Free A Bloodhound to Die for by Virginia Lanier

them to return.” She grinned.
    “Hank told me to tell you that in case Jimmy Joe
was
back there, you should warn him so he could clear out before daylight.”
    “Very funny,” I said wryly. “Did dear ol’ Hank have any more words of wisdom for me?”
    “He said that he was pissed at you and you were pissed at him but that was SOP, so I shouldn’t fret.”
    “Ready for some fudge ripple?”
    “No, I need coffee, tons of coffee, and not the debugged kind. I need caffeine. I’m still shaking.”
    “It’s warm out,” I stated, filling the coffeemaker in the office.
    “My shakes are from nerves, not goose bumps. I want to drink coffee and hear every word about what happened today, and especially about the ‘message’ you tried to tell the males about before they cut you off at the knees.”
    I looked up from the coffeepot in surprise.
    “I can’t believe my ears. Are you really saying that Hank did something wrong?”
    “He be a man, don’t he?” she said solemnly.
    I laughed. “Bless you. I think it’s the first time you’ve ever taken my side when Hank and I were fighting.”
    I handed her the cup of delicious-smelling coffee, and fixed one for myself. I might not sleep for hours, but this was an occasion. I recounted Jimmy Joe’s odyssey and the entire visit at the prison. She shook her head at Jimmy Joe’s thirty-odd years left to servefor simple assault and his audacity in disappearing right under the guards’ noses.
    “Do you really think he was successful in escaping, or is he hiding somewhere on the grounds and hoping he can get out after the excitement dies down?”
    “He’s had six years to plan this. He has a large, close-knit family that is willing to help him. I don’t know how he pulled it off, but I believe he’s celebrating freedom right now in the Okefenokee Swamp with a few close relatives and friends.” I lifted my coffee cup. “Here’s to Jimmy Joe. May he live a long and happy life free of restraints!”
    “Hear, hear!” Jasmine agreed. “Were you serious about not going after him, if the powers that be should ask?”
    “Absolutely. I really didn’t appreciate the search warrant. I can only guess what happened with the message I left at the information desk. Either the guard ignored it, or he left a message on the captain’s desk and when Jimmy Joe was discovered missing, the captain checked the visitors’ log and decided that I helped him somehow.”
    Jasmine frowned. “They found him missing very quickly. Did he trip an alarm or something?”
    “They have an early meal for supper on Sunday afternoon, right after visiting hours end. They have the lockdown count at five P.M. I suppose that is when they found him missing. God, he really had to be touched in the head to try to escape in broad daylight when heknew they would discover his absence within the hour. So far he seems to be successful. Course Hank wouldn’t call to tell me if they already had him in custody. I imagine the only news we’ll get will be from the newspaper and the radio station.”
    “After hearing what was going on, I understand now what the captain meant by ‘What message?’ He really did seem surprised.”
    “I agree with you. I don’t think he knew anything about my message, but then again, he may have but thought I was trying to throw him off the scent. Who knows?”
    Jasmine smiled. “Tell me what you think of your newest admirer.”
    “Don’t you dare tease me about his confession of undying love for me. Tell me why I’m so unlucky in the men who seem to be attracted to me. Is it something I say or do?”
    “I’m not going near that question, thank you very much.” Jasmine yawned and stretched like a cat. “I’m exhausted, and have an eight A.M. class. I’m gonna hit the sack. Need anything before I go?”
    “Not a thing. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep tight.”
    She trudged off to bed and Bobby Lee and Rudy left for their late-night run. I didn’t wait up for their