2: Meeting him

DANIEL

I was busy sorting out parole papers in my office, when Gianna, my close friend and colleague, informed me of the new inmates' arrival. I released a helpless sigh, knowing all too well what was expected of me. 

I had to give some bullshit speech, that I had recited over and over to be every new batch that gets through the door. Though I knew no one paid attention, It was a standard procedure for the warden to brief new inmates on the dos and don'ts. The fact that we deal with numerous cases of the said don'ts proves it's a time-wasting affair. 

With no motivation whatsoever, I took long, quick strides towards the welcoming hall. I was in the middle of my speech when I felt eyes on me. I glanced around, and my gaze fell on a slender blonde boy who looked truly scared. He had beautiful golden-brown eyes and I couldn't look away!

The sorrowful orbs drew me in, and I was unable to understand why. The boy fidgeted but held my gaze nonetheless. He tilted his head quizzically, and I averted my eyes, not wishing to draw unnecessary attention. Once the briefing was over, I walked back to my office, but couldn't get that scared boy out of my mind. 

To satisfy my curiosity, I requested files of the new batch and skimmed through until I found his thanks to the mug shot. 

I went through it, hoping to find how the innocent-looking boy found himself in this hellhole. 

By the time I had finished reading the file, three things were obvious. The boy was gay, and I will be damned if that didn't thrill me. In the report, it was clearly stated that he helped his boyfriend cover up a murder. 

Two, he was outrageously stupid. Who helps a lover hide a murder weapon? 

Three, no way that scared rabbit was making it out alive. From his height to weight, Liam didn't have an advantage when it came down to his body size. And one obvious rule in places like this; size does matter. The bigger and tougher you are, the fewer chances of anyone messing with you. 

I had barely put the file away when Gianna barged into my office, looking rather furious. Before I could speak up, she did, "Kane put that poor kid who came in today in Block 3 cell 12, despite my objections. Did you know about this?” Her determination almost had me laughing, if not for the seriousness of the matter.

“Of course not! Why the hell would Kane put him there?” I whisper-yelled, offended that she thought I knew. My expression must have mirrored my thoughts because she instantly lost her fighting spirit and slumped on the opposite chair helplessly. 

“You know what goes on in that block…” She began warily. “My assumption is that Kane owes someone in cell 12, and throwing that poor kid in there is a consolation prize.”

It was no secret that Kane was somehow involved in the illegal businesses going on in the prison. But no one has been able to prove it yet. The bastard knew how to cover his tracks well. Gianna and I have been investigating him for a while, but we haven't found any concrete evidence against him. 

“ Do something," Gianna prompted when I fell into a thoughtful silence. 

“I need to talk to Kane,” I decided. “ Meanwhile, please transfer him to block 1.” I ordered softly, rising to my feet, in pursuit of Kane. 

“Block 1?” Gianna called out surprised, and justifiably so because that block was strictly for the elderly and the sick. 

“It has more protection.” I countered, confusing her momentarily, “They have already set their eyes on him, Gigi.” 

Her eyes widened in realization. Accidents do happen here, and thanks to crooks like Kane, sooner or later, someone will come for that boy. 

At least in block 1, he had more chances of avoiding deathly accidents, compared to other blocks. 

“I will personally pair him with Mathew. He is too old to scare the kid and might be a good influence, "she responded and left. 

***

Kane was busy passing obnoxious comments, he didn't hear me enter the common office. When everyone went quiet, he slowly turned. His face paled when his eyes collided with mine. 

“Sir…” he stuttered nervously, giving his colleagues a good laugh on the inside. It was obvious they were all struggling to maintain a straight face. 

“ A word," I notified curtly, pointing to the door. He meekly stepped outside. Once he was out, I faced the rest. 

In a group of more than twenty, I only trust seven. It's not hard to understand, though because, with their crappy salaries, deals involving money appeals to many.

And what's a better way to make quick money, than to smuggle contraband for inmates.

Mostly influential inmates are loaded on the outside. So paying Kane and other scums like him to do their bidding is easy.

I began by reminding them of the code which we live by. I knew most couldn't wait for me to be done, but I still insisted. I issued some threats on a list I had managed to obtain and had launched an investigation on. It was enough to scare them for some time until they realize I was just bluffing. 

Not entirely bluffing because I have managed to actually get names, but there is no evidence to tie them to it. 

It's mostly just confessions of scared inmates, and unless I get something tangible, Kane, and others like him will remain untouchable.

Outside, I met Kane leaning on the rails.

“We have a strict profile for block 3, did you follow it?”

“No, sir.” He bowed his head with fake humility. “I just thought since it had an empty bed, I could…” 

“This isn't an innovation company, you are not paid to think.” I snapped angrily. He might be able to fool others, but not me. I knew exactly the kind of guard he is. He knew the repercussions of his actions, he is too smart not to.

“Do I have to remind you that a dead inmate brings about scrutiny?”

“No, sir, It won't happen again.” He assured me confidently. 

“Of course, it won't.” I retorted. “I will be watching, one mistake, and you are out.” Without waiting for his response, I walked off.

Soon I will have to do more than a verbal warning.