Arresting Attraction: How To Create A Criminal

Chapter Five

Black escorted me on my rounds. He had a spare hour and thought it would be better to have one on one talks with a couple of the inmates. Surprisingly, they had all gone well. Most inmates didn't speak, others saying as little as they could.

As we were approaching the end of the list, Black brought up the yard incident.

"He's a criminal."

"I know."

"We need to start treating him like one."

I continued to wheel my trolley, my hands clenching the handle bar.

"Scarlett."

Black stopped the trolley, looking me dead in the eyes, "He's dangerous. I need you to be careful."

"I'm always careful."

"I need you to be safe."

"I am—"

Black raised an eyebrow, "I saw you go to his cell the other week."

"You didn't stop me," I said, matter-of-fact.

"I was curious to see what you would do."

"And?" I asked, "Did I pass your test?"

Black shook his head, "It's not about a test. It's about you. I want to make sure you are safe while you're here."

"Like I've said, I am safe."

"I'm beginning to doubt that," Black sighed, "Thomas has taken a liking to you."

"It's probably nothing." 
 "Or something else entirely?"

I gripped the trolley hard, "But, you're interested? You want to use me to find out."

I pushed the trolley forward, heading towards an empty hallway.

"I didn't say that."

"But you implied it. Charlie," I stopped. Black raised an eyebrow, "Thomas has taken to me, and you want to see if that will change him, subdue him?"

"Not exactly," Black fell into line with my pace, "My number one priority is keeping you safe."

"But you have to do whatever makes your job easier."

He didn't answer. Merely, stopping the trolley again, and taking one of my hands between his larger one. He cupped it and sighed, "Be careful. Keep safe. That's all I ask for."

"Sure."

Black let go of my hand, and picked up my clipboard. He flicked through each of the pages, before he landed on the last one."

"I thought I asked Davis to solely deal with Thomas' medicals and exams?"

"He was caught up with some last minute work. Asked if I could do the preliminary medical's before the psych meeting."

Black gave me a look. He wasn't impressed.

"What?"

"You know what."

I rolled my eyes, "It's fine. In case you forgot, I've been dealing with inmates for 3 years, I know what I'm doing. I'll also have armed guards watching."

"He's dangerous."

It was my turn to offer solace. I placed my hand on his shoulder and smiled up at him, "I'll be safe. I always am."

"Scarlett," Black warned.

"If it makes you feel better, you can walk me to the Psych room?"