Chapter 38

Inside the interrogation room, Warden Pope's unwavering gaze pierces through the tense air. The two inmates responsible for stabbing Max sit nervously, their heads held high, refusing to divulge Chao's involvement.

"Why did you wound him?" Warden Pope demands, his voice firm and commanding.

The inmates exchange uneasy glances but remain steadfast in their silence, unwilling to implicate Chao. Fear of retribution looms, but they choose to protect their allegiance.

"It was a mistake, sir," one of them finally stammers, attempting to deflect blame away from Chao. "We didn't mean to harm Max; we had a different target."

Warden Pope's expression remains stoic, and he presses further. "Who ordered you to do this?"

The inmates bite their lips, knowing Chao's name holds immense power within the prison walls. But they stand resolute, refusing to be manipulated into revealing the truth.

Just then, Officer Jack enters the room, aware of Chao's mention. His presence adds tension to the already charged atmosphere.

"Chao is behind this," Officer Jack confirms, his voice reflecting frustration. "He's been manipulating inmates for a long time."

Despite the revelation, the inmates remain tight-lipped, their loyalty to Chao apparent.

With a determined expression, Warden Pope orders, "Bring Chao in for questioning. We need to find out the truth."

In the interrogation room, Chao maintains a facade of confidence, despite the weight of the accusations against him. Warden Pope's interrogation begins, his determination to uncover the truth unwavering.

"You've been accused of manipulating the inmates," Warden Pope asserts, his gaze piercing into Chao's calm demeanor.

Chao smirks, his posture relaxed, as he responds, "Accused? That's just a baseless claim."

Officer Jack interjects, his frustration evident. "We know you're behind these schemes, Chao. Your influence is far-reaching."

Warden Pope leans forward, his voice firm. "Your gang members attacked Max. Why?"

Chao's smirk falters slightly, but he remains composed. "I can't control everything my boys do. Maybe it was a personal matter."

"We know there's more to it," Officer Jack interjects. "Your boys don't act without your orders."

Chao's eyes flicker, but he remains silent, refusing to incriminate himself or his gang members.

Warden Pope decides to change tactics, hoping to break Chao's facade. "Your boys didn't sell you out," he states matter-of-fact "But their loyalty won't protect you forever."

Chao's confidence wavers slightly, but he regains his composure. "You have no proof," he retorts. "You can't touch me."

Warden Pope leans back, his expression unyielding. "We'll find the evidence," he says sternly. "And when we do, you'll face the consequences of your actions."

Chao remains defiant, refusing to betray any signs of vulnerability. The interrogation reaches an impasse, with Warden Pope and Officer Jack knowing that breaking through Chao's walls of loyalty will be a formidable challenge.

Chao's release from the interrogation room does little to quell the fire of vengeance burning within him. Fueled by his wounded pride and a thirst for power, he becomes even more determined to make Kai pay for his defiance.

Despite Officer Jack's attempts to fuel the conflict, there is no concrete evidence linking Chao to the attack on Max. His loyal gang members remain steadfast, refusing to sell him out. This lack of evidence results in Chao being released from the interrogation room.

However, Chao's freedom does not bring relief to the prison; instead, it adds to the mounting tension. The threat of his retribution looms over Kai and his friends, casting a dark shadow on their daily lives.

Kai remains resolute in his stand against Chao, finding solace in the unwavering support of his friend Max. Their bond strengthens, and Max becomes not only Kai's confidant but also his pillar of strength in the face of impending threats.

As Chao plots his revenge, the prison becomes a pressure cooker of conflicting emotions and alliances. The simmering conflict between Chao and Kai creates ripple effects throughout the inmate population, with many choosing sides and others trying to stay out of the brewing storm.

Warden Pope and Officer Jack discuss the appropriate punishment for the two inmates who attacked Max. The seriousness of the offense demands a decisive response to maintain order and safety within the prison.

Warden Pope, his expression stern and resolute, addresses Officer Jack. "Their actions cannot go unpunished," he declares. "We must ensure that justice is served and that such behavior is not tolerated in our prison."

Officer Jack nods in agreement, his determination matching that of Warden Pope. "They will be locked up for 5 months," he suggests, "and kept in complete darkness. That isolation should serve as a deterrent and a reminder of the consequences of their actions."

Warden Pope considers the punishment carefully before giving his approval. "Very well," he replies. "Lock them up and enforce the sentence without leniency."

As the decision is made, the gravity of the punishment sinks in, not only for the two inmates but for the entire prison population. It serves as a stark reminder that the consequences of violence and rebellion will be severe.

In the midst of the tension, Kai observes from a distance, conflicted by the scene unfolding before him. The harshness of the punishment troubles him, raising questions about the effectiveness of such measures in rehabilitating inmates.

As the inmates are led away to begin their sentence, the atmosphere in the prison shifts. The knowledge of the punishment spreads, serving as a sobering reminder of the consequences of violence within the tightly controlled prison environment.

Officer Jack and Warden Pope know that their decision is not without risk. It may provoke further unrest or retaliation from other inmates aligned with Chao. However, they remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining order and safety within the prison, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Officer Jack and Warden Pope discuss the impending consequences for Chao and his actions. The incident involving Max has put Chao on their radar, and they both know that he will face repercussions for his actions in due time.

Officer Jack, his voice filled with determination, assures Warden Pope, "Chao's time will surely come. We won't let him continue to disrupt the peace and safety of this prison."

Warden Pope nods in agreement, his expression reflecting a sense of resolve. "When his time comes," he states firmly, "nothing will save him from facing the consequences of his actions."