The ongoing problem is, as we know, some people always want what they can’t have. Why would they go find their own territory when they could steal someone else’s? It’s a premise I’m not unfamiliar with, but as unbelievable as it might sound, I don’ttechnicallysteal.
Everything that I have, I’ve earned, through hard work, or right—sangre por sangre. The means through which I’ve acquired aspects of my business could be questionable, though.Blackmail is just so fun.
Anyway, all of these squabbles overprovincereally just have me appreciating this island even more. The prison is a huge pain in my ass, sure, but the Isle itself is special, and I would die before I let someone take it from me, especially after everything I’ve put into it.
Outside of Alabaster Penitentiary, I take a deep breath, gazing up at the concrete behemoth before me.
Daddy’s home, you big hunk of shit.
Miss me?
Inside, I go straight to my office. Interestingly enough, thewest wingof the prison is technically at the southeast end of the island. The setup of the building amuses me. My favorite thing is watching new employees try to find their way around. There are a total of five signs in the entire building, and I’ve kept it that way over the years, despite how much easier it’d be to navigate the place if we added a few more. Call it a tribute to the architect—that loco acid-tripping hijo de puta. He seemed like a good time.
I could probably navigate this place with my eyes closed at this point. As could Officer Chevelle.
Speaking of my guard dog… I wonder ifhemissed me.
Opening my laptop, I pull up the live feed from the cameras. It reminds me of the live feed I have of Club Edge security, which then reminds me of watchingAngelprowl around those halls…
I shake it off and observe, from general population, the cellblocks, cafeteria, showers, solitary, the Box, the East… So much is happening, I often wonder what it must be like for our control room operators to do this day in and day out.
Admittedly, using humans to monitor and control security isn’t the most cost effective, or efficient way of doing things. But I don’t care about that. I prefer a human touch to technology. Plus, I can never have too many shuffling zombies under my helm. It reminds me of the opening scene ofJoe Versus the Volcano.
Checking my watch, I find that it’s almost time for the shift change. That means Officer Kemper will be showing up soon to report to his little slice of hell in the dungeon.
Poor Kellan…
The guy hasn’t been able to catch a break. He just got married earlier this year. To awoman.
That on its own was surprising to me, buthey… I’m not here to rain on anyone’s straight pride parade.The even more ludicrous part is that he somehow convinced me to let him go home to Long Island for half the week to be with hiswife.
He’s on a rotating schedule and works doubles, sometimestriples, to make up for the time he’s away.It’s mucho loco.
In the past, the married ones have just done long distance. I believe it’s ended in divorce one hundred percent of the time…But again, in Kellan Kemper’s case, I’d think that might be a blessing in disguise.
Whatever. Chico necesita ayuda.
That boy needs help, but I’m no shrink. Regardless of what that degree over there says.
Knowing he’ll be leaving soon, I shoot a quick text to Jonathan, asking him to come by my office before he heads home. Well, notasking…
I’m answering emails and texts in between chuckling at the fight that just broke out in the hall outside the cafeteria between Humphrey and Jermaine. Both are relatively new; Humphrey we got last year, and Jermaine three months ago. This past year has been one of our busiest, and it’s only getting busier.
Great time to lose guards to conjugal fucking visits… No wonder Jonathan is so stressed.
Right on cue—he has a way of doing that—a knock at my door brings a boost in my mood that still perplexes me even eight years later.
“Come in.”
Officer Chevelle stalks into the room, looking surly and immediately impatient.I remember when he used to look forward to coming up here and just sitting with me…
He posts up in front of my desk, and I can’t help but smirk. “At ease.”
His gaze narrows slightly, but then he remembers himself. “How was the city?”
I stare at him for a moment before motioning for him to have a seat. “It was good. How have things been here? What did I miss?”
“Everything is… fine. The usual.” He goes quiet until he remembers who he’s dealing with.Iwillglare at him until he opens up.“One of the toilets in the downstairs locker room exploded while Jasper was taking a shit.”
