The Wolf

Prisoners Pay

Prisoner: who are you? Why does Jacob like you so much?

Me: Im Jacob's right hand woman.

Prisoner: does that mean you can get me out of here?

Me: sorry but no.

Prisoner: dammit! You don't understand. I have a husband. 3 girls. The youngest; Marley is 4. Alissa is 7. Gabrielle is 9. I need to let them know I'm ok.

Me: I can't...I'm sorry. I've earned his trust. You have to respect that.

Prisoner: do you think if I earn his trust...he'll let me go?

Me: I don't know. But...it's a possibility.

Prisoner: I was here when I watched you in that cage over there.

She pointed to the cage that once had me in it but now has a Whitetail Militia soldier in it.

Prisoner: I watched as he came out every night & talked to you. Trying to get you to turn soft. Then one night...he dragged you out & let you go. With no reason.

Me: yeah...I don't know why. Look I don't think I can be seen talking to you.

Prisoner: listen. I'll take whatever beating comes my way. Just promise me you'll try to get this message to my husband. I love you & my spirit will always be with you. Take care of our children for me.

Me: once again...I can't. I'm so sorry.

I walked away as I could hear the lady start to cry & I honestly felt bad. She had a family & she was here rotting in a cage instead of being with her kids. But I couldn't do anything about it.

The Cultist came by & stopped me before re-entering the Veterans Center.

Cultist: I saw you talking to the prisoner. What did she want?

Me: for me to deliver a message. But don't worry. I told her I couldn't.

Cultist: what was the message?

Me: it was to tell her husband & children she loved them & to take care of one another.

Cultist: prisoners will say anything. Understand that. When we talked last night...you never told me your name.

Me: Angelica. You?

Cultist: Alex.

Me: nice to meet you. I must go now.

I walked inside & went to Jacob's office to tell him I finished my duties. He turned towards me when I walked in.

Me: sorry to barge in. I finished feeding the wolves.

Jacob: good. Your next task is to feed a prisoner. He has earned some ration today so he needs to be fed. Cage 12.

Me: yes sir.

I went back to the cages with a bowl of what looked like meat. I slid the bowl through the bars as the small man didn't budge. He just looked at me.

Prisoner: I won't eat it.

Me: you need to. You'll starve to death. & then you'll never survive.

Prisoner: I won't either way.

Me: listen. I'm not Jacob. But I know what it's like to be starved. & in a cage. Push your grudges aside & put your life in front of you. That's your main goal.