Agent Out of Time

The mail came and went, but there was no letter for her, which was strange as they had been coming faithfully every day. Had Trent given up on her?

"I thought I might be a sufficient substitute for a letter today." I said softly.

Deshavi jumped up off her bunk so hard she hit her head off the top bunk.

Clutching at her head she came quickly to the bars and in a harsh whisper asked, "Grandpa you're not here to break me out are you?"

I glanced to the side at the dubiously smiling prison guardswoman, "No, actually I thought it would be for the best if we just walked out."

The guard stepped forward still smiling and unlocked the door.

"Well, as things turn out all these various pieces of stolen jewelry just happened to turn up and be returned to their owners plus some monetary compensation for their troubles. Now everyone is very happy and the governor after a quite substantial campaign donation thought he should cap the whole thing off with a full pardon. You're now free to go so to speak. Just head along with this kind woman and she'll take you through processing."

Deshavi headed off down the hall with the guard looking very much in a state of shock, as she continually glanced back at me. When she was gone I stepped into the cell.

"Thank you Maria Christina for keeping her safe! You have a personal favor from me whenever you should require it."

Maria shrugged and smiled, "Chantry doesn't usually ask for much, but I have to admit that agreeing to this little extended vacation stay was getting old fast."

"I know what you mean. In a few hours the warden will transfer you and you'll be free again by nightfall. I really wish you'd let me pay you something for your time."

"You know we agents don't work for money. What we agents have need of is more than supplied by the Agency. I have no need of your money and in a way your favor is payment enough. A favor from a fellow agent, retired or not is in its way a priceless commodity."

Maria gracefully got off the bunk and moved throughout the cell collecting up letters, "Here take these with you. She'll want to have them to look back on some day."

I thanked her and handed her a package in return. "From Chantry, with his regards, to help sweeten the remaining hours of your restful vacation stay."

She snatched the package from my fingers, "Is this chocolate?"

Chantry had warned me about her sweet tooth and I chuckled, as she tore the package open, "I believe it's your favorite kind too."