The War Gate Read Online Free

of the entrance door in the dayroom.
    Chubby received a call on his radio. He answered, “Okay, Sarge. I copy that. Yes, sir. We’re ready to walk, I think.” Then to Avalon, “Sorry. The detail is on its way.” He strode off to meet with the other staff members.
    She rose to her feet, prepared to face the small escort crowd that had just entered the cell block. She picked up the thick book from under the bunk and secured it in her duffel bag. The bag contained her personal inventory—court documents, letters, hygiene kit, slippers, a photo album, and a few pieces of plastic jewelry. She hadn’t been in this cell long enough to call it home. She visualized her cell at the Correctional Institute in Raleigh. She said a silent goodbye to that one. All those inmates who had befriended her over the years passed through her thoughts. Considering the circumstances, some of those memories were happy ones.
    She stepped up to the cell threshold. Two more guards, the prison physician, and a chaplain appeared. The prison physician, Doctor King, a silver-haired man, had been appointed to guard against botched execution procedures. One person of note who had not shown up was the warden. But why had the regular chaplain appeared now? Hadn’t he been called away for an emergency?
    The detail formed a half ring around her. Father Mathews stepped forward to offer his hand for the purpose of escort. She took it with a fierce grip. “I thought you were off the schedule tonight,” she said. “How’s the family member?”
    Father Mathews gave her a curious glance. “Family member?”
    “Yeah, the one who got in an accident. I hope everything is okay. By the way, you shouldn’t have sent a quack for a replacement. I could have done without the prank.”
    “There’s been no accident, Avalon. I can assure you, I have not been replaced. In fact, I’ve been in the chapel praying for you.”
    She tossed the hand away like a gum wrapper. “What in the hell has gotten into everyone around here? Are you all in on this? The priest that was here fifteen minutes ago, jibber jabbering about new beginnings, gates, and correcting things.” She backpedaled a few steps, raising an accusing finger.
       “Now don’t tell me that Gemini character just walked right in here without a pass, fed me some horrendous pile, then put his hands on me without anyone knowing about it.” She glared at her friend. “Chubs, you checked your roster. That priest wasn’t even cleared to enter.”
    The staff exchanged glances. The doctor gave a breathy sigh. Chubby froze like a stone pillar The other two guards bowed their legs, postured for trouble. One of the guard’s hands stole to the butt of a taser gun.
    Father Mathews took a cautious step forward. “It’s no good to get worked up over this, Avalon. I’ll be with you every step of the way. We can do this together.”
    Chubby clenched a fist. “Can’t you see she’s frightened? She’s sick and needs treatment. This is inhumane!”
    The sergeant turned on him. “I’ll remind you of your detail, Officer Hammersmith. Would you like to be relieved of duty?”
    Chubby shook his head. “No. Right now she needs someone she can trust. I’m staying.”
    Avalon remained obstinate. “If you don’t believe me, check my bag. That fake priest gave me a big gold book with my name on it. At least check your surveillance tapes. Nobody can get in or out of here without the video system picking them up.”
    The sergeant blew out an exasperated breath. He spoke urgent words into his hand-held radio. “Surveillance, back up your tapes thirty minutes, then fast-forward. See if you can pick up any unauthorized entry into death row dayroom for D block. Report back ASAP.” The sergeant looked at his watch. “Let’s head out. We’re falling behind.”
    Chubby extended a hand, offering a soft, sympathetic look. On the verge of panic once again, Avalon collared her emotions. She reached out to take her friend’s