Prison Politics

by Beast

  “Bet. Whatever you want I got you, nigga.” June Bug dapped Raheem up and then went to the door. “Don’t let a nigga dick stay dry. Look out for me.”

  Raheem nodded and smiled just before turning to Shawn. “Tell me what the fuck is going on with you nigga. You run out this motherfucker like a bitch and now you coming to rescue a nigga. I’m confused as fuck.”

  Shawn looked at Raheem and then at the door. This time, Raheem walked over to the door and blocked it. There wasn’t going to be any running this time. Whatever it was that was bothering Shawn would find it’s voice.

  “I aint known you long,” Shawn explained. “But, shit, you a cool ass nigga.”

  Raheem’s jaw tightened in frustration. “Nigga, why the fuck did you kiss me?”

  “Cause I wanted to,” Shawn said. His tone was firm and serious. “I thought you wanted me to do it. We been flirting with each other since we met on the court. I thought you would be cool with it.”

  “Nigga, I play ball on the court,” Raheem blurted. “We in fucking jail. Aint no flirting. I fuck bitches. And if I do fuck with a nigga there’s a reason; money, access or some other shit.”

  “I got money,” Shawn said, his voice barely louder than a whisper. “How much?”

  The anger Raheem felt slowly slipped away. He looked at Shawn’s face and saw how hard it was for the boy to speak the truth like he was. It wasn’t just lust that Raheem saw in his eyes. It was want and desire. Shawn had a jailhouse crush on him.

  “You want to be my nigga, don’t you?” Raheem asked.

  Shawn’s nostrils flared in surprise. “What?”

  “Don’t bitch up now,” Raheem said. He took a step towards the boy and then another. “You want to be my nigga. Say it.”

  Shawn looked down at the ground. Raheem walked up to him and took him by the chin. The dope slanging prisoner didn’t know what he was doing. He moved by instinct. Raheem looked Shawn in the face, stepped so close that he could feel the warmth of the man’s breath on his lips and finally just kissed him.

  It was soft and gentle at first. Then something very basic took hold of the two of them. Raheem let himself go and for the first time experienced a physical connection with another man that didn’t come with a prelude of some benefit. What he embarked on here and now was simply for his emotional and physical enjoyment.

  The cell door swung open before they could go any further. Xavier stood at the entrance, gawking at the pair. His gaze quickly settled on Shawn. Hate and jealously flared in the man’s eyes. Before he could utter a word there was a commotion out on the block. The three of them ran to the tier.

  Gustavo was making a scene with Officer Marco. Xavier was about to race down to the station but Raheem hooked him by the arm shooting him a knowing look. Xavier understood. Things were falling right into place.

  “Good that you got that gun shit taken care of,” Xavier said, barely louder than a whisper. He didn’t want Shawn to hear. “But we have bigger problems. I came in early for a scheduled shakedown. So did Marco. One of my buddies in the investigative unit pulled me to the side and said that an anonymous report came in accusing me of inappropriate relations with an inmate. Your name was mentioned.”

  “It could have been Bertram,” Raheem cursed. “He knows if he talks the shit will only get ugly for him.”

  “Then who?”

  June Bug

  Xavier wiped his sweaty palms on his pant legs as he stared blankly at Lieutenant Patterson’s office. He didn’t have many details but he knew someone had made an accusation against him. If there was enough evidence he’d be cuffed the moment he stepped through the door and sent down to county for processing. He’d be just like any other inmate walking the block in a pair of dingy oranges with a sad tale.

  His heart skipped a beat when he saw the door handle turn. There was nowhere to run. There was no contingency plan. If he was going down for having improper relations with an inmate there was nothing he could do. When the door swung open Xavier had to stop his jaw from falling to the ground.

  “You alright, Bertram,” Xavier asked. He eyed his would be extortionist, hiding his contempt. Xavier had no love for the man and hoped Karma had bitten him right in the ass. “You look sick as a damn dog. Maybe you should go see a doctor or something.”

