A/N: I actually do not like the way this chapter turned out, but I have returned nonetheless and things are definitely twisting out of proportion. People are plotting and seeking revenge, while others are suffering at the hands of it. Because of the new "reply" feature, I've replied to you all already and won't need to put them here anymore. So I hope you'll continue to read regardless.

Chapter Thirty

That morning as she strutted to work, there was a skip in her step. She knew full well that there shouldn't have been however. It wasn't right to feel happy at such a time, but she couldn't help it because she knew what was coming to her. Senior Governor Robert Jurgen has been admitted to the hospital. It had been said that he had just collapsed the previous night for reasons unknown and that he would need plenty of time to recover. Apparently, he was still in a coma of some sort, but that only meant one thing. The Senior Governor post was vacant, for at least a few days, possibly even weeks tops and that position was as good as hers. Hilary Tatibana was moving up in the world.

She had done up her hair and fixed her clothes specifically for receiving the honour. She knew she'd get it. She'd been working there the longest out of anyone. She knew the rules and the trade upside-down and inside out. She worked the hardest; even done overtime in the past. They just had to give it to her. She deserved it. And when she got it, she'd definitely start by making a few changes. As far as she was concerned, Robert lacked organisation. That was why he always got himself stressed out. Not to mention that the purple-haired man was way too strict. She'd loosen up a few tight ends, but only if the prisoners deserved it of course. She was determined to be liked, not only her peers, but by the inmates as well. She could see it already. Herself, standing before a congregation of inmates and officers who chanted her name and praised her success. Even inmates like Tyson were fighting to grovel at her feet. She sighed. What a perfect image.

Crossing the blacktop of vehicles and security, she showed her identification and greeted the guards with a cheery "morning". They exchanged puzzled looks at one another, having been used to the same dreary-looking Hilary they saw day in and day out.

She changed into her uniform as if it was the greatest honour a person could ever have. Ideas of future possibilities danced inside her head. When they gave her the position it would most certainly open doors for her. What if she did so well that she was promoted and given Roberts job, or better yet, if she was given a sector of her own. Apparently B Wing was up there already. She could see herself heading a division like that. Or even better, heading the entire prison with the big boys. Not only would that be the greatest achievement ever, but she'd be raking in the money and living the good life, instead of scrounging to pay next weeks electricity bill.

The more she thought, the happier she became.

"How comes your so happy?" A colleague had said to her, to which she had grinned and tapped her nose.

"No reason," She'd shrugged as she'd closed her locker.

She turned on her heel and swaggered out of the room and along the corridor. She was early today. Usually, she was "on time" but she wanted to receive the honour personally.

Soon enough, she was walking along the corridor towards the F Wing. It was silent. Inmates were to be released for their daily activities in twenty minutes. The same twenty minutes in which she would receive her new post. She entered into the staff room and gestured a rather loud greeting to the others. Most once again wondered why she was so happy. A few of the men were sniggering about how she probably got laid and soon enough as everyone was settling in and awaiting the news, a short rotund man with a thick grey moustache walked into the room, balancing himself on a walking stick. Behind him followed two other men, clothed completely in black. But everyone recognised the old man instantly. He was Mr. Henderson. Owner of Stanheld Prison. It was an honour to be in his presence. He cleared his throat and grasped the attention of the entire room.

"As you are all aware," He began. "Senior Governor Robert Jurgen has fallen ill and it is with the utmost condolence that we wish the best of him in his recovery. However, in our time of need, it has come to my attention that we must appoint a new temporary Wing Governor."

The officers exchanged glances with one another liked excited children, no more excited than Hilary herself.

"Now after much deliberation and consideration of Jurgen's opinion of his workers, myself and the board members have come to a decision," Mr Henderson continued. "We are certain that she will do F Wing proud."

That was enough for Hilary to be certain, so much that she stood up.

"…So I would like to introduce to you your new Senior Wing Governess," The two men parted to reveal the woman. "Miss Salima Yamaki."

The room erupted into ovation for her, but Hilary's face dropped and so did she, right back into her seat. Salima stepped forward in what appeared to be a very expensive black suit, the new title pinned to the pocket of her jacket: Senior Governor Salima Yamaki, a proud smile on her face.

It couldn't be. It just couldn't be. Hilary's stomach was folding in on itself. How could they pick her? She'd barely been there a year.

"Based on her previous experience and her ability to be a leader as well as a team player, we feel that she will make an excellent contribution as your Wing Governess," The old man continued after the applause had diminished. "We hope you will show her the same respect as with Mr. Jurgen."

