“Typical, fucking Feds.” Sally proceeded to clean herself up. Not bothered with the fact Emily remained standing there or caring that azure eyes closed, the dark-skinned woman allowed her orange jumpsuit to fall to the ground. After the sounds of movement had ceased and so much time had passed, Emily eased her eyes open once again. She quickly averted her eyes. “Please don’t tell me you a shy one.” Sally took in the blonde. “Or is it that you’re taken?”
“I’m taken.” Emily also kept her voice down. She wasn’t certain what was happening. Was Sally her connection on the inside? If she was, it wasn’t a good way to introduce herself. “I’m sorry for throwing up on you. Max only told me there’d be an inmate and at least two guards, along with the warden, who would know who I was and why I was behind bars. I should have known my roommate would most likely be my connection.”
“One never knows when one is dealing with the Feds. I discovered that the hard way.” When a blonde eyebrow rose, Sally sighed heavily. She hastily dressed in a spare orange jumpsuit. Without a word, she took to the top bunk once again. “We have about an hour until lunch. You might as well sit while we discuss the situation.” Emily hastily took the bottom bunk. “Only briefly, my name is Sally Been. I am doing hard time, but by doing this favor for Max it might reduce my sentence. If not have it repealed all together.”
Before Emily could say a word, Sally continued. “Just let me do the talking. To put your fears at rest, I was setup. By a certain someone who touched your life. Not sure if directly, but if you’re connected to Sam or Abby then you were affected by the bitch. And I have to say, I’m glad she can no longer screw with people, just because she feels like it.”
Emily had so many questions. It had been made clear, that for now, she needed to remain silent. As she stared at the bunk above her, she wondered. Wondered how Sally seemed to know so much. Perhaps Max, or one of her underlings, had informed Sally more so. It would make sense. Those on the inside would need to be better informed if they were to undertake protecting her.
Even more importantly was the fact Emily being in here to attempt to discover who was behind setting her up. Was it Lena? Was it Anthony? Was it someone completely out of the blue? The mayor was corrupt. There was no doubting that. Did it mean he was attempting to rid the city of those that supported the ones who would be out to expose him?
There went the questions again. There went Emily’s head. It was beginning to ache. She needed to take a step back. Not literally as they were now enclosed in the cell. There was no way out. It was beyond confining. The therapist wondered how she would be able to manage it, even for a short time. Just how long had Sally been incarcerated?
“Anyways, the skinny is, skinny girl, that you do need a sugar momma.” Emily closed her eyes, not liking the images that were conjured with the nickname. “And I can be that woman. Even though I’ve never had an official sweet thing, most here know not to mess with me. So you just act like I’m your sweetheart. Drape all over me when we go to lunch. And when we’re in the shower…”
Emily sat up so quickly, she banged her head hard on the top bunk. She groaned as she cautiously stood. One hand was to her forehead, while the other was on the top bunk in an attempt to steady herself. “I don’t care what we have to do to make it look like I’m under your protection. Except the fact I have to even consider sexual favors. Holding you. Kissing you. That I can handle, barely.”
Sally chuckled softly. “You didn’t seem like the uptight kind to me.” When Emily’s face paled and she had to grip the bunkbed even tighter to maintain her balance, the chuckle turned into full-blown laughter. “Relax. I was teasing. I just meant that when we’re in the showers, we’ll be paired off. There is a tiny bit of privacy. But not much in maximum security. Look, just do what I say. And if in doubt, don’t say anything. It’ll actually be better if you are just a follower and I’m the leader. Do you think you can handle that?”
“I don’t know if I can handle what we are having for lunch, but I do think I can handle playing along.” Emily wished she had paid attention to those police dramas on television. Not that she watched much television. Her time was spent either on the computer or with her soulmate. There was also reading the great next novel. Which she never could seem to find. Even though the television dramas were just that, dramas, she could have used them just the same.
Once again, Sally was laughing. “You are something else. I like your spunk. It’ll come in handy. I’m not going to lie to you.” There was a flashing of the lights. “Spunk in here is a dangerous thing. And what Max wants might take a couple weeks. It takes that long to build up any kind of comrade. And that’s our cue. So, your name is Emily. Gonna call you my gal Em. Sorry if you don’t care for it.”
“I’ll do almost anything to survive. And I’ll do anything to be with my girl once again.” Emily knew saying almost was opening a lot of avenues. She hoped she could live up to it. She hoped that Tabby could handle her part. Even if it was the separation and the shunning, it would take its toll on her soulmate. And there was poor Nicky. Not far from the back of her mind was her brother. And the one who truly concerned her, if only because of his health, was Leon.
Emily didn’t want to have just found her father to have him slip from her life. How could she allow that to happen? It was why she had fought Max’s suggestion. And yet, the FBI Assistant Director had been very persuasive. It took a moment for Emily to calm herself. She knew she’d needed a clear mind for her to attempt to pull off this charade. And yet, her heart beat for one. Making it all worth it.
It wasn’t long before Sally was leading her through the maze. Unlike before, most of the bars were already open. Of course if they were to attempt to go the other way, not only would the guards tackle them, they would find the bars closed. It was more than disconcerting knowing that one was only allowed in certain circles. That one was not truly free, even if it seemed at times one was.
