Page 35 of The Freshman

“I didn’t hear what theywere saying out in the corridor, but it didn’t look friendly. Alfiegave him lots of chances, but Nate kept shoving him and smirking,being his usual difficult self. I think the new guy handled himselfwell considering. Most officers run away in fear when Nate’saround.”

It was Mike’s turn to step forward,and his hand tightened around Alfie’s shoulder. “We’ve got his backif Nate says anything, but I doubt he will. He wasn’t mouthing offon the way to his cell. He was silent and compliant.”

Ryan hummed. “Then this goes nofurther. He threatened you, shoved you about, and now he knows notto push it, but I’m not sure you should work on H wing anymore.Nate will hold a grudge.”

“You’re not … you’re notgonna report me?”

Ryan lifted his lips in a smile, notthe usual sneer, but an actual smile. He leaned over the table andstared into Alfie’s eyes. “It’s us and them in here. We look afterour own. I’ll put you on days on G.”

Alfie frowned and shook his head. “Ilike working H wing.”

Ryan’s eyebrows rose to his hairline.“You’re turning down a day shift? That’s all you’ve been after, andI finally think you’re ready.”

“I want to stay onH.”

He needed to see Nate, check he wasall right, and apologize for losing it like he did.

Ryan narrowed his eyes and the sneerreturned. “I’m offering you an out.”

“I’m happy where Iam.”

“Fine, yourchoice.”

Ryan flicked his chin out, dismissingall of them. Alfie followed Dave and Mike into the corridor. Daveturned to him and bought his arms up as if boxing. He threw a soft,slow punch at Mike, dodged and weaved, and threwanother.

Dave chuckled. “Mike’s into boxing. Hewasn’t expecting that hit from you.”

Mike stuck his chin out. “You don’tlook tough, but that was a hell of a swing.”

Alfie scratched the back of his headand forced a smile. “I better go home.”

Mike reached up and rubbed Alfie’sshoulders. “That’s is champ. Go rest for round two.”

Dave laughed and moved to hisdesignated gate. Mike kept rubbing at Alfie’s shoulders until theygot to his gate. Alfie passed through and Mike locked it behindhim.

Alfie turned with a tight smile.“Thanks for getting there so fast. I don’t know what would’vehappened if you didn’t.”

Mike snorted, then rubbed the tip ofhis nose. “Sure, you do. Nate would’ve killed you. He’s evil, thatone. Doesn’t even need a reason to kill someone, and now he’s got avery big one to kill you. Sleep well.”

****

Alfie couldn’t sleep at all. He staredat his huge television, not noticing when one program changed tothe next. He obsessively checked the time on his phone, heartincreasing both in fear and anticipation as work got closer. Heforced down a sandwich that he didn’t taste, and a coffee that didnothing to build his energy levels.

The shower beat down on his back, buthe couldn’t feel it, and when rubbed citrus bodywash over himselfthe scent didn’t make it to his nose.

Everyone knew he had punched NateMathews. It was all the staff talked about when he arrived, andseveral of the day shift officers patted him on the back. The twinsoffered him one of their prized cigarettes, and Glen and Mariedidn’t immediately rush off to the toilets.

They wanted him to retell theincident, and he did in a monotonal voice.

Marie’s gaze drifted to the window,and the gate to H-wing. “You think they’re gonna be badtonight?”

Henry hummed. “Not sure. Nate doesn’ttake too kindly to being punched in the face, that’s forsure.”

Marie shuddered. “Yeah, Iremember.”

Alfie scanned Marie’s palingappearance and swallowed hard. “What? Remember what?”

Henry sighed and rubbed at his eyes.“There was another officer a few years back. Big guy. He took aninstant disliking to Nate. He shoved Nate about a few too manytimes and Nate nutted him.”

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