Caged Eagles (7 page)

“Have you ever thought about changing that?”

“How?”

“Seizing an opportunity when it presents itself?” Blaine shrugged. “It's something to think about, especially since you don't have plans for when you get out of here.” Blaine laughed heartily. Trevor smirked and rolled over. Prison didn't stop Blaine Martin's plans. If anything, the system only delayed his mission. Blaine wanted change badly. He used his eyes, ears, and intelligence to inch his way forward every chance he got.

Trevor agreed with his ideas. He wished the country could go back to the way it was when he was a kid. Even better, if it developed into a time where freedom meant something. Now, it was only a word. If only everything could be as simple as Blaine made it out to be. Blaine's plans meant war. It was the only clear way things could change now. Trevor couldn't be tempted by Blaine's possible success. If he became involved, pain and loss were sure to follow.

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“Dr. Taylor, your favorite patient is here.” Trevor announced in a cheerful voice. The clone took his restrains off and Trevor sat down. Leslie rose from her desk and took her usual seat across from him. He noticed a sapphire pendant resting against her white blouse. She cleared her throat and pretended to ignore where his eyes had rested.

“Mr. Wells, I would like to discuss your past today.”

“What do you want to know, Doc?”

“Dr. Taylor.” She corrected him. Trevor rolled his eyes. She was going to be uptight. “What was your childhood like?”

“It was typical. My father ran off and my sister and I lived with my mom. She did the best she could, I suppose. I got out of high school and lived on my own.”

Leslie jotted down notes as she asked questions. Trevor watched the top of her pen whip back and forth. “Was their divorce hard on you?”

“No.”

She peered over her glasses like she didn't believe him. “So you grew up around females?”

“Yes.”

“Are you resentful toward them?” She continued with her notes.

“Why do you say that? What does any of this have to do with anything?”

“Mr. Wells,” she set her pen down. “If I am to help you, you need to be honest with me. I have recently found out you have kept many things from me that we should be discussing in our sessions.”

Trevor held his hands up and palms toward the ceiling like he was testing for rain. “What are you talking about?”

“I have had a meeting with Dr. Stout and she said you had a visitor a while back. Why didn't you tell me this?”

“I don't see why that would be any of your business. It has nothing to do with these stupid sessions. The only reason you would want to know is for your own personal knowledge. Tell me, would you still be as upset if my visitor had been a man?”

A light shade of pink burned across her face.

“How dare you insinuate that?!” She snapped at him. “The only reason I find this important is that I have recently talked with Mr. Burns. He has informed me of a very interesting piece of information. He said a Miss Morrison put a restraining order on you.”

Trevor sat paralyzed in his mind. He cursed Brandi and the air she breathed. Yet again she had caused him problems. He thought that if it wasn't against his beliefs, he could easily kill her. He didn't want anyone to find out what Dr. Taylor had just said; mostly because he hadn't figured the situation out himself.

“Was she the same woman?”

“That's a stupid question. You know very well they're two different women.”

“Then who was your visitor?”

“My scummy ex-girlfriend.”

Dr. Taylor gained control over her frustration. Her torso relaxed after the arched posture she had forced her shoulders and back into.

“Why was she here to see you?”

At this point Trevor didn't know if telling her Brandi came to see him because of Sarah was such a good idea. He settled for a half lie.

“She wanted to get back with me and I refused. I despise her. She also came to see if I was the one stabbed, because that is what the news said.”

“So she still cares about you, yet you feel nothing for her?”

“Right, and as for the restraining order–Miss Morrison thought I was dangerous and didn't wish to see me.” Trevor had difficulty hiding the hurt in his voice.

Dr. Taylor had noticed. “You still have feelings for her, don't you?”

“Why do you say that?” Trevor scoffed and forced another lie from his mouth. “Miss Morrison means nothing to me.”

“I had a meeting with Miss Lewis about her visit. I was enlightened by the discussion. She came as a messenger for Miss Morrison. Mr. Wells, again you have lied to me. We will be starting over with our sessions the next time we meet. That includes Dr. Stout's advice to put you on some medication until you can keep your temper under control. The medication will help teach you how to do that.”

