Page 22 of Vices and Vows
“Don’t need much, Vice. Just the basics and a carton or two of smokes. I’m a simple guy.”
“And that’s why I haven’t killed you.” I stand up and tap the table, heading off to the phones.
I stand in line, waiting for one to free up, my mind going to who might be coming to see me later. I’m still drawing a blank, but maybe one of my guys is trying to send me some information. When the guy in front of me is done, I move over to the phone and dial, waiting for the call to connect.
“Hey, Vice. I wasn’t expecting a call today,” Isaac answers.
“Yeah, well, I have a visitor coming to see me. Wanted to know if you knew anything about it.”
“I haven’t heard anything. You know who it is?”
“Some woman. I won’t know who until I see her.”
“Alright, I’ll do some digging and see what I can find. Just keep your head down. We’ve missed your ugly ass around here.”
“I’ll be a fucking choirboy.”
Isaac laughs hysterically as I hang up. Fucker.
I head back to my cell, and on my way, Harry intercepts me. “You ready?”
I shrug. “I guess. I’ll admit, I’m intrigued. I still have no clue who it could be.”
“Well, stranger or not, I’m sure you’ll know her a fuck of a lot better by the time she leaves.”
“Or yeah? And why’s that?”
“Because the lady is down for a conjugal visit. And after ten years with only your hand for company, I bet you won’t give a single fuck who she is as long as she sucks dick like a pro.”
Chapter 8
Nova
“Aconjugal visit? Seriously? I thought those were made-up for movies.”
“Most things have an element of truth to them. There are four states that allow conjugal visits. Just not in federal or high-security prisons.”
“Well, considering Attica is maximum security, how the heck am I getting in for a conjugal?”
“Money and influence can buy you most things these days. And Vice gets special privileges. Plus, I can be very persuasive.”
I turn off the interstate, ignoring the cramping in my stomach.
“Don’t tell me the details. Somehow, I doubt I want to know.” I sigh.
“I’ve been doing this a long time, Nova. At this point, favors and markers are worth more than money.”
“Does Vice know I’m coming?”
“No. He knows he’s getting a visitor, but that’s it. The rest will be up to you, kiddo.”
I swallow at the pet name he rarely uses.
“Just be careful. Don’t assume, because he’s locked up, he’s not dangerous. A rabid dog will always remain rabid, whether they are confined or set free,” Alessio tells me, his voice coming smoothly through my earphones.
“I won’t underestimate him. Wish me luck.” I cut the call before he can say anything else. This was all my idea, but now that I’m here, I’m beginning to realize just how desperate it all sounds.
I park, turn the engine off, and rest my head against the steering wheel, not ready to get out just yet. The prison looks just as inviting as one might expect it to be. Nothing says welcome like iron bars and razor wire. I can just imagine telling my grandchildren where I met their grandfather.