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“But you could make a new life for yourself. Puck, you’re only twenty-seven. You literally have a whole life ahead of you,” I whimper softly, hurting for him.
“I know that. But I just can’t see that life for me. Not since I’ve been here. It’s never been an option. But being in here right now with you is the best kind of life I can ask for,” Puck admits.
I hate that this is his life.
“You know, you remind me of her. I reckon she had a little something to do with you being here. Somehow she knew I’d need you in here to keep me sane.”
I chuckle lightly, a lone tear slipping down my cheek.
“I think she would’ve sent you someone a little better than me. I’m here because I murdered Carlo Rhivers.”
“Exactly.” He winks at me, wiping the tears from my cheek.
I didn’t just avenge my mother, but I avenged Bonnie and their baby too, and I am goddamn fucking proud to have done it for them.
* * *
More days flyby with Puck’s and my same routine, the nightmares and panic still haunting me every time I fall asleep. My body is weak and tired, and I’m starting to lose count of how long it’s been.
We’ve just got back from the yard, soaking in the sunlight, and I feel a little more alive after the fresh air. We’re sitting in my cell, me, Puck, Sandy, Mac, and Ty. I’m listening and laughing as they all share stories about each other from the years they’ve been here.
Yes, this is supposedly a prison for criminals, but after getting to know these guys, I’ve learnt that not everyone here is actually guilty of a crime. Puck being the biggest proof. Some of these men are just people in the wrong place at the wrong time. They don’t deserve to be living out their life here. Except maybe Sandy?he’s definitely suspicious.
Whilst Ty is halfway through a story about Mac getting locked in the shower room overnight, two big shadows appear at my cell gate, staring down at all five of us.
King and Dax stand tall in the open doorway, giving off no emotion. My memory shifts through every nightmare and minor panic attack I’ve had since I last saw them both and a funny feeling takes over, my palms clamming up at their sudden appearance.
“Say your goodbyes, Theodora. It’s time to go,” King says matter-of-factly as if he hadn’t dropped a bomb on me.
“No!” I spit out, getting to my feet, the other men following suit. “You can’t just come back here and demand I leave!”
“Yes, I can. I gave you some extra time and now it’s really not safe. We need to leave,” King replies before turning his back on me and Dax nods, following.
“What has changed in three fucking weeks, King?” I shout after him.
But the next few minutes happen in such a quick blur that I can’t catch my breath.
King turns around, heading for me, his fists clenched, the anger busting through him as Dax tries to hold him back to calm him down before he comes for me all guns blazing.
Puck shouts my name in an agonisingly loud volume as he heads directly for me. Looking in his direction, I turn to see a large man running straight for me from behind, a huge knife held out in front of him, aiming straight at me.
Time slows and I freeze, doing nothing but watching the horrifying scene unfold in front of me.
Puck dives in front of me just as the knife would’ve impaled my stomach.
King drags me backwards.
Dax rushes to Puck.
Sandy, Mac, and Ty dive on the attacker, beating the ever-loving shit out of him.
A gunshot rings through the air; from where, I have no idea.
The attacker is left dead on the floor.
There’s screaming. Loud, horrifying screams that I realise are coming from me as I stare down at Puck lying in Dax’s arms, his blood covering his dirty grey jumpsuit. And suddenly, my body catches up to my brain, ten seconds too late.
“Puck! PUCK!” I scream so hard, my throat hurts.
