He nodded. “How would you like to get out of here today?”
She smiled, flashing those sickly-looking teeth. Did she think he was joking? She was in the thick of a three-year sentence for the possession of stolen property. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen these walls. Before that it was drugs, and before that aggravated assault. Because of heavy drug use and overcrowding, she’d managed to elude long-term incarceration by agreeing to attend Humboldt Recovery Center for 90 days. It didn’t last. On her first cigarette break, she’d made a run for it.
Four months later she was back inside.
“If you’re talking about SWAP, I already tried. My assault charge has kept me out of that. And besides, from what I hear, those who are part of your little release program have skipped town.” She took another hard pull on the cigarette and blew the smoke in his direction before grinning.
“No. I mean out. No parole. No probation.”
“I already have that coming to me.”
It was called a terminal sentence.
Dan looked around. The penny hadn’t fallen yet. He leaned forward. “I think I’m not making this clear enough. You would get out today and be free to go about your business.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Under the CDCR program?”
“No. Just me letting you go.”
She took a sip of her coffee, a frown forming. He figured any inmate would jump at the chance. Not her. Strickland's were generally smart. They knew nothing came for free in life and there were always strings attached.
After setting her cup down she replied, “And why would you do that?”
“Because I can.” He took a deep breath. “I’m not sure how much information has made its way inside but we are dealing with an EMP. An attack on the country that has taken down the grid, vehicles, computers, phones — you name it, bye-bye. It’s gone. No idea when it will come up again or if it will ever, and that presents many problems, however, it also offers opportunities. Like the one I’m offering you.”
“And if the power came up tomorrow?”
“They would see some changes on your medical profile allowing you to go free under the CDCR program.”
“But I’m perfectly healthy.”
“Of course you are. But they wouldn’t know that.”
She took two fast puffs. “Did Hank put you up to this?”
“No.”
“So you’re doing this because you’re family?”
He tilted his head to one side. “Yes. If you like.”
Nancy leaned back in her seat and looked across the room at a correctional officer. “Again. Why would you do that? And don’t give me some crap about a program or bloodline. You might be connected to our family but you gave up the right to be a part of it when you opted to don that uniform.”
Dan appreciated how blunt she was. Too many people weren’t direct.
“Well, I’m glad you understand that the career decision wasn’t to serve the purpose of the family.” He drummed his fingers against the table. “I was looking at your visitor history. No one from your family has been in to see you in the past year. Why is that, Nancy?”
She shrugged, continuing to smoke until it was just a nub, at which point she lit another using the dying embers from the last.
“Could it be because of what happened ten years ago?”
“What do you know about that?”
“Oh, I know a lot about Skye and Colby. The arguments. It was the first of its kind. Certainly unsettled a few people on both sides.”
Her demeanor changed. She scrunched up her nose. “If your visit here is to gloat then we are done.”
“I came down here to help you, Nancy. Okay? Now if you don’t want out then that officer over there will be more than happy to escort you back to your cell. But I’ve heard you have crossed a few people in here. People that would like nothing better than to get you alone in a bathroom. Am I right?”
She glared.
Dan cleared his throat. He had her. He could see it in her eyes. She was listening.
“I need you to do something for me once you are out,” he said.
She shook her head, grinding her teeth. It was checkmate and she knew it.
“What do you want?”
“Before I get to that, let me bring you up to speed.” He recounted the death of Ryland Strickland, and Bruce Riker, followed by Luke, Edgar, and Jared. The news hit her hard. As much as she wanted to present herself as having a hard exterior, the loss of family was always a difficult pill to swallow. By her reaction he could tell no one from her family had informed her and he planned to capitalize on that. “I’m surprised Hank or one of the family hasn’t told you already.”
“They never cared.”
“I do,” he said, reaching a hand across and placing it on hers. She withdrew her hand and snarled.
“I might not have their sympathy but I’m not stupid. What is your angle?”
Dan nodded. There was no point pulling the wool over her eyes. “I have a lot to contend with and the last thing I need is a war between our family and the Rikers. I need you to be my eyes and ears.”
She sat back. “You want me to spy on my kin?”
“Yes. They no longer trust me.”
“Can you blame them?” She gave him a disgusted look. “I can’t begin to understand how you can wear that uniform after the way the law has treated us.”
“Save your self-righteous bullshit for someone else,” Dan said. “The Stricklands are not saints. They never have been.”
“Neither are you. Does anyone know about your crimes?”
“No. And it will remain that way if you wish to get out. So look, it’s simple. I release you today, you go home to mom and pop and keep me updated on what’s happening. What you hear. What you see. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Got it?”
“And if I don’t?”
He flashed his pearly whites. “Then you come right back here.”
“Best of