She slammed her pen and clipboard down on the end table. She stomped to the door and ordered the clone to take Trevor back to his room.

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Trevor sat in the police station drained of energy. After the long afternoon he'd had, he made his phone call to Sarah. She had been very scared and upset but he told her the short version of what happened. She still hung up on him in order to get there as soon as possible. The second hand of the dusty clock, on the wall, left the five and headed for the six. He started to drum his hands on his legs for a distraction from boredom and falling asleep.

Sarah appeared with stringy wet hair, folded umbrella, coat unbuttoned, and frantic eyes twenty minutes after they had spoken on the phone. She had already posted bail for Trevor, to his relief, so they could leave right away. She threw her arms around him and held on tightly. Trevor embraced her just as firmly, tangling his fingers in her hair. It smelled like strawberry shampoo.

“Let's get out of here,” he whispered in her ear. Hand in hand they walked out of the station into the cool air the rain had brought with it. He was glad to see the tram coming up the street. Soon he would be far away from that afternoon, and in Sarah's apartment. He turned to look at his beautiful girl and saw her tremble.

“You silly loon–what were you thinking not buttoning up?” Trevor turned her toward him and buttoned her coat for her.

“I didn't even remember to.”

“But you remember the umbrella?” Trevor chuckled and Sarah smiled, gripping his hand once again.

The two stepped onto the tram. It was almost empty, which made Trevor happy. He was in no mood to deal with any more people today. The ride was quiet except for the reassuring whispers that everything would be okay. He could tell she was still scared and nervous. Yes, the situation Trevor had gotten himself into wouldn't disappear this easily. He would probably have to go to court. He was positive he would make it through okay. He put an arm around her and pulled her to his side.

Once back at Sarah's apartment Trevor pulled her onto the couch and told her everything. The warmth of the fire and Sarah's body almost made the events of that afternoon seem like a nightmare he was telling her. For the rest of the afternoon and all that night they remained in each other's arms. Sometimes they joked about silly subjects, like her parent's Halloween costumes. Other times they remained motionless, listening to the rain beating down outside, and the crackle of the fire.

The next morning Trevor kissed Sarah goodbye and went back to his apartment to catch some sleep and get a change of clothes before he returned. He fell asleep on his couch between a box of Kellogg's, candy wrappers, and an old worn blanket thrown over half of his body. Not the most comfortable position, but he didn't mind.

A knock came on his door. It was the police. They handed Trevor a legal document, a restraining order from Sarah! Trevor threw the paper on the floor at the first officer's feet. The second cop walked down the hall to check a message on his cell phone.

“She wouldn't do this.”

“Mr. Wells, we are just ordered to deliver this to you.” The officer pointed to the paper.

“Well, it's a lie.”

“If you have a problem you can call your lawyer.”

“My lawyer's an idiot and won't do anything for me.”

The other officer came back and said, “We have orders to bring you down to the station, Mr. Wells. The clerk at the convenience store said you stabbed your partner while robbing the place.”

“Again, another lie. I was trying to save his life.”

“I'm sorry, but maybe you can get everything cleared up downtown.” The officer took out his restraints. Trevor didn't even feel like fighting. He knew it would only get him into more trouble. He went with them, not realizing that was the last time he would see the outside world for two years.

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Both men sat on a bench in the middle of the prison's courtyard. Trevor wished there was something to do besides sit. He wanted to throw a ball for a distraction. Instead he was left with his thoughts. Trevor knew Sarah's parents had something to do with the restraining order, but he couldn't put all the pieces together. He had told Forrest all of this in hopes he would have a fresh idea, but he had been as baffled as Trevor. Blaine offered a better idea.

“Mike Morrison is a lawyer, correct?”

Trevor shielded his eyes from the sunlight coming in through the window above. “No, a Realtor in Vermont and Alaska, but he has a lot of connections.”

“He didn't welcome the idea that Sarah dated you?”

“He wasn't thrilled. Sarah never said her parents didn't like me.”

