Chapter 160
Adrian Kael.
“Don’t even mention it.”
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We walk down the hallway in silence, each step echoing as if marking the end of a day that has gone on too long. When we arrive, David opens the bats and says in an almost friendly tone.
“Sleep well. The Executioner isn’t leaving yet, so you can rest easy.”
The words cheer me up more than they should. A knot in my chest loosens allowing me to breathe easier.
“Thanks. Really, thanks.”
He ruffles my hair with a light, almost mocking laugh.
“Relax, I’m getting paid.”
A short laugh escapes me, despite my exhaustion. I enter the cell and hear the metallic sound of the bars closing behind me. I walk over to the bed and lie down slowly. The weight on my shoulders seems, for a moment to dissolve.
Today, I made a lot of progress. Maybe I can really get more people on my side. The cooks, for example: whoever controls the food controls part of the will of others.
Here, I understand: this place is kept going by addiction and fear.
If I present myself kindly, without hostility, they end up approaching me.
The more they please, the more they can be rewarded.
It’s a simple equation.
Maybe tomorrow I’ll ask the director to talk to my father again. I need him to move the right pieces to reinforce this safety net.
But now, I need to rest.
My body craves silence.
The day was fraught with tension; if I don’t sleep, I may lose control of what I work so hard to maintain.
I close my eyes, embracing fatigue as an ally.
[…]
The metallic sound of the bars pulls me out of my dreamlike stupor. I sit up suddenly, my body heavy, my head spinning as if it had been forcibly pulled back to reality. My heart races; instinctive fear runs through me. For a moment, I think it’s him.
The Executioner.
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Chapter 160
It’s just Gavid, standing at the entrance with his neual lazy half–mile.
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The phrase elicits a short, nervous laugh from me. I run my hand over my face, trying to calm my pulse,
“You scared the shit out of me, I thought it was the Executioner”
David laughs along with me, but soon becomes serious, his gaze heavy,
“We can’t keep him in solitary much longer. I heard from Osman that they going to release him tonight… or tomorrow morning.”
The words hit me like a punch. My heart, which had begun to slow down, arts racing again. I sit up suddenly, my muscles stiff,
“Then I can’t waste any time.”
David raises an eyebrow, assessing my reaction.
“And what do you intend to do?”
I take a
deep breath.
“I’m not sure. Maybe the cooks. I don’t have another plan.”
He nods slowly, thoughtfully.
“That could be good. They know more than they let on: who eats, who doesn’t eat, who shares, who trades. They know every detail of the routine. It’s worth having them around.”
A smile spreads across my face, almost lit up.
“That’s perfect. But how do I approach them?”
David puts his hand to his chin, thinking.
“In the time I’ve been here, I’ve never seen anyone treat those guys with respect. They only get contempt, insults, criticism. And they’re addicted to powder. You can use any of those loopholes.”
I run my fingers through my hair, thinking.
“If they’ve never heard a compliment, kindness might surprise them.”
He lets out a short, incredulous laugh.
“You remember where we are, don’t you? Those men in the kitchen are maderers. Kindness might not work.”
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Chapter 160
I smile even more, convinced.
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“Outside, they were murderers, yes. Inside here, they’re just like everyone else: trapped in a game where the strong rule the weak. If I show genuine interest and offer compensation without imposing fear, they may approach me.”
David watches me silently for a few seconds before smiling slightly. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small package, handing it to me.
“Here. I got it from a guard. Good stuff, the same as the Enforcer gets. It might be useful in a negotiation.”
I hold the package and feel my smile grow.
“It will be a great help. Thank you.”
He nods, satisfied.
“Then go straight to the cafeteria. Negotiate first. Shower later. Time is running out.”
I nod, clench the package in my fist, and leave the cell with quick steps. I pass guards and prisoners in the hallway without looking at anyone.
I need to act.
I need the cooks.
Before the Enforcer returns.
I enter the cafeteria, ignoring the stares that always follow me. I’ve gotten used to being a constant target, visible and invisible at the same time. I go straight to the Enforcer’s table and sit down, performing the usual ritual: low posture, neutral face.
Soon a cook places the tray in front of me. Before he walks away, I look up
“Thank you,” I say in a low, sincere tone. “I’m sure it will be delicious, as always.”
He widens his eyes, as if I were a stranger. I keep my smile sincere.
“I mean it. The best meal I’ve ever had. Thank you for your efforts.”
I pull the tray toward me and begin to eat slowly, chewing like someone who appreciates every spoonful. The cook watches me suspiciously
before walking away.
His surprise is already halfway there.
As I eat, I notice the movement at the tables. The cafeteria gradually empties; the prisoners complain, throw trays, curse the “shitty food.” I remain calm, savoring every bite. At the kitchen counter, I notice Navarro with some men from the yard. I give him a slight nod, and he returns
- it.
This gives me courage.
When there are only a few left, I take my tray to the counter. The cooks collect plates and scrub pots. I set the tray down in front of them with a broad smile.
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“Thank you, the food was excellent,” I say loudly enough for everyone to hear.
One of them grumbles, wiping his hands on his apron.
“What do you want with this flattery, kid?”
“Just some companions who can give me information,” I reply casually.
Some laugh. One, with scars on his face, narrows his eyes.
“You think we’re going to face the Executor for you? He’s in charge here. We only serve because we have to.”
“Exactly,” I smile sidelong. “You have to. But with me, it won’t be like that. I just want information when I need it. In return, I offer fair
compensation.”
Their looks change; they are no longer just contemptuous, but curious.
I take out the package David gave me and show them the contents. Their eyes light up immediately. The reaction is automatic: interest, calculation, desire.
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Kimberly Sansores
Just wondering when an update is gonna be installed.. It’s been minute?
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