The line was already formed. Sally grabbed her by the collar as they skipped ahead. It was clear her new ally was indeed one of the top dogs in the junkyard. It was probably why Max had chosen her as her ally. That and the agent knew someone like Sally would want out. Would want to prove that she was innocent. And perhaps one day be able to make a new start for themselves.
It wasn’t long before they were at the head of the line. There was only a handful in front of them. Emily couldn’t help but swallow when she looked into the eyes of the very tall, very muscular woman. There were four women hanging on her every word. It was clear she was the ruler of the prison. It was clear she was the one who was behind the blackmailing or would know who was. But how were they to discover which it was? And how long exactly would it take?
“Silly Sally. It looks like you have a new slut.” The imposing woman was causing everyone to wait. While there was shifting of weight and a few grumbles, no one said an audible word. The revelation caused Emily’s stomach to become queasy. “You into sharing like you were the last time? Though I’m not so sure I want your sloppy seconds. Even with an ass and set of knocks like she has.”
“My gal Em here is not for sharing.” Sally pulled Emily against her body. Somehow, even though her stomach was about to rebel once again, Emily managed to look the part. She laid her head on her ally’s head. It made for a sweet pose indeed. Too bad it wasn’t Tabby. Too bad it was where they were. “She’s got special talents. Only been here a couple hours and already helped me work up an appetite. You think you can move your ass? I know I’m not the only one who’s famished.”
There were finally a few calls. Sally had minor support it seemed. Emily only hoped it would be enough if something were to start. Or if things were to become out of hand. Either way, they might not have the support of whatever guards were also in on their plan. A low growl caused everyone to quiet down once again. “You’re forgetting your place, Silly Sally. I’m Empress of this palace. You bow down before me.”
“I’m not forgetting anything.” Sally now placed herself
between the tall, olive skinned woman and Emily. “You think you own this place. That you rule everything and everyone.” Sally took a step closer, glad that Emily remained where she was. “But your money and connections will only get you so far. In fact, if it was just you and me in a fair fight, we’d see who would rule. But you use your money to buy everyone. Just like you did on the outside and how you ended up in here. Weak bitch!”
Sally easily ducked the first punch. The petite Amazon never retaliated. She knew this was too public of a place to engage in actual fisticuffs. If she were discovered fighting once again, she would be sent to solitary for a week, if not longer. Then what would happen to Emily? She had to play the game, but by different rules than she was used to. Perhaps it was the rules she should have been playing by all along.
“Enough of that!” The guard Emily knew as Sarge was standing between the two women. “Sally, I know you want to show off for your new honey, but would you leave the empress alone?” Sally merely shrugged before taking Emily’s hand in her own. “You always have worked fast. And you, Tessa, you need to learn how to rule by example. Or making certain it’s not where the cameras can pick up on it so quickly. Now, go to your separate corners. Enjoy the gruel, ladies!”
Tessa continued to glare at Sally before she and her crew finally started the long process of gathering lunch. Emily followed every step that Sally made. Though some of the food was less than appetizing, she knew that the choices were made for a reason. She was wondering if the confrontation was a success or if it had been detrimental to their plan. But she wouldn’t know the difference, either way.
Once again, Sally kept her voice low. “That went better than I could have planned.” The dark-skinned woman began attacking whatever it was they had been served. Emily began picking at her food. “I know after all you’ve been through; you can’t have much of an appetite. But at least pretend to make it appear that we worked up an appetite earlier.”
Emily managed a smile before beginning to inhale the food. Even though her stomach wasn’t up to it, she knew it was better if she couldn’t actually taste whatever she was putting in her body. In between bites, she managed to drink water. It wasn’t the bottled water she was used to. But it was what she had to look forward to for the unforeseeable future.
“This might not take as long as I thought it would.” Sally wasn’t looking at the table, but she could feel Tessa glaring at her. “Tessa is from money. She attempted to bribe the wrong cop. When he attempted to arrest her, she killed him. It’s partially the money and partially the fact she snuffed a cop that has made her empress. It’s about to change. I have a feeling tonight after everyone is tucked into bed.”
The thought caused Emily’s stomach to churn once again. Was Sally actually counting on a fight between the two inmates to indicate who was behind setting her up? What did a woman who killed a police officer have to do with her? And especially one that supposedly had money? One would think money would mean she wouldn’t need to take a bribe or payment. But what if…?
What if this wasn’t about money? Emily took another huge swallow of her water. It was another of the many lessons Sam and Abby had taught her. There were many reasons behind a life of crime. There were those born on the streets or to poor families. Crime was one way to alleviate hunger and the need for money. It wasn’t the best choice, but it was understandable, at least to a certain extent.
There were those that were born into certain kinds of families. Not necessarily true mobs, but there were those that were used to doing anything they could to survive. Some even enjoying bilking those out of money or whatever it was they gained. Those were dangerous ones. Those that enjoyed the thrill of whatever crime they were perpetrating. And had no regard for others or their safety.
