Fanny Luis, Morgan Harris and Thomas Jackson were among the host of inmates that gathered at the prison yard to have some briefing with the authorities of the prison.
Prior to this day, I had sent a memo to the office of the chief warden, informing him about my official visit to Rio Hondo prison and to commence the grand opening of my vision of setting free five prisoners every month. Not only was it a welcomed idea but the chief warden had told me it would cushion the adverse effect of congested prison yard which was a threat to them now.
Just like every other inmate Morgan Harris Fanny Luis and Thomas Jackson, were nervous and looked forward to hearing from the authorities of the prison. It was earlier the other day when they were informed to assemble at the prison arena for some vital information.
With glistening bright faces and curious eyes that rolled from side to side, the prisoners waited with bated breath for the authorities to give them the briefing; it was very much instinctive for them to feel curious because it had been long since they had such briefing.
And about now the chattering and murmuring which hung over them was about the argument and predication of what could be their reason for being assembled when they could be having some recess in their cells.
“Greetings, inmates of Rio Hondo Prison!” that was the voice of the Chief Prison Warden, a chubby, short Indian with oval face and eccentric personality. The moment he mounted the podium, the inmates shot their gaze at him and tightened their lips so as to listen attentively.
“Who knows what information that bastard has to tell us now, “Fanny Luis nagged and heaved a sigh under his breath. “He should be fast about it because I am heavy in the head and need to catch sleep.”
“Same with me,” Morgan added and squeezed his lips in fury, “What message could it be if not to announce the commencement of inmates’ games. These people don’t have good plans for us. I suggest they allow us go to bed rather than assemble us for one meeting or the other.” He sighed and stroked his hair in frustration.
Thomas Jackson gave a firm nod, “Perhaps, they want to announce to us the introduction of a new prison chairman that will succeed the incumbent prison chairman. Or why don’t we keep our fingers crossed rather than guess what we know nothing of…”
He was yet speaking when the hovering voice of the Chief Warden interrupted him, making virtually a quite number of them to keep quiet and listen to the briefing.
All of a sudden a hush silence hung over them as only the beaming voice of the Chief Warden could be heard across the prison yard.
“Permit me to announce to you that a fresh air of hope has blown and we would be beneficiaries. It is a new dawn for prisoners in Rio Hondo. While other moguls and Croesus are busy accumulating wealth for themselves and getting richer, our mogul, Mike Don , who happens to be the world richest man has put it upon himself to make prisoners smile…”
Without perfect predication of what the announcement could be, the inmates started murmuring among themselves, as they argued over what the good news was all about.
Already Fanny Luis, Morgan Harris and Thomas heaved an uneasy breath upon hearing my name. They stared at one another, uncertain about my intention and looking really scared now.
The Chief Warden raised his hands and gestured at the noisy inmates to calm down.
“Be of good cheer my people. I perceive you can’t wait to hear what good news I have for you. As usual the world richest man, Mike Don has remembered prisoners. It would be my pleasure to announce to you that the world richest man, CEO of the Saint Don Group, would be here live in our midst tomorrow…”
Like thunder, the prisoners let loosed and chanted in excitement. There was heavy chattering among the prisoners now, as they let smiles deck their faces.
Once again the prison warden raised his hands to control the noise. He spoke on, “I am elated to announce to you that Mike Don has been granted the supreme power to free at least five prisoners every month…”
“This can’t be true!” Fanny Luis doubted and shot a serious face at the speaker to pay rapt attention.
“What!” Morgan Harris exclaimed, gaping and raised a thick brow as he listened attentively.
Already the prisoners had be thrown into a cloud of jubilation and clapping ovation, as fresh wave of excitement hung over them.
“The supreme power!” Thomas Jackson contemplated within himself and shot a questioning gaze at Fanny and Morgan who were as shock as he, “What supreme power is that? And why would the government grant him such power. Five prisoners every month?” he wondered, cupping his jaw. “Holy Mary!” he exclaimed.
The Chief Warden continued, “Our very own, Mike Don will be live in our midst tomorrow to free the first five prisoners for this month. I don’t have much to say, but come tomorrow; when Mike Don comes he will tell you more about his supreme power. Do have a lovely day my people,” he came into conclusion.
As the prisoners murmured and dispersed to their various cells, Fanny, Morgan and Thomas stayed back and doubted the news….
“This can’t be true. Mike Don can’t have the power to free prisoners. Is he bigger than the government now?” that was the voice of Thomas Jackson.
“If really the news is true then we are in trouble,” said Fanny, shooting a restless smirk across his face as he stooped to tie his shoes lace.
Across the prison yard, every prisoner got ready to welcome me warmly in their midst, also there was huge curiosity and anticipation over the fortunate five prisoners that would be freed today…
Something was about to happen…