Chapter 8

Gasps, heavy breaths, the sound of heels hitting the ground could be heard. Her gasps echoing through the empty spaces on the streets, the heavy footsteps behind, seemed unending and scary.

A lady in her late twenties, short spiky blonde hair, piercing blue eyes- Running for her dear Life. Regardless of how tough and confident she seemed, her life is on the line right now, for she has just messed with the wrong person.

She turned, her heart racing as those who were after her were already catching up to her. However, she halted on her steps with full force when a black SUV car screeched in front of her.

She held the bag of money close to her chest, her heart thumping really fast and knowing fully well that she was doomed.

She took a step back when a man alighted from the car. His black tuxedo suit, dark shades and all... He looked domineering and dangerous.

His men had all surrounded her by now, leaving her with no room to escape. She groaned and fell on her knees when her legs were kicked, she least expected that.

"You little snail..."

Came his hoarse voice as he squats to her level. The lady cringed inwardly with fear but still maintained a confident look.

"How dare you steal from me?"

She pushed the bag forward before him.

"Here's your money. I did not touch a dime from it. It's true what they say, nothing can get passed you"... she snorted.

" You have your money now, so just let me go! " She added, wanting to leave so badly.

The man stood up, taking a step backwards while he lets out a really provoking laughter.

As swiftly as possible, he pulled out a gun and aimed it at her, sending cold shivers down her spine. His fingers, reaching for the trigger.

"Do you honestly think I'd spare a lowlife thief as you? Nobody messes with me and goes Scott free"

" But you should spare me! I stole from you now you have it back, what's the big deal? " She challenged.

His brows curved into a deep frown, hating the fact that he's being challenged. Of course he knew how scared she is, if not, why would she be sweating profusely on a cold night as this but she just wants to be smart.

" Such a sneaky snail.. " He mumbled and squats to her level again.

He grabbed her neck, his eyes blazing with fury while she gasped for breaths.

"I have a job for you. You look smart and you probably will be fit for the Job, I need you to bring someone to me. Only until then will I decide if I'd Spare your life or not. That depends on how well you carry out this Job"

At first, she didn't want to accept his offer but he was going to kill her just by strangling her to death. Plus, she's not ready to die anytime soon.

" Fine... Fine.. I'll... I'll..do anything " She struggled to say.

He let go of her neck, a sly smile forming on his lips while she coughed hard.

" Take her to the car!" He ordered his men who pulled the lady off the floor, and towards a Red Toyota car while the man retreated into his black SUV.

___________________

Althea returned back to her cell, a feeling of emptiness washing over her. Her mind was blank at the moment and all she did was to think about Warden Zheng and why he's being so nice at her.

Still, she was grateful to him and concludes within herself not to trust him yet.

It felt really awkward for the prison's head Warden to act so nice to her.

"Where are you coming from newbie?" The red haired lady asked, stepping on her way with hands on her waist.

Althea sighed deeply.

"It's none of your business!"

"Of course it's our business newbie! As your fellow inmates, we care to know what's going on between you and that old Warden"

"What are you talking about!?"

"We see him giving you special treatments always. Like, getting you food while the rest of us settle for the junk food at the prison cafeteria. Tell me, why does he treat you differently? You're new here, yet you're the first to get special treatments from the head Warden."

Althea didn't know what to say. She must really award her inmates an accolade for always poke nosing into someone else's affair.

"There's what we call privacy and staying off my business! You should do that!!"

She rolled her eyes and moved past the lady, but suddenly stumbled over and fell flat on the floor, getting her left hand bruised.

It was obvious the red haired lady intentionally made her trip.

"Or should we assume that you're trying to flirt with the head Warden?" The inmates said with a shrillness that grated on Althea's nerve.

" What did you just say?"

" You heard me loud and clear. Why else should you be treated differently if you aren't throwing yourself to the head Warden. Do you think doing that will get you out of prison so quick?"

Althea scowled at the inmates who were now murmuring among themselves. She hated the fact that they had rumoured her to be a flirt.

However, she still cannot fathom the reason why he's being nice to her.

"Still, it's non of your damn business!" She growled.

"You...." The red haired lady was going to say but was interrupted by the wardens hitting the bars of the cell and calling on all inmates of each cell to step out.

Althea got up from the floor and moved out of the cell, together with other inmates. She couldn't help but wonder what the commotion is all about.

She has always thought that the life of a prisoner she has seen on TV series were always a show and non of those happens in real life.

But, she was wrong. The crazy inmates, the dramas from the wardens, is driving her nuts.

With her hands at the back of her head, she couldn't wait for whatever this is all about to be over. All she wants right now is to get some rest.

"Do you all think that this is a prison house that you can play games and try to escape uh?" Said one of the warden, looking angry.

"Last night, an inmate tried to escape but before we could get her, she maneuvered her way back in. How lucky that inmate was to keep her identity hidden. However, she wasn't that smart not to leave a single clue behind"

Side talks erupted from the inmates. That wasn't the least of concern to Althea.

She snorted inwardly.

"Do you all know the repercussions for an inmate to try to escape? This is a prison house where you're being punished for the crimes you have all committed. Trying to escape is also considered a crime and any inmate caught in that act, shall be dealt with"

"Now, whoever has this bracelet should step out right this instant or shall be faced with double of the punishment if hesitant"

The Warden ordered.

