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Sebastian took a step closer to Pauly. “You’re nothing in here, and after I’m gone, someone else will take over the wing, and it won’t be you.”

Pauly roared and launched at Sebastian. The officers rushed up from the ground floor, shoving inmates aside, trying to get to the two men killing each other.

“Lock down!”

The siren started blaring, but no one moved.

They watched as Sebastian grabbed Pauly by the throat, pulsing his fingers around his windpipe like he’d done to Lester sixteen years before. Pauly struggled against the hold and flailed for breath.

His lips turned blue, and his eyes bulged from their sockets, then Sebastian let him go.

Pauly fell to his knee, spluttering and gasping, and Sebastian raised his hands in the air, ready for the officers to swoop on him.

“The rest of you, back to your cell!” one of the officers yelled.

They were restraining Sebastian, leading him away, and Rory knew he and Pauly were heading for solitary.

Rory let himself be manhandled by an officer and shoved in his cell.

The door slammed in Rory’s face.

He pressed his forehead to it and sunk down to the floor.

20

“This whole undercover operation…”The governor paused to rub his chin. “It was highly unorthodox. I’ll admit I wasn’t happy with the idea, concerned for your safety more than anything, and when you were stabbed, I tried to call it off, but Hamish was persistent.”

“He’s definitely persistent,” Rory muttered. He lowered his gaze. Sat in front of the governor’s desk, he felt like he was back in school being threatened with expulsion.

“He assured me you could handle it, and I’m impressed to say you have. Hamish has told me you’ve been a huge help—”

“I’ve not handled it.” Rory laughed without humour. “I’m leaving this prison not having a clue who I am anymore.”

“You’re a police officer.”

“Am I? This”—he glanced around the office—“was my first assignment.”

The governor frowned. “Hamish assured me you had experience in undercover work.”

Rory shook his head. “My dad did undercover work. But he never spoke about it. Now I know why.”

“I’m sorry—”

“Did Hamish tell you about my sister?”

The governor’s brow furrowed. He shook his head.

“She died, almost four weeks ago now, and he didn’t tell me.”

“What?” The governor exhaled. His eyes widened. “Why wouldn’t he—”

Rory tried to remember Morris’s words. “I think he told you I was paying my respects to a friend.”

The governor’s lips popped open, but no words followed.

“That was my sister,” Rory said. He tried to swallow the hard lump in his throat, but it refused to go.

“I had no idea. I…” The governor trailed off, shaking his head. “I’m so sorry, Rory.”

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