True to his prediction two days later an Ace was found stabbed to death on the shower room floor. But this wasn't your everyday run of the mill gang-banger. The man that the Daggers took their revenge upon was an undercover cop sent in some months prior by the Santa Barbara Police Department to shadow a convict by the name of Luis Ramirez; a convict they were looking to tie several unsolved murders to. How or why he got entangled with Aces was a mystery not only to the Warden but also his superiors. Which was why the Warden was currently dealing with two headaches by the names of Carlton Lassiter and Juliet O'Hara. "As I told your Chief on the phone and as I'm sure she told you I cannot allow the inmates routines to be disturbed. I have no problem with you questioning them but I cannot, will not, give you free rein of my prison."
"You must understand how much pressure we are under to solve this case as quickly and quietly as possible." Detective Juliet O'Hara implored. "The Governor feels that if this were to get out it would shine a bad light on the California correctional system." And himself. Was left unsaid.
Warden Daniels folded his hands on front of him on his desk. "What I understand is that I didn't want your man undercover in my prison to begin with and I made my position clear. I told your Chief that I couldn't give him special treatment nor could I give him his own personal guard. His life was in danger the minute he stepped foot inside my walls. But I also understand this is a political time bomb waiting to explode so I offer you my full cooperation within reasonable boundaries. I don't want a riot on my hands Detectives."
Detective Carlton Lassiter had to admit that the Warden made a point and a good one. Convicts lived structured lives and disrupting that would be a mistake that could lead to chaos. "Very well Warden we will use your discretion in handling the interviews. Are there any suspects?"
"There are always suspects Detective." The Warden pulled out a folder from under a bunch of papers on his desk. "This is a list of Daggers, you'll wanna start with them first. Their beef against the Aces isn't exactly a secret."
Juliet leaned forward and took the folder and began to flip through the pages. "What are Daggers and Aces exactly?" She asked after a minute.
The Warden sat back in his chair. "Weren't you briefed on the specifics of this case? Your man, your Detective, Oliver Wainwright, was a member of the Aces; a prison gang run by a man who calls himself Thor. And the Daggers are another prison gang run by Snake and his Lieutenant, Psycho. Both gangs have been enemies since this prison opened back in the 50's and both aren't afraid to shed blood to make a point."
"That's impossible. Detective Wainwright wouldn't have gotten himself involved with a gang." Lassiter defended the young Detective that he mentored.
"The proof is in the cards Detective Lassiter." The Warden pulled out a crime scene photo and passed it across his desk.
"The proof is in the cards?" Juliet took the photo and her eyes were automatically drawn to the tattoo on the side of the young Detectives neck. It was obviously prison ink and the image was clearly that of an ace of spades playing card. The mystery surrounding Wainwrights death just deepened. "When can we start those interviews?" She asked after passing the photo to her partner.
The Warden pushed the intercom button on his desk. "Start rounding up the first batch and take them to the library. The Detectives will be alone shortly." He looked up at the two seated in front of his desk. "How about now?"
