Thanks to Oli's useful insight, I was now able to conduct my research in a much safer manner. Because it was entirely possible that I was being monitored by the feds, I'd tried to keep my investigation over Nammota as inconspicuous as possible. Simple curiosity on my part was understandable, but frantic exploration bordering obsessiveness could pass as suspicious.

But now, thanks to a few lessons from my old friend, I was able to dig as deep and as long as I wanted, my online identity completely hidden through a series of digital smokes and mirrors. No one could link my exploration to me, my IP address, or even the country. I left no traces whatsoever, thus didn't risk incriminating Lex further than he already was.

The things I learned during my thorough investigation were positively colossal. Not even half the stuff Lex had done under his hacker alias were known to the grand public. This not only proved he wasn't doing it for publicity or attention, it also showed how talented he was. But because the news had never heard of it didn't mean the FBI or Homeland hadn't either. They surely knew even more than what I had uncovered, and would charge Lex for everything.

This newly acquired knowledge was proving to be more overwhelming than anticipated, and I was having a hard time handling it all. There was no way in hell they would let Lex go easily. I'd always known the fight to get him free would be arduous, but I was slowly realizing how much. Nammota had been on Homeland's most wanted list for a reason. Now that they thought they had him, they wouldn't let go.

The more I looked into everything, the more I wanted to stop. But I couldn't do the ostrich and bury my head in the sand, pretending none of this was happening. I didn't have this luxury. If I kept digging, maybe I'd find something that could help. Maybe I'd find the thing that would set Lex free.

Between keeping up with work and the time spent digging about Nammota, my sleeping schedule had turned into a massive joke. Six to four hours of rest every night weren't enough, and I was forced to fuel myself with coffee, despite my dislike of it. With enough sugar in it, though, it turned into an acceptable beverage.

The court finally decided on a date for Lex's jury trial, and as suspected, they had scheduled it as far as possible, to give the prosecution enough time to build their case. Because of that, Lex would spend two months in prison, waiting for his pending trial.

It took nearly a full week after I'd posted the visitor form back to Sheridan to get an answer. In a pre-formatted email, they'd told me I was approved and had been added to Alexander Coleman's visitors' list. A quick check with Kevin confirmed that he was on it too, and our relief was mutual. At least we'd get to visit him, to show him the love and support he so dearly needed.

Two weeks. I hadn't spoken to Lex in two weeks. According to my research, it was normal that a newly incarcerated inmate would have to wait for some sort of settling period before being able to make calls and such. Also, we hadn't been approved until now, so we weren't on his phone call list.

When my phone buzzed on Wednesday morning as I was done getting ready for the day, I was about to ignore it, used to decline numbers I didn't know. But the location indicator stopped my hand mid-air. Oregon. Could it be Lex?

Full of hope, I pressed the green button before eagerly bringing the phone to my ear. Instead of the low, familiar voice I was hoping for, a feminine robotic voice spoke. "This is a prepaid call from Alexander Coleman, an inmate at Sheridan's Federal Correctional Institution. All phone calls are subject to recording and monitoring. To decline this call press nine, to accept this call press one."

As quickly as I could, I pressed one and returned the phone to my ear.

"Thank you, your call has been accepted," said the voice. Shortly after, a light brouhaha came from the other side of the line, and I held my breath, knowing Lex was right there. Two weeks. Two fucking weeks.

"Lex?" I softly called when a few seconds passed without him saying anything. Only more silence answered. My heart grew heavier, its beat so strong I could hear it thumping in my ears.

"Hi," he eventually said. Even though it was only one syllable, hearing his voice sent a sense of homeliness through me.

"Hi."

"Sorry, I wanted to call you sooner, but they wouldn't let me contact anyone aside from my lawyers."

"I know, it's okay. It's so good to hear your voice."

Another pause, another moment of awkward tension where all I could hear were the people chatting around him. It was awkward and tense, but how couldn't it be?

"I was told you have been approved and added to my visitor's list," Lex said.