  Bertram’s pale face went even whiter when his eyes set on Xavier. “Yea, yea. I’m fine. Just a twenty-four hour flu. Nothing serious.” He leaned in towards Xavier and whispered, “Don’t worry about that little misunderstanding we had the other day. I’m taking a vacation. Hoping to spend some time with my wife. I just have to make sure she’s available.”

  Xavier nodded and read into the stern look the weary guard gave him. Whatever Raheem had done had the man shaken down to the core. His hollowed eyes narrowed as he slowly backed away from Xavier. The old guard patted Xavier’s shoulder before he walked off. Xavier couldn’t help but grin at the twist of fate.

  “Come on inside, Officer Brown,” the lieutenant barked from his office. “We have a lot to discuss and there aren’t enough hours in the day to pussyfoot around.”

  “Yes, sir.” Xavier stepped inside and quickly sat down. He laced his fingers in his lap, trying to calm his nerves. “Is everything alright, sir? Dispatch said I needed to come see you immediately.”

  “Someone slipped a note to one of the staff in the investigative unit,” Patterson began, getting straight to the point. He leaned back in his seat and looked at Xavier suspiciously. “Claimed that you’ve been having sex with an inmate.”

  “Wow. That’s…that’s crazy. I don’t know what to say, sir.”

  “Yea, wow. You can begin by telling me whether or not it’s true. Have you been having sex with one of the inmates? Did you risk your job and freedom for some prison dick and ass?”

  Xavier shifted in his seat. “Am I under investigation? If I am I’d feel more comfortable with my rep if this is an official questioning. Those are some serious charges and the last thing I want to do right now is incriminate myself.”

  A slick grin spread on Patterson’s face. “Let’s cut through the bullshit, Brown. I know you and Raheem Jones got some shit going on. I’m sure you two have been sneaking off fucking and shit. Don’t play me for a fool, son.”

  “And I know you’re the one that gave him the gun,” Xavier retorted. The words slipped from his mouth so effortlessly he was surprised. In for a penny, in for a pound, Xavier thought. “So yea, let’s cut through the bullshit, lieutenant. Why am I really here? What do you want?”

  Patterson slammed his fist on his desk and then pointed at Xavier. “You’re here because I told you to come here. I run this fucking prison! Best not forget that. You are just one man in an army of officers under my command. Don’t think that you make any move in this bitch without me knowing.”

  “You didn’t answer my question,” Xavier said calmly. “If you wanted me gone there would be officers here to take me into custody. You don’t want me arrested. So what do you want, sir?”

  “Why did Bertram just take a leave of absence?” Patterson asked, shifting the conversation. “Did you have something to do with that? Shit reeks of your meddling.”

  “You’d have to ask him that question. I couldn’t tell you what’s troubling that man’s mind.”

  “I did and he said he needed time to spend with his family. You and I both know Bertram will come to work and sleep through his shift and overtime just to get his check. I don’t know what you did but that man is scared shitless. I know you did something.”

  “I didn’t do anything. Maybe you should ask your boy, Raheem. Seems like the two of you have some sort of understanding. I’m sure he’d be willing to give you all the information you want for the right price.”

  Patterson wagged his finger at Xavier and said, “Since you’ve been back inmates have died. A race war nearly broke out. Raheem had me transfer some Triple Deuces to another prison just to forego a lot of bloodshed.”

  “I didn’t know that
an inmate had that type of pull. And here I thought you ran the prison.”

  “Don’t get cute, Brown. I want some answers. You’re going to tell me what the fuck is going on in my prison or I will have you in cuffs and some filthy oranges before the end of the day. Mark my word, son. I’m not the one you want to cross.”

  “Have you spoken to Gustavo yet?” Raheem asked. He knew the answer. “Something tells me that he has some tall tales to share. I’m pretty sure you’d be uniquely interested in hearing what the man has to say.”

  “That was you’re doing? So I’m supposed to say thank you for pinning the gun on Officer Marco?” Patterson shook his head and leaned back in his char. “He’s a good man with a wife and you just threw him to the dogs.”

