Chapter nine

Elena's fist pounded the punching bag with anger. The bag swung widely, Alan's picture on it taunting her with every strike.

Sweat dripped down her face, her eyes filled with hatred.

Her mind wandered away, taking her to the past as she punched the bag harder.

The other inmates watched her in awe, some nodding, while some watched her laughing.

"Hey, it's time for lunch."

But Elena was too consumed by her rage to notice. She swung her fist again, accidentally striking the woman.

The woman shouted, stumbling black. The environment fell silent, all eyes on Elena.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry Jasmine! Elena said, her face pale with shock.

Jasmine's eyes blazed with anger, her face reddening. Without warning, Jasmine's fist, flew towards Elena's face, giving her a hard punch.

Elena's head snapped back, as Jasmine's fist made contact with her cheek. Her face stung, with the force of the blow sending a jolt of pain through her skin.

Jasmine's fist clenched, her arm cocking back for another. Elena's eyes locked onto the motion. Jasmine's fist swung forward, but Elena dodged it with the blow landing in the air which left Jasmine off-balance.

Jasmine stood up from the ground and lifted Elena, her fingers digging deep into Elena's skin as she dragged her. Jasmine's punches were wild and uncoordinated, but Elena dodged her eyes still fixed on Jasmine.

With a sudden surge of strength, Elena slammed Jasmine into the wall, and Elena's fists continued to rain down blows on Jasmine until she slid to the floor, unconscious.

The inmates burst out into cheers, their voices echoing as they celebrated Elena's victory. The sound of sirens filled the air, followed by the crash of batons on the floor. The police stormed into the room, and as they shocked Elena with a stun gun, her body fell to the ground, unconscious.

**********

Elena's eyes gazed blankly at the grey walls of her solitary confinement, her mind a maze of thoughts and emotions.

Memories flooded her mind, each one a painful reminder of her downfall.

Slowly, she rose, her movements mechanical. Her feet carried her to the wall, where a faded photograph hung, a reminder of a past.

Her eyes locked onto the image of Alan, and with a deliberate slowness, Elena reached for the marker that lay on the window. She raised it to Alan's image, her hand trembling with emotion. The marker moved striking the image with a bold, diagonal line.

The iron door creaked, as it swung open. A stern-faced officer stepped inside, his eyes scanning the small cell before settling on Elena.

"Inmate 303 he barked, his voice firm and commanding."Someone's here to see you."

Elena wondered who was visiting her. She had told her family not to come, and no one had visited her in two months. Who could it be? Maybe a lawyer.No it is not possible. She never wanted a lawyer after her trial. This person...

As the officer's eyes lingered on her, Elena's hand drifted to her drawer. She pulled out a pack of gum, the wrapper crinkling softly as she opened it. The sweet scent of the gum filled the cell.

She popped the gum into her mouth, the sound of her chewing echoing in the small cell. Her eyes never left the officer's face as he gazed at her singlet which was revealing her breasts. Her cream jacket, slung casually around her waist, matching her long trouser.

Elena moved quickly towards the cell door, her hand reaching to grab the handle. But the officer grabbed her hair and pulled her back.

"Ah-ah, not so fast, his voice snarled, his breath hot against her ear."Put on your jacket inmate. You don't want to make a bad impression.

Elena's fist clenched as she tried to pull away from the officer's grip. She leaned back trying to use her weight to break free.

"LET GO!" she yelled making the keys on the officer's belt jingle.

The officer's fingers slowly uncoiled from Elena's hair. Elena's hair tilted forward, her hair swinging free once more. She raised a hand to her scalp, massaging the tender spot where his fingers had dug in.

Elena's hands grabbed the jacket from her waist and pushed her arms through the sleeves with a soft noise. She pulled the zipper up, her fingers fastened each button. Elena's eyes never left the officer's face as she chewed her gum loudly.

Elena turned to walk away, but the officer's hand reached out, his fingers wrapping around her wrist tightly. He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.

"Now listen carefully, you are not in charge here, I am."

Elena's lips curved up, her eyes shining bright as she blew a big bubble with her gum. The pink ball grew huge, nearly as big as her hand! With a playful flick, she popped the bubble, sending sticky gum splattering onto the officer's face.

His eyes went wide, his face frozen in surprise as the gum stuck to his skin. Elena's grin grew even wider as she pulled her hand free from his grasp. She turned and walked away, her hips swaying with a sassy swing.

The officer's face stayed still a moment. He chuckled, his eyes wrinkling at the corners as he reached up to peel the gum off his shaking his head, he followed Elena, his footsteps marching hers.

Three minutes later...

Elena pushed open the door and stepped into the visitation room with her hands in her pockets. She saw a man standing by the window, but he was turned away from her. She could only see his back.

As she got closer, her footsteps made a noise on the floor. But the man didn't move. Elena slowed down and stopped a few feet away from him, her hands still buried in her pockets.

The young man was wearing a nice suit, and his dark hair was perfectly styled, not a single strand out of place. He seemed frozen in place, his gaze fixed on some point beyond the glass.

Elena waited, her eyes fixed on the man's back, her mind filled with questions. Who was he? What did he want?

Finally, he turned to face Elena, a small smile played on his lips."Hi, I'm Ethan."

Elena's eyes snapped to his face, her gaze searching. Then her expression shifted like a puzzle piece clicking into place. Her eyes widened, and her hands flew out of her pockets.

"Wait a minute..." her voice trailing off as she stared at Ethan. Her eyes roamed over his features, taking in the sharp lines of his face, the piercing blue eyes and the dark hair.

Elena's hands gestured, as if she was conjuring up a memory."You 're the guy from the elevator!" her voice rising in surprise.

Ethan's smile grew, and he nodded, his hair tilting slightly to one side."I am the guy you met in the elevator who spilt coffee on you."

Elena's smile disappeared, as she walked up to Ethan. She put her hand back in her pocket."What do you want?"

Ethan kept smiling."I want to make a deal with you, Elena."

Elena raised an eyebrow."What kind of deal?"

Ethan leaned in and said," A secret one that might interest you, love. I have something you want, something you need."

Elena's face froze, her eyes fixed on Ethan.