Indiana Pulcinella

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9
chapter 21

Fugitive Polygamist Arrested at the Border

Canadian border authorities arrested Efram Milton, the self-proclaimed prophet of Paradise, at the Chief Mountain Border Crossing in southern Alberta. Milton was attempting to cross into Montana.

Two females, aged thirteen and fourteen, with Milton at the time of his arrest, were taken into protective custody. Initial reports suggest the girls were being transported to a polygamist community in Utah.

The RCMP confiscated four firearms, including a Heckler and Kock 9-mm handgun, a shotgun, and two Winchesters. They also found a large duffle bag filled with an unspecified amount of cash. A second male was arrested at the scene. His name has not been released.

Milton escaped custody in Calgary and was the subject of a province-wide manhunt. He was remanded in custody and will face a series of new charges in a Calgary court on Monday.

Arthur waited at the door as Lane was dropped off mid-morning. He hugged his partner in the doorway. Lane kicked off his shoes. After Arthur released him, Lane sat down and peeled off his still-damp socks.

“What do you need?” Arthur asked.

“A bath.” Lane took off his winter jacket and hung it up. It’s amazing. Here I am doing the usual things as if nothing has changed.

“No questions?” Arthur put his hand on Lane’s shoulder.

Lane tried to smile. “That would be nice.” He went upstairs, got a change of clothes from the bedroom, walked into the main bathroom, and locked the door. He ran the tub, got undressed, and got in. Every time the phone rang, he let his head fall back under the water, covering his ears. He got out when his feet and hands had started to wrinkle.

He dried himself off, put on a T-shirt and sweatpants, and went to bed.