---
The warden of Shawshank and his wife were jolted awake one morning by a horrific sight. As the wife opened her eyes, she saw two lifeless dogs hanging from the ceiling fan, their bodies grotesquely mutilated. The room was drenched in blood, and the scene was utterly macabre.
In shock, the warden stumbled to the phone to call for help, but just then, it rang. He hesitated before answering, only to hear a chilling voice on the other end.
"Hello, Warden Norton. I hope you've had a good look at our gift. Since you and your wife were sleeping so soundly, I didn't want to disturb you."
The warden's blood ran cold. The message was clear: their pets were killed as a warning. The caller knew they had access to their home and could strike at any moment.
"Who are you? What do you want?" the warden demanded, his voice trembling.
The voice on the phone continued with a menacing calm. "Consider what you've done. The annual maintenance costs of the prison exceed hundreds of thousands, yet half of it lines your pockets. Dolittle Construction Company—just a front for your theft. And Dolittle Food Supply Company, where you overcharge for substandard food. Your corruption is extensive."
The warden's heart pounded as he listened. The caller was threatening to expose his extensive corrupt practices. "What do you want from me?"
"Ensure Andy's safety," the voice instructed. "If anything happens to him, you and your family will face dire consequences. Cooperate, and we might not make your corruption public. There's still room for you to recover."
The warden hung up, his hands shaking. His wife clung to him, demanding to know what was going on. He explained in a hushed, fearful tone that they were under threat and could not involve the police.
---
Back at Shawshank, the warden immediately sought out Captain Hailey. Bursting into his office, he ordered Hailey to stop any plans to have Andy killed.
"Stop everything immediately!" the warden commanded. "Tell the person you hired that the plan is off. We can't risk provoking these people any further."
Hailey was confused but quickly understood the urgency. "But what if Andy's case is overturned and our crimes are exposed?"
The warden's face darkened. His own safety and that of his family were now his only concerns. "We have no choice. If Andy is harmed, they'll come after us. We must comply. Now, stop everything and make sure no one talks about it."
---
Dimon, the prisoner who had been hired to carry out the hit, received Hailey's message. He was told to forget about the plan and never mention it again. Dimon, relieved, complied without protest.
---
As the days passed, Andy received a notice of his transfer to the state court detention facility. He was ecstatic, knowing that his release was imminent. He spent his final days in Shawshank with a mixture of excitement and melancholy, reflecting on his past and the future that awaited him.
Old Rhett, his long-time friend, expressed his own fears and hopes. "I've been in here for over 20 years. I don't know if I can adjust to life outside. I fear the world beyond these walls."
Andy, deeply moved, promised to try and help Old Rhett if possible. Rhett's dream was simple: to open a small hotel and live a peaceful life with a dog. Andy admired his friend's dream but remained focused on his own impending freedom.
---
Finally, Andy was transferred to the state court detention facility, which was a significant upgrade from Shawshank. The conditions were much better, with softer beds and improved food. His lawyers, Bob and Henry, visited him to update him on his case and ensure his needs were met.
During their visit, Andy asked Henry privately about the surrendered thief. Henry confirmed that they had arranged for the thief's confession, but it was genuine; the thief was indeed the murderer of Andy's wife and lover.
Andy's tension eased. He was relieved to know that the legal process was authentic and that justice for his wife was being pursued. He also inquired about Mr. Hardy, the benefactor who had orchestrated his case's turnaround. Henry speculated that Mr. Hardy's motivation might be a sense of justice, though the true reason remained unclear.
As Andy awaited his release, he felt a mix of relief and anticipation, knowing that the chapter of Shawshank was drawing to a close.