Page 18 of The Fall Guy

A few minutes pass before I get a reply.

Fine. I’ll call off the dogs.

Although the message took time to come through, the client who ordered the mark on Kaden mustn’t be that important, as my informer didn’t put up any kind of fight when I ask to call off the hit.

CHAPTER 9

KADEN

A man dieda couple of metres away from me, and prison life has picked back up like it never happened. It feels surreal to think I’m sitting amongst a killer, probably more than one. Yes, my brother sent someone to the hospital, but it was an accident and as far as I’m aware the kid’s still alive. Jono was put down like yesterday’s trash. It was no mistake; his death was intentional.

Max laughs loudly, bringing me back to the present. He’s telling a story about visiting a priest, but I missed half the story. The dining hall is full of idle chatter, and the fish isn’t so bad today. I spoon a mouthful in while glancing at Max.

“The church can answer all your questions,” he says, looking at me. He’s trying to drop a hint cryptically, but I’m not sure what he means.

I’m doubting he’s talking about the murder. Although most inmates probably want to know what happened to Jono, I’m uneasy about opening my eyes to the truth.

“Smokes and phone cards?” I ask.

“Sure. He’ll also be able to offer you work in the gospel garden, or something similar to pay for those things.”

I nod. Finally, something I can work with. I need money and maybe the priest is a connection to the outside world. “I could go to the Sunday service.”

“You do that,” he says, patting me on the back.

Rio looks smug as he places his tray on an empty table before slipping onto the bench. I narrow my eyes at him as he happily eats his lunch. Somethings going on with him. I know it, the governor knows it, and maybe others have seen his strange behaviour too. What is there to be happy about? He didn’t smile yesterday or the day before, so what’s new now? He’s getting under my skin, but would he think that was a victory?

“What’s your deal with your cellmate?” Max asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

I scratch my chin. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve seen you looking at him a few times, and he’s acting weird today. Did you blow him last night?” He has a serious expression on his face. I guess he’s not joking. Is it normal for cellmates to get each other off?

“Nah. Actually, I was thinking he’s acting differently today. What do you know about him?” I try to sound like his question isn’t a big deal.

Being gay in the twenty-first century isn’t taboo, but the idea of a man making my dick hard terrifies me, and it’s already happened with Rio more than once. It’s not that I’m afraid to question my sexuality. It’s the idea of giving him any kind of power over me.

“Probably less than what you’ve found out by just talking to him. He’s been here almost nine months, keeps his head down, and stays under the radar.” He shrugs before adding, “There doesn’t seem to be much to know.”

“Do you think he’s weak?” I ask.

“Don’t underestimate anyone in here, that’s how you get killed off.”

His answer surprises me. He always seems relaxed, but maybe that’s his false persona, and he’s always fully switched on. “Do you think that’s what Jono did?”

“He was a whiny little bitch. He needed to be taken down.”

I rub my hand over my face hiding my words in case anyone is trying to lip read our conversation. “Do you know who attacked him?”

“Not a Cyclone, if that’s what you’re asking.”

My eyes widen, but I keep my mouth covered while I speak. “I meant any inmate, but it’s good to know none of my brothers were involved.”

Felix frowns as he assesses the canteen. He locates Rio, deciding to head over. His usual confidence is missing as he keeps an appropriate distance from Rio. Today he’s less bully and more friend, but that doesn’t make sense. They’ve never looked on good terms before.

I can’t avert my eyes as they start to interact. They’re talking through gritted teeth, and I wish I was a fly on the wall—closer to their conversation so I could hear their words.

I’m forced out of the canteen when everyone at my table stands. We end up watching The Godfather trilogy in the TV room with Ernie. A few guys play cards at a small table while Max has private meetings with different people in the far corner.

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