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Chapter 3

The visiting room wasn't as filled as it usually was which I assumed was due to the early hour. This was the first morning visit I'd had since I'd been thrown into this metal container to rot and I wasn't sure I liked it very much. It felt cold somehow with the lack of families visiting lonely inmates but I couldn't help feeling grateful that I had a visitor; many of the inmates didn't even have that much.

I studied Jerry's numerously wrinkled face; the last time I'd seen him was exactly four days ago and it hadn't changed much; it still housed those kind brown eyes and warm smile I'd long since grown accustomed to.

At the moment he was looking at me with concern and that look alone had me battling with the tears that threatened to fall. It was always like this when he visited me; seeing him reminded me of the life I'd once had and I always dreaded the moment he had to leave.

"You're too skinny, you need to eat Riley." He was saying and I shrugged.

"The food they serve here isn't exactly conducive to a healthy appetite." I said in a bored tone and he reached across the table to latch on to my hand.

"Well you gotta get past that son, you'll need your strength for this place." He said beseechingly and I nodded.

"Tell me what you've been up to? Have you made any friends? Are they treating you right?" he questioned and I had to smile.

"You make it sound like this is the first day of school." and realizing his folly he blushed; his drooping face breaking out in a zesty red.

"You know what I mean." He went on and I slipped my hand from his, fingering the cover of the book he'd just given me.

"Everything's fine so far I guess, no friends and as far as treating me right goes; no one's thrown a punch yet at least." I tried to sound upbeat this time so he wouldn't worry too much but of course he wasn't fooled. He'd lived this life himself after all; he knew what it was like.

"I think I may be in a crew." I announced and his head tilted infinitesimally to the side as he took in my expression.

"What kind of crew? How'd you get in?"

"I don't know exactly, I heard they're the guys who can get their hands on things that the other inmates can't and as for getting in; I think my cellmate is trying to look out for me. I was in a bit of a dilemma yesterday and he picked me for his crew to get me out of trouble." I finished.

Jerry looked on at me thoughtfully. "Well it's good that he's trying to help you son but just remember nobody does something for nothing." He said wisely and I nodded.

I'd had enough time to think on that as I lay awake last night; wondering what had driven him to help me when I really had nothing to offer and more than once my mind had come up with sex as the only answer but I was damned if I was going to end up as some guy's bitch.

"Don't over think it Riley, just watch your back and be careful, don't get into anything with anyone and try to lay low." He advised and once again I found myself nodding at his helpful advice.

"I know, God I just wish-"

"Visiting hours are over, Ladies and gentlemen please make your way to the exit as visiting hours are now over." the intercom interrupted and around us, people shuffled out of their seats.

Jerry stood as well, his eyes going poignant which I could only imagine reflected mine perfectly. "Don't worry Riley, the lawyers are still working on it, we'll figure this out just don't give up hope and remember to take care of yourself." He said seriously, offering the same advice he always gave at the end of every visit.

I nodded, my throat clogging.

A guard appeared by my side and I pushed up from the bench.

"I'll see you in a few days." He said and I watched him until he exited the room and the guard was nudging me back towards holding.

I was searched, the books turned this way and that as the guards checked for contraband for the second time since they had been brought in and only then were they handed back to me.

I clutched them to my belly as best I could with the cuffs on. I had yet to actually read the titles but I knew I'd love them; Jerry being the only father figure I'd known since birth was verse in my likes and dislikes; whether it be in books, music or clothes.

They allowed me to deposit the books in my cell before I was escorted into the yard and left to my own devices. A group of men were playing basketball today. The game itself looked pathetic with the semi deflated ball they were making use of but I suppose it was better than no ball.

A few of the guys sitting around were smoking what looked like ill formed cigarettes and I wondered why it was that the guards on patrol never seemed to mind it; I distinctly remembered being told that smoking was prohibited when I'd first been processed. Smoking along with the million and one other things that weren't allowed.

As I always did when I entered the yard; I let out a relived breath that no one seemed to be watching me; Jerry said to lay low and especially after yesterday's episode I wanted to keep under the radar now more than ever. I imagined shrinking into myself as I walked pass the other inmates; just curling up into my own body until I couldn't be seen at all; now that would be a plus in my unfortunate situation.

I licked my dry lips as a sudden nervousness crept over me. Was I expected to sit with Nathaniel's crew from now on or did they expect me to run around doing my own thing like I always did?

On the one hand I assumed that since I was a part of their little group they'd anticipate my company in their corner and on the other hand I feared the humiliation of going to sit with them only to have them kick me out as being welcome by name association only.

I spotted them in their usual spot; everyone was there; seeming deep in conversation. I bit my lip trying to decide what cause of action I should take but the decision was taken from my hands when Nathaniel looked up, saw me standing out in the middle of the yard and motioned with his head for me to join them.

My cheeks heated and I took a calming breath as I made my way over; deciding that my little crush needed to be curbed before Nathaniel caught a whiff of it and punctured my skull with his huge fists.

