Part XXXVI:
The sound of the loud bell, indicating the inmates had to return to their cells, was particularly welcomed by Todd. The harsh, grating noise that signaled the end of fresh air for almost the next 48 hours was usually a less than welcoming thing. Stopping almost dead in his tracks, he whirled around and waddled his way back in to the prison. Nobody seemed to notice, as they went about their activities until the second bell, otherwise known as the “solitary” bell screeched even louder across the loudspeaker system.
Taking two steps at a time, Todd rushed back up to his cell to stash the box somewhere safe. In the most inconspicuous way he could manage, he held tightly on to the box, through his clothing, lest it drop down on the metal stairs and make a loud clanking sound. He turned down the hallway, now within arms reach of his cell, when he spotted a guard exiting his cell.
Instantly, his swiftness of motion came to a complete standstill. It wasn’t usual to see anybody inside his cell at a time such as this. The box had loosened from its hold between his leg and his underwear and Todd could feel it starting to break free. Just what he needed, to be outed before he could even examine the contents of the mysterious wooden container. Although he had begun to sweat and breathe heavily, Todd did his best to appear cool, calm, and collected.
With grace under fire, he smiled and said, “I hope you are getting off early today so you can enjoy the beautiful weather!”
To be continued…
