The injured Abruzzi was airlifted by a medical helicopter to Chicago for treatment. "T-Bag" gloated that there was now one less escapee, while "Tweener" added, "Make that two." Meanwhile, the brutally beaten Lincoln was dragged by Geary into an isolated cell and chained to the iron door.
Michael inquired about Lincoln's whereabouts, but Warden Pope informed him that they would not be allowed to see each other until Lincoln's execution. Michael insisted on postponing the escape plan to rescue Lincoln first, sparking strong opposition from the other escapees.
In the pitch-black cell, Lincoln awaited his fate in despair. Nick told Veronica that there might still be hope for Lincoln's case, prompting her to suggest going public with their findings.
Michael used a razor blade to cut open his tattoo, extracting a small black pill from the wound. Lincoln received a rosary from Michael, delivered by a chaplain, which concealed the pill and a note: "Take this at 8:10 PM." While working in the guard station, Michael deliberately damaged a water pipe, buying more time for the escape.
After swallowing the pill, Lincoln writhed in agony before losing consciousness and was rushed to the infirmary. Simultaneously, Michael and the others initiated their plan, with Michael being the first to jump into the tunnel. Hale attempted to reveal the truth to Veronica but was interrupted by an uninvited guest. Hiding nearby, she witnessed him being shot dead by Kellerman.
Michael encountered an unexpected problem: the section of piping he had corroded had been replaced. Just as he heard Lincoln's voice, he began frantically prying at the pipes. In a moment of despair, he declared, "We're not getting out." It was then that "T-Bag" handed him a knife and said, "You’re gonna get us out."