01. Released From Prison

The state Prison was located deep in the heart of the city, situated on an island about two hundred meters away from land. It was a facility with maximum security meant for only the worst of the worst. No visitors were allowed, and the inmates were hardly allowed to see the sunlight.

It was like Alcatraz, but way worse!

At that moment, an elevator had risen to the cell on the top floor. The elevator doors opened slowly, revealing a tall man with an intimidating look on his face.

The chief warder.

The man was as ruthless as he was fearsome.

He stepped out of the elevator and walked into the hall, stopping in front of a cell.

"Everest! You're free to go." His coarse voice echoed through out the silent hall. He opened the door and a slender– almost skinny looking –man walked out. "Congratulations. Once you step out of those big gates, you're a free man."

Van only acknowledged the man's words with a small nod. If he wanted to, he would have gotten out of prison ages ago. After all, he wasn't like any other average inmates.

Majority of the state prison inmates were well known assassins, serial killers, spies from other countries, and even the leaders of several huge underworld organizations. Yet, they were all nothing compared to Van.

About three years ago, the president of the united States was poisoned by an unknown person. No matter the treatment administered to him, he didn't get any better. Different doctors from across the country tried their best to heal him, but they couldn't figure out the poison that was used, hence creating an antidote was impossible.

News eventually got out that there was an inmate in the State prison who could help the president, and they came for Van.

Not only was he able to cure the president, he also managed to pinpoint the location of the perpetrator, and he did so in just the space of two months.

Van was given a change of clothes and led outside the gigantic building, where an officer was already waiting to take him across the river. When they arrived at the shore, Van had to pause for a minute to take in the scene in front of his eyes.

It wasn't anything special, just the same old road and cars driving along. On the other side of the road, pedestrians were waiting for the light to turn green so they could cross. He couldn't believe he was back in the society after five long years.

Emotions began welling up inside of Van. When he was first sent to prison, he witnessed a lot of things. Bullying between the inmates, fighting over the smallest of things. The only person that was nice to him was an elderly man whom they all addressed as the 'mad grandpa'.

Van took a liking to the man and soon they became close. The man eventually passed away, but not before sharing his broad knowledge with Van.

Only after his passing did Van find out that the man was a wealthy politician who went to prison in his son's place.

"Greetings, Master Everest!" A middle aged man in a expensive suit said as he spotted Van.

"We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival." Another man added.

Van frowned when he saw them. He had already made it clear that he didn't want anything.

After he saved the president, Rupert Charles and Joseph Graham–both of them, wealthy businessmen– had been trying to recruit him to their company.

"Why are you here? I thought I already made myself clear."

Rupert Charles walked forward, his hands tucked away behind his back as a sign of respect. "Master Everest, you know we still remain your loyal followers. It's only fitting that we are the first to congratulate you on your release from prison."

"I take it the president is doing okay?"

"Of course! Thanks you, Mr president is as healthy as a stallion. In fact, he's even more healthy than he was before."

"That's good." Van wore an impassive look on his face but deep in his heart, he was glad that all was well.

"Master Everest, as a congratulatory gift, I have prepared a VIP master card for you. I prepared everything in your name, so you're free to use it as you please. Presently, there's a sum of two billion dollars on it, but I will make a top up payment once every two months. Your daily transaction limit is hundred million dollars."

The other man, Joseph, held out a complimentary card. "Would you like a position in the company? I could hook you up with a nice job at a huge hospital. Or maybe you'd like to be the president of your own organization?"

"I appreciate the offers, but I'll have to decline." Van said. "After all I've been through, I think I'd rather just spend the rest of my life living peacefully with my wife and my family."

"If you won't take anything else, at least accept this card. You have done us a huge favor, it's only fair for us to repay you." Rupert urged.

Van decided to accept the card, if he truly wanted to give his wife the best things, he would need all the money he could get. "I don't have a cell phone, but once I'm able to procure one, I'll be sure to give you both a call."

"I already thought of that." Joseph said, taking out the latest iphone from his coat pocket. "Here, Master Everest. Both our numbers are already on it. So feel free to give us a call whenever you need us."

"Thanks." Van nodded. "Could I bother you for a ride back to my house? I have no way of getting there in this state." The only thing Van had on him was his old clothes and an old silver ring with a skull pendant given to him by the mad grandpa.

"Not a problem at all!" Rupert said. "We have arranged for a private chauffeur for your use only. His phone number is also on the phone. Right this way sir."

Parked by the side of the road was a luxurious Lamborghini Aventador SV. The chauffeur was a dark skinned man who looked like he was in his mid or early thirties.

After saying their goodbyes, Van got in the car and in a few hours, he had arrived in the city of Brimesville. The drive to his matrimonial residence took an additional hour, but it was worth it because he would get to see his wife again.

He told the chauffeur to head back and promised to give him a call whenever he needed him.

Van walked up to the house that would have been his home for the past five years, rather than a prison cell.

Standing in front of the house filled him with memories, both good and bad. He recalled the night his life was almost ruined forever. After his engagement party, Van had walked into his matrimonial bedroom where he found a man trying to force himself on his wife, Bianca Hartley. In a fit of rage, Van pushed him off, causing him to hit his head on the bed stand and lose consciousness.

It was later revealed that his wife's assaulter was the son of a rich politician named Moses Wilson.

The Wilson family charged Van with attempted murder and he was sent to prison without trial. They used their wide connections to make sure that Van was given a sentence of fifteen whole years.

The only thing that kept Van sane through out that period was his wife's promise to wait for him and properly wed him after his release.

Now, he was back, and ten years earlier than expected! His wife would be filled with joy to see him again. He turned the door knob and it opened, meaning they were at home.

When Van got to the door of the master bedroom, he heard the familiar voice of his wife..and a man.

An excited giggle, followed by the low moaning from two people put Van on edge. With his heart tightened in pain, he kicked the door open with a loud thud and came face to face with two people entangled on his matrimonial bed.

"What is this?"