Chapter 15 - When the Doors Closed
The first alarm sounded while Naomi was still arguing with the shift supervisor. A recorded voice ordered all inmates to return to their assigned cells. But Jo wasn't in a cell. She was in a hospital bed with an oxygen tube, and two officers were already pulling the brakes off its wheels.
"Where are you taking her?" I demanded.
"Temporary holding."
"She's injured!"
One officer reached for my arm. Naomi stepped between us and displayed her badge. "This patient is a cooperating witness in an active state investigation. I need the destination, the medical authorization, and the names of every employee involved."
"Orders from Deputy Warden Marr."
"Call her. I'll tell her myself."
For a moment nobody moved. Then a guard whispered into his radio, and the officers released the bed. Jo let out a shaky breath.
We could hear doors clanging along the corridor. Somewhere a prisoner began shouting that her medicine had been left behind.
Naomi phoned the state duty attorney. "I need a court order preserving the infirmary, the laundry basement, and all movement logs. Now."
Marr arrived less than five minutes later, perfectly dressed, perfectly furious. "You are interfering with facility safety."
"Then show me the incident requiring this sweep," Naomi said.
"Confidential operational matter."
"I'll take the written order under seal."
Marr's smile twitched. She turned toward me. "You have no idea who you're helping, Mercer."
"I know who was lying. That's enough to start."
She walked away without answering. Jo closed her eyes. Then the overhead speaker came alive with a new order.
May you like
"All staff: fire alarm in Records Annex. Evacuate immediately."
Naomi swore under her breath. "That's where they keep the original medication receipts."
