Bab 100: Chapter 100: Caveat
Shawshank Prison was bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, but the warmth did little to comfort the warden, who was seething with anger as he read the newspaper. The headlines blared news of a thief who had surrendered, confessing to the murders that had sent Andy Dufresne to prison seven years ago. The revelation that Andy's case might be overturned was a bitter pill for the warden to swallow.
The warden was skeptical about Andy's chances of overturning his conviction, believing that it required undeniable evidence. But the appearance of the thief raised suspicions. The warden couldn't ignore the unsettling coincidence of Andy's case being suddenly revisited, especially after his lawyer's visit.
The warden's unease deepened as he considered the implications. Andy was not just a prisoner; he was a potential threat to his own secrets. Andy had been complicit in financial schemes for the warden, including tax evasion and money laundering. If Andy were freed, his knowledge of these illicit activities could spell disaster for the warden's career—and potentially his freedom.
The warden's mind raced as he weighed his options. He could not allow Andy to expose him. He needed to ensure that Andy remained silent—permanently.
He summoned Captain Hailey to his office. The captain arrived promptly, his face betraying a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Haili, did you also receive a false tax return from Hardy?" the warden asked, his voice laced with menace.
"Yes," Hailey replied, his voice steady.
The warden threw the newspaper onto the desk. "Look at this. If Andy's case is overturned, he could be released. He knows too much about us. If his knowledge gets out, it could ruin us both."
Hailey's eyes widened as he read the newspaper headline. "So, what's the plan?"
"We need to silence Andy," the warden said coldly. "He cannot be allowed to testify or even hint at what he knows. Do you have a solution?"
Hailey's expression darkened. "I'll arrange it. But it needs to be done discreetly. It can't be traced back to us."
The warden nodded. "Exactly. Find someone in prison who can handle this quietly. Offer them incentives to take care of Andy. It's better if it looks like an accident or a prison vendetta."
Hailey left, determined to find a suitable candidate. He roamed the prison corridors, his eyes scanning for potential perpetrators. He found Dimon, a notorious inmate with a history of violence and a reputation for being involved in prison affairs.
In a cell, Hailey confronted Dimon and his crew, orchestrating a staged search for contraband. He took Dimon aside, suggesting that his behavior in prison could be improved if he cooperated. Hailey subtly hinted at the benefits Dimon could receive if he carried out a specific task.
Dimon, knowing the risks of defying Hailey, agreed to the job, though he had already guessed what was being asked of him. He understood the gravity of the situation but saw the potential for personal gain in following through.
The next day, during the prison's designated free time, Dimon and his gang kept a close watch on Andy. Dimon, under Hailey's instructions, approached Andy with a pretense of offering cigarettes, but he used the opportunity to discreetly warn Andy of the impending danger.
Andy, initially shocked, became apprehensive. His previous excitement about the retrial was now overshadowed by fear. The mention of a possible assassination attempt added a new layer of tension to his already tumultuous situation.
Later that day, Henry and Lawyer Bob visited Andy again, bringing good news. They presented him with a newspaper showing the thief's confession and assured him that the court had accepted the retrial application. Andy was overwhelmed with joy, but his relief was tempered by his earlier warning about a possible threat to his life.
Henry and Bob, after their visit, returned to the city and investigated further. Henry uncovered the plot against Andy and informed Hardy of the dangerous situation.
Hardy, familiar with the warden's tactics from the movie, was not surprised by the lengths to which the warden would go to protect his secrets. Hardy instructed Henry to take immediate action to protect Andy.
"Henry, issue a warning to the warden. Make it clear that if anything happens to Andy, there will be severe consequences," Hardy instructed. "Ensure that the warden understands the gravity of the situation."
As the sun set over Shawshank Prison, the shadows lengthened, and the stakes grew higher. Andy's fate was now intertwined with a deadly game of power and secrecy, where every move was critical, and every decision could mean life or death.
Bab 101: Chapter 101: Leaving Shawshank
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The warden of Shawshank and his wife were jolted awake one morning by a horrific sight. As the wife opened her eyes, she saw two lifeless dogs hanging from the ceiling fan, their bodies grotesquely mutilated. The room was drenched in blood, and the scene was utterly macabre.
In shock, the warden stumbled to the phone to call for help, but just then, it rang. He hesitated before answering, only to hear a chilling voice on the other end.
"Hello, Warden Norton. I hope you've had a good look at our gift. Since you and your wife were sleeping so soundly, I didn't want to disturb you."
The warden's blood ran cold. The message was clear: their pets were killed as a warning. The caller knew they had access to their home and could strike at any moment.
"Who are you? What do you want?" the warden demanded, his voice trembling.
The voice on the phone continued with a menacing calm. "Consider what you've done. The annual maintenance costs of the prison exceed hundreds of thousands, yet half of it lines your pockets. Dolittle Construction Company—just a front for your theft. And Dolittle Food Supply Company, where you overcharge for substandard food. Your corruption is extensive."
The warden's heart pounded as he listened. The caller was threatening to expose his extensive corrupt practices. "What do you want from me?"
"Ensure Andy's safety," the voice instructed. "If anything happens to him, you and your family will face dire consequences. Cooperate, and we might not make your corruption public. There's still room for you to recover."
The warden hung up, his hands shaking. His wife clung to him, demanding to know what was going on. He explained in a hushed, fearful tone that they were under threat and could not involve the police.
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Back at Shawshank, the warden immediately sought out Captain Hailey. Bursting into his office, he ordered Hailey to stop any plans to have Andy killed.
"Stop everything immediately!" the warden commanded. "Tell the person you hired that the plan is off. We can't risk provoking these people any further."
Hailey was confused but quickly understood the urgency. "But what if Andy's case is overturned and our crimes are exposed?"
The warden's face darkened. His own safety and that of his family were now his only concerns. "We have no choice. If Andy is harmed, they'll come after us. We must comply. Now, stop everything and make sure no one talks about it."
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Dimon, the prisoner who had been hired to carry out the hit, received Hailey's message. He was told to forget about the plan and never mention it again. Dimon, relieved, complied without protest.
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As the days passed, Andy received a notice of his transfer to the state court detention facility. He was ecstatic, knowing that his release was imminent. He spent his final days in Shawshank with a mixture of excitement and melancholy, reflecting on his past and the future that awaited him.
Old Rhett, his long-time friend, expressed his own fears and hopes. "I've been in here for over 20 years. I don't know if I can adjust to life outside. I fear the world beyond these walls."
Andy, deeply moved, promised to try and help Old Rhett if possible. Rhett's dream was simple: to open a small hotel and live a peaceful life with a dog. Andy admired his friend's dream but remained focused on his own impending freedom.
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Finally, Andy was transferred to the state court detention facility, which was a significant upgrade from Shawshank. The conditions were much better, with softer beds and improved food. His lawyers, Bob and Henry, visited him to update him on his case and ensure his needs were met.
During their visit, Andy asked Henry privately about the surrendered thief. Henry confirmed that they had arranged for the thief's confession, but it was genuine; the thief was indeed the murderer of Andy's wife and lover.
Andy's tension eased. He was relieved to know that the legal process was authentic and that justice for his wife was being pursued. He also inquired about Mr. Hardy, the benefactor who had orchestrated his case's turnaround. Henry speculated that Mr. Hardy's motivation might be a sense of justice, though the true reason remained unclear.
As Andy awaited his release, he felt a mix of relief and anticipation, knowing that the chapter of Shawshank was drawing to a close.
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