01

"Nix, we have a new prisoner. I'm giving him under your care since his case is still on hold." Says Uncle Dadrino, known as Ino, who's one of the security staff here in the cell. "I pity him, he had no one to defend him. The court ordered to put him here while they decide for his case."

"And why is that? What's his case?" I asked in curiosity. He's still not here though so I have no idea of this prisoner.

"He was accused by the higher-ups, you know, the Elites. Said that he killed his family, and by means of family, it includes his brother." He said nonchalantly. For a person who’s working in a prison cell, it’s not impossible to hear these kinds of cases. Though I can’t judge that fast, he was accused which means no solid evidence.

“We never known. So, I’ll head inside first,” I took my leave as I head inside.

I sighed and started to fix myself before doing the round in the cell. I usually do it every morning. I change the sheets, clean the room, and replace the necessities if needed. Well, I do that before and after the prisoner comes. In between the days of their stay, I’d just serve them food.

Suddenly, the prisoner’s case came across my mind.

Elite cases are really messy and labyrinthine. Family fights are the most bloody ones and from what Uncle Ino said, he’s accused by the higher-ups. It only comes in two; either he is a part of a rich family, or his parents got entangled with a notorious elite.

After leaving my things in the locker, I went inside the cell only to be welcomed by the deafening silence. This cell has always been quiet, unlike the other cells. I can actually count in hand with how many prisoners are staying here. There was even a time that this cell was completely empty.

Prisoners, rich prisoners to be exact, stays here while their case is on-going. Well, they do get special treatment here. Free food, free clothes, and most especially, free individual rooms. I mean, you just have to stay here for a week or less. If they find you guilty, they’ll put you in a normal cell, but while your case is still on, you stay here.

The only thing that’s highly prohibited is untitled visitors. In simpler words, only your lawyers or protectors could visit you. Just like what we’ve seen on movies, they do not allow physical contact between the prisoner and the accomplice. It serves as a safety for both parties. The law and the suspect.

I suddenly remember what Uncle Ino said. I wonder why this prisoner’s case is on hold. Doesn’t he have a lawyer, a protector perhaps? Which family does he belong to? Of all the cases I’ve heard, this one made me a lot more curious.

Ugh, stop thinking about that, Nix! Your job here is to clean, follow orders, and guard the cell. That’s it! I shook my head, trying to erase the curiosity I have.

“002516, follow that lady. She’ll bring you to your room,” I heard Uncle Ino’s voice followed by footsteps. I turned around and saw him talking with, hell, is he a model or something? I couldn’t see his face clearly but from my sight, he’s tall. Like really tall. His hair is long, just above his shoulder, and muscles were evident because he’s wearing a fitted shirt. His skin is tanned and his shoulders were broad.

Nix! Get a hold of yourself! He’s a criminal for Pete’s sake!

I went back to my senses when I realized that I zoned out for a moment staring at him. Did I just examined a criminal’s body?

I was waiting for him when he turned around, stunning the heck out of me. I faked a cough when he met my eyes and averted his gaze. He’s actually, uhm, not bad.

I signaled him to walk through my direction and he didn’t say a thing but he started walking. His eyes were filled with so much anger, I can see it. He looks like he could kill someone just by his stare.

Every second felt like an hour because of how awkward it is.

When he’s already one meter away from me, he stopped. I took a step forward, guiding him on his way to his room, when a lot of questions came across my mind.

“Sir, by any chance, are you using drugs?” I blurted all of a sudden. With things like this, I really used to be eager to know.

“What the fuck?!” I was surprised when he shouted. I unconsciously step backwards out of panic. God, this man is aggressive.

“Uhm, I’m just curious. Why would you kill your parents if you’re in a normal state? I mean, people do that if they’re insane, right?” I was saying things without thinking that I didn’t realize that he was staring. Staring at me with dagger eyes.

The next thing I know, I was painfully dragged in the wall and him holding the collar of my shirt tightly.

"Do you think I can fucking kill my fucking parents, huh? Are you out of your mind?” He growled.

I’m scared.

He forcefully dragged me into the wall, both of his hands gripping my shirt as I stand in fright.

“You're fucking worthless! I shouldn’t have trusted you since the beginning! You told me you’d help me resolve this case! What did you fucking do?!”

I closed my eyes firmly when flashes of my past went clear. I felt how his hands are trembling from anger and it scares me more.

“I-I’m sorry. Please let go of me, you’re hurting me,” I stuttered, fear evident in my voice as I stand here. “Please, please,” I whispered words profusely, hoping that he’d let go of me.

I felt his grip slowly loosen up like he snapped out of his anger and realized what he just did.

As soon as he let go of me, I dropped the key on the floor and took the chance to run away as fast as I can.

Shit!

I shouldn’t have done that. I should’ve just stayed silent and do my job.

How can you be this impulsive, Nix?