Chapter 10 - The Sweetest Flame (and The Envelope)
The door opened again, and a group of guards, including Officer Davis, walked in—not with batons, but carrying a massive, brightly lit birthday cake. A real one. "Happy Birthday, Arthur. And congratulations," the Warden stepped forward, a rare smile on his face. Arthur looked up, bewildered, as the Warden handed him a thick, sealed manila envelope. "Your appeal went through. The governor signed it an hour ago. You're going home today."
Joy erupted in the room, blinding and beautiful. But as Arthur held his family, his eyes fell to the envelope in his hand. Stamped across the back in bold, red ink were the words: CONDITIONAL RELEASE: CLASSIFIED DIRECTIVE ENCLOSED. He pulled his family closer, staring at the red letters. He was free... but a new, unknown game had just begun.