But there was the most dangerous kind. Was Tessa one of those? Like Jenny, Anthony and Wild Bill? What set them apart? While family meant a great deal to each of them, what truly drove them was one thing. Power. While money was connected to power, it wasn’t everything. Look at the likes of Max, Sam, Abby and Melissa. While they were each rich as far as family and friends went, it wasn’t what granted each of them power. It wasn’t the fact they fought the evils of the world in their own way.
What gave each their power was simple. Perhaps it was too simple for the criminal mind to ever fathom. It was the fact each of them never sought to have any kind of power over anyone else. Max had joined the FBI because she had wanted to make a difference and had been recruited right out of the academy. Sam had become a SVU detective because she herself had been raped. Abby had become a nurse because she wanted to help people. Melissa had inherited the bed and breakfast, but continued with it because it was a center. It was a place for family. And strangers to become friends and perhaps family.
The hours seemed to move in slow motion. And yet, before Emily realized it, it was time for her to prepare for her first night in prison. There had been the time in the exercise yard. Tessa or one of her crew had always been wherever Sally and she were. The evening meal had been much like lunch. There was time spent on the computers. There wasn’t much any of them were allowed to see on the internet so Emily wondered why even bother? If it were her, she would read. And that said something.
“Get up.” Emily blinked as there was a light shining in her eyes. She’d just settled in the lower bunk. She had been attempting to close her eyes and hope that the night would pass quickly. It was the only thing she could hope for. That not only the night, but also the day, passed by as speedily as possible. “Sorry to disturb your beauty sleep, Princess. I’ve been called out. Hence the light. I need you to watch. If my woman isn’t there, then what’s the point?”
Emily managed to sit up without groaning. She wasn’t used to the thin mattress or the stiff metal beneath it. It made her think of the times she and Tabby had spent sitting on the swing on the front porch of the bed and breakfast. It was definitely something she wanted for the home they one day would share. Just curled up next to one another as the summer breeze caressed them. And to watch as a healthy Nicky ran around, perhaps with his friends.
The images gave her the motivation she needed to do what was necessary. Emily took Sally’s hand and placed it on her breast, knowing Tabby would understand. “For luck then, my savior.” Sally’s hand twitched as she felt the breast. It had been a long time since she had actually had a lover. Each of her past roommates had been protected, merely by saying they had been lovers. The hand was hastily removed.
“I appreciate it my sweet one. Now let’s get going. I’ll show you how a real woman fights.” Sally held out her hand. The light once again flashed in her face. Emily couldn’t understand how Sarge was still there. Or was it because she was doing this after her shift? It made sense. If Sarge was on the take, it made perfect sense. But it also made sense if she were one of the guards Max had made certain were in place. How Emily wished she knew for certain which it was.
It wasn’t long until they found themselves in the gymnasium. It wasn’t used often, only when the weather was bad or when winter was in full swing. Even then, those in charge made certain that each inmate logged so much time in the yards. It wasn’t only about exercise. It was about exposing the inmates to natural light. It was about attempting to maintain the sanity of those locked within. It was a losing battle.
Tessa and her peeps were standing on one said. The tall, tanned skinned woman was dressed in what amounted to a boxing outfit. Emily couldn’t help but notice two things. One, Tessa did have an amazing body. But the second was the one that gave her pause. There was something that reminded her of Sam’s body. Not the muscular body or overall build. It was something she couldn’t place her finger on.
How would Emily know Sam’s body so well? It was the brief time when she had cared for the former SVU detective as she recovered from her wounds and was on the run. Hiding from those that would do her more harm. Unfortunately, also hiding from the ones that loved her the most, if only in an attempt to protect them. It
was something Emily could understand. Doing what one had to to protect one’s family. Otherwise, why was she even here?
No words were said. Emily wasn’t certain where to stand or what to do. Sally slowly made her way to the center of the room. Already, old gym mats were on the floor. The way they were positioned amounted to a boxing ring. There were no ropes, but were the edges considered boundaries?
Emily knew that there would be no holding back. That meant the boundaries didn’t matter, if they existed at all. Most likely, the only thing that mattered was not drawing attention to what was happening. While there were cameras being used even at night in the gymnasium, Emily wondered how many times the guards either ignored them or knew what was happening and didn’t bother with those monitors.
Sarge was suddenly standing beside her. It made her nervous having the guard so near. It wasn’t like Emily was a threat. This was between Sally and Tessa. This was about making Sally queen or empress of the prison. The only reason Emily was involved at all was because she would belong to whoever was the victor.
The fight was like most Emily had seen on a television show. Again, not that she watched a great deal. Still, this seemed nearly scripted. First Tessa had the upper hand. Then it was Sally. Every time that Sally had the upper hand, one of Tessa’s supporters would do something to trip up her cellmate. Emily was tempted to intervene, but knew she was only supposed to be the latest flavor for Sally.
Finally, it had become four on one. Sarge had a hand on her shoulder. It was as if Emily was being held in place. It was more than a setup. This was a way to take Sally out. And at the same time, Emily wouldn’t be able to do what she had been sent for. That was to discover who was behind framing her and Tabby. If she allowed this to continue, would she be safe? Would Max be able to help her?
Distance of the Heart Page 27
