By Hunter Perez

Once we were inside the prison, I calmed down. Charleson and Patterson put me back on my feet, and I apologized to them for creating a commotion. Patterson ordered Charleson to return to Holmgren, then he unlocked my handcuffs and walked me back to my cell.

“Sorry we had to be rough on you, son,” Patterson said softly. “I don’t like hurting good people.”

“It was my fault, Sir, and I deserved it,” I said. “You and Private Charleson would be justified in submitting a conduct demerit over how I behaved.”

“I doubt the private will do anything of the sort,” Patterson replied. “And if he did, you have to remember that I am the one who approves and rejects those reports. I don’t see any conduct demerits in your future.”

When we reached the cell, Patterson assured me that Holmgren will able to solve whatever situation was taking place, and he thanked me for being concerned about the lieutenant’s safety. The opening and closing of the cell door awakened Zeb, who was sleeping naked in the middle of our bed. He blinked at me through half-asleep eyes and rolled himself to the edge of the bed, freeing up space for me to join him. While I wasn’t the least bit sleepy, I nonetheless rested next to Zeb.

Continue reading A Left Turn at Albuquerque Continued – Part 08 →