South Side - A Prison Break Story

6. The plan

Michael

I was prepared for all possible answers, but not this one.
"You can count on me," she said.
My surprise must have shown on my face because she looked at me, laughing.
"Why the surprised face?"
She walked past me and stood behind me.
I seemed to be rooted to the spot as I felt her soft fingertips move across my back.
She traced the lines, and her touch left a warm trail on my skin.
Then she pulled her hand away.
I realized I had been unconsciously holding my breath the whole time.
I exhaled and turned around.
Isabelle was climbing up the ladder and then lay down in bed.
I stood still, looking at her.
"I thought I would have to convince you," I finally said.
She made an indignant sound.
"You already did when you hid the map in the tattoos," she said.
I'm glad i made that choice.
"Lights out!" one of the guards shouted, followed by all the lights going off.
I quickly put my shirt and sweater back on and lay down in bed too.
I heard the bed above me creak, and I got the impression she couldn't sleep.
"Michael?" I heard her ask.
I grunted to let her know I had heard her.
"I don't think I can sleep until you've told me the plan."
The corners of my mouth curled up.
This woman is amazing.
"Then I better tell you, or I won't be able to sleep either because of your bed creaking."
She started moving on purpose, making the bed creak even more than before.
"Okay, okay, I'm starting," I said, laughing.
"Can I say something first?"
The tone she used made me curious.
"Of course."
"I know you've made a hole behind our sink."
I was stunned. How could she know?
I was just about to ask her, but she already started to explain herself
"I figured it out from the puddle of water next to it. That's not normal for a sink, so something must have been moved."
God, she was smart.
"I'll keep that in mind," I said, feeling a bit flustered.
For a moment, I was thrown off by this woman's sharpness.
I collected myself and cleared my throat. "So you already know there's a hole there..." I began and told her the whole plan from A to Z.
"... In the end, we'll have to get over the walls through the infirmary," I finished.
She had been silent the whole time.
"What are you thinking?" I asked, curious.
"I'm thinking about how brilliant this plan is," I heard excitement in her voice.
It gave me a warm feeling inside.
"It's just a shame that John and T-Bag are coming along," she added.
"Without them, the plan wouldn't succeed," I said, "otherwise, I'd gladly leave them here too."
"So that's why they're acting like angels," she said, not addressing anyone in particular.
"They know they'll be free in a few weeks."
Now that she mentioned it, John and T-Bag had been behaving impeccably ever since I shared the plan with them.
The sanctimonious hypocrites.
"Do you think you can sleep now?" I asked.
"I'm sure of it," she said, sounding satisfied.
"Good night Michael."
"Good night."