“That’s it?” Dwayne Scott gaped. Bryn let go of his arm and massaged his temples.
“That’s it. There’s no disputing the word of a certified augur,” Gunnar said. He handed Bryn his gloves and glasses. “Good luck, Dwayne.”
“Thanks, man. When I’m out, you ever need anything, you come find me.”
“Have a great life.” Gunnar squeezed Bryn’s shoulder. “How you doing?”
“Not too bad. Feels like we did something good.” He pushed his chair back. The CO left with Scott but the superintendent closed the door behind them.
“This is not an authorized request, but I’d like to ask you guys a favor.”
Gunnar frowned but Bryn shrugged. “Go ahead.”
“The reason we’re having staffing problems today…bordering on a riot situation…is an accusation from an inmate about one of the corrections officers.”
“What’s the accusation?” Gunnar asked.
“Rape. Inmate says the officer assaulted him in his cell. There are no witnesses so it’s his word against the CO’s.”
“What does the CO say?”
“That it’s a pile of horseshit. One more scumbag trying to get him in trouble.”
“You disagree?”
“I know better than to take one side or the other without evidence, but the unrest is about to blow up. Bryn here could throw ice water on the fire.”
“This ain’t like shelling peas. It takes a lot out of him,” Gunnar said.
“Hey…we’re already here.” Bryn tilted his head from side to side, wincing at the cracking sounds. “How do you want to do this?”
“My office. Simpler to question the officer than the inmate. He’s an employee so he doesn’t get to say no. Inmate could refuse unless his lawyer was present.”
“You sure about this, Bryn? I don’t want your head to explode or anything.” Gunnar wrinkled his nose. “Warden would end me himself.”
“My brain is not going to explode.”Don’t think I’ll be driving anywhere later, but what the heck.“I think we should do it.”
“Okay.” Gunnar didn’t look happy.
Fuck, he’s sexy when he gets all growly. Stop thinking like that, idiot. He’s your work partner, nothing more.Bryn trailed after the superintendent and Gunnar, making a conscious effort not to wince at every clanging door or loud noise. The superintendent’s office proved to be a quiet sanctuary. It was utilitarian and as gray as everywhere else in the prison but had to have some kind of sound proofing to deaden the noise fromoutside. After the super made a quick call on an old-fashioned desk phone, they waited. Gunnar paced and Bryn lounged on a windowsill. The bars didn’t enhance the view but at least the window was high enough that the sky was visible above the prison walls.
“When Officer Phelps arrives, I’ll ask him straight out if the rape allegations are true,” the superintendent said. “We’ll get this over with quickly.”
“Will he be carrying?” Gunnar asked. “Because he won’t react well if he’s lying.”
“No. Basic officers inside the penitentiary don’t carry firearms. He carries pepper spray. He is qualified to carry firearms so has the magazine pouches and holster rigs on his duty belt, but they are only issued a holster and weapon for transports outside the pen or for specific posts on areas like the perimeter or lobby.”
Gunnar grunted. “Wonderful. Bryn, you watch yourself.”
“Isn’t that your job?” Bryn briefly lifted his glasses and batted his lashes at his partner, knowing it would annoy the hell out of him.
“Try to remember which one of us is in charge.”
“Exactly.”
“I don’t get paid nearly enough for this gig,” Gunnar grumbled. He went to stand by the door.
Bryn took his gloves off and tucked them into his waistband. He kept his glasses on. The superintendent took a seat behind his desk but stood when Officer Phelps arrived. Bryn took an instant dislike to the officer, who oozed arrogance. He had a paunch, pallid skin and cruel eyes.