My gaydar had been out of whack since the very day I'd come to the realization that I would never be a heterosexual hunk and looking at my cell mate now told me it wouldn't be wise to test that particular water. He may actually want me for sex –a fact I had yet to verify- but mere sexual release and full blown homosexuality were completely different things.

By the time my ass landed on the bench beside the guy who had rescued me yesterday, the heat had completely left my face.

"Hey" I greeted my fellow crew mates.

I received a round of mumbles in reply save for the African American sitting directly behind me who was quick to stretch out a hand in greeting.

"What's up little man?" he asked, his smile reached his eyes but I couldn't help but wonder if his gaze wasn't just a bit calculating.

"Riley."

He raised a brow in askance.

"My name...it's Riley." I explained and when I took hold of his hand he responded in kind.

"Eddie."

"Nice to meet you." The politeness had been ingrained in me from birth and Eddie seemed a bit surprised by my words but he nodded anyway before turning his attention the other guys.

To my left Nathaniel sat regarding me, his expression unreadable and I offered him a shy smile, my traitorous cheeks blushing red.

"So- you guys just sit around all day?" I tried for conversation.

"Is there something else we should be doing?" he questioned in that deep voice that sent shivers through my body and at a loss for words I shrugged.

"What'd you do during REC?" he asked, his deep greens still fixed on my face and after clearing my throat I answered.

"I usually just hang in the library."

"We meet in the gym; be there, I have an assignment for you."

My eyes narrowed, "What kind of assignment?"

"The kind that allows you to remain a part of this crew." He said simply and before I could even get a word in edgewise he pushed up from his seat and I watched as he made his way over to another group in the yard; Joel's crew if I remembered correctly; the one with the killers and the thieves.

I continued to watch him, slightly uneasy as he moved to sit beside the boss. They spoke briefly to each other; as if they were old friends only there was a slight tension between them and if I hadn't had my eyes trained on them I would have missed it when Nathaniel pulled out a small wrapped package from his pocket and handed it to the boss who pocketed it without even glancing down.

They talked some more and Joel even laughed at something Nathaniel said and a moment later he pushed up, they thumped knuckles and Nathaniel was crossing the yard, coming to a stop at the fence. I looked back at Joel who was now caught up in conversation with his boys and when I glanced back at my cellmate he was conversing with a guard standing on the other side of the fence.

I watched them communicate; suspicion coloring my gaze. I figured Ty was right when he said my cellie had a few guards in his pocket. Something told me they were chatting about something vital to them both rather than a brief inquiry.

When Nathaniel suddenly turned; his gaze connecting with mine I froze but a second later it was gone and I turned away, too embarrassed to be caught snooping again.

"So what're you guys in for?" I asked turning to the guys. They all glanced my way; not looking particularly pleased with my interruption.

"What're you in for? The bald, slightly scary looking one asked insolently and I turned away from the narrowed eyes watching me.

Friendly bunch.

.................................................

By the time REC period rolled around I was a mess of nerves. I kept having to consciously motivate myself to put one foot before the other. Jerry told me just this morning that no one did something for nothing and in a few short minutes I'd find out what it was that Nathaniel Grayson wanted me to do in return for his protection.

My hands shook as the scenarios whirled around in my mind; each more gruesome than the other. By the time I entered the gymnasium I was sweating profusely and I was sure my face was flushed ten shades of red.

Whatever exercise they were doing seemed more for show than for any real health reasons. I made my way over to the group. They stopped fooling around with the equipment the moment they caught sight of me and in an instant I was surrounded.

Nathaniel was the only one who spoke; he was also the only one who sat.

"What you need to understand first and foremost is that we're in the business of getting information." He said, his eyes penetrating mine and I felt inclined to speak.

"Information for what?"

"What you also need to understand is you don't get to ask the questions boy." The bald dude behind me spoke up.

"Your job will be simple. All you need to do is deliver. You collect the information from whomever you're instructed to get it from and you take it back to us, then after we deem the info suitable, we'll give you a package which you'll deliver back to that same person. It's simple."

"Hold up Nate, delivery? We don't need a delivery boy, any one of us can do that, what we need is another set of eyes and ears; let him make friends with one of D-Fox's men, we need more guys up in there." The bald guy said and the look Nathan cut him sent a shiver down my spine.

He faced me, "The most important thing for you to remember is that the packages must never be seen by anyone except the sender and receiver." Nathan went on.

"But I saw your package when you handed it to Joel today." I countered.

"That was the point of the exchange." He said and my brows wrinkled. "I'm sure you noticed that not one person in that group saw it. You get in there, don't call any attention to yourself, don't talk to anyone else but the receiver...as a matter of fact, don't even talk to the receiver unless I tell you otherwise, just drop off the package, collect the information and get out." He said it as if it was the most important thing in the world and so I nodded, letting him know that I understood every word.

"So...what if one of the other guys in the group mess with me?"

