Chapter 10

Althea jerked up when a cup of iced water was poured on her, bringing her back to consciousness.

Perhaps, it could have been better if she had just died than to be woken up to a life filled with more misery.

She looked at the Wardens whom she have come to despise so much. They are also part of this torment she's experiencing by being so unjust.

"Althea..." She looked towards the direction of the voice, It was Warden Zheng.

"Please leave us.." He said to the other wardens who hesitated before leaving.

When he was sure they were gone, he moved closer to Althea, squats to her level and places a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry this had to happen. I wasn't on duty that night, I would have done something to prevent this. You must have been so scared, weren't you?"

Althea casts her gaze on him. She could see sincerity and concerns in his eyes.

She nodded her head, responding to his question.

"I.. I promise, I didn't try to escape" She forced herself to say.

"Oh dear! I believe you. I know you would not do such a thing. I was extremely worried but there was nothing I could do to bring you out.

As police officers, an order cannot be broken. However, seeing how much damage your inmates have done to you, I asked that you be transferred to the state Precinct and it was approved.

That way you could get a grip on yourself and get to meet other inmates who are kind, I assume"

Tears welled up in Althea's eyes and she couldn't hold back herself, she burst out crying.

"Thank you.. I.. I..."

"There's no need to thank me. I just feel that you shouldn't have been framed this way. But I promise you, I'll carry out proper investigations and ensure those who framed you up are punished rightly"

" But why? Why are you doing this? why are you treating me differently? "

She asked that one question that have been bothering her for quite sometime now? Is there a different motive to his actions? Because those who claim to be helping her, always turns out to ruin her.

"I once had a daughter, just the same age as you and you look so much like her. The first day I saw you, I almost mistook you for her. Although, she died three months back but I failed to be a proper father to her. Seeing you, made me feel like my daughter returned and that was why i grew a soft spot for you" He explained.

Althea became sorry for him. His reasons were genuine and truth be told, she was begining to think he was one of those flirty wardens.

" I'm sorry..!" She mumbled.

" It's not in your position to be"

"Will you be at the state Precinct?"

"Unfortunately, I won't. But I do hope you will be better on your own"

" Thank you. Thank you so much Warden Zheng! This really means alot"

He rubbed her shoulders slightly. " The car will be ready soon. Head back to your cell and get your stuff ready. Be safe Althea! "

Althea hasn't been this emotional. Not about herself but Warden Zheng. This might look like something little, but this is a lot to her. Finally, she can breathe properly and away from her crazy inmates.

Although, she has no idea how the state Precinct and the inmates there would treat her, but she hopes it gets better.

SIX MONTH LATER

Althea felt a tap on her shoulder and she knew exactly who that is.

She groaned and adjusted on the bed, shrugging her hands off.

"Go away Lynx"

"Not until you get your a*s off the bed"

She knew Lynx will stop at nothing to see that she gets off the bed.

"Fine! Just get off me!! " She pushed Lynx off her and lifted herself off the bed, pushing her hair backwards.

"Gosh, you look like a zombie with this hair of yours.." Lynx teased, sucking her teeth and shaking her head.

"And you look like Maleficent of this century..." Althea teased back and they both shared a laughter.

But Lynx is right. She really can't remember the last time she properly had her hair washed and trimmed. Her hair Is over grown and sometimes, it stinks.

Well, it's one of the awful things you get to experience as a prisoner. Having a proper bath and getting your hair trimmed all happens once in a blue moon.

Although, they wash up everyday, but with a very little quantity of water.

"Hey! What are you thinking of? You zoned out again!" Lynx snapped her fingers in front of Althea, interrupting her little thoughts.

"Sorry, I just thought of something!"

Lynx rolled her eyes. "Anyways, hurry up and let's go. I can't wait to properly wash up my hair, gosh! It stinks so bad!"

She pulled the tip of her hair and inhaled, cringing at the odour of it.

Althea chuckled, washing her silly act.

"Go on ahead, I'll join you later on!"

Lynx left. Althea couldn't help the smile that lingered on her lips.

Should she say Lynx is the best thing that has happened to her since her arrival in the state Precinct?.

Well, obviously... yes!

Lynx was brought in shortly after her arrival and since then, they have gotten along quite well.

Although, she did want to interact with her fellow inmates, but Lynx wouldn't stop bugging her.

She's funny, and natural and Althea could hardly believe that a petite lady as her could commit fraud.

Well, who is she to judge? Even the innocent can be dangerous at times.

With Lynx around, Althea feels alive. There was someone to talk with and joke around with. It wasn't this way at the other precinct where everyone was after her.

Her inmates here aren't bullies. At least, they have all be minding their businesses. Sometimes, she wondered what her life would have been if Warden Zheng had not arranged her transfer.

Speaking about Warden Zheng, not a single day passes without Althea thinking about him. Although, she knows that he would be doing okay, but she wants an opportunity again where she can thank him properly.

Amidst her thoughts, thoughts about Oscar snuck in. It's been over six months she took the fall for him.. Has he really given up on her?

Not a single word from him. Foolish of her to keep hoping inwardly.

Does he even think of her even for a split second? Does he at all wonder how she's doing?

He hasn't for a single day come visiting! Does he know that she has been transferred to the state Precinct?

Althea sighed softly. This is how it feels getting stabbed in the back... The betrayal and hurt penetrates too deep and most times, she wonders if she'd be a