"Yeah, I know. I got the email yesterday afternoon. I know Kev is on your list too. Did you add anyone else?"

"No. I have my sisters and a few other people approved for phone calls, but that's it. I wasn't seeing people outside, I'm certainly not seeing them now."

"Yes, that makes sense. Have you spoken to Kev yet?"

"No, you're the first one I'm calling."

"Oh, I see. He's picking me up in... ten minutes. We wanted to come and visit as soon as possible, so we'll be here this afternoon. Is that okay?"

"I think so, yes."

Seconds stretched, and I wasn't sure what to say. Guilt spread through my mind as I heard the other inmates around him. For the first time, I was truly visualizing him in prison, picturing the image of him stuck in there, stripped of his dignity and rights.

Lex was actually guilty, so according to the law, his place was right there, among drug dealers, murderers, and other criminals. He was supposed to be treated like those men, and only my deep affection for him made the mere notion preposterous. Lex's deeds might have been unlawful, he didn't deserve to be treated that way. Not for helping people and exposing the corrupt assholes of our world.

The intercom rang, and I understood Kevin was in advance. Since it presented a good excuse to cut short this conversation I didn't know how to salvage, I quickly explained the situation to Lex as I gathered the last of my things.

"Kevin just arrived, I have to go. We'll be there in a little over four hours. I can't wait to see you."

"Make sure he stays focused on the road. He tends to get distracted by the landscape."

"Shall do. I love you, Lex."

"See you soon, Andrea."

In my hurry to get out of the apartment, I hung up first, only noticing afterward he hadn't reciprocated my I-love-you. Refusing to let it mean anything, I dismissed the thought and grabbed my keys on my way out, eager to join Kev and get on with our journey to Sheridan.

• • •

Lex might have been exaggerating about Kevin's tendencies to do some sightseeing while driving. He did take a few glimpses at the scenery that maybe lasted for a little too long, but he was in control of the situation and I never got scared. Especially since his luxurious Land Rover made me feel comfortable and safe, the SUV fending the road smoothly.

The four hours we spent together allowed us to learn about each other even better, and time flew by, despite the ball of anxiety that sat heavily on my stomach. I was impatient to see Lex, but also worried to get my answers and see how he was doing.

He wasn't suited for prison. With his overactive mind, his intellect, his workaholic tendencies, he must have been bored to death there, unable to get the intellectual and cerebral stimulation he craved. His dislike of crowds, need for privacy, and enjoyment of his routine added to the nightmare he must be in, a constant breach of his needs. And the last part which I tried not to think too much of was his tendencies to be blunt, cynical, and bad at reading people. Those could make him a target for the dangerous people surrounding him, and I hoped to God he wouldn't say the wrong thing to the wrong person and get himself shivved.

The thought of him getting stabbed crossed my mind as we were heading south on this rainy morning, and it made me sick to my stomach, a taste of bile gathering in the back of my throat. No, he would be okay. He was too smart to get himself into that kind of trouble. He would be out soon, and we'd put all of this behind us.

Thankfully, Kevin kept me distracted, or maybe he was distracting himself, by telling me a few anecdotes of his childhood with Lex. I could never get enough of those stories, wanting to know more about the man I loved.

He told me about that summer when Lex was 13, recalling the memory with fondness. Because he was scheduled to skip one more grade, it had been expected of Lex to learn the syllabus of five classes in the span of a summer. It was for his senior year of high school, and the year after that, he'd be off to Harvard.

In the morning, he had tutors, and he was locked into a room the afternoons, with books and homework. However, nearly every day, he would break out of there through the window, hop on his bike, and meet Kevin at a mall about a mile away. There, they would go watch a movie, go to the arcades, browse the comics in the bookstore, have ice-cream...

Kevin recalled with amusement the day they had almost met Miriam there, shopping with Juliet. They'd remained hidden from her, feeling like adventurous spies. Once more, I felt incredibly grateful for Kevin to have given Lex a semblance of normalcy to Lex's childhood. God knows how my man would have turned out had no one treated him like Kevin had, like a normal boy.

