All Aboard! (Part 3)
Last Time:
Bo and Nora shared a trained ride to Statesville Prison.
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The shared taxi ride was enjoyable and Bo and Nora said their goodbyes as Nora turned toward the visitation area and Bo followed the signs to the Warden's office. Nora went through the usual checkpoints and eventually passed through the locked doors and entered a small room with a small metal table standing in the middle of the floor with two chairs on either side. She paced around the room glancing at her watch.
She placed her briefcase on the table and turned toward the door when she heard the guard insert and turn the key. The door opened with the creaking of metal hinges and Nora's client, Steve, was escorted into the room with his ankles and wrists shackled. Nora forced a smile on her face, which was greeted by a non-emotional glare from Steve.
Steve was a large man with light brown hair and bright blue eyes. Although Nora felt a quick chill, she believed her client was innocent of the charges. He had been found guilty of premeditated, 1st degree murder. The evidence against him was hard to refute. What stood out to Nora, however, was that there was no motive. Yes, his fingerprints were on the baseball bat (a bat that belonged to Steve) and the weapon that was used to kill the man. They were also both from the Las Vegas area visiting Llanview. It was a coincidence that seemed to sway the jury in its decision.
Nora: (Looking at the guard) Could you remove the shackles please, they aren't necessary.
The guard unlocked the shackles and pushed Steve down into his seat and then pulled the door shut on his way out and turned the key to relock the door. Nora took her seat across the table.
Nora: (Looking concerned) How are you holding up Steve?
Steve: (Speaking with no emotion) It's hell in here Ms. Buchanan. (Leaning back in his chair) From the look on your face, I'd say you don't have good news for me.
Nora: (Looking away and pulling out her paperwork from her briefcase. She places the folder on the table and looks seriously into Steve's eyes.) I'm afraid your appeal was denied.
Steve: (Slamming his fist on the table) Damn it!! (Nora slightly jumped and continued to look into Steve's enraged face.) Now what? (Shoving back from the table and standing. Leaning over with both hands resting on the table.) You have got to get me out of here! (Starting to pace.) I can't stand it in here. Do you understand!!
Nora: (Taking a long breath) Look Steve, you need to calm down and we need to discuss your options.
Steve: (Running his hands through his hair) I didn't kill him, I didn't! and I'm rotting in this hell hole while the real killer walks.
Nora: Steve, you need to listen to me. (But it was obvious his anger was driving him at the moment.) Steve?
Steve: (Lost in his rage and pacing.) Has anyone checked out my wife's alibi for that evening?
Nora: (Frustrated by his lack of concentration.) Look Steve your wife was in Las Vegas at the time. The police verified her whereabouts. It all checked out.
Steve: (Rubbing his forehead) I know she set me up. She hasn't even called since I've been in here.
Nora: I tried contacting her but she's moved.
Steve: (Looking shocked) Moved!! She's moved! Where has she gone?
Nora: (Shrugging her shoulders) No one seems to know. She gave her notice at work and skipped town.
Steve: She has screwed me! She sent me here on some bogus errand. (mimicking her) I need you to go to Llanview, Honey. (Pacing) I can't get away and I need you to pick up some supplies that are being delivered. (Looking at Nora) What a pile of crap!! She said they couldn't arrange for shipping and this would give me a chance to visit an old college buddy. Now I'm in HERE!
Nora: They never could verify any of your allegations, Steve. I've tried…
Steve: (Scowling) Well try harder, damn it!
Nora: Look, I know you're upset…
Steve: (Becoming more and more aggravated.) No you don't know anything. (He continues pacing around the room, beginning to perspire. Nora is beginning to feel uncomfortable. He keeps glancing at her and then at the door.) I've gotta get out of here. I just have to.
Nora: (Starting to pack up her papers and placing them in her briefcase. Steve continues to pace. Nora begins to stand and suddenly Steve is pushing her back into her seat.)
Steve: (Glaring at her) Sit! Just sit! I need to think.
Nora: (Frowning) Steve, listen…
Steve: (Yelling) NO! Shut up! I need to think…
Nora: (Attempting to stand again) OK, I need to leave now…
Steve: (Suddenly holding a homemade knife he pulled from behind his belt. He shoves the knife in her face.) I said… SIT!
The guard outside heard some of the commotion coming from inside and began to unlock the door. Steve quickly got behind Nora, holding his arm around her neck and pointing the knife at her throat. The guard entered and immediately reached for his gun.
Steve: (Tightening his hold and pulling Nora up from her seat.) Stop right there. (The guard halted.) I'm getting out of here or this lady is dead!
