The Fall Guy (Eastward Prison Story)

18. Rio

CHAPTER 18

RIO

Max seems to be up in my business more than usual. He’s watching me like I’m a juicy snack, but I’m fairly certain he doesn’t swing that way. Most of the day I manage to avoid being alone with him. Heading into my cell, I lie belly down on my bed waiting to make sure it’s safe to pull out my phone.

Footsteps are the first sign I’m not going to get my wish. I turn expecting it to be Kaden but it’s Max blocking my doorway.

“Can I help you?” I ask, feeling like he’s visiting my business office rather than a prison cell.

“We’re a man down for five-a-side football, are you in?” Okay so he seems to be thinking this is more like a playdate invite.

I shake my head ready to shut whatever this is down. “Not my thing.”

“Come on, it’ll be fun.” His tone is friendly but he’s giving me bad vibes. He reminds me of a predator offering sweets out to kids.

“I’m not playing whatever this game is. Go find a different recruit.” I hope he takes the hint and fucks right off.

“Don’t be like that. I’m just being friendly. You don’t want to see my enemy side.” There’s a crack in his composition, showing a hint of the real Max. He’s second in command in the Cyclone prison gang, so he’s no innocent kid with a ball in the street.

“Hush now. Don’t make a scene. Just accept I’m a lone wolf and not in need of an olive branch to friendship or whatever.”

His face drops, finally taking me seriously. “Fine. I’ll drop it for now, but this isn’t over.”

He lingers a little longer before leaving. Grabbing a book from under my bed I pretend I’m reading while I pull out my phone and turn it on.

My incoming message says.

Deals completely off with Kaden. He’s safe.

He’s an innocent man in jail, how safe can he be?

You don’t see that every day.

This message is vague, but at least he said Kaden is no long in danger.

I’m sure there are loads of guys who would say they’re innocent but most of them are probably lying.

I’ll keep you posted if I find out who your new cellmate will be.

This feels like a hint he’ll be out of jail soon. I’m not happy with that idea at all.

Thanks.

I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Once Kaden goes my whole routine will need to change. I’ll have to watch my back more, especially with Max.

It’s almost time for lights out and I’m just finishing up with a game of chess with one of the guards. He beats me but maybe I’ve just given up. Max is up to something and the only reason he hasn’t re-approached me was because of the company I’m keeping. We tidy up and I make my way into the bathroom to change for bed.

It’s a little quieter than usual but the thought quickly flees. It’s been raining most of the day and people are probably already settled in their rooms. I wash and put on my sweats ready to retire to my own cell.

I’m about to leave when Felix enters carrying his own pyjamas and wash bag. He opens the zipper, pulling out a razor. The glint in his eye puts me on edge. I look around for something to defend myself with, but I didn’t bring a weapon of any sort in with me.

“It’s just me and you now pretty boy.” He takes a lunge forward but I’m faster and slide out of the way.

“I’d like to stay pretty, thanks. There’s no reason for us to dance.” I try to shrug off my panic at the situation I find myself in.

“Oh, but there is. A little birdie told me you were thinking of joining the Cyclones and we can’t have that.” He jolts forward again, grazing my shirt with the razor.

“I’m neutral and staying that way from all rotten apples. I’m not joining any gangs at all. Not yours and certainly not his.” I shake my head trying to convince him I’m telling the truth, which I hope I am.

“Come here, pretty boy, I’m going to change your mind.” He smiles but it’s anything but friendly. The word unhinged comes to mind.

“Fucking hell,” I mutter under my breath. I scarcely avoid his next two advances as I round the shower cubicles. The plastic casing breaks away from the razor leaving the blade bare as he bangs it against the tiles.

He corners me in the far edge of the room with nowhere for me to run. I’m less fortunate when he lunges forward this time. He makes a deep cut across my left forearm which stings like a bitch. I’ve got no time to wallow though as he advances again catching my right hip. Blood drips down his arm and I’m unsure who’s it is. Probably mine.

He slices me a few more times making me feel lightheaded and my world starts to spin. Fuck, I’m in trouble and can’t seem to find a way out. I’m not usually this reckless. I don’t get caught with my pants down and no way out of a tricky situation.

Felix isn’t a complicated man, actually he’s quite predictable. Like Kaden, I’ve still ended up falling into his trap, even though I should’ve known better. Now I’m the one looking weak. My error might just lead to my demise and it’s too late to do anything about it.

Stretching my hand out I try to protect myself. If I can hang on a little longer, hopefully someone will find me.

Felix groans moving forward but not with intent to injure me. He’s sloppy as he bends over, like he’s in pain. That’s when I see him, my knight in shining armour, Kaden is coming in strong like never before. He pulls the knife he just stabbed Felix in the back with before he thrusts it back in. His grimace is menacing, showing no sign of weakness. If I wasn’t losing so much blood I might be turned on.

Felix goes down like a deadweight, hitting the ground with a thud. Kaden stares at his lifeless body where it’s landed. His adrenaline must be in overdrive as he doesn’t move even though the threat is taken care of.

A whistle sounds and guards pile into the room. Kaden steps back, dropping the knife so he can put his hands up. The guards restrain him, but his stare stays with me. They pull him back, pushing him against one of the shower stalls.

My blood pools on the floor in front of me and my vision starts to go dark. I’m going to lose consciousness. A hardly audible laugh leaves my lips and I whisper, “I think I’m in love with you, Kaden.”

He probably can’t hear me over the chaos and I’m out of time. The blackness creeps in further until I’m completely knocked out.