The Well-Planned Get-A-Way | 17 September, 2024 @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2498 | Prompt: it's none of his business

It’s none of his business!" shouted Lionel after glancing from one end of the cell block to the other. Spittle landed on the uniform of the prison guard who stood directly in front of Lionel before backing away. With the hand-off undetected, the guard turned swiftly and walked until out of sight ignoring the jeers, whistles, and derogatory remarks of other inmates.

As soon as the cell block quietened, Lionel flashed a small reflector toward the opposite end of the block. A few seconds later, the signal was returned.

Heading back to his bunk, Lionel plopped down, then reached underneath and retrieved the hidden paper containing escape plans. He lay on his back, exposing a long, thin scar starting at the upper right corner of his lip and ending just below his eye. His bronze, chiseled body exuding masculinity shown in the dimly lit cell.

Reuniting with his wife and daughter consumed his thoughts as he stared beyond the markings on the paper. The justice system had already proven unwilling to assist in his efforts.

He'd anticipated every move these past several months.

What he didn't anticipate was the recent blackout and subsequent lockdown. For more than a week, the prison was abuzz with chatter. Rumors spread of a strange phenomenon that had occurred in the world. No external information filtered in. No visitors allowed or personnel permitted to leave. Communication from family members and news outlets ceased.

No one could explain what they didn't understand. So to minimize an uproar in the prison, inmates weren't provided any details. Too late to scrap his plans, Lionel forged ahead with his escape without knowledge of exactly what had occurred beyond the prison walls.

Dinnertime. Inmates gathered in the Chow Hall.

Lionel's closest and trusted ally, Mick, together with three other inmates joined him. Those inmates proved valuable assets who would assist and accompany them in their escape. Previously residing in the area, this scroungy group of criminals chosen as guides were the only hope of escaping beyond the prison perimeter.

Lionel sat on the hard stool of his dilemma. A spasm of worry crossed his face as he stared at his grub. Checking the wall clock between spoonfuls, he nodded to Mick.

Instantly, inmates jumped on top of tables as food and objects flew in all directions.

The air was thick with panic as chaos erupted. Striped shirts ran in all directions wielding confiscated weapons. Mick's jaw thrust forward and his eyes went blood red, ready for retaliation, but Lionel grabbed his arm. His carefully planned escape wouldn't be ruined by Mick's vengeance.

With aid from the compromised guard, the group of escapees exited the cafeteria, made their way to the laundry area, then put their plan into motion.

The moon shone brightly as it chased Lionel and Mick. The three inmates scoured the woods seeking the tree line's edge, then directed the path to safety for Lionel and Mick. Once they reached the clearing, the three criminals parted ways.

Alone, Mick grabbed Lionel, signaling him to pause. They hung back and crouched as headlights approached. Bewildered, Lionel's pulse raced and eyes grew wide as the vehicle failed to stop. He jerked his head to the left and cursed.

The get-a-way car should have been in position.

“You incompetent idiot!,” hissed Lionel, then boxed Mick's ears. "Why the hell did I think I could trust you. I should have known you'd cap your connection."

Mick pushed Lionel's hand away in defiance. Instantly, in rapid succession, lights blinked twice. As expected, the sleek, black Jaguar crouched on the side of the road anticipating their arrival revved up its engine and headed toward them.

They hopped inside. No sooner than the doors slammed shut, the car zoomed down the poorly paved county road.

Both escapees heaved sighs of relief.

Lionel lit and took a long slow drag from the cigarette passed to him. Imagining his old life and new opportunity to reinvent his criminal activities, he dozed off.

Mick flashed a wide grin, then rested the back of his head in his palms. He gazed out the window and into the dark, starry night. Life was about to be good. As soon as I wash off the stench of five years, he thought.

Too busy planning their escape, attention wasn't given to discovering the changes in the outside world.intricate details of the escape route. Whether or not the getaway driver knew wasn't discussed.

Suddenly, in the rear view mirror, screeching sirens and flashing lights warned the getaway driver that a state patrolman's vehicle was in pursuit.

Lionel and Mick simultaneously jerked their heads around and peered out the back window. No driver could be seen behind the wheel of the police vehicle. Frightened, both stared in disbelief.

"What the hell is going on?" Mick shouted as Lionel turned toward the getaway driver and urged him to speed up their car. The driver mumbled several unintelligible words.

Instantly, a thunderous sound shook the car. A flash of darkness covered the occupants in the car. The road disintegrated as it melted into the pulsating radiant void hovering several feet off the ground.

The police vehicle came to a screeching halt and sat there observing while calculating the exact moment of impact.

The getaway car barreled through the railroad crossing sign, collided with a Maglev train, and disappeared into the night.

For my theme, I was inspired by and utilized the @daily.prompt's publishing of 17 September 2024, @mariannewest's Freewrite Writing Prompt Day 2498: it’s none of his business.