Nora: Steve, please listen… This is not the way…
Steve: (Interrupting) Shut up! Just shut up! (Glaring at the guard) Now you get me the man in charge or I'm gonna slit this pretty lady's throat. (The guard stood there and Steve pricked Nora's neck with the knife, drawing a slight dot of blood and causing her to grimace, the guard quickly turned and left the room.)
Bo's meeting with the Warden was drawing to a close. All issues concerning the prisoner transfer were reconciled and Bo was beginning to leave his office when a guard rushed up.
Guard: (Winded and trying to be discrete) Warden we have an issue in Cell Block C.
Bo: (Sensing the urgency and turning to shake the Warden's hand.) Thanks for meeting with me, Bill. I'll let you get back to work.
Warden: (Shrugging his shoulders) Some jobs are never done. Enjoy your trip home, Bo.
Bo: (Smiling and walking down the hall with him.) I will. This is one train ride I'm really looking forward to.
Warden: (Rushing off and waving goodbye as he turned down the same hall Nora turned down earlier.) Have a safe trip.
Bo: (Watching the guard whisper something to the Warden and then both began to jog down the hall. Bo frowned and then looked at the clock. It was 6:30 and he decided to head to Alexander's and wait for Nora.)
Bo sat in the restaurant glancing at his broken watch. He felt like he had been there for at least an hour. He had heard several police cars zoom by earlier and was tempted to seek out the disturbance, but he didn't want to miss Nora. Finally grabbing a waitress.) Excuse me, do you have the time?
Waitress: (Looking at her watch.) Yes sir, it's 7:30.
Bo: (Frowning) 7:30? (She nodded as she went back to work. Another police car zoomed by with sirens blaring and Bo caught another waitress.) Any idea what's going on?
Waitress: Seems there's some hostage situation at the prison.
Bo: (A bad feeling flooding his sole.) A hostage situation?
Waitress: That's what the news said. Some guys holding his lawyer at knife point.
Bo: (Quickly pushing back from the table.) Red! (He rushed out of the restaurant and grabbed a taxi.)
Minutes later Bo was dropped off on the outside of the prison fence. It was surrounded by squad cars and police in riot gear. Bo's heart was pounding as he ran to the gate. The guard stopped him.
Bo: (Pulling out his wallet) I'm Bo Buchanan, Police Commissioner, I need to see the Warden… NOW!
Guard: (Glancing at his ID) Just a minute Mr. Buchanan. (Moments later the guard was sliding back the gate and Bo ran inside as the guard closed the gate behind him.)
The Warden met Bo at the front door.
Bo: (Concerned) Bill… Is it Nora?
Warden: (Placing his hand on Bo's shoulder) It is, Bo. We're trying to negotiate but this guy is desperate and doesn't really have anything to lose. (Looking serious) I'll be honest with you, Bo, it's not a good situation.
Bo: What does he want?
Warden: He wants a car with a driver out front by 8:00.
Bo: What time is it?
Warden: (Looking at his watch) 7:45.
Bo: (Thinking and trying not to panic) Um… Glancing back at his taxi cab with the driver still sitting outside enthralled by all the excitement) Tell him his ride is ready.
Warden: (Frowning) What? I can't…
Bo: (Frowning and turning to walk to the gate) I've got his ride. Tell him you're ready.
Warden: (Holding up handcuffs) He wants the driver handcuffed to the steering wheel.
Bo: (Catching the cuffs as they were tossed.) Give him whatever he wants. (Frowning) But if he's hurt one hair on her head, I'll kill him.
In a few minutes, Steve exited the front door holding Nora tightly in front of him. The taxi sat in the driveway at the bottom of the steps. He could see the driver's wrists handcuffed to the steering wheel and the driver sat with his cap down on his head. The guards had their guns drawn as Steve and Nora made their way down the steps. Nora was holding up well and waiting for the right opportunity to clock Steve when he least expected it. Her time was running out as he reached around her and opened the rear door of the taxi.
Steve: (Pushing her inside the car and following quickly behind her.) Get in. (Nora slid into the back seat as Steve pulled the door closed. Still holding the knife to her throat) Drive Buddy!
Bo: (Looking straight ahead and keeping his cap down low) Where to?
Steve: You just start driving, I'll tell you where as we go…
Bo: (Putting the car in gear) Yes sir! (Bo drives the taxi out of the compound and onto the main street. The police cars did not follow. Nora glanced through the rear window as all the police just watched them pull away. Nora's heart sank as they drove down Main Street and past Alexander's restaurant. She knew Bo would be waiting for her.)
