Chapter 691 Unexpected Situations
Patricia was confused. "What do you mean?"
Carol explained, "You have been sentenced to death, and the only way to save you now is to find someone to replace you! After you change clothes, we will take you away, and she will stay here."
Understanding dawned on Patricia, and she instantly refused. "No! I can't let an innocent person die in my place. She has family and people who care about her."
Carol smiled warmly. "Do you think I would let an innocent person die in your place?"
Patricia blinked, still puzzled.
Carol explained, "Every death row inmate has to be identified before the execution. They verify facial features and cross-reference fingerprints with the sentencing documents. She isn’t the real you; she won’t pass the identification. The worst she will face is a charge of obstructing justice and a fine of $4600. Besides, with me here, my father has no grudge against her. I’ll ensure she’s released without any harm. Trust me."
The woman standing in for Patricia, Olivia Smith, nodded and reassured her, "Don't worry. I won't get into trouble. I wouldn't joke about my own life. Let's change clothes quickly! I kept my head down when I arrived, and you should do the same when you leave. We have similar body shapes and facial features. As long as we don’t raise our heads, we won’t be discovered."
"But what about you? What will you do when I leave? Will you be implicated?" Patricia asked, concerned.
Carol smiled confidently. "My dad is the prime minister. I'll be fine. Billy has passed away, and my dad will ensure my safety no matter what. Don't worry!"
With urgency in her voice, Carol added, "Hurry, we only have ten minutes! Half of the time has already passed!"
Patricia realized Carol was right. After all, Carol was Joe’s own daughter. Joe couldn’t harm Carol.
With that thought, Patricia began changing clothes quickly.
Everything proceeded smoothly. As the time ran out, the prison guard came to take them away.
Olivia stood with her back to door, maintaining Patricia's posture before and staring up at the window. Patricia kept her head lowered, walking between Maximilian and Kaleb.
The prison guard who had brought them in just glanced at Patricia, asking no questions. They moved out of the cell smoothly, the door just ahead of them. Suddenly, a voice called from behind.
"Stop."
They froze. Maximilian, Kaleb, and Patricia dared not look back, especially Patricia, who kept her head down to avoid recognition.
Only Carol turned, meeting the gaze of the man who had spoken. It was Deputy Chief Robert Johnson. In his forties, Robert stood firm with two golden badges on his shoulders, signifying his authority.
Carol’s heart raced, and her palms grew damp with sweat. She knew that if they were discovered now, saving Patricia again would be nearly impossible. Security would be tightened everywhere.
Summoning courage, Carol addressed him based on the badges, "Deputy Chief." Her voice wavered slightly under the intense scrutiny of his gaze.
Robert’s brows knitted even tighter, his suspicion obvious. "How did you get in? You know visitors aren't allowed here."
The prison guard quickly interjected, "She has Mr. Hill's authorization."
Robert's skepticism grew. "Mr. Hill's authorization? I didn't hear that Mr. Hill arranged for any visitors today!"
Carol, now breaking out in a cold sweat, hurriedly produced the authorization document and handed it to Robert. "This is an authorization personally stamped by Mr. Hill. Please check it."
Robert took the document, examining it meticulously. The seal indeed belonged to Mr. Hill. Yet, Robert couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss.
Casting a scrutinizing glance over the group, he asked, "Who are they?"
As he began to inspect each of them more closely, Carol followed behind, her heart racing, but she maintained a composed demeanor. "They accompanied me. They're the brother and father of the death row inmate."
Robert's eyes raked over Maximilian, standing protectively in front of Patricia. Something about Patricia’s stance seemed familiar to Robert, but he couldn’t place where he had seen her before.
Carol's heart pounded in her chest. Unable to bear the tension, she stepped hastily in front of Patricia, offering a strained smile. "Is there any problem? If everything checks out, we’ll be on our way."
Carol's actions only piqued Robert’s suspicion further. He pushed Carol aside, his sharp eyes drilling into Patricia. "You..."
Sensing the danger, Kaleb clenched his fists, ready to fight for Patricia’s safety, no matter the cost.
The air grew thick with tension.
Robert, sensing that something was awry, fixed Patricia with a stern look. "Raise your head."
Patricia's breath hitched; her hands tightened at her sides, and she ducked her head even lower.
Robert’s brows furrowed even deeper. "I’ll count to three. Raise your head immediately, or..."
After a fraught pause, Robert started, "One... Two..."
Carol's face contorted in desperation. They had been so close to achieving their goal, and now a new barrier had emerged.
As Carol racked her brain for a plan to extricate Patricia, Robert seemed ready to make his move. Maximilian and Kaleb, equally tense, prepared to intervene regardless of the risk.
At that critical moment, a familiar voice called out. "Miss Hill."
All eyes swiveled towards the speaker, the tension in the room crackling. A man in his fifties, bearing a professional demeanor befitting his age, entered the room. He wore rimless glasses, and his presence immediately commanded respect. Seeing him, Robert straightened his back and discreetly saluted. "Secretary General!"
Carol, recognizing Thomas with both surprise and delight, quickly linked her arm with his, a warm smile spreading across her face. "What a surprise! Why are you here?"
Thomas, forever indulgent towards Carol, affectionately ruffled her hair. "I was worried you might not follow the rules, so I came to keep an eye on you."
Carol pouted playfully, "You think I'm that disobedient?"
Thomas chuckled, "Sweetheart, whether you're obedient or not, do you think I wouldn't know?"
Their exchange momentarily threw Robert off guard. Pointing at Carol, he inquired, "Secretary General, who is she?"
With a serious tone, Thomas replied, "She is Mr. Hill's daughter, Carol Patterson."
The revelation of Carol's identity transformed Robert's demeanor to one of utmost respect. "My apologies, Miss Hill, I didn't recognize you. Please forgive any oversight."
Carol waved off his apology with a forgiving smile. "It's okay. No harm done."
Switching gears, she asked, "So, can we leave now?"
Robert hesitated, his eyes shifting to Patricia. Despite the newfound respect for Carol, his suspicions were not entirely allayed. He seemed to be debating whether to verify Patricia’s identity once more.
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