Jail-Path to Freedom : Part 2
Story By Thiyam Ningol, Africa

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Robert was ready to start business after exactly one month. He started computer lessons also but at a slower speed.

He told Simon that he inherited Angus from his late employer whom he dearly served.

"It's not a mere toy for me, but a priceless memento"-he told Simon. He reserved the details.

He asked for an opinion from Simon how to advance a business with a limited capital.

Simon put the theory and Robert made it practical. Simon had many questions about the source of the capital but Robert assured him as safe inheritance. They started transport business with two used, 7 ton Lorries. Simon saw his luck in Robert's safe inheritance.

They became partners. Within 6 months, they managed to buy 2 more Lorries. After 1 year, they bought a brand new Lorry which was reserved for trips to DRC( Democratic Republic of Congo). Robert confided to Simon his plans of getting diamonds from DRC.

Money started flowing in which changed the old, simple and innocent Robert and Simon to greedy and merciless owners of the "RobSim Transport Company."

Lucy got married to the simple Robert; had given him a daughter and son.

They had good times together. She considered herself very lucky to be married by the kind man. He comforted her when needed, he admired her beauty, he appreciated her wisdom, and he loved her. With time, things started changing.

He became more secretive and suspicious. Friend circle had shrunk to nil. Late night meetings became a daily routine. He no more joined her for dinner.

Her only companions, their children were sent away to foreign countries. But his business was expanding, very fast.

He no more asked her to accompany him in his trips.

Lucy started asking questions to Robert and he tightened security around her.

Robert walked with 5 bouncers surrounding him. If he fell down, needed a fork lift to lift his body. Could no more get sleep without sleeping pills. His house was a fortress with surveillance cameras in every corner. He stopped drinking with other people less he speak out secrets. He stopped sleeping with Lucy, his wife because of the constant surveillance.

He would not allow Lucy to go anywhere without him. He would not permit Lucy to see their children without him. He forbade Lucy to talk to anybody without him being present. He did not allow Lucy to sleep in the same room with him. Lucy had to sleep in the room specially built for her, an attached room to their bed room with no windows; only air conditioner humming 24 hours.

The door to her room had a detector; she had to pass "Clean" everyday.

The luxuries and securities, the glittering ornaments, the dazzling décor of the house were all meaningless to Lucy. She needed freedom.

She knew Robert carried a pistol even while sleeping, his finger fastened to the trigger, ready to shoot anyone, anytime.

She had to plan very well. She imagined herself in the shoes of her husband and started planning. It worked.

She had her dinner, alone as usual. Waited for her husband to come and open the door of her room as usual. She knew the guards would be watching her through the cameras.

Nothing unusual sign should be shown. Switched on the TV, the usual news channel, a boring channel to the guards. She prayed "Help me God! I know it is wrong but it is the only way to get my freedom". Nobody saw her making the sign of "Cross".

She pretended asleep.

Robert came at 15 minutes passed 2 A.M. Changed to his pajama and woke Lucy.

"What time is it" –she asked with the sleepy voice.

"Doesn't matter what time it is. Get up, go to your bed."

She got up, yawned once, rubbed her eyes and walked with wobbling gaits through the "Detector" door. She tripped, hit her head on the door frame, and fell on the floor.

Crimson red fluid was flowing from her eyebrows.

Robert rushed to her with his pistol in hand. The crimson red fluid frightened him. Put down the pistol on the floor and tried to pick up Lucy. His bed room door was opening, the reflection from the bouncer's bald head started appearing at the doorway. Lucy got hold of the pistol in time and pulled the trigger three times-point blank at Robert's chest.

All the evidences recorded by the cameras were crystal clear- the nail polish bottle with crimson red fluid was visible distinctly.

Lucy knew in the jail Roberts bouncers, Simon and the diamond dealers would not be able to touch her. She would be free in the jail.

After the verdict was read, Lucy walked to the path of her freedom with a smile.

Concluded...