JR SWAT 4: JunIor AdVocates

Chapter 6: Braise yourself!

Los Padrinos Juvenile Detention Center...

"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." said D'Andre Johnson -Rev- took a bow, while closing his eyes momentarily. "Peter said baptism erases all sins, but God will always show mercy on our souls."

Rev had just started his Bible session, with six of his faithfuls. Since he was convicted, he had found the word of God soothing, even more so than before. He devoted himself to the Word, preaching and soul curing others. The nickname Rev stuck with him, as other young inmates looked at him for peace and guidance. He was in charge of Bible studies, prayer sessions, blessings before food service and even courses or private therapeutic sessions. Not only that, in his free time he wrote manifests, original psalms, articles on scripture analysis and creative religious pieces.

This afternoon was no exception. They were to go over several sections from the Bible that spoke about repentance and the power of God to absolve their sins. Rev wanted the young men to understand that being incarcerated did not mean the end of the world. God was there for them!

Lunch had ended and only the well-behaved were allowed in the inner patio of Building C. Two boys played Checkers, while Rev and six others studied the Bible and three more sat quietly on opposite corners. The rest of the space was quiet. The young men in their cells kept to themselves, as everybody just waited for their turn for daylight.

Free time outside had been limited ever since the start of the turf war. The incidents in two adult prisons had pushed the general commissioner to implement stricter rules in all penitentiary centers, including juvenile facilities. Daylight activities were reduced, visits shortened and alone time in cells was increased. So, Rev tried to make the best out of the time he had. This time, he almost had to beg the guards to let them gather for Bible Study!

Five armed guards stood at the edges of the small space inside, as three others walked through the five open flights of floors. Inmates that were not allowed out were quiet, but some were paying attention to the session down below. 

"We are but lost in the path to God. But do not fear, my brothers, He will guide us back to the right passage. He will show mercy and leniency on our souls, he-"

BOOOOMMMMMMM

A loud explosion was heard in one of the cells up above, in the fifth floor. Debris, pieces of metal and other materials came flying out, as blazing fire torched the inside of the building.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH"agonizing and shrinking screams were heard from upstairs

"GET HIM OUT! GET HIM OUT!" the inmates pleaded

WEEEEEE OOOOOHHHHH WEEEE OOOOHHHH

THUMP THUMP

In a matter of seconds, several of the gates swung open. Sirens sounded everywhere. Teenagers began screaming, yelling, running...guards rushed in!

POW POW POW

Shoots began to fire everywhere, as Rev ducked and used one of the metal benches as cover. He placed both arms on his head, with a tight grip on the sacred book.

"REV! REV!" Timothy, his cellmate, yelled.

"TIM, STAY DOWN! STAY DOWN!" he responded. He wasn't even sure where Tim was!

BOOOOOMMMM

POW POW POW

Another explosion was heard, this time from the rear cells down the third floor. More debris was spread all around and more inmates ran. One of the main doors flew open and ten guards came in, geared up from top to bottom. More screams!