CHAPTER 1 The Prison's Most Feared Inmate
The women's prison had rules that no one bothered to explain to newcomers. Every inmate learned them through experience, and sometimes the price of learning was painfully high.
The most feared prisoner in the entire facility was Vanessa. Tall, powerful, and quick to anger, she had controlled her cell block for years. She took whatever she wanted, ordered other inmates to do her work, and bullied anyone who dared question her. Even some correctional officers preferred avoiding confrontations with her.
When a new inmate named Kate arrived, she attracted little attention. She quietly completed intake, accepted her prison uniform, folded her bedding without complaint, and received a brand-new pair of white sneakers issued to every new arrival.
The following afternoon, the inmates were escorted into the recreation yard.
Kate stood alone near the fence, saying nothing and keeping to herself.
That was when Vanessa noticed the new sneakers.
With a mocking grin, she walked directly toward Kate.
"Nice shoes," she said loudly enough for everyone to hear. "You won't be needing them. Take them off."
The entire yard became silent.
Everyone knew exactly what happened when Vanessa chose a new target.
Most women surrendered their belongings without arguing.
Kate calmly looked at her.
"No."
The answer caught everyone off guard.
Vanessa stepped closer, shoved Kate's shoulder, and smiled.
May you like
"You don't make the rules here."
The crowd slowly gathered, already expecting another public humiliation.
