Looking Out on Freedom. (A.E.2 #1)

[The Convicted]

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Bridge Rd, Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 3PA, UK

November 11, 2018,

It's getting late in the evening a few storm clouds are beginning to move in as he sits on the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol with his legs hanging off the edge. He sits there thinking as he looks out at the water below such beauty surrounding him, he hasn't been able to just sit and enjoy the sights as he has always dreamed of at least as he has for the last decade or so. Just sitting on the bridge brings back memories of being a kid sitting on old Miller bridge down by the quarry hanging out till dark. 

The noise from the vehicles passing by doesn't even bother him his mind is free, he has no worries at the moment, life is good, life is great, and life is what he makes of it. He turns a bit to reach for his bottle of Dr. Pepper, and he flinches in pain, as his ribs are still bruised and sore from his match and from the aftermath beating at the little Thai restaurant he ate at that night. He doesn't even care as he just received word earlier in the day he has another match at Adrenaline #2 against none other than Mr. America at The Oasis in Swindon, Wilts. 

He's on top of the world right now another match means another week of work which means another paycheck and yet another week of freedom. He reaches into his pocket for a cinnamon disc and pulls out the piece of paper that has the number of the waitress from the other night on it. He takes a look at it for a while a considers the possibilities of calling her but questions would he really have a chance if she knew his past. He pulls out his cell phone and programs her number in his phone just in case he decides to take a chance and call her.

As he finishes programming her number he notices a missed call from David Richards. He instantly hits redial and waits as it rings. The wind starts to pick up as the street lights and lamps along the bridge are now coming on. He can feel a slight mist in the air finally a man answers the phone.

David Richards

Hello!

Eric Chronister

Hey, man, it's Eric Chronister, I missed a call from you.

David Richards

Oh Yeah, Eric, yes I was getting back with you I was trying to let you know about your friend Homie.

Eric Chronister

Good news I hope.

There's a bit of a silence and aloud honking as a couple cars go by but he listens for David to speak.

David Richards

Well, I actually have great news, but I also have a bit of bad news for ya man. See Homie is out of his coma and doing much better.

Eric Chronister

Damn, that's cool, so he will be able to get back to his cell and routine right. I can come back and see him soon.

David Richards

That will be a bit of a problem, see he was assaulted because he lost a large amount of money to one of the bigger gangs in the prison on a bet and couldn't pay up when expected too. So now we will have to place him in protective custody and you know what that means I'm sorry Eric, but for now he won't be able to have visitors.

He leans his head against the bridge as he realizes what Homie has gotten himself into and just don't understand why or what could he have been betting on. He bucks up and begins to ask a couple more questions from David.

Eric Chronister

So let me ask this man, do you know exactly who he owes money too, how much and what the bet was?

David Richards

I do, and I would get in major trouble if I told you, besides I don't think you want to know or need to know to be honest Eric. Man, you just got out not long ago your starting a new life you don't need this on your conscience just let it go and forget about everything and everyone here in the prison system.

Eric Chronister

No, I want to know, Homie isn't just a DAMN NUMBER he's my family, he's my brother and I won't just forget about him. We are all we have and I will do whatever it takes to make sure he's okay so tell me please David man, tell me.

David can be hears sighing as he pauses for a moment then begins to tell him.

David Richards

Okay, you asked but you didn't hear it from me. He owes the Harris clan, and he owes a large amount $1700 to be exact bud, and now remember you asked for me to tell you so here it is he owes it on a bet from your match at EOD against Bobby Barratt he bet on you to win the whole thing and when you lost he couldn't pay up and they damn near killed him, sorry bud. 

Eric Chronister

Don't be, I got Homie into this and I will make it right all I need you to do is make sure he stays safe until I make it right, can you do that? I promise I will make it right with you. Thanks but I gotta go for now thanks again.

David Richards

Sure bud, don't do anything stupid and good luck on your next match, I heard it's against a fellow American Mr. American go win this for Homie.

Eric Chronister

I will I have too.

He hangs up the phone and as he begins to just stare out into the night as he figures out his next step and how he will beat Mr. America so he can help Homie.