Michael had booked an early flight, scheduled for takeoff at 5:48, in the a.m. however, he was so distraught and worried Michael, of course, was unable to get any sleep. He had stood at his window for the better part of an hour just staring out at the view, enjoying it for the last time. It was a clear, cold Winter night, snow on the ground, bright stars up in the black endless sky, as many thoughts and memories came to Michael's mind as he looked out upon the full moon shining it's beams of pale white light down over the vast waters, casting a silvery shimmer over the waves. There Michael could see the lights of a distant ship out on the horizon, as the city of Chicago was lit up in the night, the quite streets, lonely and empty, as the citizens slumbered in the warmth and comfort of their beds. Michael was nervous on two fronts, the fear of being recognized and hauled back to jail for trying to flee the state, and the sheer terror of flying, for he had not flown in over 13 years. Trying not to think about that dreadful day his parents plane went down leaving only charred remains, Michael took 2 vicodin a few hours before his flight to help calm his nerves and ease his troubled mind.
Then Michael set about packing one small suitcase with a few clothing items and the boxes of watches; of which he had all the receipts for, just in case airport security became suspicious. Then Michael took one brief last shower in his prized, high rise apartment, Michael was filled with much dread and remorse so he tried to focus his mind on the tasks at hand, thinking about his plan, phase by phase. Phase #1, get dressed and get to the airport. Michael methodically shaved, brushed his teeth and combed his hair, as if he were preparing for his own funeral, dressing up in his best merino wool black suit, a pair of cap toe Ferragamos, a white queen's broadcloth shirt, and a charcoal grey silk tie. He threw on a black cashmere scarf with charcoal grey fedora and a pair of lambskin gloves. Michael checked his watch as he placed the bundles of hundreds in his long black leather trench coat, along with his plane ticket and passport. His heart raced and a great tension twisted up between his shoulder blades, Michael was in so much mental anguish, a strange pain ran down the length of his spine, as if someone had reached inside his body, squeezing his spinal column as hard as they could, the pain was so intense Michael found it difficult to breathe at times.
Now this part, phase #1, was the most difficult, the act of standing at his door, suitcase in hand, made Michael realize that this was it, no turning back even though he lacked the courage needed to stand up and be a man and take his punishment for his crimes, Michael did have the courage and determination to run. Yet before doing so Michael lingered for a minute or two longer, glancing around at his tastefully decorated, spacious apartment he had dreamed of for his whole life, now it was time to say goodbye, to his home, to his city, to everything he knew and loved, it seemed to Michael as if he were saying goodbye to a dear old friend. With one last look Michael paused, knowing what he was doing was right, for him anyway, for Michael knew 'Johnny Law' would not feel the same way. Michael switched off the light and said his goodbye as he turned and locked the door behind him. As he rode the elevator down to the parking garage Michael focused his frantic mind on phase # 2 to distract him from the pain and trepidation in his aching heart.
Then Michael set about packing one small suitcase with a few clothing items and the boxes of watches; of which he had all the receipts for, just in case airport security became suspicious. Then Michael took one brief last shower in his prized, high rise apartment, Michael was filled with much dread and remorse so he tried to focus his mind on the tasks at hand, thinking about his plan, phase by phase. Phase #1, get dressed and get to the airport. Michael methodically shaved, brushed his teeth and combed his hair, as if he were preparing for his own funeral, dressing up in his best merino wool black suit, a pair of cap toe Ferragamos, a white queen's broadcloth shirt, and a charcoal grey silk tie. He threw on a black cashmere scarf with charcoal grey fedora and a pair of lambskin gloves. Michael checked his watch as he placed the bundles of hundreds in his long black leather trench coat, along with his plane ticket and passport. His heart raced and a great tension twisted up between his shoulder blades, Michael was in so much mental anguish, a strange pain ran down the length of his spine, as if someone had reached inside his body, squeezing his spinal column as hard as they could, the pain was so intense Michael found it difficult to breathe at times.
Now this part, phase #1, was the most difficult, the act of standing at his door, suitcase in hand, made Michael realize that this was it, no turning back even though he lacked the courage needed to stand up and be a man and take his punishment for his crimes, Michael did have the courage and determination to run. Yet before doing so Michael lingered for a minute or two longer, glancing around at his tastefully decorated, spacious apartment he had dreamed of for his whole life, now it was time to say goodbye, to his home, to his city, to everything he knew and loved, it seemed to Michael as if he were saying goodbye to a dear old friend. With one last look Michael paused, knowing what he was doing was right, for him anyway, for Michael knew 'Johnny Law' would not feel the same way. Michael switched off the light and said his goodbye as he turned and locked the door behind him. As he rode the elevator down to the parking garage Michael focused his frantic mind on phase # 2 to distract him from the pain and trepidation in his aching heart.
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