CHAPTER 1 — THE NEW INMATE NOBODY UNDERSTOOD

The first thing they noticed was his silence.

Not his size.

Not his appearance.

Not his expression.

His silence.

When Marcus Reed entered Cell Block C at Blackstone Correctional Facility, every inmate looked up.

New arrivals always attracted attention.

Especially in a place where reputation meant everything.

A person could survive with the right reputation.

And suffer without one.

Marcus carried a small bag of personal belongings.

Nothing valuable.

No attitude.

No fear.

He simply walked beside the officer and followed instructions.

Most inmates expected someone new to either act tough or look nervous.

Marcus did neither.

He looked calm.

Almost too calm.

That immediately interested people.

And in prison, attention was rarely a good thing.

The most powerful person in Cell Block C was Derek Malone.

Everyone knew Derek.

Twenty-nine years old.

Large build.

Covered in tattoos.

A reputation for intimidation.

He had spent years building an image.

Nobody challenged him.

Nobody questioned him.

When Derek walked into the common area, conversations stopped.

Not because people respected him.

Because they understood him.

Derek liked control.

He liked fear.

And he especially liked finding new inmates who didn't understand the rules.

When Marcus entered the common area for the first time, Derek watched.

"New guy."

Marcus looked over.

Derek smiled.

"What's your name?"

"Marcus."

Derek laughed.

"That's it?"

Marcus looked confused.

"What else should I say?"