Word of Honor, Book 2 by Tiana Laveen Page B

his driver’s license in one hand and his prison personnel identification in the other. “I need to get over to building PW!”
    “Conjugal?” the guard screamed out over the sound of his engine and what had become a torrential downpour as he waited for the gate to lift.
    “Yes!”
    “Alright, drive down here and—”
    “No, you don’t understand. I don’t need to tour the area. I have an inmate patient there that I wish to check on… no need for anyone else to meet me at the door or to assist. I have the extra key.”
    The guard nodded in understanding and motioned for the gate to be raised.
    He drove through, daring himself to not speed along the slippery road covered in gunk and swollen dirt that had graduated to gloppy mud. In the distance stood the apartment buildings, a couple of the windows aglow with light. He spotted the one Mia and Aaron shared, and all but one window appeared pitch black. He quickly parked, grabbed his umbrella from his glove compartment and exited the car. As he walked up, his shoes sank into the muddy ground and dirty rain splatter smacked against his ankles, making a mess of things. He soon spotted one guard right outside of the door, standing under an awning that shielded him from the bulk of the weather. He flashed his I.D.; the guard snatched it from his grip, handed it back, then stepped out of the way.
    “Everything all right?” the man asked with devilish grin on his face as he slid the cell phone he’d been toying with back into his pocket.
    “Yes.” Dr. Owens threw him a disapproving look, unable to hide his true feelings as he slid his key into the lock and turned it. The guard attempted to peek in as soon as he pushed the door open, but he managed to swiftly close and lock it in the man’s face, refusing to allow him to view a potential crime scene until he had the information he needed.
    Boy, it’s dark in here…
    Opening the flashlight app on his cell phone, he took a look around the place. Nothing appeared off kilter as of yet. He continued his perusing, standing there, putting his senses to work while trying to be as quiet and careful as possible.
    Perhaps they’ve fallen asleep? Yes, that is a possibility. Aaron or Mia would be asleep on the couch I presume, but, I see neither one of them there…
    He debated calling out their names, but decided against it. Nor did he dare turn on the living room lamp; it would have made the place far too bright.
    Lamp? Where is it?
    And then he saw it…
    Making his way over, his shoe stepped on something hard and made a crunching sound over bits of something sharp, broken to pieces…
    Shit! Why is this lamp turned over?! What has Aaron done?!
    His greatest fears were materializing as he raced towards the bedroom, then paused, coming to an abrupt halt… Music was playing, but not just any music…
    It was a love song—“Smother” by a band called ‘Daughter’. He recognized that sound.
    His face froze, then slowly split in a slight grin as he took careful…gentle… quiet…
    Steps towards the bedroom door…
    He placed his hands on the doorknob; he almost could feel the pulse of the place, alive and reaching out, spindly electricity, glowing bright and new, born free… Life lay on the other side—throbbing, pulsating life. A soft, pink glow emitted from the gap beneath the door and he smelled the distinct odors of recently burned cigarettes, sweet perfume, freshly fallen rain and… love…
    He heard a slight feminine sigh… followed by a low, throaty moan and… his eye welled a bit. A groan, a bit of laughter and a muffled voice—the tone deep and urgent—carried through, uttering words he couldn’t quite make out. A short and simple utterance…
    Oh my God, they’re making love…
    He quickly wiped his moist eye as he took watchful steps in reverse, trying to erase his presence in the place…
    This is… incredible!
    The music played on as he kept going until he was safely back outside, the door locked and