Three days after Marcus arrived, Derek decided he was tired of waiting.

The prison recreation area was crowded.

Inmates were playing cards.

Talking.

Exercising.

Then Derek walked toward Marcus.

"You've been here almost a week."

Marcus looked up.

"Okay."

"And you still act like you belong."

Marcus frowned.

"I do belong."

The room became quiet.

Derek smiled.

"There it is."

"What?"

"Confidence."

Derek looked around.

"Let's see if you still have it after today."

Several inmates moved closer.

Everyone knew what was happening.

Derek wanted a show.

The guards were nearby.

The situation was monitored.

But everyone understood the unofficial rules.

Derek wanted to embarrass him.

Marcus stood.

Not because he wanted to fight.

Because he knew refusing would make things worse.

Derek smiled.

"Good choice."

Marcus looked at him.

"You should stop."

The room laughed.

Derek laughed too.

"You telling me what to do?"

Marcus answered calmly:

"Yes."

That was the first time Derek looked genuinely angry.

CHAPTER 4 — THE MOVE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Derek moved first.

Fast.

Powerful.

He expected Marcus to panic.

He didn't.

Marcus stepped aside.