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The stifling heat and one hundred percent humidity confirmed that this was a typical summer day in Louisiana. Sheriff Jordan Hamilton was ecstatic that the transfer was complete and that David Thorguson would be Springport Prison’s problem. However, without this case Alex Hamilton would not be part of her life. Two years ago, Jordan had been a detective with the Hope Police Department and she never suspected that her life would turn out like this. She always dreamed of being sheriff, but never considered that it would come to fruition.
While writing his book on David Thorguson, Alex had discovered a hidden passion in himself. The publisher anticipated the book would hit the bestseller list in record time. He ascertained the tranquility of Hope brought him the inspiration to write. Jordan was thankful that he decided to write, instead of rushing back to the FBI. He still consulted on cases but he could be here with her.
She looked up from the paperwork and noticed Detective Johnson approaching. "Sheriff, Springport Prison just called. They want to know when they can expect the prisoner."
Worried, she replied, "They should have been there hours ago. Where could they be?"
"I informed the Warden what time the van left. Should we dispatch a patrol car to see if the van had problems?”
“If there had been a problem, the guard would have radioed in. This is something else. Send Deputies Andrews and Williams, and you and I will also take a ride. The last thing we need is an escaped prisoner on our hands, especially David Thorguson. There is no way we want him back out terrorizing more women."
Before leaving the office, Jordan called the Warden personally. "Warden Russo, it's Sheriff Hamilton over in Hope. How well do you know this guard? Is he trustworthy?"
"Sheriff. Deputy Olivier is what we call a short timer; only working here until he is accepted into the state trooper's academy. He has previous military experience, Army I believe. He's been with us less than a year, but there have been no problems with his work. I don’t see him running off with the prisoner, if that's what you are asking. For some reason, the GPS isn't working on the van and he isn't answering the radio or his cell phone. I just sent out two guards to look for him."
"I dispatched officers as well. Detective Johnson and I are also going to take a ride. It never hurts to have extra eyes out there looking. This is one prisoner we don’t want to escape."
"Damn it! I never counted on encountering problems with just one prisoner."
“You should always expect the unexpected with Thorguson,” Jordan replied.
***
IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG for a multi-jurisdictional task force to be organized. Jordan quickly addressed everyone, “The individual we are looking for is cool and calculating; he planned this escape out carefully. David Thorguson and his accomplice have at least a four hour head start on us. From the tire tracks found near the abandoned transport van, preliminary reports indicate that the accomplice may be driving a motor home. As it stands, roadblocks have been initiated, and all vehicles are being searched, but more attention is being paid to motor homes. These two may have already left the state. If that is the case, it will complicate the search. I am calling in the FBI for assistance as soon as this meeting is over. However, I want these two caught before the feds arrive.”