Confession of a King

I was thankful for it to be visitation day, because that usually meant my mornings were easy since all of my inmates get pushed to the afternoon. I was looking forward to an easy morning because I was completely exhausted, and fairly certain I was coming down with either a cold or the flu. I was throwing back Mucinex like it was the pill to cure my anything. I held my coffee in one hand, my phone in the other. My bag was strung over my right shoulder, pretty heavy, filled with bottles of ibuprofen, tums and a pack of my beloved Mucinex, as well as the rest of the stuff I bring in here on a regular basis. I pushed my sunglasses off the bridge of my nose and onto the top of my head as I entered the building.

I hadn’t seen Red in a couple of weeks. I’m almost certain that Mr. Morgan ordered him to keep his space from me. I was greeted at the front of the prison by Sandy, who had been out on maternity leave for the last couple of months. She shot me a sad smile, “You have a meeting with Mr. Morgan in a half hour. In his office.”

I frowned, “Did he say why?”

“He called it a check-in… I’m not sure exactly. I know he was meeting with Red, Ken and Billy first thing this morning, also,” she responded and I nodded. “You don’t look like you feel to well.”

I laughed lightly, “I think I’m coming down with something. I’m all doped up on medicine right now so let’s hope this check-in isn’t anything bad.”

“Best of luck to you,” Sandy smiled and gave me a small hug before I walked away. I liked her. She was probably the only officer in here that I could stand to be around nowadays. She didn’t push me, and she didn’t really talk with the men much since she had been out for a while. Plus, she was in her mid-thirties and way more mature than the rest of the bunch, who were in their later twenties and were obsessed with the power of being a cop. She knew that things were rough for me here, and she always welcomed me with open arms. I also knew that she hated Maria, so I think it was just refreshing for her to have me around because I wasn’t a total bitch.

As I walked down the hall, I moved to the right as I heard a signal that a door was opening in the hallway. Trying my best to just get to my office as quickly as possible, I kept my eyes diverted away from the opening door and kept walking. I heard my name called after me as I rounded the corner and unlocked my office door, closing it behind me. I set my stuff down on my desk and sat on the corner of it, feeling slightly dizzy. God, I really felt like shit and it was only Wednesday. I had to get through today and two more days of work before I could just lay on the couch with the cat and try to rid myself of this grossness. I sat with my eyes closed for a few minutes, and then reached for my water bottle. It probably was better for me to be staying hydrated if I was getting the flu, not drinking caffeine. I’d still finish my coffee, but water was what I needed right now.

I glanced over at the clock and sighed, noticing that quite a bit of time had passed and I better make my way to Mr. Morgan’s office. Walking down the corridor of the offices, I nearly collided with Red. He scoffed and continued to walk by me, bumping into me rather roughly, his elbow hitting me in the chest. I paused and closed my eyes for a minute, taking a deep breath and relaxing myself. I wanted to turn around and scream, maybe even hit him, but I couldn’t. I didn’t know what this check-in was about, and the last thing I needed was to get in trouble right before this.

Mr. Morgan’s office door was open, but I knocked on it anyway. He lifted his head up from the papers sitting on his desk and looked at me, “Close the door behind you.”

I un-propped the door and closed it behind me, then took a seat in the big, leather chair across from him. I sat my water bottle on the floor next to my feet and looked down at the floor. I heard him clear his throat and I looked up to make eye contact.

“You’re not in here to be reprimanded. This is just a check-in. You’ve been here for about eight and a half months now, and I want to know how you feel things are going.” He gave me a smile, as if he was trying to really make me believe that this wasn’t going to end up biting me in the ass.

I nodded, “Things are fine, sir.”

“Ivy, do you feel okay?” He looked at me, puzzled.

I shrugged, “It’s just a cold.”

“You look pale,” he frowned. “Be honest with me. Are you stressed?”

I gnawed on my bottom lip, “If I’m being truly honest with you, yes I am stressed. I have zero support in here from our side. And those who are supposed to be in here to protect me are the ones I fear the most.”

