CHAPTER ONE
Clyde's POV
The sound of a door opening wakes me up from my slumber
"Clack Clack" I hear boot steps on the floor and keys jingling
It's definitely the prison warden
"Clyde Jefferson" His gruff voice calls my name
My eye brows furrow in confusion
I certainly do not have anyone coming to visitme; neither do I have a reason to be outside
"Sir" I answer, holding the prison bars while he stands in front of me
"The Sheriff wants to you see you" He speaks, unlocking my cell and cuffing my hands
The Sheriff?
What does that slimy old guy wants to see me for?
What tricks does he have up his sleeve this time?
I bite my lips, trying to think.
The sly old fox was the only one who could catch me after I swindled some big goons out of their money.
He sure knew how to play his cards right by fucking acting as a beggar just to get to me
Remind me not to mess with old men again
"Yo paddy" I speak to the warden as we walk to the sheriff's office
"Do you mind telling me why the Sheriff called for me?"
"I promise it's between us. Not a soul would find out" I whisper, leaning into him
He turns to face me, his expression much tighter than before
A vein almost pop out of the middle of his head with how tightly he's holding those face muscles
I get the memo immediately
"Yo man, chill" I laugh nervously trying to lighten the air
What do I get in return?
He holds my arm so tight; I swear I felt my arm turn to withered vegetable
Okay,okay
Time to shut up
We reach the Sheriff's office.
And there... he... is...
That slimy, sly, old fox
Surely this was the fox who swiped Dora's treasures
"Sheriff Dalton" I say, grinning widely till my teeth hurt,
While cursing him with the vilest language in my heart
"Save your greetings Clyde"
"I know you are cursing me dead in that head of yours, so don't bother" He says, not raising his head from his documents
My nose flare in annoyance.
This old fool and reading me like the inside of his palms
"Uncuff him and leave" He directs the warden
Huh?
What am I hearing?
Uncuff me?
A criminal?
Well, not like I can fight anyway.
The great police wall that escorted me here would definitely crush me to minced meat if I as much try to run.
The warden does as he's told, removing the cuffs from my hand.
My hand suddenly feelso light.
For the first time in a few weeks, I feel the blood on my wrists circulate.
A sense of joy rise in my heart at this false sense of freedom
Once the door closes, Sheriff Dalton stops his work and looks at me.
I meet his gaze wondering what he wants to say
"Clyde Jefferson, you are a very talented boy" He starts
Oh well,Here we go again on another sermon about my how I destroyed my life.
"A very promising young boy, who just so happened to be influenced by the streets" He continues
Wait! What?
I was influenced by the streets?Me?
Goddamnit I ruled the streets!
Did this maneven do his findings?
"But there is hope for you Clyde Jefferson"
"It will hurt to let your talent waste away"
"Lucky for you, you have a definite way to clear your name and change your life" He speaks
My ears perk up, are the word hope
Looks like this would not be a sermon after all
"I believe you have heard of Clarence high school?" He asks
I nod. I remember vaguely hearing of it one time.
"The board of directors have decided to contribute to the society by picking a minor in prison, for a fully funded scholarship in their school till graduation"
"There is an opening in Clarence high school for just one student, and I was given the honour to choose that student" He pause, allowing his words sink into my head
Oh yes it does
Guess what rises immediately after? My anger
Oh Hell Nah!
I'd rather sleep in prison till I'll eventually be cleared of all charges (I'm confident of that) than go to a school.
Uniforms? When was the last time I wore that freaking thing?
I keep my composure, careful not torelease an ounce of what is in my head.
Because this man opposite me, is an emotion-fisher
"I chose you Clyde"
"Of course there are many other promising young boys in this cell"
"But I chose you because I know you would not fail me" He stops, gauging my face for a reaction
I give him none, my fist clenched on the chair's handle
Until I couldn't hold it in any longer
I chuckle
Before I know it, I am laughing so hard, clutching my belly, about to topple over my seat
"Err Ehhhm" He coughs, reminding me of where I am
Quickly I compose myself and look him straight in the eye
"I decline Sheriff Dalton" I answer
A small smile appears on his lips
"You are so predictable Clyde Jefferson.
"Do you know that?"
Oh now this man is getting on my nerves
YoSwiper,
Watch yourself before I swipe you back to hell where you belong
"So I had a few things brought over" He speaks, opening his drawer and placing a file on the table, and passing to me to read.
I open the first page, and my eyes widen like saucers
My hands tremble slightly, sweat trickle down my back
A small sense of fear plus admiration settles in my heart
Sly old Fox sure is very capable
I raise my head and meet his eyes, tossing his book back at him
"I accept your offer Sheriff Dalton" I reply, changing my mind
"I know you would" He responds, placing the file back in the drawer