Undercover Prison King novel · Chapter 9 of 24

Chapter 9: The Inspection

The trustys stood at attention along the yard fence, twelve men in clean grey, with Sawyer fourth from the end.

The sun was high and white, and the wind had dropped.

At ten sharp, the gate opened and a black sedan rolled inside.

Ernest Harlan stepped out of it.

He wore a camel overcoat over a charcoal suit, and his silver hair was combed back from a tanned face that had always looked kind.

Sawyer had last seen that face at his mother's funeral, twelve years ago, bending over him to say, You'll always have a place with us.

It had been a lie then too.

"Gentlemen." Ernest's voice was warm and low. "Please, don't stand on ceremony."

Sallow walked at his elbow, bowing slightly with each sentence.

Behind them came two men in suits carrying clipboards, and Hargis, who for once kept his baton still.

They walked the line.

Ernest stopped before each trusty, shook hands and asked a quick friendly question.

How long have you been with us? Have they treated you fairly?

The man at the end said yes, sir, very fairly, and sweated through his shirt.

Sawyer watched the overcoat come closer.

His hands were loose at his sides, and his pulse was steady.

He had once walked through a minefield with a metal detector and a cigarette.

That had been easier.

"And you?" Ernest said.

He stood two feet from Sawyer's face.

Close up, there were new lines at the corners of his eyes, and a faint scent of cedar and expensive soap.

"Maitland, sir."

"How long?"

"Eight days."

"Eight days." Ernest's smile did not move. "And already a trusty. They must think highly of you."

Keep reading free with an account. Start Undercover Prison King from Chapter 1, then sign up free to read the rest of this chapter.