No. This couldn't be happening. She was supposed to be Senior Governor. Not Salima. Not her. After all, Hilary deserved that post; deserved that position. She had put most of her life and effort into working in that place. She should have been Employee of the Month; she should have received the honour. She felt like screaming in her seat; felt like crying and all things emotional. All this time, Salima had been the annoying prickle knowing on her insides and now, she had just rammed herself right through Hilary's heart, right through her happy streak. Her facial expression returned to its sullen demeanour.

You're always that one step ahead of me. Well you just wait, she thought to herself, you'll get yours.

-

"You have done well, Kane," There was a sinister superiority about his voice this time as he sat inside the same grey-coloured room he had been sat in several weeks prior. Even though he was still under close watch by the officers however, it was nice to know that he had one underneath his thumb.

"That's it right! Finished! I'm not doing anything more,"

A smirk.

"Kevin, I can't keep doing this," The man was in a panic. He lowered his voice. "I think they're onto me."

"You're working on D Wing," Came the reply. "No one suspects a thing. Who's going to tell them that it was you who spiked Jurgen's coffee?"

"Shhh! Keep it down!" Kane hissed.

Underneath those familiar dark shades, his eyes were darting to and fro nervously. The officers were outside. They'd be able to hear anything if they pressed their ears up against the door and if they heard that, his cover would be blown and that would be it. He'd be behind bars with the same people that he was supposed to be authority over.

Kevin chuckled.

"Douglas is dead. Jurgen's in hospital. It's a pity you didn't kill him," He said.

"That was not in the job description,"

"You worry too much,"

"That's because there's consequences"

"Never stopped you before"

A sigh.

"Now there's only one person left…"

"Y…you're not serious!"

"Don't worry," Kevin replied. "Once you do this, I promise that you'll be rid of me once and for all."

Another sigh.

"Who is it?" Kane finally said.

"The one who got me into this mess in the first place," Kevin said. "I want you slip something personal to Lee."

-

"I told you so, Rei! And now look at you!"

"You don't even know him,"

"But look what he's done to you," Lee had continued. "And then there's Johnny too."

"Johnny was probably asking for it," Rei had been standing in front of the mirror with a flannel in his hand.

He'd ran it under the cold tap water and squeezed the excess out of it, patting at the wound that had discoloured the skin around his eye. It had been black before. Now it was taking a bluish-purple hue.

"I can't believe your still defending him. I thought this would have been an eye-opener for you," Lee had said, sitting himself on his bed and exhaled. "You're being stubborn, but I know you're not stupid."

That had occurred earlier and now the room as entire darkness save for the lights from the streetlamps that stood within the Prison grounds. Lee was sound asleep opposite him. The other had problems of his own, but they seemed to be dying down. It was never known where Douglas got his final stash and though the guilt relayed heavily on his mind, at least he could rest easy in his sleep. Rei couldn't even do that.

Even now with Kai in the segregation unit, he still thought about it. Still thought about him. Sometimes, he thought Kai deserved to be where he was and other times, he blamed himself for it. If only he'd told Kai from the beginning. If only he'd told Kai about his villages traditions. If only he'd told Kai what had happened with Salima before Ian had told Tala. He would get the little runt back now. Especially as he was under no obligation to help the short Russian anymore. His fists clenched the duvet. This was what he was reduced to now. Wondering "what if?".

To some degree, Lee was right. Why was he still defending him? If he knew Kai, he knew that the stoic individual would hardly be defending him inside the Isolation Chamber. But then, did he really know Kai? After all, the guy had thrown a punch at him and up until then, Rei hadn't thought something like that capable of him. Kai kept his cool. That's how everyone knew him. That's why everyone loved him. He was a mystery. He rarely got angry, but in that fleeting moment when Rei had grown furious at his words…

…I was just using you.

He had seen the dormant fire rise in his garnet eyes and then it had happened. Fist had connected to his face and he had been sent flying. He remembered feeling shocked. Horrified. He still did, but it didn't stop him from thinking about Kai. From thinking about all those times in the passed when things had been good and he had reached out to Kai and after a while, Kai had taken his hand and guided him.

It was easy to trick you…

It was only moments later that Rei realised that he was crying. The tears had fallen long since into the night, but he made no sound as the salty liquid trailed from eyes, along his cheeks and then disappeared into the bed sheets.

Kai cannot love another, Rei.

Tala's words came floating back into the depths of his mind. Was that true, also? Was Kai so void of emotion that he could even fake such a feeling? But he had still punched him. Even after what Rei had said. He had to know the truth however. They had both said many things in the passion of fury. Some of the things, Rei wondered, if Kai was regretting. Rei definitely regretted some of his. He wiped away his tears however and breathed, his breath trembling slightly.

Even if it was the last time he'd be in his company, when Kai was released back onto the Wing, he would speak to him and find out for sure. Was Kai really incapable of loving another?

TBC