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“I’ll do everything I need to. You can count on it.”
She nodded. “I’ve heard it all. I’ve seen it all. I’m not new to this. I know manipulation. You’re a good-looking guy, Michael. Don’t think you’re gonna use those green eyes to get what you want. Fox Lake is small, but we have the resources. AA and NA meetings are at the church on Huntington Way. There are a couple of really good counselors who work out of their house and are even open to doing it through the computer. And don’t worry about the cost. You need to go down to the Department of Health and sign up for all the benefits. It’s out there. You just have to try. And swallow that pride.”
Michael sat forward and took the paper she scooted across the desk with all the addresses of the resources in Fox Lake. “Hard to believe we have all this stuff in such a small town.”
“Some of it is in Alamogordo. Some of it you’ll have to hunt down. But if you truly wanna stay outta prison, you’ll do it.”
“Thanks for the information.”
“I’ll document we had our initial visit. I want to see you often these first few weeks. Our next visit will be a week from today. Same time. That doesn’t mean I won’t randomly drop by your place. And if you get a job, I might show up there.”
“Yes, ma’am. I understand.”
“Good luck, Mr. Brennan. You can do it.” She handed him another packet. “Since you’ve been gone, I’m sure your driver’s license has expired. You’re going to need to go renew that. I know this is a lot on your initial visit, but don’t get overwhelmed. You have time.”
“My license is fine. It was good for six years, and I had just renewed it before…” he trailed off. “Before the shit hit the fan, so to speak.”
“Good. That’s good. One less thing to worry about.” She stacked all the papers together and slid them into a folder. “Keep it all together. Make a checklist if you need to. Most importantly, keep a calendar. You don’t wanna miss any of our appointments. It doesn’t look good and will make me consider revoking you. You have a year left on your sentence. It’d be best to do it free and outside the razor wire.”
“Free.” Michael scoffed and took the folder from her.
“Something on your mind?”
He opened his mouth to spout all his thoughts about parole and all his stipulations. But he changed his mind. There was no sense in giving his opinion. “No, ma’am. It’s just overwhelming.”
“When my clients get a little bit of freedom, it’s a scary thing. Get a job. Go to your meetings. You’re gonna be so busy, the year will fly by before you know it. It’s when you get bored that you start making bad decisions. I’ve seen it far too much.”
Michael patted the folder on his knee. “Keep busy. Got it.” Same concept as when he was locked up. Boredom did create problems.
“That’s all I have for you today. Do you have any questions for me?”
Michael shook his head. “I think I’m good.”
“My phone number is all over that paperwork, so if you need anything, give me a call. It also has my work cell phone number listed. Don’t take advantage of that. I prefer text messages on that phone.” She extended her hand for him to shake, and he returned the favor. “I look forward to assisting you during this time.”
“Thanks.”
He exited the office and got into Mitch’s truck. “My truck still in good condition?” It was an old Chevrolet Silverado that needed work before he got locked up.
“Probably needs some work. It’s sat for most of those four years.”
“You didn’t even start it up from time to time?”
“Yeah, but it was just one of those things that fell to the wayside. You’re good with cars. Could be a side project for you.”
Michael patted the folder against Mitch’s arm. “Won’t have time for it. According to all this bullshit, I’m not even gonna have time to sleep.” He glanced out the window at their small town. The diner was still open, along with a few other small shops. He was glad to see they were surviving in corporate America. “I just don’t want you to have to chauffer me around is all.”
“You’re good for now. It’s not a problem. You can use my truck whenever you need it.” He turned onto Main Street, past the barber shop where he used to get his haircut. “You hungry? Tired? What you wanna do? I bet you’re aching for some…”
Michael held his hand up. “Stop. I don’t need you commenting on my sex life.”
“Who said anything about sex?” Mitch arched his eyebrow and laughed.
“I can tell. You have this warning expression when you bring it up.”
“Do I?” Mitch patted his chest. “I mean, you gotta be horny as hell right about now, right? Four years with nothing… from a guy who could get any woman he wants, that’s gotta hurt some.”
Michael tapped the window with his knuckle, wondering how much he should divulge. “Who says I’ve gone four years without it? And before you say anything about gay activities behind bars, let me just say, there’s such a thing as female correctional officers.”
