Gaming The System [Book One] Page 3

  Piper's mind flashed to the girl on the bike. "Dressed in black, problems with authority? Tattoos?"

  "Sounds like you've met one."

  Piper nodded. "Oh, yeah. She was a real charmer, for sure,” she said, rolling her eyes.

  "Lenox," Ortiz said.

  Piper nodded.

  "I'd steer clear of that one," Ortiz said before moving on.

  “Yeah, I got that.”

  Piper glanced around the block again. It seemed everywhere she looked there was chaos happening.

  Rico pulled her along through the opened gate. Two checkpoints later, they stepped outside and were blissfully greeted by fresh silence. Piper could almost hear herself think again.

  When Ortiz started toward another building, she instantly tensed up. She didn't know if she could take the mental assault again so soon. Her reeling mind needed time to process what she'd seen. Let her ears stop ringing. If it was always like that, she wasn’t sure how the officers could take it day in and day out.

  As they neared the building, she couldn't see any clear signs as to what building they'd be entering. Faded, black lettering smeared the brick, twisting into a grotesque mockery of the words they once were. It could've been graffiti for all she knew.

  With a deep breath, she followed Ortiz through the security door and prepared herself for what she might see inside.

  "This is the chow hall," Ortiz said as he pulled open a door and led them inside a large room lined with tables. Four circular seats were attached to each one. "There are two dining halls, the kitchen sits in the middle."

  Ortiz stepped further into the empty dining room. As Piper followed him she noticed a deep, red-brown stain on the cement floor. With a long, cautious stride, she stepped over the stain. Ortiz noticed.

  "A prisoner was killed there, less than a week ago. Bled out before an officer could get to him."

  The officer's lack of feeling behind the words startled her. Was he really that detached and desensitized? These guys were criminals, but they were human beings too.

  "We should head back," Ortiz said as he glanced at the digital clock high in the dining hall wall. "Lockdown will lift in an hour."

  Piper did a double take. She couldn't recall the last time she'd seen a physical clock. It felt a little like seeing Bigfoot. She'd read that the inmate's Jacks were disabled, she'd assumed they at least had the basic display function, but apparently, that wasn't the case. She couldn't begin to imagine how disorienting it would be to have her display knocked out. It would be like hacking off a limb. She shivered.

  They followed the officer back out and crossed the yard again. Rico and Jason were talking, nearly whispering, as they went. She wasn't sure what they were discussing, but she used the time to mentally plot out her plan of attack. Where she wanted to shoot, questions she wanted answered. She was eager to dig in. The excitement of finally being allowed access to her dream gig, pushed the terrifying images she'd witnessed from her mind.

  On their way back to the officer's lounge, if you could call it that, Ortiz stopped at an unmarked, heavily secured door. The most secure she’d seen so far. He radioed Control and it opened.

  "This is Control," Ortiz said as he held open the door and let the three of them peer inside.

  "Oh, shit," Rico said as he stared transfixed by the sight.

  Piper couldn't stop her jaw from flopping open. She'd never seen such state-of-the-art tech in person. Maybe in movies or in the media, but never in real life.

  Monitors and control panels were everywhere. Before she could get a better look Ortiz let the door shut. When he started down the hall again, Piper took off after him.

  "Wait, wait. Can't we get a look inside Control? You know, like actually walk around? Take it in?"

  "Control is off limits. We need to keep it protected. It could mean an officer's safety."

  It made sense, Piper couldn't argue with that, but the secrecy nagged at her. Like MAX Corp had something to hide. And if they did, she was sure those secrets were locked in that vault-like room.

  "Isn't your film about the people? Not the mechanics?" Ortiz asked.

  Also a valid point. She hated that most things out of his mouth were valid in some way. But he was missing the big picture. People wanted to experience the whole thing. See all the moving parts working together. That, and she hated being told "no". God, she hated being told “no”.

  “My job isn't to put the period at the end of a sentence but...find the comma," Piper said.

