Harlex had turned twenty-three two months into their sentence. His death helped put Bear’s escape plan into action, as there was no way he could stand there and watch another brother die, and Oxley’s death date was next.
Tonight he would go back beneath the ground and tunnel their way to freedom, he hoped. It was going well, considering all he had been using as a tool was a blunt spoon. He would have to spend some more time in the pillory soon for the sake of another spoon. He had to stick to the routine and keep his patience on a lead. All was well except for the burden of Smithson’s truth sitting only on his shoulders.
Bear leaned on a wall during yard time, the wind whistling around him as dark clouds filled the grey sky. His fierce gaze was on Scarlen in the near distance, talking with her friends, then on the fox-like face of Varklee obscuring the view. ‘What do you want, V?’
‘Oh, just checking on my cuddly Bear.’ Varklee’s sneer was filled with interest. ‘What with you causing all kinds of mischief with your claiming shaming.’
‘It’s none of your business what I do. I’m no Flame.’
‘But you are a fellow brother of the north. So how about a little consideration?’
Bear quirked an eyebrow his way. ‘You don’t get to tell me what to do, V.’
Varklee entered his personal space, pressing up on his toes so his mouth was close to Bear’s jaw. ‘She’s a southern girl, and you’re a northern boy. The two just don’t mix, my friend, and I shouldn’t have to remind you of that fact.’
‘Still my business.’
‘She’ll get you killed. Judd’s already on the warpath.’
Bear scoffed. ‘Since when did he bother you?’
Varklee looked almost insulted. ‘He is no more bothersome than a mere fly that I will one day squish between my fingers. The thought alone cheers me, but still the problem remains of your new gal.’
‘She’s no problem.’
Varklee cocked his head to one side as though a spasm had hit his neck. ‘All southerners are a problem, and just because we’re stuck in here doesn’t mean we forget that, Vyer.’
‘You’re boring me, V.’
‘I’m trying to save you. A little gratitude wouldn’t go amiss. I’ve been sitting on this for way too long, allowing you to figure it out for yourself.’ Varklee whispered, ‘People are starting to talk. Not the best look.’
‘If anyone’s got something to say about the way I live my life, they can say it to my face. Now, go away.’
Varklee snarled, then left, snaking his way back to his devoted followers, who practically drooled over him.
As much as Bear didn’t want Varklee’s words swimming in his head, the truth remained. He had brought a southerner into his house, and questions were in many eyes. Deciding it was time to talk to his family, he gave both Raven and Oxley a subtle signal to come over.
‘What’s up?’ asked Oxley.
Bear was grateful his friends trusted him enough not to push him for answers when they knew he was holding something back. ‘There’s something you need to know.’
Raven checked behind him, making sure no ears were in range. ‘This about your claim?’
Astute as ever. Raven always was the quiet one who noticed everything, whereas Oxley was laid-back, only caring about life around him as and when he deemed necessary.
‘There’s something about her I haven’t told you.’
Raven looked at Oxley. ‘Told you there was method in his madness.’
Oxley simply shrugged. ‘I just thought you were lonely, bro.’
‘I’m not lonely.’ Bear realised he’d said that quicker than expected, making him sound a liar. He had to steer the conversation back to the one that mattered. ‘Two days beforeSmithson came here, I was hauled in to see the warden. Only, Cardell wasn’t in his office. General Degafe was.’
That removed Oxley’s smile. ‘Fuck!’ he whispered.
Raven subtly looked around them once more to double-check everyone in the yard was attending to their own business. ‘And the connection?’
Bear still couldn’t believe it himself. ‘Told me Smithson is his daughter. Got in trouble out of the king’s jurisdiction. Sent here for six months, because King Renwah hasn’t got everyone in the government in his back pocket, but because of who she is, the government allowed her to enter under a false name. The general offered me a deal. Just in case anyone recognises his daughter, he asked me to take her under my wing.’