"Then whoever you delivered the package to will deal with it, if not...just try to be polite and get the hell out." He said and my eyes widened.

"That's it? Try to be polite?" I asked in disbelief.

"And don't get caught making the delivery. That's it." He finished calmly and I took a deep breath before I said my next words.

"And what if I don't want to do all this?" my voice cracked on the last word.

"Then you're of no use to us." He said it simply as if we were discussing the weather. His eyes were dead serious though and I rubbed my clammy hands on my pants.

"When do I start?"

"You'll watch us for a few days first and then we'll give you your first assignment."

"Ok...so...what now?"

"Now you can go back to your books." He said and I could have sworn his mouth turned up slightly at the corners and his once glinting eyes held just a tinge of amusement but an instant later it was gone.

The guys parted to let me leave but just as I was almost two feet away from them baldy spoke up again "Hey kid?" he said and I turned to look at him, "If anything we just said goes any further than this room, you're gonna wish you'd played your card with Beans."

I didn't doubt that for a moment. I glanced over at Nathaniel but he wasn't looking at me and then at baldy and nodded before making a quick exit from the room.

....................................................

"I don't think your men like me very much."

"This isn't high school, nobody has to like you and nobody wants to be anyone's friend." He said. I was somewhat surprised he'd even bothered to answer.

"But I'm a part of your crew now, they could at least try for a bit of respect." I countered.

This time he said nothing and the silence closed over me trapping me in it's cocoon until I thought I'd just go crazy from it.

"Nathaniel?"

"hmm?"

"What kind of information are you gathering?" I asked softly.

It was late and the only sounds that could be heard were the guards' boots hitting the cement as they did their rounds.

"That's none of your business." He answered his voice just as soft and I bristled.

"None of my business? I need to know what I'm risking my fucking life for." I hissed. Angry with him and his tough ass crew and the way they all thought I'd just roll over and die if they said it was alright to do so.

"No one's preventing you from leaving. Just say the word and you're out." He said it a-matter-of-factly I clenched my fists to prevent myself from hitting something.

"Yeah, I'm out and in with Beans right?...like that's much of a choice."

I wished everything wasn't so complicated and terrifying in prison. I wished we could all coexist on the same plot of land, everybody minding their own damn business and nobody messing with anybody else. I wished I could just go back to my life with Jerry and my mom and my brother.

This year I supposed to be in college. I'd been accepted to the school of my dreams but instead of living it up in my precious university, drinking booze, going to wild parties, finding the love of my life and hating my hypothetical roommate, I was sharing a cell with a guy who could hardly stand me, in a crew that wanted me to risk everything for them and a fucking pervert who didn't look anything like the legume he'd been named after.

So was I just a bit fed up? Yeah you could say that. Was I asking for too much when I requested that he tell me what I'm risking my life for? Fuck no.

"You know what, maybe I should go hook up with Beans, I'm sure he'd love to know that you guys are spying on his crew and trying to get information that you probably have no business trynna get anyway." I said it out of anger but before I could even finish my sentence I heard a loud thud as Nathaniel jumped from his bunk and an instant later he was on my bed, straddling my hips, fisting my shirt collar with a sharp object being held against my neck.

My heart sped in my chest as my eyes connected with his in the partial darkness. What I could only guess to be his knife, was almost biting into my flesh and when I swallowed my Adams apple rubbed uncomfortably against it.

"You're a damn fool boy, what makes you think I won't gut you right now?" he sounded angry, his warm breath blowing into my face as he spoke and despite the seriousness of the situation I felt awareness shoot through me at the press of his body against mine.

"Go ahead." I challenged, "Anything's better than living another second in this hell hole." I gasped out.

His eyes tore into mine and neither of us said a thing. My breath was coming in pants as I tried to breathe with the press of the knife against my neck and the full weight of him holding me down.

I could see the angry set of his mouth from the minimum illumination and heat spike through me when his eyes which had first been set on mine, travelled down to my lips and held.

I felt the pressure of the blade ease before I felt the softness of his lips on mine. It wasn't a punishing kiss, instead it was surprisingly gentle and without any conscious thought, I opened my mouth slightly, allowing him access to probe and caress and suck. I moaned when his tongue brushed against mine and he ground himself against me so that I could feel the evidence of his arousal.

My breath quickened and the kiss deepened, sending heat to my very toes. He shifted as if trying to get closer and I freed my trapped hands and brought them up to clasp his shoulders as he continued his onslaught.

When he finally pulled away I almost whimpered, instantly missing the press of his soft lips against mine. We lay there breaths mingling and when I finally looked up into his eyes I froze; the coldness that I'd grown so accustomed to was back in full force and his mouth tightened.

"You're a damn fool." He hissed and just like that he was climbing from my bunk and hopping up to his, leaving me trying to catch my breath and shifting to ease the discomfort in my prison issued pants.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

THANKS FOR READING. HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER!

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-DoUbLe.A

-unedited