Page 56 of Two for Joy

“You could’ve at least broke Paul’s nose, got him sent home sick for a week or so.”

Romeo rolled his eyes. “It’s not easy headbutting someone when you’re off balance.”

Will huffed.

“Look, if I get a second chance at headbutting him, I won’t miss, how’s that sound?”

“Good, but it still doesn’t get me a letter from Naughty Nicki.”

Romeo pushed off from the bars. “Night, Will…”

****

The lights outside the cell suddenly turned on. Romeo blinked to adjust. Will cursed, and groaned, and Romeo heard the murmur of all the other prisoners along the corridor.

“What the hell is that about?” Will mumbled.

Romeo leaned against his bars, trying to see out. “No idea.”

He heard footsteps coming down the corridor. More than two sets. Romeo didn’t recognize the men that came up to his cell.

“Back up, then put your arms through.”

“Can I at least put some clothes on?”

“Make it quick.”

Romeo climbed into an orange jumpsuit, then backed up to the bars. The man snapped cuffs on him, then ordered him to walk forward. As soon as his cell was open, the two officers came inside and grabbed him.

“What the hell is going on?”

They didn’t answer, only tightened their grip on his forearms. It was too early for prisoners to blow him kisses, or flirt with him, but Justin still threatened to cave Romeo’s head in as they passed by.

He was taken to the visiting room, shoved down on the chair, then left. He heard them lock his door, and all he could do was wait, and shoot puzzled looks at the camera in the ceiling.

The door to the opposite room opened. The DI strolled into the room, then sat down in front of Romeo. The folder was triple the width it had been the last time he visited.

“Has the Copycat Killer got their number two?”

“No.”

“Not yet.” Romeo said. “It’s still too soon.”

“He won’t get that far. I’ve got officers searching your cell as we speak.”

“They won’t find anything of interest.”

Romeo looked expectantly at the door, waiting for Chad to reveal himself, but he didn’t come into the room. Instead, Gareth stepped inside, dragging a chair.

Romeo saw the fading mark on his lip from where Chad had hit him. Gareth noticed, and prodded the faint line.

“Don’t ever hit him again.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

Gareth dropped his hand down onto the table. “He hit me first.”

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