  She'd remembered hearing that somewhere once. Loved the way it sounded. Probably in one of her film classes in college, said by some hippie professor. She smiled to herself at the memory.

  Ortiz stared at her. He looked at her like she was crazy. Maybe she was, just probably not in the way he thought.

  Ortiz shook his head again and mumbled something under his breath. She let it pass and followed after him.

  Ortiz led them back into the admin building and her mind raced out of control. She was mentally taking notes and piecing together a rough sketch of what she thought her film might look like. A masterpiece. It would be huge. She imagined the reach and opportunities it would unlock. She'd be on top again. She imagined all the interviews on talk shows all over the country, probably the world. She could hear herself answering their questions, smiling for the audience, see the look of awe and admiration in their eyes.

  She was so lost in thought she nearly ran into Ortiz when he stopped back in the small lobby by the secretary desk. She played off the near miss and casually stepped toward the row of chairs, not sure what they were doing, still disoriented by the shove from her daydream.

  "The Warden will want to speak with you," Ortiz said before turning and leaving down the corridor.

  Ch 6 Lenox

  Lenox felt her pulse quicken as she pulled open the door to Delgado's office and stepped inside. Her jaw clenched so hard, she nearly snapped the toothpick she'd been chewing on, in half. She'd rather charge alone, into a full blown riot or all out assault, than deal with Delgado. At least, in the riot, she could knock some skulls around.

  Let’s not rule anything out just yet.

  The door hadn't even shut yet when Delgado started shouting.

  "This is a fuckin' PR nightmare!"

  The woman slammed her hand down against the Jackpad with such force Lenox swore the screen would shatter. Not that it really mattered, the bitch could afford to replace it. Could afford a million replacements.

  “You couldn't have mentioned this earlier?” Delgado glared her down. “Course not. That would’ve required you actually taking responsibility for something.”

  Delgado slapped the Jackpad again. Seconds later, the screen on the wall came to life. A news feed displayed a mug shot. Lenox smiled.

  There was no sound, but she knew what the story was about. She'd sent a bullet shattering through the inmate's skull that morning. Damn fine shot too.

  Damn fine.

  “I’m guessing I’m not here to receive a medal?”

  “Cut the shit, Lenox.”

  Lenox shrugged. She wasn't sure what the woman was so worked up about. But she was sure, it wasn't her damn problem.

  "You're telling me, there wasn't any other way?" Delgado snapped.

  "6.143-3. Escaped inmate, no warning shot necessary. I'm paraphrasing, of course," Lenox said.

  "I know the fucking codes! Cut the shit, Lenox. You could've easily subdued him, yet here we are, watching news clips of a dead fucking inmate."

  Lenox glared at the woman. She'd done her job. The rest was political bullshit, and she made it a point to stay out of bullshit.

  Lenox rolled the toothpick between her teeth from one corner of her mouth to the other with her tongue. She wasn't going to apologize for doing her job.

  Fuck that. Not happening.

  "This shit's pretty clear. No inmate escapes,” Lenox said. "The public needs to be kept safe."

  "Please, the public? Bunch of lowlife pod trash and swamp
lizards. Most of them will end up in the system anyway."

  Lenox clenched her fist. She'd done her job. A perfect shot. Fuck Delgado.

  "This isn't MAX. There's a certain level of expectation." Delgado glared back. "Players expect to play. Pretty simple. You’d think you’d be able to get that through that thick skull of yours. Clearly, we’ve overestimated your intelligence.”

  Lenox's jaw tightened another notch and she felt the toothpick splinter. Now they were getting to the real reason. The bullshit.

  "So give the fuckin' kid a refund or whatever, find them another ghost," Lenox said as she stood up.

  She was over it. Done with the conversation. The bitch might be able to boss around the pathetic souls they conned into becoming corrections officers, but not her. If Delgado thought she gave two shits about the stupid game, she had another thing coming.

  She was there for one reason and one reason only.

