About fifteen minutes had passed since Michael's conversation with Miller. The activity in the prison yard remained virtually unchanged. Some inmates wandered from one side to the other, others gathered in small groups to talk, while the guards watched everything from the surveillance towers. Sitting beneath the shadow of the massive wall, Michael remained perfectly still, quietly observing the routine of the prison while mentally calculating the remaining time before putting his plan into motion.
It wasn't long before Albert emerged from the cafeteria area. His eyes scanned the yard until they found Michael sitting alone on a concrete bench. Without wasting any time, he walked over and sat beside him.
– So this is where you were... – Albert commented, letting out a quiet sigh. – I've been looking for you for quite a while.
– I decided to wait here – Michael replied, keeping his eyes fixed on the rest of the prison yard.
The two remained silent for a few moments until Michael decided to break the silence.
– I'm escaping today – Michael said in a calm, composed voice.
Albert quickly turned his head toward him. His expression instantly shifted to one of complete shock.
– ...What? – Albert asked in disbelief.
– Today – Michael replied calmly.
Albert stared at him for several seconds before speaking again.
– You actually came up with a plan? – Albert asked, lowering his voice.
– Yes – Michael answered.
Albert took a deep breath before remembering something else.
– What about your money? Did you manage to get it? – Albert asked.
– No – Michael replied.
– You're just going to leave all of it behind? – Albert asked, frowning.
– I don't need it anymore. You can keep all of it – Michael replied naturally.
Albert's eyes widened in surprise.
– Are you serious? – Albert asked.
– Yes – Michael replied, giving a slight nod.
A genuine smile spread across Albert's face.
– Thank you... truly – Albert replied, visibly grateful.
A few minutes later, Miller appeared near the service block. As soon as he spotted Michael, he simply gave a subtle nod toward the communal bathroom before continuing to walk as if nothing had happened.
Michael immediately understood the signal and stood up.
– Is it time already? – Albert asked as he rose to his feet as well.
– Yes – Michael replied.
The two of them headed toward the communal bathroom. The moment Albert stepped inside, he froze. The Invisible Jab was still lying unconscious on the floor, while the wooden door remained completely shattered, its broken pieces scattered all over the concrete.
– What happened here? – Albert asked, staring at the scene in disbelief.
– Michael happened – Miller replied, crossing his arms.
Albert slowly turned to look at Michael.
– You did this? – Albert asked, unable to hide his astonishment.
– Yes – Michael replied.
Miller pointed toward the unconscious inmate.
– The Invisible Jab tried to steal Michael's money. He missed a punch and smashed the door instead. Right after that, Michael knocked him out with a single strike – Miller explained.
Albert continued staring at Michael, clearly unable to believe what he had just heard.
A moment later, Miller noticed something.
– Wait... what's Albert doing here? – Miller asked.
– He knows about the escape – Michael replied.
Miller simply nodded before pulling a magnetic keycard out of his pocket.
– Then that's fine. The keycard is ready – Miller said, handing it to Michael. – When lockdown begins, stay inside the bathroom for a few minutes. Then leave through that service door, turn left, and keep walking straight. You'll come across a door on your right. Go through it, continue straight ahead, and you'll reach the prison's exit. Just hold the card against the reader.
Michael slipped the keycard into his pocket.
– Is there any problem? – Michael asked.
– There is – Miller replied, his expression turning serious. – There'll be a guard waiting right outside that exit.
After a few seconds of silence, Miller looked over at the Invisible Jab.
– Albert, give me a hand moving this guy – Miller asked.
– Sure – Albert replied.
The two of them grabbed the unconscious inmate by the arms and dragged him out of the bathroom, laying him down on the very same concrete bench where Michael had been sitting throughout the entire wait.