The Fall Guy (Eastward Prison Story)

19. Kaden

CHAPTER 19

KADEN

Fresh air and stable ground are finally under my feet as I stare back at Eastward prison. The governor set me free following a review of my case by a court judge. But the freedom I craved doesn’t feel so free.

The wind blows the leaves on the trees, a paper cup flies through the air catching the breeze, and I can feel the weather on my face. Being able to enjoy nature and go wherever I want is my reward for getting out. It’s just a shame there is a dark cloud looming over.

After I stabbed Felix, I was taken into isolation for a couple of lonely days. Apparently, it was for my safety, but I just wanted to see Rio. The governor wouldn’t give me an update on his or Felix’s conditions. I overheard one of the guards saying they thought they found the pills that killed Jono in Felix’s cell so he’s facing murder charges. It seems like I won’t be prosecuted for my part in the shower block incident as they have bigger things to deal with. I can just concentrate on myself.

The day I was arrested I didn’t exactly dress for the occasion. I was rudely awakened by officers breaking down my front door. I’ve only got the clothes I was sleeping in that night and some beat up old trainers from the prison’s lost and found box.

Nobody came to meet me on my release. Maybe because they don’t know I’m out or maybe because everyone’s turned their back on me. I have barely any money in my wallet, no car, and only the clothes on my back.

Heading east, I start the walk across town towards my shared house. Brad is the only one that’s been good to me, and I have nowhere else to go. That thought alone is sad. In my younger days, I wasn’t popular at school, but I had people that cared for me. The world was my oyster, and I had options. Now I don’t feel so lucky. I’ve got the choice to swallow my pride hoping my mum will take pity on me or go back to the bed I made in the drug den.

The further I get from the prison the lighter I feel. I’d die a happy man if I never have to go back there. Everything about the place was rotten to the core, except Rio. It was changing my morals in a way I didn’t like. I had to watch my back around every corner and rethink my moral compass. Before prison I’ve never had to choose between trying to kill someone or watching someone I care about die. When I attacked Felix, I knew I had to fight with everything I had. He’s a tough mother fucker and I had to hit him hard.

It feels like over an hour has passed before my house comes into view. The small ex-council house doesn’t look like much but it’s my home.

Laughter from some chick echoes from the walls as I enter. Brad’s naked on the couch with a girl spread eagle over his lap. He spanks her ass and her tits jiggle.

“I’m home and going to bed,” I shout, not waiting for him to see me as I carry on through the house.

“You want a turn?” Brad shouts after me.

I don’t turn back so he can’t see the disgust on my face. His horny sexcapades are not something I’ve missed. At least in prison most people tried to be discreet about their activities. Granted, he wasn’t expecting me to come back today. It doesn’t stop me wishing I hadn’t just seen that, though.

Crawling into bed, I stare at the ceiling wondering how I got here. It’s true what they say, you can never go back once your eyes have been opened. The smell of stale cigarettes and weed no longer hold their appeal.

After three days of only getting out of bed to piss and eat Space Invaders, I finally decide I’ve had enough. Getting up from the bed I find my rucksack and start to pack up my shit. Looking around the room, other than a few clothes, I don’t own very much. It’s depressing to think I don’t have anything of sentimental value. Maybe I should make a model aeroplane or some other dumb shit that takes hours to build.

Brad approaches my doorway with a joint in his hand. The smoke pools around him like an aura of sins. “Finally, you’re up. I was thinking we could…” he says smiling but his face drops when he sees the bag in my hand.

“I’m sorry, but I need to get out of here,” I say. He’s checked on me a few times over the last few days but all I’ve done is drive him away.

A deep frown sets in on his face. “Where will you go?”

I pause packing socks for a quick second because his question is a very good one. I haven’t heard from my family, and I don’t have any other friends that aren’t part of the Cyclone gang. “I’ll figure it out.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince him or myself.

“I can give you a few days to clear your head, but you know the Cyclones won’t just let you go.” Brad isn’t threatening me. I’ve always known there would be a heavy price to pay or maybe no chance of leaving the gang.

“I’m not sure I can just slot back into my old life after being in Eastward. A bit of time might make things clearer but all I know is that there is no going back.” I shake my head so he can see I’m serious. Even if it puts a target on my back, I’m done selling drugs on street corners, dodging bullets from rival gangs, and almost getting busted by the cops at the drug drop off points.

He stares at me while I finish packing my rucksack. After a beat he slides his phone out of his pocket and makes a call. I zip up my bag and listen to the call connect to the big boss, Simon. He starts to explain the situation and I sit on the bed. I can’t completely hear both ends of the conversation but I know it can’t be good. Brad and the boss eventually come to an agreement before hanging up.

“Meet me downstairs when you’re ready,” is all he says before leaving me to finish up.

After collecting my toothbrush, I take one more final look around my room. Everything that’s left is connected to my old life and has no value. I won’t be using my bong to get high with Brad, or my knife to hit the bullseye on my dartboard. Opening my bedside drawer, I pull out my rainy-day fund and exit my room.

Downstairs Brad has some wax paper and a hot iron set on the makeshift crate table. “The boss says you have one chance to walk away, but you can’t take the gang’s tattoo with you.”

He gestures for me to take a seat on the sofa. I’m extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to leave and honestly the price I’m about to pay doesn’t seem that bad. At least I’ll keep all my vital organs and won’t be put six feet in the ground.

Doing as he asks; I drop my bag and take a seat on the sofa. “Let’s do this.”

“This is going to hurt like a bitch. Are you sure about this?” Brad chews on his lip giving me time to back out.

“There’s no going back.” I nod, ready to pay whatever it takes.

He finds a wooden pencil in between the grooves in the table and passes it to me to bite down on. Then he puts the wax paper on my neck to cover the cyclones mark. I can tell the irons hot before it even touches my skin. The heat burns instantly, and I fight the urge to pull away. Tears run down my face as I scream out. Brad holds me in place as he gets to work over the ink on my neck. The heat is unbearable, and I try to break away from his grip.

“It’ll be better this way,” Brad says, not letting me go. He continues his work and luckily for me I eventually pass out.

Waking up hours later I find myself in the Eastward General hospital where a nurse gives me advice on changing my dressings before sending me on my way.

It’s much later before I finally give in and head to my mums. Instead of knocking I curl up in my coat on the front porch and sleep for the night.

To be continued.