Seeking An S.O.S.: Behind The Scenes

22. Weighing Out the Options

As the patrol van approached a brown building located within the forests of Wala Wala, Washington, the quad learned that it was the prison they were going to be staying at until their trials at the local courthouse would begin. Known as Iron Heights, the structure got its name due to the iron bars surrounding it, making it harder for escapees to flee. 

All five delinquents were handcuffed and under complete police surveillance as Bonnie and Clyde were charged with arm robbery. Martina, Roman and his sister were charged as being their accessories, as they were thought to have helped them escape.

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"Here we are ladies and gentlemen! You will be staying here for the time being as your lawyers will contact you as soon as possible," Sergeant Williams satirically announced as he stuck his hand out to welcome them.

After hearing the officer's statement, Martina grimaced. Like the rest of the crew, she did not appreciate how the Sergeant made fun of them.

Ladies and gentlemen my butt! Save it, Sir. You don't have to make it like we are entering an elegant palace. Life is already harsh for us to begin with. Don't rub it in.

Each situation they went on from the moment they stepped in Roman's old truck led to a catastrophe. Thus, Martina had a premonition that everything around her would turn into a complete disaster, since that's all she allowed herself to see.

One thing that worried her the most was if she was going to lose Harley's trust, It appeared that this ordeal they were in was her breaking point,withstanding the test of time!

Martina did not want to lose her, even though she often thought about Frankie. The man she loved to hate. Nevertheless, she was attracted to him. But it wasn't right to have two suitors fighting for her affection in her mind. She knew the saying, "You can't have your cake and eat it too!", meaning having two lovers at the same time was unjustified. Martina had to choose one or the other.

As usual, Harley grinned as if nothing was going to ruin her day. For her, she had a feeling her lawyers would win this case eventually as this claim that the police were accusing her, Roman and Martina was completely bogus.

In her mind, the only culprits were Bonnie and Clyde. She did not blame Martina for the trauma they were in at all. But she knew that Marti might not think that way as her face showed clues.

The sweat that dropped down her face and the involuntary movements said it all. Martina shook like a shivering dog.

I'm wondering what's going on in her mind right now. If I wasn't handcuffed right now, I would give her a hug. 

Harley remained silent as she didn't want the officer to hear their private conversations. Harley knew there could be a possibility that they might be tape recorded as well, so it was risky if she were to say anything out loud thus any outburst might go against them in court.

It was Harley's motto to keep smiling no matter what for the world was already unbearable.  She considered it as a form of self- care, as it chased her worries away for a few minutes. Besides that fact, she loved toying with the police. She knew they were onto her, because they couldn't figure her out.

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Sitting in the back with Clyde and Officer Jayden, Roman prayed that their time in the slammer would be short. Earlier, he clenched his teeth as hard as he could so that it caused some pain in his mouth. He figured that once they arrived at their designated site, he'd tell the warden about his problem. 

Roman didn't trust the police as they didn't even want to believe that it wasn't him who trashed the store. However, the security cameras didn't lie to him, as Roman saw with his own eyes that he was actually the person who opened up the packages and drank the beer. 

Yet, Roman had to blink twice before he noticed something was off. 

His figure was a bit chubby in the video, whereas in reality, he knew he stayed trim and healthy.

Was that really me? Did I gain all that weight? But if not, what just happened? I can't believe the fact that something out of the blue went inside my stomach. As if I was pregnant. Don't be ridiculous Roman, men can't have babies.

However, he could no longer bear the pain anymore and let out a murmur that caused the officer sitting next to him.

"What's the matter Steiner, cat got your tongue?" Officer Jayden asked as he chuckled.

Like his sister, Roman didn't appreciate the sarcasm. But as he was already in trouble, he went with the flow and remained calm.

"No, just have a toothache, Sir. I grind my teeth on occasion. Is there a dentist in the prison that could take a look at it?"

The officer had a heart, but he had a hard time showing it. In the minds of all officers, their job was tough and they must try to remain stoic at all times. It was a thought that most who signed up to serve for their town, country and people had. If one was presumed to be weak, then that person might be asked to leave.

"We'll have to see Steiner, I don't have the answer to that." Officer Jayden tried to keep a neutral face as he spoke because he did not want his colleagues to see his expression.

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Entering the rusted doors of the prison, Sergeant Williams was eager to finally meet the warden of Iron Heights. Speaking on MOON chat wasn't his forte, as he lacked the technological skills of his younger comrades. Williams tried to train himself on how to use the virtual platform, but due to his short term memory, he failed.

Shaking hands with Warden Smith, the Sergeant introduced him to the five convicts that needed to be disciplined. An old gentleman himself with gray hair and wrinkled face, Warden Smith still enjoyed his work, which he had 40 years experience with.

Martina grew suspicious of the warden's antics and knew that their fate might fall into his hands.