“I was afraid of this. I spoke with Red this morning and issued him to a different department. He will no longer be on the homicide wing. If he makes contact with you, I need to be notified.” Mr. Morgan sighed. “I am sorry that you are struggling. I hope that with Sandy back and Red out of here, you will be able to gain your support system back.”

“Thank you, sir. I hope so, too.”

“How are things with Shadows?” There it was, the million dollar question I knew was coming. Mr. Morgan smiled, “Your reports are thorough, but I’m not getting much on the tapes.”

I pressed my lips together and breathed out my nose, “I’m doing the best I can, sir. I don’t push him to talk while the recorder is on if he doesn’t want to. Some days he’s full of talk, some days he’d rather not speak at all.”

Mr. Morgan nodded, “Interesting. Keep up the good work. You’re free to go. Feel better, Ivy.”

“Thank you,” I mumbled and grabbed my water bottle.

I propped the door to his office back open again and walked down the corridor back to the homicide wing. I fiddled with my keys to unlock my office door when I heard my name be called again. I looked down the hallway and my eyes met Adam’s blue ones. He gave me a smile and a wave as he stood with a guy a few inches taller than him, much broader than him. I didn’t smile or anything, I just diverted my attention back to unlocking my door.

I pulled open my laptop for the couple of minutes I had after Jimmy’s session today. Leana had come in with him again, so it was really enjoyable. They were such a strong, happy couple despite the jail-time and knowing that Jimmy was mentally ill. I saw an e-mail from Zacky pop up on my personal account and opened it. In the e-mail he stated that he found out that Adam was in fact planted in here. He didn’t actually have murder on him, and that it was all staged. He was in here to get to Matt, get information on me, and his trial would be in a couple weeks and Behemoth guaranteed that Adam would be getting out on a clean slate. Adam’s street name was Ace, and he was the last one to fall under Behemoth’s power, so to move up in the rankings he volunteered for himself to take the blame.

“Are you fucking kidding me…” I mumbled to myself, knowing that Adam and whoever the hell he was with today would be coming in here any minute. Was I allowed to ask for this person who visited him to be restrained as well? I did not feel safe sitting in this room. I grabbed my phone and sent a text to Zacky, Someone is here for visitation day with Ace. A little taller, broad shoulders. Dark hair. Should I be worried?. Zacky responded quickly, Probably Jason. Keep your guard up and let me know how it goes.

A couple knocks on the door and in walked Sandy with Adam in cuffs and his friend, whom I’m assuming was this Jason guy. “Down in the chair, little man,” she pushed Adam into the chair and strapped on his ankle restraints, then wrist restraints. Jason took the seat next to him. Both men stared at me with smiles. “I’ll be right outside if you need anything, hun.”

“Thanks, Sandy,” I smiled at her and she left the room. I felt both of their eyes on me and I pressed record. “Hi there, I’m Ivy.”

“I know,” he laughed. “I’m Jason. I’m a good friend of Adam’s. It’s nice to meet you. You’re even prettier than he described.”

My smile fell, “Let’s keep it professional, please. How are you doing today, Adam? How have your first couple weeks been?”

“I’m doing well. Things have been as good as they can be, I guess. I got my ass handed to me by Shadows, but that seems to be something that commonly happens to the new guy around here.” It didn’t take long for Adam to drop his name, “Got my head cracked open. The nurses said that generally if we get in a fight we have to come to counseling with you almost immediately, but since I was in need of critical care they said I could wait.”

I nodded, “I was told about the fight. I’m glad you’re okay. It would be beneficial for you to make a few friends in here to learn boundaries. Things can be tough in the beginning.”

Adam shrugged, “I try to tell myself I’m not like the rest of those homicidal maniacs. I’d rather not associate myself with them.”

“So although you’ve committed murder and have been involved in gang activity you place yourself on a higher pedestal than those who have done the same?” I asked, raising an eyebrow and trying to keep my cool.