Althea sighed, feeling great urge to get some sleep. She looked up at the wardens, her eyes settling on the bracelets which looked familiar

Her eyes moved to her wrists, then back to the bracelet. A gasped left her lips while her eyes grew wide in shock.

Chapter 9

She could recognize it just anywhere.. That bracelet, it's hers.

Oscar had gifted it to her, it's the only thing of Oscar's she has here... How could she have lost it? Why didn't she notice?

She could vividly recall taking it off out of anger after listening to Oscar's press conference. How then did it get to the warden?

And what does it have to do with the inmate that tried to escape?

These and many more questions flooded her mind.

"You have ten seconds to step out... " The wardens began to count down and with each count he took, her heart kept beating.

However, she stepped out before she could stop herself.

"Excuse me Warden, the bracelet is mine!."

The Warden sharp gaze were fixed on her.

" So you are that inmate who tried to escape?"

" No, I assure you, there seem to be a mix up somewhere. The bracelet is mine but I have no idea how it ended up with you. I didn't try to escape, I promise " She said in her defense.

She hasn't been this confused in her entire life? How did this all turn towards her.

"Save your explanation for the custodial officer...." He faced the other wardens. "Take her"

The Wardens moved to her and grabbed her, pushing her forward like a lowlife slave.

Althea still had no idea what was happening, but she thought it was best not to argue with the wardens so as not to complicate things.

She turned slightly, staring back at her inmates only to see them smiling at each other.

She had a gut feeling that this really wasn't a coincidence of any sort. Else, why would her bracelet be found at such a place.

She balled her fists, while gritting her teeth hard.

_________________

Althea sat, her hands handcuffed and on the desk before her. Her shoulders downcast and her head lowered.

Tears brimmed from the corner of her eyes as she tried to think about what wrong she must have done to her inmates.

Why are they all after her life? Isn't she already ruined as it is? Why should they make her suffer more?

She's so sure that they orchestrated everything just to make her the prey. If it isn't the red haired crazy lady, it could be any of her minions.

The Wardens paid no attention even as she tried to make them know that they have the wrong person. What they're keen about is the bracelet belonging to her.

She didn't know how long she has been seated but her back hurts a lot. but she wondered what they're going to do to her.

She lifted her head up when the sound of footsteps approaching caught her attention.

"So you had the nerve to want to escape uh? Do you think you're so special?" The custodial officer said, walking towards her.

"No please. You have to believe me, I have no idea what is going on! I promise, I didn't try to escape" She said in her defense.

"Then..." The officer hit the desk loudly, making her flinch back in fear.

"How do you explain the bracelet that's yours? Do you think you can play us for a fool? who was trying to help you escape? I'm certain you weren't alone, who are your companions?"

"I promise, I'm being framed by my inmates. I swear, I have nothing to do with this"

There was a stunned silence and all that could be heard where that of the officer, tapping the desk with his finger.

" You have committed a grave offence by trying to escape prison. All evidences points to you. All you have to do now is mention those who were part of your plan except you're willing to serve the punishment for all"

Althea shook her head negatively.

" I have said this before and I'll say it again officer, I am not the culprit. Plus, how my bracelet ended up there, is still a mystery to me"

" Very well then.. Since you have refused to open up, be ready to accept whatever comes your way.."

He turned to the Wardens. " Take her to the confinement room. She is to be locked up in there for five days with no food or water. Let her experience what hell really is like in prison "

He gave his order and walked away.

The confinement room was not the least of what Althea had expected. Her jail cell was better.

It was dark and terrifying. There was a small window at the top corner that emits just a little light into the room.

She looked back to the closed door, she could hear their footsteps retreating. Hot tears circulated in her eyes as she looked around the dark room, barely seeing a thing.

She hated being in the dark. The only source of light was from the small window.

How can she survive being in here without food or water for five good days.

She moved slowly to a corner, curling herself up and bursting into tears.

No one is on her side. Whether she tries to defend herself, no one believes her? Why won't the wardens carry out proper investigations?

Why should they assume just because they found her bracelet?

The police who are meant to protect the rights of individuals and even criminals as well have become so unfair in their dealings.

But then, she's always the one getting punished for other's mistakes!

She hated herself for being so gullible and stupid towards Love.

This was not the perfect Romeo and Juliet love story where they died for each other's sake.

This was reality and Love sucks!!

_________________

Five days came by in a flash and Althea barely noticed. She has lost track of time. She couldn't believe the wardens actually left her in here without coming to check if she's dead or not.

She could feel it, the heaviness in her head as well as the emptiness in her tommy.

Her throat feels dry and she feels drained of energy. Her body aches from sleeping on the cold floor and she could barely breath as she felt suffocated.

She strained her eyes open, forcing herself up as she couldn't handle it anymore.

As she stood up, her legs felt jelly... Balls of sweats forming on her forehead. Her lips were dry as well, so much for someone who hasn't even had a drop of water in days.

Althea knew that she would not recognize her own reflection if she were to look in the mirror. She must have become so thin and ugly.

Getting to the door, she banged on the metal door before her. She needs to get out of here as soon as possible.

She needs a lot of air.

"Please, get me out of here. Someone, get me out..."

Unable to maintain her stance, she lost balance and fell to the ground, her hands still banging on the door weakly.

"please... Someone!! " She mumbled before collapsing to the ground completely. Her head heavy and her sense of hearing diminishing.

If this is how death feels like, then she's at the verge of dying.

Hot tears rolled down her eyes as everywhere suddenly went blank.