  "This won't happen again,” Delgado threatened.

  Lenox spun on the woman, lightning fast, and slammed her palms down on the desk. Delgado didn't even flinch.

  "No inmate escapes," Lenox repeated as her eyes narrowed and she stared the woman down.

  The pair locked eyes in an intense battle of wills. Lenox saw herself lunging across the desk. She could easily make it. Could take out the bitch in 10 seconds flat. Snap her neck. It would be so easy. Feel so good. Delgado wouldn't even have time to scream. The temptation was almost too much. Her fingers itched to do the deed.

  It would be so sweet.

  "It won't happen again," Delgado said as she rose and placed her own hands on the desk. "You're dismissed."

  For a moment, Lenox kept her glare, challenging the woman.

  "I said, you're dismissed."

  Do it, snap the bitches neck!

  Lenox shoved off from the desk and yanked open the door. She slammed it behind her and kicked a nearby trashcan. The bin flew across the hall, flinging its contents across the floor. In a fit of rage, she spun and punched the wall several times until she felt the flesh at her knuckles split.

  Should’ve done it!

  With a deep breath, she straightened and noticed she had an audience.

  The woman from the guard shack stood stiff and wide-eyed near the chairs, her friends stood next to her, looking just as scared.

  Fucking perfect.

  Lenox shot them a ‘Fuck you too’ look and stormed down the hall.

  Ch 7 Piper LaRue

  Piper was stunned, even after Lenox had disappeared. She couldn't believe an employer would keep someone around after a display like that. Not to mention the scene from earlier. Maybe they weren't? Maybe, Piper had witnessed the nightmare being shit canned? The thought made her smile.

  That's karma, bitch.

  "Ms. LaRue?" A woman's voice broke through her reverie.

  Piper blinked several times as the present came back into focus. She hoped her gloating hadn't been too obvious.

  "Ms. LaRue, the Warden will see you now."

  Piper turned to see a short, plump woman bending to pick up stray trash from Lenox's episode.

  "Just down the hall, second door on the—“ the secretary was cut off by a man's appearance.

  Judging from the man's suit and demeanor, Piper knew he must be the Warden. She stared at the man a moment, taking him in carefully.

  Warden Malone was a giant of a man. Piper doubted she could fit both her hands around his biceps. He looked more like a football player than the man entrusted to run a correctional facility. If they based getting the job solely on intimidating looks, they were spot on. His presence demanded respect and attention. She supposed it would have to be that way in a place where hardened, violent criminals lived out their lives.

  Despite the man's intimidating physique, Piper geared herself up to fight for her ground. She'd come too far, sacrificed too much, to give in and let someone dictate her art.

  "Ms. LaRue? I'm Warden Malone." The hulking man stuck out an enormous hand.

  Piper took it. The entire thing seemed to be swallowed up in his palm.

  "And this must be your team?"

  Piper nodded and stepped back to let Jason and Rico shake the Warden's hand.

  "Please, come. Have a seat, relax. This place can really take its toll," he said as he led the way into his office. "Can I get you anything? Water? Coffee?"

  Piper shook her head as she collapsed into a chair. The energy of the prison had completely drained her and they'd only spent a couple of hours on the inside. She could only imagine the toll an entire day would take on her. She had no clue how the guards did it.

  "Ms. LaRue—“

  "Please, Piper is fine."

  The Warden nodded and smiled. "Piper it is then."

  Despite being ready to hate the man, Piper found herself liking the Warden without really knowing why. He seemed genuine and nice but allowed no bullshit. She respected that. She considered herself an excellent judge of character, hell, it was part of her job, but she had been fooled before.

  Just be cautious.

  She put on a smile and gave the Warden her full attention.

  "I'm sure Officer Ortiz already went over these, but I'm going to iterate them one more time. Safety is my number one priority." Warden Malone laced his fingers and rested his hands on his desk as he looked at the three of them.

