She scanned the grounds below. Inmates worked out on several crude pieces of gym equipment. Some played basketball. A -couple tossed a football. Some simply loitered around, smoking, talking in groups. Sitting. Standing.
Dozens of guards milled around, in addition to the guards watching from the surrounding towers. A trio of inmates sat on a bench, working a beat with their hands and feet. Their voices carried across the yard louder than any radio. A small audience gathered around them, nodding in rhythm to their rap.
“Aren’t you concerned?” Dr. Walker asked as he slowed to a stop and pointed to the workout area. “Could they use the weights and other equipment as weapons?”
Officer Renfro glanced down. “The area is enclosed. Only a certain number are allowed in at one time. Warden Carter thinks inactivity is more dangerous.”
Dr. Walker nodded. “Progressive man, your warden.”
“You know what they say. Idle hands and all . . .”
“Indeed.” Dr. Walker nodded.
They were noticed up on the skywalk. Even this far away, she felt the stares, the hot--eyed curiosity of the inmates. It was only a moment but it felt like it stretched on forever as they hovered there for the scrutiny of so many hard--faced, dangerous men. Sweat rolled down her nape and slid between her shoulder blades. Not even ten in the morning yet and it was already sweltering.
“Coming?” Renfro’s voice grabbed her attention.
She jerked slightly and then moved ahead, quickly following the two men from the skywalk and into the building and the welcoming blast of air--conditioning. They turned down a corridor. She held her breath, half fearing they would walk through a cell block housing hundreds of inmates. But that never happened. Thankfully. They turned the corridor and arrived at another door, marked HEALTH SER-VICES UNIT. Officer Renfro punched a code and opened the door.
The infirmary was a large airy room with big windows that looked out over a portion of the parking lot and faced the corner of the prison’s west wing.
A white--haired officer stood near the door. He was older and didn’t look nearly as fit or vigilant as Officer Renfro.
“This is Officer Murphy,” Renfro said. “He’s here most days. Different guards alternate nights in the HSU.”
Dr. Walker and Briar took turns shaking hands with Officer Murphy. With his large belly, he didn’t imbue nearly as much confidence as Renfro did, and she couldn’t help wondering if maybe he wasn’t past retirement age. He reminded her of her high school Spanish teacher. Students had made out in the back of Mr. Delgado’s classroom. She was never sure if he knew and didn’t care or was just oblivious.
She eyed his rosacea--splashed face, her gaze stopping on his swollen red nose, thinking of an antibiotic cream Dr. Walker might want to prescribe him.
A younger man wearing scrubs stepped forward, hand outstretched. He was thin with bright dark eyes. The fine lines around his eyes spoke to frequent laughter, and his resemblance to her brother--in--law, Caleb, put her at ease.
“I’m Josiah Martinez, the LVN here. We’re so glad to have you both. Thank you for volunteering your time.” He released Dr. Walker’s hand and turned to shake Briar’s. “We’ve been drowning since Dr. Pollinger took early retirement. There’s only so much I can do on my own.”
“We’re happy to help.” Dr. Walker shrugged. “Only one day a week, but maybe we can do some good until you find someone to take Dr. Pollinger’s place.”
As they continued exchanging pleasantries, Briar observed the room. It consisted of six beds and several utilitarian cabinets. A unit of shelves along the far wall held bedding, pillows, and other supplies. A cracked door revealed a restroom. She released a small breath of relief. She wouldn’t even have to leave the infirmary until she was escorted out at the end of the day. She would have to tell Laurel that. It might make her sister feel better.
“I’ll leave you in Josiah’s capable hands,” Renfro said, clapping the LVN on the back. “He and Murphy will run you through the protocols.” He glanced to each man pointedly. “Yes? Be sure to discuss emergency procedures.”
Josiah and Murphy both nodded. At the door, Renfro stopped as though suddenly remembering. “Oh. Warden Carter had a meeting this morning, but he looks forward to meeting you both. He’ll pop in today.”
The moment the door shut behind Renfro, Murphy sank back down into a chair by the door. Somehow, she suspected he usually didn’t move from that chair. Unless it was maybe for lunch. The older man smiled vacantly at her as he crossed his arms, tucking his hands beneath the stained armpits of his uniform.
“This way,” Josiah murmured, a curl of humor to his voice as his gaze shifted from Officer Murphy to her. He motioned to the single desk in the corner that held a computer. “Hope you don’t mind. Since I knew you were arriving today, I took the liberty of making appointments this afternoon. There are several inmates who have been coming in for a while with chronic complaints. I’ve opened their files up on the computer, if you would like to take a look at my notes before they start coming in.”