  “A small casualty in the larger battle,” Xavier said, glibly. “You needed that little blemish to go away and I made sure that it happened. We’re on the same team, lieutenant. More than you know. I’m not trying to cross you. I want us to be closer than close. We already know each other’s secrets.”

  “Why are you here, Brown? Why are you still working in my prison? Did you mean all that shit you told the psychiatrist? I read your file. Do you actually want to move up in ranks or are you just here to fuck around with Raheem?”

  Xavier licked his lips and chose his words carefully. “I’m here to do my job and reap all the benefits it may offer. I’d imagine you’re here to do the same.”

  “You and I are not the same, son. I want to make that perfectly clear. Never in a million years would I be as careless and reckless as you. You’ve exposed yourself and other officers.”

  “We all don’t have the luxury of doing our business behind closed office doors. Don’t sit here and tell me you’re not fucking around with Raheem. The man uses sex to get what he wants. No point in lying since we’re putting all our cards down on the table.”

  Patterson scoffed. “Since we’re being so open and honest, tell me what happened with Javier. Why did he have to die? How did that young man cross you?”

  “When I got back Raheem was being pressured to deliver some drugs to the Triple Deuces.”

  Patterson’s brow frowned with anger. “You smuggled drugs in my jail? Have you lost your Goddamn mind, Brown? You know I could have you locked up under this fucking jail for that shit?”

  “Only to have the SORT team come in and confiscate them. Made it look like Javier was the one that snitched. That’s why Brady and his boys cut him up.”

  “And now Brady is dead. Don’t think I believe that story about Abdul either.” Patterson shook his head. “You’ve indirectly killed more men than some of the inmates serving life sentences behind these bars. You’re playing a dangerous game and for what? Some prison ass? We live in Atlanta. I’m sure you could find some booty to play in if you wanted.”

  “Not my cup of tea.”

  “So it is Raheem that you’re after. Dealing with that young man is going to get you killed.”

  “I know how to take care of myself. I’m a quick learner and I’m able to sit back and watch the best at work.”

  “That arrogance is going to bite you in the ass. But not today. I’m not going to start an investigation. But you’ll have folks watching you. If someone did step up and testify that they saw you engaging in sexual acts with a prisoner then you’d be suspended pending an investigation and probably face charges.”

  “Something tells me that you won’t let that happen.”

  “I’m not doing you any favors, Brown. You need to get your house in order. And do it without killing everyone in my damn prison. The warden isn’t happy with the increase of violence on my block. Neither am I.”

  “I’ll do what I can to stymie the tide. But I do need to ask you for a favor.”

  “Bold coming from a man who is a breath away from being locked up himself.”

  “If I’m here I may as well go all out, right?” Xavier sat up and focused his gaze. “Raheem says he’s up for parole in less than a year. I can’t let that happen.”

  Patterson shook his head. “You really want to mess up the boy’s chances of getting out? You would do that to him? Why not just have him on the outside, too. He’s a convicted felon. He’ll need money when he’s free.”

  “I can control him in here. I don’t want him out on the streets.”

  “No. I’m not going to intentionally jeopardize that young man’s chances of being a free man.” Patterson leaned back. “But he is responsible for his own actions. I heard that Raheem got into it with the Muslims when Gustavo went postal. Shawn Price came in and saved his ass. Daryl Blalock was there as well. Everyone calls him June Bug.”

  “So what?”

  “June Bug is the one that slipped one of my officers the note about you. Either he knows about you and Raheem or he was doing what one of the Triple Deuces told him to do. They want you dead, Brown. I’m sure you can figure the rest out since you can control these animals.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Xavier said, ignoring the slick remark. “Are we done?”

  “Yea, go ahead and start your shift.” He waved Xavier out. As the guard opened the door, the lieutenant said, “You’ll be hearing from me soon. Information is never free behind these walls. I’m going to tax that ass.”

  “I understand.” Xavier was about to leave but couldn’t help but ask, “So what about Marco? What’s going to happen to him?”

  “I called the Sherriff’s office before Bertram came to see me. They’ll be raiding his house shortly. You’ll get to see your fellow officer taken into custody for something he didn’t do.”

