Chapter 124
The expose.
Lily’s POV:
My heart races as I realize my letter is missing.
I feel a chill run down my spine as I frantically search my cell, tossing aside my meager belongings. But it’s nowhere to be found.
I know I had it just a moment ago, hidden safely in my sleeve.
Panic sets in as I think about who could have taken it. Tammy, that sniveling little informant, is the first person who comes to mind.
I make my way to the prison yard, my eyes scanning the area for any sign of her.
When I spot her huddled in a corner, looking nervous, my anger boils over.
“Tammy, what have you done?” I hiss, trying to keep my voice low.
“My letter is gone, and I know you are the only one who could have taken it.” I told her.
Tammy looks up at me, her eyes wide with fear.
“Lily, I did not mean to… I was just so scared…” She said.
I take a step closer to her, my fists clenched.
“Scared? You are scared?” I asked angry.
“You have no idea what you’ve done. You have put my life in danger, Tammy.” I told her.
I was seething with anger, ready to lash out at Tammy for betraying me, when I heard Sarah’s calm and authoritative voice behind me.
“Lily, step away from Tammy. Now.”
I turned to face her, my fists still clenched, and saw her firm expression.
She was standing in her orange inmate uniform, her eyes locked on mine with a hint of concern.
“What is going on here?” she asked, her voice low and even.
I took a deep breath, trying to be composed, myself.
“Tammy stole my letter,” I said, my voice still shaking with anger.
“She has been working with Detective James, and she has put my life in danger.” I told her.
Sarah’s expression turned stern.
“Tammy, is this true?” She asked.
Tammy nodded, looking down at her feet.
“I didn’t mean to, Sarah. I was just so scared…” She said shaking.
Sarah’s eyes narrowed.
“We will deal with this later. Lily, come with me. We need to talk.” Sarah said.
I hesitated for a moment, then followed her to a corner of the prison yard, away from prying eyes and ears.
“What do you want, Sarah?” I asked, my voice still guarded.
Sarah leaned in close.
“I know what you are planning, Lily. And I want in.” She said.
I glared at Sarah, my anger still simmering.
“You are an inmate now, just like me,” I spat.
“You have no authority here. Do not speak to me like you are still a sergeant. You are nothing now.” I cautioned her.
Sarah’s expression faltered, and she looked away, her eyes flashing with hurt.
“Fine, Lily. Have it your way.” She said.
I turned my back on her, dismissing her.
“Do not talk to me at all, Sarah. You are just like the rest of them now. A prisoner, a snitch, a nobody.” I fired at her.
I walked away, leaving her standing alone in the prison yard, her eyes fixed on me with a mix of sadness and regret.
Sarah’s voice was firm but laced with a hint of vulnerability.
“Lily, leave me alone” she told me.
“But if you are so convinced that letter is harmless, then leave it with me. If it is truly insignificant, it would not matter if I have it.” Sarah said.
I turned back to her, my eyes narrowing.
“You think you can manipulate me? You think you can just take my letter and use it against me?” I asked her.
Sarah shook her head.
“No, Lily. I am trying to protect you. If that letter is as innocent as you claim, then it won’t hurt to leave it with me.” She said.
“But if it is not… if its id something that could put you in danger… then I need to know. For your own good.” I told her.
I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of me wanted to trust Sarah, to believe that she was genuinely trying to help me.
But another part of me was screaming to get as far away from her as possible, to never let her near me or my secrets again.
I hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked back to Sarah.
“Fine,” I said, my voice guarded.
“What is it that you want to say?” I asked.
Sarah’s eyes locked onto mine, her gaze intense.
“I know you are planning something, Lily. Something big. And I know it is connected to that letter.” She revealed.
I raised an eyebrow, trying to appear nonchalant.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
Sarah took a step closer to me.
“Do not play dumb, Lily. I may be an inmate now, but I still have connections.” She smirked.
” I still have ears and eyes on the outside. And I know that letter is the key to unlocking a much bigger scheme.” Sarah went on.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as Sarah’s words hit too close to home. How did she know so much? And what did she want from me?
Then she dropped to a whisper.
“Lily, the letter is from the Syndicate. I am sure of it. And if you’re involved with them, you are in grave danger.” She said.
My heart skipped a beat as I tried to process what Sarah was telling me.
The Syndicate was a powerful and ruthless organization, known for their brutal tactics and far-reaching influence.
If they were involved, it could mean only one thing… my plan was much bigger and more dangerous than I had ever imagined.
“How do you know this?” I asked Sarah, trying to keep my voice steady.
Sarah’s eyes darted around the prison yard, making sure no one was listening.
“I have my sources. Let’s just say that I’ve been around the block a few times, Lily. I know how to gather information. And I know that the Syndicate is not to be trifled with.” She said.
I felt a chill run down my spine as I realized the true extent of what I was up against.
The Syndicate was not a group to be taken lightly, and if they were involved, I was in serious trouble.
Sarah’s expression turned serious; her eyes locked onto mine.
“Lily, I need you to cooperate with me. I can help you, but you need to trust me. We need to work together to get out of this situation alive.” She said almost begging.
I hesitated, unsure if I could trust Sarah. She was a former sergeant, but she was also an inmate now, just like me. What did she have to gain from helping me?
“What do you propose we do?” I asked, trying to sound cautious.
Sarah’s eyes narrowed.
We need to get that letter to the right people. People who can help us take down the Syndicate. But we need to be careful. They have eyes and ears everywhere.” She said.
I took a deep breath, weighing my options.
I did not have many allies in this place, and Sarah seemed to be the only one who was willing to help me. But could I really trust her?
“Okay,” I said finally.
“I will cooperate with you. But if you betray me, you will regret it.” I told her
Sarah’s face set in a determined expression.
“I won’t betray you, Lily. We are in this together now.” She told me.