Blaine leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees. He folded his fingers together. “Have you ever thought they found an easy way to get rid of you without their hands getting bloody? Karen Vanderbrush probably signed a restraining order, forging Sarah's signature. In turn, Morrison most likely signed one in your signature to keep Sarah from visiting.” “Why would they go to that trouble especially at the risk of Sarah finding out the truth?” “Morrison probably has connections to keep everything quiet.” Trevor leaned back out of the light. “Do you think Leslie and my lawyer, Burns, are in on it?”

“No,” Blaine shook his head. “From what you've said about Leslie Taylor, she wants every one of her patients to be a success story. I can't say for sure though.”

“I don't trust either one of them.” Trevor sighed. “Do you think someone in here is watching me?”

“Dr. Stout or Patterson.”

“Patterson!” Trevor chuckled at the idea and shook his head. “He's a fool.”

Blaine's voice lowered and became more somber. “He doesn't like you.”

“What are you getting at?” Trevor crossed his arms.

“He's buddies with Gary.”

“Do you think he had something to do with Forrest's stabbing?”

“I don't think Forrest was the target. I think Patterson paid Gary off to attack you.”

“Why?!”

Blaine sat back against the bench. It creaked against his weight. “You've rubbed him the wrong way. I've seen how mad you make him.”

“Damn it.” Trevor punched the tree next to him. Blind pain shot through his hand. Blaine set a hand on his shoulder, momentarily, to calm him. “I remember he threatened me to watch my back. Why do the hard-working honest people like you and I end up with the short end of the stick?”

Blaine replied with a personal quote. “Life is not all that different outside the walls of the prison, the only difference is the walls.”

“Patterson's one of the
worst
people I know, yet he has power to control my life.”

Blaine bowed his head. “I'm sorry.”

“Well, there's one plus,” Trevor waited for Blaine to raise his head. “The fat old pig won't mess with me as long as you are my roommate.”

Blaine chuckled.

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“I see your bodyguard's gone.” Patterson was back. Trevor had not missed him since Blaine moved in more than a month before. The fat old fart was scared of Blaine, and had reason to be. Trevor was sure the enormous man could easily smash a sports ball with his hands. Today Blaine was gone for therapy.

“Yeah, but he keeps his eye on you, so watch out.” The anxiety was very obvious on Patterson's face.

He quickly jumped back to the harassment. “I saw your girlfriend a few minutes ago.”

“I doubt it.”

“No, I saw her walkin' in to talk with ya. I've seen her here before. She sure does have the nicest little bum I've ever seen.” His smile was evil.

“Yeah, but she's the type that will smile sweetly and stab you right in the back at the same time.” Trevor knew Patterson was trying to make him mad. His comment startled the janitor though. He had not expected Trevor to talk about his girlfriend in that way. One of the many clones appeared to take Trevor to the visiting room.

There she was, lounging back in her chair. Her legs were crossed and she was shaking one foot back and forth out of boredom. Today she was wearing a very tasteless piece of material for a shirt, and a skirt two sizes too small for her body.

Trevor sat down. “Hi.”

“No snappy comment today huh? I guess you're hoping I have news about your sweetheart and or Forrest Evans.”

“I'm not going to lie, yes, if you have news, spill it.”

“This is only a quick visit. I'm having my hair done today. I've decided to keep the red curls for a while,” she said, pulling a ringlet of hair straight and letting it bounce back into place. She was clearly stalling.

“Brandi, can you speed this up? You know I don't have patience for this.”

“Trevor Wells, you don't have patience for anything but Tobian Morrison.”

“What about her?”

“I know everything, Trevor. Dr. Leslie Taylor has,” she corrected herself, “had started to have feelings for you until I told her the truth. That blonde idiot knows you're puppy eyed for Tobian, and I can see why. She's a great girl once you get to know her.”

“You stay away from her!” Trevor threatened. He was scared to death knowing Brandi had contact with Sarah.

Brandi laughed and continued, “She had to do what I wanted if she wanted me to bring you her messages.”

“What did you do?”

“Nothing … yet.” Brandi was pleased with herself. This was a game of cat and mouse for her. “She wanted to let you know she's deeply sorry for never coming to see you. Now she's hoping you cooperate with me.”

“Stick it; you can forget about me doing what you want,
ever
.” Trevor was even more revolted by this woman.