Chapter 13: The Governor’s Petition**
Eighteen months passed. Arthur’s health began to decline rapidly. His heart, worn down by decades of stress and age, was failing. Yet his spirits remained bright as the prison library turned into a full-fledged educational center.
One afternoon, Warden Miller summoned Kane to his administrative office.
"Sit down, Ross," Miller said, sliding a thick legal folder across the mahogany desk. "This came from the State Clemency Board this morning."
Kane looked at the paperwork with furrowed brows. "What is it?"
"It’s a petition for sentence reduction and medical review," the Warden explained. "Arthur Vance spent the last year drafting a ninety-page legal memorandum on your behalf. He documented the systemic failure of your original trial, your exemplary conduct, and his personal testimony as the presiding judge."
The Warden took off his glasses, leaning forward. "The parole board has granted you a hearing. You might actually walk out of here in three months, Kane."
May you like
Kane stared at the signature at the bottom of the petition: *Arthur Vance, Former Judge, Inmate #88419.*
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