Innocent

Chapter 6: Freedom

"In freedom, most people find sin.”

~John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

        I mentally steeled myself against this FBI Agent, because for me they only bring bad news. His brown eyes and ocean blue tie was all too familiar. It was Agent Collins, the man who had put me in prison. My resentment towards him, wouldn't let me give him whatever he wanted. He gazed at me, shock and astonishment in his eyes. "Isabelle," He gasped out. I knew I looked different. I stood infront of him, at almost his height. No longer looking up at him, I could easily give him the cold stare down he deserved. I glanced at him, ruthless, and unyielding. He winced slightly. Good, I thought, I want him to feel my anger. "What do you want?" I said callously. Agent Collins looked at me, four years later, he was still the same man. Rigid, stubborn, and barbaric. Agent Collins ignored me and looked out the window. "It's a lovely view you got from here. Weeds, and dead grass." He said cruelly. I clenched my fists, maybe I should have let Emilia beat him up. Or better yet, I should do it myself. There's always time.

        "What do you want?" I repeated myself, in a slow, dangerous tone.

        Agent Collins was silent as he handed me an pale blue envelope.

        I began to read it.

Dear Isabelle Absher,

        In the light of recent evidence, the court of law of New York has found you innocent. A man, named Paul Santos has confessed to the murder of Senator Jake Kennish. He then proclaimed you a innocent bystander, and told the police of his plan to frame you. I must say sadly it worked. Due to this new evidence, you will be released immediately with eighty-million dollars in cash for any of the inconveniences of being sent to prison. We are aware that in prison you managed to graduate high school and acquire several college degrees. Even though the state of New York applauds you on these incredible achievements. You are still seventeen and required to attend one year of high school. We are doing this to help you adapt to society again. You, for the time being until you are eighteen are to have two handlers. Agent Collins and his son, Matthew. They will watch over you, and you will check in with them. The State of New York apologizes greatly for the inconvenience of sending you to prison.

        Sincerely,

        New York Department of Justice

        I scoffed at the letter. "The State of New York apologizes greatly for the inconvenience." I quoted back to Agent Collins. He was silent, as he looked down at the floor. So now, he feels guilty. I looked at Agent Collins. "Can I ask you a few questions, Colly?" I cocked my head at him, waiting for a reaction. Something real, something to let me know, that this man was human. He looked empty as he gazed back at me. He gave no innuendo as to what was going on.

"Go ahead, Isabelle ask me whatever you want." He replied.

I paused, "So my eighty million dollars when do I get it?"

"As soon as we leave the prison, I will hand you two large duffle bags filled with your money." The money puzzled me. Eighty-million dollars seemed pricey, even though I probably deserved it. Something smelled fishy about the money. The Government was just going to hand me the cash, just like that? There was something extremely off about that.

"So you're my babysitter?" I asked hoping the question put him on edge.

"The proper term is handler. And yes. Matthew and I will be your handlers."

"Matthew?" I interrogated, "What does he have anything to do with this?"

"Well," He paused warming up to my discomfort, "Matthew is a FBI Agent."

I laughed, "He's only, what? Seventeen? And you're telling me he works for Big Brother?"

        He stiffened slightly at the mention of his son. Now I know what makes him uncomfortable, let's use it to my advantage. "Yes, Matthew works for the Bureau. He's the youngest and most talented agent they have." I smiled at him disingenuously. "You look uncomfortable Collins you should be proud of Matthew. After all, he's your son." Agent Collins, froze looking at me. He quickly changed the subject, "Do you have any other questions?"

"I do. Why do I need handlers do check up on me?" I said allowing the subject to be changed, but I still kept eye contact with him, letting him know the subject would come up again.

"Well," Agent Collins answered grasping at the right word, "It seems you have developed connections in prison. You're very popular here, I've noticed." He looked around with competent, at the almost empty reception office. Where everyone was listening. I spotted Emilia leaning against the corner pretending to mop the floor. The Warden no doubt would have his ear against his office door, and Sarah the receptionist was probably writing down every word. People in prison kill for gossip.

"I still don't know why I need a handler." I replied, challenging him.

He looked like he had the urge to roll his eyes.

"We just want to make sure that you adapt to society." He said calmly.

        I nodded, not believing a word that came out of his mouth. What he was really trying to say was that I was a danger, because I was. I knew secrets, and had many friends in so many places I couldn't count. I had reach in places Agents could only dream of. It was all because of him.

        "Isabelle it's time to leave." Agent Collins said, "The guards are packing up the stuff in your cell." He grabbed my arm and uncuffed me. Quickly he led me out of the prison, he didn't even give me a chance to say goodbye. "Izzy wait!" Ben, the warden called out, he said running a hand through his gray hair. Agent Collins froze and waited. Ben looked at me mysteriously, and I raised an eyebrow waiting for him to speak. "Izzy you forgot your deck of cards." Ben said as he handed me a deck of cards I had never seen before. I said nothing as I nodded. This was our secret goodbye.

"Isabelle are you coming or do you want to stay here forever?" Collins said rudely, pulled me into the car. 

"Where are we going?" I asked Collins.

He grinned almost wickedly at me, "To your new high school."