Their little escapades lasted nearly three weeks until Lex was caught, coming back one afternoon to find his father waiting for him in the study room. A long argument ensued, a few threats by both parties flew, and an agreement was reached. From then on, Lex was allowed a two hours break every afternoon, but it had to be at home. So Kev had been there every day, bringing video games and movies, ready to distract his best friend.

"But then, I had the brilliant idea to get myself a girlfriend for the second half of the summer," Kevin recalled with a grimace. "The Colemans are very regardant as to who can be in their home, and she wasn't on their list. At first, I still managed to visit Lex daily, but then Samantha demanded more and more. So I went less and less, leaving Lex alone with his folks. I was trying to get laid for the first time, so that would make any sixteen years old boy dumb."

He took a break, focusing on the road, and I could read the guilt veiling his features. Over twenty years later, he still blamed himself for it. He wasn't the one at fault here, Lex's parents were, for asking so much of a child.

"I only realized that I'd abandoned him when the summer was over. I felt like shit, expecting to find Lex pissed at me, feeling betrayed and angry. But he wasn't. I think he was so used to being discarded and ignored, it just... made sense to him I'd do the same. From that day on, I made sure never to make him feel that way ever again, regardless of who I was dating."

It was very commendable of him, and it was clear he'd been true to his word. The bond he and Lex shared was even stronger than I'd thought. Kevin was like the family Lex didn't have at home. He was like a big brother, looking after him and making sure he was okay.

"Did you get laid, in the end?" I asked, wondering if Kev's efforts that summer had at least been worth it.

"As a matter of fact, I did, yes. Several times. Sam and I dated for about two years after that, until college started and we were sent to opposite sides of the country. We parted on good terms, and we still evolve in the same circles, so I see her now and then. Maybe he wouldn't consider her a friend, but Lex would at least think of her as a friendly acquaintance."

"He doesn't have that many of those."

"No, the man is all for quality over quantity. He'd rather have a few good friends than a plethora of mediocre ones."

"He definitely has great tastes in friends," I pointed out, sending him a playful side glance.

"Ah, yes he does. He also has a good flair when it comes to girlfriends."

A soft chuckle rolled past my lips as I looked away, observing the passing trees. I was used to this road, but there was something solemn about it today. I wasn't visiting my family, I was visiting Lex, and it made everything feel different.

"How do you think he's doing?" I asked, my voice so thin I worried Kev might not have heard me.

"Shelly and I have talked about it a lot, lately. Lex has a very profound inner strength, and we both believe it will be his solace. It isn't easy for him, but he's resilient and won't let any of this break him."

I nodded, still gazing at the rainy exterior. Yes, his strong-mindedness might come in handy in this situation. He was tenacious and smart. He would be okay.

• • •

Just like any prison, Sheridan's Federal Correctional Institution was austere and uninviting. The dreary weather certainly added to the gloominess of the place. After we parked in the area reserved for visitors, Kev and I entered the building. It felt strange and wrong to be here, and it was even worse to think I'd get used to it soon. Six weeks... Only six weeks and then Lex is out.

After asking directions to the woman at the reception, we headed toward the visitor parlor. Once they'd checked our identities, they made us sign some papers. The safety measures were insane, to the point where we had to remove our shoes and belts, leave our things in a locker, go through a metal detector, then a pat search...

As we were putting our shoes back on, a man explained to us a few more things. "You are allowed to have physical contact with the inmate upon arrival and departure. Keep things decent, there are kids in there. This isn't a big day, so there shouldn't be a time restriction. Visitation time ends at three, so unless the inmate has something scheduled, you have until then."

That meant a little under two hours. It wasn't much, but it was something. The man then led us inside the parlor, and guided us to a free table we had to sit at, where Lex would join us soon.

Nervously, I checked the door on the other side of the room, eager to see him arrive. Surrounding us, settled around the other tables, inmates were talking with friends or family, one of them chatting with a little girl who must have been his daughter.