“I didn’t mean to upset you,” Adam frowned. “I understand you take your job seriously and care deeply about all of us. I don’t place myself on any pedestal; I just think of myself differently.”

I really wanted to scream in his face MAYBE BECAUSE YOU DIDN’T ACTUALLY KILL SOMEONE… but, obviously, I couldn’t do that. I didn’t know if Adam, Jason or their leader was aware that Zacky had been tailing me and feeding me information, but I didn’t want to let them know I was on to their little scheme.

Jason spoke, “I know you asked to keep it professional, but I think you’re absolutely stunning. Adam knew you were my type the day he met you and talked about how wonderful you were. Are you single by any chance?”

Seriously… I faked a smile, “No, I’m in a very happy, committed relationship.”

“Bummer,” Jason sighed then smiled. “He must be really lucky to have someone who cares so much about her job. If anything changes…”

I cut him off, “Nothing is going to change.”

Jason and Adam both looked at each other with darkened eyes. Adam turned and looked at me, “I didn’t know you were dating someone. Everyone keeps telling me that you’re sleeping with Shadows. Even Shadows himself said you were.”

“I can guarantee you that he didn’t say anything of the sort,” I smiled. “Now, how about we talk about you instead of about me?”

“But you’re so much more interesting, Ivy,” Adam’s blue eyes stared at me and he gave me a wicked smile. “The more time I spend with you the more I realize why he loves you so much.”

“I’ve had enough of this conversation,” I said while standing up from my chair. I stared to talk toward the door to get Sandy when Jason stood up and pushed me against the bookcase, my side colliding with the corner. I let out an audible “ouch” as he shoved me against it harder, pinning my throat with his hand.

“Tell your boyfriend Behemoth says hello,” Jason flashed that same wicked grin Adam gave me moments before, smacked me, then let go of me. I dropped to the floor as he opened the door. I scrambled back to my chair before Sandy entered the room and escorted both men out. I told her to just let Brian and Matt into my room together, and not to escort them in, when it was their time to come in.

Once she left altogether I nearly collapsed on my desk, doing a face-plant. I couldn’t control the sobs coming out of me. This wasn’t okay. None of this was okay. No part about it. Something had to be done. Someone had to be taken out. I was scared for my life. Who knows how long I was trapped in my mind while crying, because I hadn’t heard the door open.

“Ivy!” Matt’s voice boomed and I felt him scoop me up. “Ivy, baby. What’s wrong?” I didn’t say anything, I just shook my head and buried it into Matt’s chest. “Brian, grab her notebook. Who was in here before this?”

“Adam Ackers, Ace,” Brian sneered. “Ivy, what happened? Who was with him?”

“Someone named Jason,” I said between sobs.

“Ivy, look at me,” Matt commanded and I lifted my head from his chest and looked him in the eyes. His eyes were dark and cold. He looked furious, “What did they say to you?”

“He choked me, hit me,” I sniffled. “And told me to tell you that Behemoth said hello.”

Matt set me down in my chair and punched the wall, “I’m killing him. I’m fucking killing him.”

“You can’t! I need you out of here! You can’t get in more trouble, Matt don’t be a fucking idiot!” I cried out.

“Ivy’s right,” Brian sighed and crouched down next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Ace needs to be taken out, and so does Jason, but you can’t be the one to do it. We need to be smart about this. I can handle Jason, but you need someone to do your dirty work in here.”

Matt’s fist collided with the wall again, “He put his hands on you. I don’t care if I’m stuck in here for life. I’m killing him.”

“Matt, please,” I stared at him with sad eyes. “I’m going to be okay. The two of you need to come up with a plan. I’m going to call Zacky while you talk.” I brushed Brian’s arm off me and stood up, still a little shaky, and wrapped my arms around Matt’s torso. His cold, hazel eyes looked down at me as I stood on my tip toes and kissed him lightly. “You’ll figure this out.”

Notes