The Fat Kid ruled the roost now. It had been a quiet takeover. One day I was The Daddy and next, he was crawling all over me, biting, drooling and beating me with his club-like fists.
It was the same old drill. One day you were the King of The Hill and then? Just some chewy thing for someone's slabbery mouth. I wasn't bothered. I had seen a lot of shit in this prison. In fact it seemed like every day there was new shit to see but really in the end... It was the same old shit.
I and the other inmates did as we were told. It kept the guard happy and it kept the Fat Kid happy. In the end all I cared about was making it to the end of my sentence.
Inwardly I groaned at the thought of all those years still to go.
It was just after lunch, the Fat Kid was sitting with the guard. Drool sliding down his chin. They were playing cards or something.
I was playing Ludo with the Skinny Kid, we were playing for cigarettes to make it more interesting. So far she owed me a pack of twenty.
There was a screech from the other table. We both looked up, The Fat Kid was thrashing about in a fury, he grabbed a bunch of brightly coloured keys from the guard and flung them to the ground.
The guard bent to get them only to have a water cup slammed down on her back.
Myself and the Skinny kid watched impassively. It was nothing to us to see one of the guards get a beat down.
The guard backed up our way and stared at the Fat Kid as he screamed his rage at the four walls.
It's his teeth, nothing is working. You are going to have to... take him out.
I looked at the Skinny Kid then at the guard.
That's a big ask... You will owe me one.
Just do it, I need a break. Please.
I looked over at the Fat Kid. He had gone quiet and seemed to have fallen asleep.
You sure about this?
I said. When someone wanted someone else taken out, it was best to make sure there weren't any misunderstandings.
Yes, I am sure.
The Guard and I looked at each other. For a moment we were just a man and a woman, no Prison, no inmates. Just us.
I found myself leaning in, what the hell? Was I about to kiss the guard?
The Fat Kid snorted in his sleep.
The moment shattered like a cheap vase.
The guard set her mouth in a grim line.
Take him out.
I looked over at the Fat Kid and nodded curtly.
Remember, you owe me.
I slipped from my chair and padded over to the Fat Kid, I looked down at his oh so peaceful face.
Time's up big guy.