Chapter 132

Darren POV

The suit felt strange after thirteen years of prison jumpsuits.

I adjusted the tie in the prison processing room mirror, studying the man staring back at me. Fifty-five years old. Gray at the temples. Lines around my eyes that hadn’t been there before. Prison aged you in ways that showed.

But I’d aged well. Distinguished, even. Not the monster they’d put away.

“Mr. Blake?” The guard knocked on the door. “Your ride is here.”

“Thank you, Officer Martinez.” I’d learned all their names over the years. Learned that courtesy and respect got you further than threats ever did. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me during my time here.”

He looked uncomfortable. Guards never knew what to say to inmates on release day. Especially ones who’d shot someone.

I picked up the box containing my possessions. Not much—my wedding ring from Nova, though she’d probably forgotten I still had it. My watch. And three copies of my memoir, the b