine I’d lived with for six years—free from guards on my ass, dark holes, and violence. And the list went on. Above everything else, I wouldn’t have someone barking orders of when to eat, take a shit, or when to sit. I wouldn’t have Costa breathing down my neck. He was still in solitary.
Fuck you, Costa.
My pulse sang a happy tune, and with each step I took, ten pounds of weight dropped off my shoulders.
Before I crossed through the gate, Stew gripped my shoulder. “I wish you the best, Hart.”
I pivoted on my heel and shook his hand. “Thanks for having my back in there.”
“Go,” he said. “Enjoy your first day of freedom.”
He didn’t have to tell me twice. I respected Stew and appreciated his help, but frankly, I didn’t want to see him again. If I did, that meant I would be back in a four-by-four cell.No, thank you.
The gates slid closed behind me as I waltzed up to my brother with a smile I doubted I could get rid of anytime soon. “I’m free!” I shouted at the top of my lungs.
Dillon laughed. “I bet it feels fucking wonderful.”
I couldn’t even put into words how I felt. Tears stung my eyes, and as shocking as that was, I didn’t even give two fucks if I bawled like a baby. I threw myself at my brother and hugged him hard. “You have no idea.” I couldn’t remember the last time I’d cried, but I let the tears flow.
Once we pulled apart, he slapped me on the shoulder. His eyes were brimming with tears too. “Come on, let’s get a beer.”
A beer, a good fuck, and a good plate of spaghetti… or rather a burger—a good, juicy burger.
Adrenaline coursed through me like a live wire. I wanted to do so much. Hell, the way I felt, I could run down the road and back to Boston. I just wanted the wind on my face and to see civilization again. I wanted to see people, women, children, and men who weren’t out to kill me.
I slid into the passenger seat. The new-car scent wafted over me.God help me.I felt as though I were a newborn. I inhaled deeply, relishing the aroma of leather. It was a stark contrast to the disgusting smells of piss, shit, and bad breath I’d lived with.
Dillon climbed in. “You okay?”
