The clock on the wall reminded Nate that it was nearly eleven-forty-five, time to call his client. He did not like to be late. Inmates developed a daily pattern and did not like it interrupted, and Walker was no exception.
He stood up and stretched his arms and back, still stiff from sitting too long. His researcher was sending over more documents and the proper forms for him to sign and scan. He would make his one o’clock deadline, but it would be tight. It was a strange word—deadline, he thought to himself considering the circumstances. But it seemed to fit the occasion.
He picked up the phone and dialed the number. After going through security and proper identification procedures, he was connected to D-Block and minutes later, he heard a familiar voice say, “Hey, what’s up?”
“Hey, Tim. I have the paperwork just about finished and should have it ready for our one o’clock deadline for submission. I’ve been working for the last ten hours on filing an appeal to the United States Supreme Court. It has to be in by one o’clock.”
“Then what the hell you doing on the phone with me?”
“Tim, I just wanted to keep you informed, that’s all.”
“Okay, you did your duty, now go finish that paperwork. When those nut holes say one o’clock they mean one o’clock. Don’t be late. Go!”
“Okay. Timmy, one last thing, I…”
“Don’t you ever call me Timmy,” he shouted his voice sounding like a madman. “You hear me, lawyer? Never!” The words gave Nate a chill.
“Okay, okay, calm down,” he replied and waited a few seconds before continuing. “The main reason I called is… I know we hoped I would be there for the final hour, but with the timing on this latest filing, well… I have to be on call with them here in case they need any other documents, so… I won’t be there with you when it happens. If it happens,” he hastened to add.
There was silence on the other end before he said with a level voice, “It’s okay. Just don’t forget to get the envelope to him, will you?”
“Sure Tim, anything.”
“And one last thing, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, Ralph. Goodbye.”
After ten years as his attorney, his client didn’t even remember his first name.