Free One Way Or Another You Will Pay by Eve Rabi

that person, and you’ve found the person who’s helping him. Possibly the person who snatched Savannah.”
    He makes so much sense.
    “I mean, forensics probably collected fibers from Savannah and when you find that person, she, I strongly believe it’s a she, from what you’ve said, will become a person of interest and the detectives will match the fibers to her car, house, clothing, whatever.”
    I nod slowly as he speaks. “You’re right!”
    Ritchie turns to Bear. “Boet (bro), you need to let her go back to prison and do some surreptitious investigation. I know, I know, you don’t want her to have any contact with him, but to end this, she has to. Until we find that person. And find her, we will.”
    Encouraged by the fact that Bear is no longer objecting outright, Ritchie continues.
    “You quit now, you renege on that deal, and you don’t know what’s going to happen. We can’t take that chance. Here’s what I suggest…”
     
    ****
     
    Monday, 9:45 AM. I’m on my way to see Tom. Yes, it’s not Friday, and I have not called ahead to arrange visitation with Tom. I’ve decided to just rock up and see what happens.
    My top is red, snug, and shows a fair amount of cleavage. My skirt is black and above the knee, my face is caked with make-up but my hair is loose and long, though.
    Behind me, Ritchie is in his Jeep, following at a safe pace.
    I pull into the prison parking lot, turn off my ignition, and take a minute to pin up my hair with a claw.
    I didn’t want Bear to see me wearing my hair up. Mainly to avoid any drama over it.
    He knows how much Tom disliked me wearing my hair long and loose, so it will irk him when he sees my hair up.
    I don’t acknowledge Ritchie, even though he follows me into visitor’s reception.
    As expected, I’m denied visitation.
    “Oh, so sorry, but I was under the impression that because my name is on the list, I could visit any day. My mistake, so sorry.” My voice is charming and breathy. If Tom can get his way by being charming, why can’t I? Why shouldn’t I?
    “I’m his ex-wife,” I explain, as I look deep into the prison official’s green eyes, while playing with a loose strand of my hair. “Brought some money to deposit into his prison account.” I smile.
    The guard eyes flit between mine and my cleavage and after my cleavage wins, he says, “Let me make a phone call, sweetheart.”
    “Oh, thank you so much!”
    At the entrance to the building, I hear Ritchie talking softly on his mobile phone.
    Casually, I glance back and catch him eyeing a few uniformed females.
    I turn back, and hitching up my bra strap, flash my teeth at the prison official on the phone. With a wink, he gestures that he’s holding on.
    My smile is appreciative.
    After a while, he puts down the phone. “Sorry, but visitation has been denied, hon.” He looks genuinely sorry.
    “Ohhhh, why?”
    “Might be the prisoner is objecting to it?”
    Really now? Why would Tom, who pursued me, relentlessly at that, object to me visiting him?
    Because the day didn’t suit him? It’s not like he has things to do or places to be at?
    After some gratitude flirting, I thank the guard and leave.
    Ritchie follows me home.
    “Nothing,” he says to our disappointment.
    Okay.
    “Next time,” he promises.
     
    ****
     
    It’s Wednesday and I’m at Remington asking to see Tom.
    This time, to my surprise, even though it’s not Friday, I’m allowed in. Whew!
    Tom is clearly not thrilled to see me. Awww!
    “Friday!” he barks. “What part of Friday didn’t you understand?”
    Showtime!
    I take the stage. “Look Tom, I have work on Fridays, and I wasn’t thinking when I said yes to you, but I’m here right now.” My voice is humble, my attitude submissive.
    “You’re not working , Arena! You’re a volunteer for some ….stupid, ball-busting women’s club. That’s all! A volunfuckingteer!”
    My sigh is long.
    As he scowls, his eyes dart around as if he’s looking out for