‘Probably got into a fight. Better the pillory than a dark cell.’ Dionne slurped up the last of her meal. ‘Best not to make eye contact with that one. He seems to hate everyone except his own.’
Scarlen had already decided to stay out of his way. If he found out who she was, she’d be dead in seconds. Her heart was pumping way too fast just being on the other side of the window from him. Good thing he was Amber. At least he wouldn’t be in her block.
They handed back their empty bowls and made sure their spoons were counted, then walked in single file by the windows to leave.
Even though Scarlen had been warned not to look at Bear, part of her couldn’t help but check out the man who had planned to kidnap her. The lightning flashed, and his glare met her stare, making her jump, and she wasn’t sure if it was the storm or if he actually had silver eyes.Fuck!He looked more like a statue than a man, his jaw chiselled, cheekbones carved. She lowered her head, hoping he hadn’t memorised her face. With the rain so violent, it was possible he only saw movement within the canteen.
A few corridors later, and Scarlen was shown to her cell on the first tier of two, Dionne housed next door, their names on a small sign attached to the front bars. The five-foot wide by eight-foot space had a single bed, small basin, toilet behind a low wall, and one shelf with a palm-sized square mirror perched on top. The back wall was concrete, painted pale green, and the sides were steel. The only light came from the balcony outside that overlooked a wide aisle that made the female unit of Green Block Two.
‘You’ve got toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet roll, hand towel, and a comb. You can buy more from the tuck shop once you start earning. You wash your clothes in the sink, hang them to dry in your cell using the tie there.’ Miss Goolan pointed out some white cord. ‘You want to use it to hang yourself, that’s on you, no one will care. You shower in the morning, soap and towels are provided. Lights out soon.’ She gave a small nod, then walked away, her brown shoes echoing.
Scarlen sat on the bed, pleased it was made, and took a moment to process, not that much made sense while her mind was so fatigued. She was about to get changed into green pyjamas and slip beneath the thin sheets when Miss Goolan returned.
‘You’re wanted by the warden.’
Scarlen jumped up enthusiastically, bringing curiosity to the guard.
‘What’s with the grin, Smithson? There are only three reasons the warden asks to see an inmate, and as you’re new, the first two won’t apply.’
Scarlen followed her, not caring what the reasons were. All she could think was that her father knew where she was and was about to set her free.
Miss Goolan yawned more than once on their way along corridors and through barred doors. Each step to the top of the building seemed to vex her even more as though she had somewhere else to be.
A sturdy sheet of steel made the door to Warden Cardell’s office, looking every bit as cold as the darkness in Miss Goolan’s eyes.
Scarlen waited as the guard knocked and a middle-aged woman answered, then she stepped inside once ordered.
Miss Goolan stayed outside, and the other woman led Scarlen to another metal door and told her to enter.
Warden Cardell had to be around fifty. His receding black hair, beady brown eyes, and pudgy nose reminded Scarlen of her father, except the king wouldn’t be seen dead wearing a black-and-gold tunic and trousers, a clear fashion statement from the north end of the south. Further south wore such bright colours and less plain.
‘Warden Cardell,’ she greeted, hope bursting within.
He moved to her side. ‘If anyone asks why I called you here, tell them your aunt died.’
Not quite what she was expecting.
‘I know who you are,’ he added, his voice low, eyes scanning the closed door. ‘But no one else must ever find out. Your life here depends on that.’
She knew, but why wasn’t he telling her she was to be set free? ‘Erm?—’
‘Your father has decided you’re to remain here. He hopes it will make a woman of you. It made a man of your brother when he was sent here during his rebellious stage.’
Scarlen swallowed hard, not quite sure if she could feel her legs anymore. ‘Milon was in here?’
‘When he was nineteen, he too served six months. Your father is proud of him.’
Of course he is. Milon is a mould of him now.
‘I don’t know what you did to piss off the king, but he’s not going to pardon you, so it’s best all round if you behave yourself and simply serve your time. Unlike your brother, you put yourself here, and many before you have completed their sentence without any problems. Make sure I can add you to that list.’
‘But there are Rebels in here.’And why is that my only issue?
‘They don’t know who you are.’
She furrowed her brow. ‘They were arrested for trying to kidnap me.’
‘They were caught outside the palace, and they only knew which wing you resided in. Hardly anyone knows your face. This ismyfirst time seeing you. You don’t mix much, do you?’
