Three people stood between Ben and the metal detector in the slow-moving line. Shuffling ahead, he pulled the coins and bills from his pocket and dropped them into the plastic dish; now off with the belt and shoes. Wait until called. Pass through the metal detector. Arms up for the wand. Spread your legs for the small area search. Sign the waiver. The routine was as aggravating as it was demeaning, but at least Ben’s attitude had improved. After his talk with Tia, he had showered and even shaved. A fresh shirt made him feel almost respectable. He couldn’t wait to see his wife. He needed to see her. He didn’t know what he would say to her, but somehow he had to help her hang on.
At first, the person speaking to him didn’t register.
“Hey, Sarge?” The voice was deep and commanding. “Sergeant Sawyer?”
Ben looked up to see a handsome uniformed guard with a disarming smile motioning for him to step out of line. The man wore a crisp short-sleeved uniform shirt over a V-shaped torso. Two stripes identified him as the corporal of the guard. His black hair was worn in a short military style, and the smooth dark skin of his arms covered muscles that stood out like thick ropes. Ben’s first impression was the guy looked pretty squared away to be part of this outfit.
Great, Ben thought. Now what? These rent-a-cops really got it in for me.
Without giving up his place in line, Ben called back, feeling defensive, “What?”
“Sir, could you step around the counter, please?” He opened the swinging gate and motioned for Ben to come through, but he stayed put.
“I’ll lose my place. Visitation starts in ten minutes, Corporal. Whatever this is about, can we take care of it after visiting hours?”
“Relax, Sarge. Just come around the counter for me.”
Ben reluctantly followed the corporal away from the visiting line and through a nearby door. They entered a comfortable room that Ben figured the guards used for lunch breaks or to catch a nap on graveyard. There was a couch and chair along with a well-stocked counter with snacks, coffee, and bottled water. The coffeepot was full and smelled fresh.
“Make it quick, Corporal.”
He looked young to be in charge but had an air about him that told Ben before too long he’d be more than a private company jailhouse guard.
“I don’t blame you for being put out,” he said. His delivery was smooth and sincere. Ben reluctantly felt himself drawn in by the man’s words. “What happened the last time you were here was uncalled for. I spoke to the officers. It won’t happen again, Sergeant.”
Ben remained skeptical but replied politely, “All right. I appreciate that. Now can I get back in line?”
“That won’t be necessary, sir. Tia Suarez called me this morning. She and I served in the Marines together. Did some time overseas. She tells me you’re a standup guy and that your wife is getting screwed. I don’t know about any of that, but I know you’re a cop and I’m not going to have you getting the shaft on my watch.”
Ben allowed himself a smile, warmed by a sense of comradeship absent from his life the past few days. It felt good, even from a security guard who was a complete stranger.
“Thanks, Corporal…?”
“Reynolds. Darnell Reynolds.” The man stuck out his hand and Ben accepted. “Have a seat, Sergeant. I’ll be right back.”
The guard left through a rear door, and Ben sat down on the arm of the comfortable lounge chair. The Brewers were playing the A’s on the television. Ben thought back to the night of steaks and beer. In another world, he’d be at that game right now, with Jake.
Ben looked at his watch and thought as nice a guy as Darnell might be, he had started to cut into his visiting time. A moment later Darnell returned along with Alex, uncuffed and without leg irons. Alex glanced around the room, confused by the break in routine. When she saw Ben, she stopped dead. Ben stood up straight but remained in place.
Corporal Reynolds stepped aside and spoke softly. “Go on, Sarge. Say hi to your wife. Give her a hug or something.”
Ben finally understood. The rules had been lifted. Tia Suarez, you are the man.
Ben walked toward Alex, who was still standing stiffly just past the door. She looked baffled. He wrapped her in his arms, and after a brief moment of tension, he felt her body go limp against his. It had been nearly a week since he’d held her, the longest such stretch since junior high. She wept in his arms.
Darnell spoke in a quiet voice. “Again, Sergeant, Mrs. Sawyer, I’m sorry for the way things have been handled. Take all the time you need. I’ll be right outside the door. The fridge is stocked with sodas and help yourself to some snacks. If you need to make phone calls, ma’am, just dial nine first, but you should be aware the line might be recorded.”
Darnell turned to go. Ben pried himself six inches away from Alex and said, in a voice cracking with emotion, “Corporal Reynolds?”
Darnell stopped in the doorway and looked back. Ben saw the man was uncomfortable with the moment, but he had to say something.
“Thank you,” Ben said. “I don’t know what else to say.”
“Don’t thank me. Thank Tia. She’s definitely got your back, Sarge.”
“I know she does, but none of us can do anything alone, right? Not even Tia.”
Darnell nodded and smiled as he left the room.
Ben held Alex as her body heaved with emotion. He rocked her gently and stroked her coarse hair, whispering in her ear in a low tone meant to soothe.
“I’m here now, baby. You’re not alone.” It came clear to Ben what he needed to say. What he knew to be the truth. He felt a growing strength in his body that had been absent for days. The words came easy. “I know you’re innocent, Alex. I know you didn’t kill Louis.”
Ben felt Alex’s arms go tighter around his neck and her sobs grew louder. “I’m sorry I doubted you. I was wrong. But we’ve got good friends, good people around us. We’re going to fight this thing and we’re going to win. It won’t be long, Alex. I’m going to take you home.”