Bo continued to drive out of town and into the countryside. Steve kept the knife at Nora's side as he tried to figure out what to do next. He needed to get back to Las Vegas and find his wife and make her confess. That's what he needed to do.
Bo: Where to Mister?
Steve: (Frowning and looking around) Um… I don't know, just keep driving…
Bo: (Looking in the rearview mirror and seeing Nora's worried expression. Talking over his shoulder) How ya doing Miss?
Steve: (Frowning and briefly glancing at Nora and then back at the driver) Shut up and drive!
Nora looked at him in the mirror and frowned. Bo tried to maintain eye contact but the roads were becoming more and more treacherous as the night began to fall and he looked back at the road. Nora stared at the mirror trying to figure out why this person seemed so familiar. She just couldn't make out any features.
Bo: (Hands still cuffed to the steering wheel) Hey Mister, can't we drop the lady off somewhere and I'll take you wherever you want.
Steve: (Thinking.) Um… (Glancing at Nora) Let me think…
Bo: There's a gas station up ahead, I'll just drop her off there..
Steve: (Becoming annoyed by all the drivers talk) Shut up, will ya! I need to think. (He pulled Nora closer to him as he held the knife up into view. Looking at the driver in the mirror) You need to just shut up and DRIVE!
Bo: (Trying to calm him down) Oh sure, sure!! I was just wondering if "Red" there was feeling OK?
Nora's eyes once again shot to the mirror and were caught in Bo's intense stare. Her pulse began to race as the look in the eyes became more and more familiar.
Steve: Red? Did you just call her Red?
Bo: (Shrugging her shoulders) I was just talking about her hair, man. That's all!
Steve: (Holding the knife to Nora's throat) You just need to shut up so I can think or red is going to be the color of her shirt. This woman is of no concern to you, Got it?
Bo: Hey! Hey! I got it. I got it. I'm just driving. That's all! Just driving. I mean with the way these roads are it wouldn't take much for me to go right off the side.
Steve: (Frowning) You just keep your eyes on the road and make sure we stay on the road.
Bo: (Glancing again in the mirror and catching Nora's eyes, she slowly smiled as the moisture began to build in her eyes.) I'm driving, yes I am… But these roads, you just never know. In one, two, three you could be right off the shoulder…
Steve: (Not really listening to Bo's talk, he was trying to think of what his next step would be.) Would you just SHUT UP!
Bo: (Winking in the mirror) Yep, as easy as one… (pausing) two… (looking in the mirror and then nodding his head) THREE!
On that signal Nora elbowed Steve with all her might as Bo whipped the car off the side of the road. It caught the gravel on the side and began to skid out of control. Bo struggled to maintain control but having his hands handcuffed made it very difficult. Nora screamed as the car careened into a tree…
Nora was not sure how long she had been out. There was smoke coming from under the hood of the car and some seeping into the interior. As she pulled herself up from the floor she grabbed her head as it began to throb. Looking around she noticed that the rear door was wide open and there was no sign of Steve. She quickly glanced toward the front and saw Bo slumped over the steering wheel, still unconscious.
Nora: (Sliding across the seat and getting out the car door, she quickly ran to force Bo's door open. Feeling panicked.) Bo! Bo!! Are you all right? (She slowly pulled back Bo's head and saw a huge gash in his forehead where blood was draining down his face. She stopped breathing as she checked for his pulse. He had a pulse but it was weak. His wrists were still handcuffed to the steering wheel as she noticed the smell of burning rubber. Glancing up to look out of the shattered front window, she began to see more and more smoke billowing from under the hood. The sense of urgency was consuming.) Bo!! (Pulling at his wrists) Please Bo! Wake up!!! (She started feeling around his pants pockets looking for the keys but she couldn't find anything. Suddenly flames burst from under the hood and Nora's heart stopped. Now shaking Bo, frantically) BO!! Oh God, please!! Bo!! Wake up!! (Her eyes quickly scanned the seat next to him and caught the glimmer of something silver. She quickly reached for it and felt a huge sense of relief when her fingers wrapped around the handcuff keys. Her fingers wouldn't work quickly enough as she tried to insert the small key into the even smaller lock. Praying) Please God, help me! (The fire under the hood was beginning to make its way toward the inside of the car as Nora released the last handcuff from his wrist. She struggled to drag Bo's lifeless body from the car and onto the side of the road just as the car exploded. Glass and debris shot everywhere. As the fire continued to burn the two lifeless bodies lay cradled together on the side of the road.)
To be continued…
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