  "Always have an officer present. I don't care if you're behind the gate, behind the bars, or in a secured area; things can change in an instant. You'll need an officer's skills and knowledge to remain safe. Do exactly what the officer says, it could mean the difference between life and death."

  Piper listened politely. Ortiz had gone over the warnings but she patiently waited while the man spoke. She decided she liked Malone and saw the opportunity for a powerful ally; should she need one.

  "Do not provoke any inmate, no matter what's said, ignore it. They have a way of getting under your skin, picking you apart, until you make a mistake. These guys are expert manipulators, feeding off any opportunity. Don't play into it."

  “The inmates or the gamers?” Piper asked, raising an eyebrow.

  She felt herself straighten and lean forward, waiting for the answer.

  Piper noticed the Warden glance from Rico to Jason. His gaze lingering on her quiet sound guy. She thought it odd the man would focus on Jason. If anyone on her crew needed a lesson in leaving the bait and turning the other cheek, it was Rico. Hell, she was probably more at risk than either of them. God knew she was quick to pop off at the mouth. She constantly felt like she had no filter and sometimes it caused problems. She could admit that.

  Malone looked back at her. His eyes honing in on her's. He knew. She shouldn't be surprised. People didn't make it to Warden without knowing a thing or two about reading people.

  "Do not interview any inmate actively played. Look for prisoners on their down time. No touching or exchanging objects of any kind."

  Interesting.

  Before she could dig in any further and get a clearer answer the Warden moved on with more rules.

  There was a slew of others that Piper tuned out. Most of them were common sense anyway and her attention was waning fast.

  "Of course, there are some things you'll have to leave out," Malone said.

  Her ears instantly tuned in once she heard that phrase. Nothing got her attention faster than people trying to dictate her art.

  "Specific locations, internal protocol, and, of course, personal lives of my staff members. Safety of my staff is my number one priority. Yes, there is a game going on, but we're still tasked with keeping criminals locked up and the public safe.”

  "Of course," Piper said with a heavy nod.

  Keep the boss man happy and everything will fall into place.

  Piper stood and reached out to shake the man's hand once more. He took it and paused a moment.

  "I'll be the first to admit that this system isn't perfect. There are flaws and breakdowns just like any other environment. But please
remember, I'm doing the best with what I'm given. Nothing about this job is black and white. Please, be fair when representing this facility. I don't expect any fluff or embellishment. Just a fair shake. It's my livelihood, I'm trusting it to you,” Warden Malone said as his eyes looked deeply into her's.

  Piper nodded slowly and wondered if her face betrayed her confusion. It sounded an awful lot like Malone was giving her permission to be brutally honest in her work. Did he really mean it? Or was it her own wishful thinking getting in her way like it had so many other times before? She supposed it really didn't matter. If she saw injustice or corruption, she would expose it. She didn't need anyone's permission to do that. That's what made her art great, iconic even.

  Piper went to leave as Rico and Jason headed for the door, but quickly stopped, her excitement had her practically vibrating.

  "When will we be allowed to start filming?"

  "How about tomorrow, after second count, after 10 am?”

  She thought about pushing for later that evening but quickly thought better of it. He could've easily said next week.

  Or tossed you out all together!

  "Ten it is, then,” she said with a smile and followed her crew out the door.

  Ch 8 Lenox

  Lenox systematically cracked her neck, rolled her shoulders, and finished with her knuckles. They were still sore, already beginning to swell and bruise. Probably not the smartest move but better than killing the woman, though not nearly as satisfying. She needed to do something to take her mind off of the bullshit. Off of the beast of a woman and her fucking games. Something to release the tension she felt creeping up on her before she snapped.

  Lenox breathed in deeply through her nose and held the breath for several seconds before exhaling slowly through her mouth. She repeated the technique several times.

  Just like he showed you. Nice and easy, in through the mouth. Hold. And out through the nose.

  Delgado's grating voice split the forced meditative silence in her head and she felt the rage return, doubling in intensity.