  Xavier nodded and grinned as he left the lieutenant’s office. His mind was already racing a million miles a minute thinking of ways to get Raheem to deal with June Bug. Xavier wondered how the young man had found out about him and Raheem in the first place. He’d been as careful as possible. And there was no way Raheem would have told anyone that he was having sex with a guard let alone a male guard.

  “What’s going on, killer,” Marco greeted Xavier the moment he stepped back on the block. “Took you long enough to make it back. Thought something was wrong. Visits to the lieutenant usually end badly. I was sure you were about to get fired.”

  “Naw, just some paperwork shit I had to deal with from when I came back from leave. The lieutenant was just riding my ass. Seems like he was dealing with a lot.”

  Marco nodded. “Yea. Shit has been tense as fuck today. You saw that shit go down with Gustavo earlier? I don’t know what the fuck he was high on but his big ass had me a little shook.”

  “Man, shake that shit off. You know these animals need to explode every so often. I’m sure he’ll calm down after a couple days in solitary. And if he doesn’t we’ll just transfer his ass.”

  “You’re right. But he accused me of killing his cousin, Javier. I’m not saying I’m scared or nothing but I try my best not to get caught up in any of the bullshit like everyone else up in here. I do my job and go home to my wife. Keep my nose clean.”

  “Everything will be fine,” Xavier lied. He couldn’t wait to see the guard hauled off in a pair of metal bracelets. “Relax and get through this shift with me so we can both go home.”

  “Cool, cool,” Marco said, nodding. He motioned towards the unit. “You know they been banging on the doors while we waited for you. Fuckers are restless.”

  Xavier raised an eyebrow and took the intercom mic in his hand. “Had you all been patient you would have been let out the moment I stepped through the door. Now, I’m going to take thirty minutes from your rec. Let me hear a sound and I’ll make it an hour.”

  The block got eerily quiet. Marco looked over at Xavier and said, “You the only one that can pull that shit with these guys. Hope you don’t cross the wrong one. The old heads don’t like their rec fucked with.”

  “What will happen if I do? I’m a fucking man. These animals can’t do shit to me.”

  Marco just shook his fat head and busied himself with a stack of daily reports. Xavier went
to the computer and pulled up June Bug’s file. The boy was only twenty years old serving a ten year sentence for beating up his pregnant girlfriend. Xavier’s face frowned up. He was the type of scumbag that deserved everything that happened to him behind those walls.

  Xavier lazily read over all the incident reports on June Bug over the last year. He was definitely a trouble maker. Reading the same thing over and over again got boring. Xavier’s gaze shifted to Raheem’s new cell with Shawn Price. He wondered what the two of them were doing. His curiosity got the best of him.

  “Hey, I’m going to make a quick round before we let these guys out.”

  Marco and the other new guy barely nodded their acknowledgment. Xavier didn’t care. He had a goal in mind. He scooped up the clip board to do a quick count. Xavier started on the other end of the unit and worked his way around. He even entertained a few of the inmate’s conversations, noting some of the toiletries they requested. Xavier knew he’d want a moment to speak to Raheem and Shawn but didn’t want to arouse any suspicions.

  “Price and Jones,” Xavier called into the cell. “How’s cohabitation so far?”

  “Nice and quiet without all the colorful decorations,” Raheem said. He sat up on his prison bunk bed and swung his dreads over his shoulders. “When you going to let us out, CO? A nigga trying to play some ball and sweat a little. Got us cooped up in here like some fucking animals.”

  Raheem jumped down from the top bunk. His shirt was off. Raheem’s tatted, wiry frame flexed right along with his dick. Xavier couldn’t help but stare. He was sure the boy’s dick was on lump. The sight only riled his imagination, wondering what Raheem and Shawn had been up to during their brief stint sharing a cell.

  “As soon as I’m done with the count,” Xavier replied. “I was writing down all the stuff you all wanted before I went to the supply room. I need some help if you don’t mind.”

  “Sure,” Shawn answered. He stood up and went for his shirt. “We don’t mind.”