The Grim Room

CHAPTER 30 and 31

Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash

Chris woke up with a rattle. He was in the Chevelle. It was evening. He couldn’t tell what time it was, but either way, he was confused. He rolled the window down. Seagulls were flying carelessly across the darkening sky, their white wings outstretched, yawping out cries of freedom.

His cell phone said he had a voicemail. A 415 area-code number; San Francisco. He pressed the button and placed the phone to his ear.

This is Rick Callahan at the Adult Probation Department for the city and county of San Francisco. I’m trying to get a hold of Christopher Doyle, newly released inmate from Folsom State Prison. Mr. Doyle—who I was assigned to—was supposed to report to me within 24 hours of his release, which was over a week ago, according to our records on file. I have been forced to sign the documents stating he is officially in violation of his parole, pending conditional release from state prison. Please call me back or inform Mr. Doyle that he needs to report …