"Relax, Andy," Kevin told me with a soothing voice, putting his palm over my joined hands, which I had been unconsciously twisting. I only then noticed that my leg was shaking too, my nerves definitely restless.

About three minutes passed until the familiar shape of Lex appeared on the inmate side of the room. He was wearing a beige khaki uniform, like the rest of them, with a short-sleeve button-down shirt tucked into his pants, and a white long-sleeve top underneath. A guard in a black attire was with him, holding him by the arm, guiding him into the room.

His gray eyes scanned the space as soon as he entered, and his sharp gaze met mine in under a second. A flood of emotions and feelings struck me, elated to finally see him, but crushed to witness his incarcerated condition. As the guard brought him closer, I caught details that further broke my heart.

There was something hollow in his eyes, as if he was turned off, as if there was only the shadow of him in there. His signature stubble was longer than it used to be, the dark hair of his beard giving him a tougher appearance. He was nowhere near the man he'd been three weeks ago, before all of this started, and it made me worry about what would be left of him by the end of his two months here. Only two weeks had passed, and so much of him already seemed gone.

The guard brought him all the way to us, and Kev and I stood up when he approached. Since we were allowed physical contact upon meeting, I moved to hug Lex as soon as the guard let go of him. With my arms wrapped around his chest, I hugged him as tightly as I could, trying to pass on how much I'd missed him, how good it was to hold him, how much I loved him. It seemed he was thinner, but maybe it was just me not remembering right. After a few seconds, his arms hesitantly mirrored mine, and I felt his strong and reassuring hold wrap around me.

We remained like this for a moment, until the guard decided we'd had our quota of touching. "Alright, that's enough," the man said, his tone impartial.

I was reluctant to pull away from Lex, but he gently made me let go, before bending to drop a kiss on my forehead. Needing more, I reached for his nape and kept him low, just long enough to give him a quick peck on the lips, taking him by surprise. He then turned to Kevin, and they exchanged a short but intense hug, patting each other's backs.

We all sat at our table, and the guard left us to return to his station by the door.

"How are you doing?" Kevin asked first, bending toward Lex.

"I guess it could be worse. I'm alone in my cell, for security reasons. Everything was on TV, so the other inmates know who I am and that I come from money. The guards are keeping me under tight watch to make sure nothing will happen to me. Also, I can afford everything from the commissary, so I can't really complain. The food is shit, though."

"Are you completely cut off from the other inmates?" I asked, knowing isolation could be a lot to bear, even for someone like Lex.

"No, I'm still with them for lunch or outside in the yard. My basketball skills are turning to be useful. I'm playing with a few guys now and then."

"Ha! I'll make sure to let Miriam know," Kevin declared with amusement. Humor lit up in both men's eyes, and I understood there was a private joke going on. "How are you handling boredom?"

"I've been keeping myself busy. I've finished all the sudokus from the book I bought. And I've been granted access to the library two days ago, so I'm going through the United States Code, to see if I can find something that could help."

"Anything so far?" I asked.

"Not really no, but I'm only on volume twelve." Oh, wow. Twelve volumes in two days was still a lot. "I've also done a lot of thinking," Lex added, his tone suddenly grave.

Given his seriousness, worry made its way in my mind, and I could tell Kev was feeling the same way, leaning toward Lex.

"I have had reports from my lawyers, and I know my situation has been hurting Kelex's image." A small sigh of relief flew past my lips, as I'd worried it was about his case, and not the company. "I've heard we lost investors, and the shares are losing value, and fast."

"What do you propose we do about it?" Kevin asked, wary.

"I'm removing myself from the equation. I'm transferring you my shares, so my name won't affect Kelex further."

Too stunned to speak, Kev stared at him with his jaw hanging open, shocked by Lex's declaration. As for myself, I was hurting for Lex, knowing how much it must have cost him to take such a decision. Kelex was his brainchild, the work of over eight years, the company he'd built with his own hands, the one he'd nurtured and