"Is that an official instruction?"
Whitaker's smile disappeared.
"What?"
"Are you instructing me not to enforce regulations when Reynolds violates them?"
Whitaker stared at him.
Then he laughed.
"No. Of course not."
He stood and walked toward the window.
"Officer Carter, Blackwood is a complicated institution. There are relationships here. Understandings. Certain arrangements that keep things functioning."
Carter frowned.
"What arrangements?"
Whitaker turned.
"Don't pretend you don't understand."
Carter remained silent.
Whitaker approached the desk.
"I've been running this facility for fourteen years. I've kept this prison stable. I've prevented riots. I've protected officers. I've kept dangerous individuals under control."
He leaned forward.
"And I don't intend to let a relatively inexperienced officer jeopardize that."
Carter's expression remained professional.
"With respect, sir, if something is happening inside this facility that violates regulations, I have a responsibility to report it."
Whitaker stared at him.
Then he smiled again.
"Very admirable."
He opened another folder.
"Speaking of reports..."
He slid a document across the desk.
Carter looked down.
It was a transfer notice.
His name appeared at the top.
OFFICER DANIEL CARTER — IMMEDIATE TRANSFER TO NORTH DISTRICT FACILITY.
Carter looked up.
"What's this?"
"Administrative reassignment."
"When?"
"Effective immediately."
Carter read the document again.
"Why?"
Whitaker folded his hands.
"Operational requirements."
Carter slowly placed the document on the desk.
"Did I do something wrong?"
Whitaker smiled.
"Not necessarily."
"Then why am I being transferred?"
The warden leaned back.
"Sometimes it's better for everyone."
Carter looked at him.
For the first time, he understood.
The transfer wasn't administrative.
It was a warning.
Whitaker wanted him gone before he discovered what had happened to James Miller.
Carter stood.
"Am I required to sign this?"
"Yes."
Carter looked at the document.
Then at the warden.
"I'll review it."
Whitaker's expression hardened.
"That's not a request."
Carter nodded.
"Understood."
He turned toward the door.
Before leaving, he heard the warden speak.
"Officer Carter?"
He stopped.
Whitaker looked directly at him.
"Stay away from Reynolds."
Carter turned slightly.
"Why?"
Whitaker smiled.
"Because some people in this prison are more dangerous than you realize."
Carter answered calmly.
"Then perhaps somebody should investigate them."
He walked out.
Whitaker's smile disappeared.
CHAPTER 6 — THE MAN IN CELL BLOCK D
At 11:20 a.m., Carter entered Cell Block D.
He was carrying a clipboard.
The corridor was unusually quiet.
Several inmates stood behind their cell doors.
Others sat on their bunks.
As Carter approached the central corridor, he noticed Tank Reynolds standing beside his cell.
Tank smiled.
"Well, look who it is."
Carter stopped.
"Reynolds."
Tank leaned against the bars.
"I heard you're leaving."
Carter looked at him.
"Who told you?"
"People talk."
"Then people should find something better to do."
Tank laughed.
"You still don't understand."
"Explain it to me."
Tank stepped closer to the bars.
"This place doesn't reward people who ask questions."
Carter looked directly at him.
"Maybe that's why nobody asks them."
Tank's smile faded.
He looked toward the end of the corridor.
Then he lowered his voice.
"You know what happened to Miller?"
Carter's expression changed.
"Do you?"
Tank smiled.
"Maybe."
Carter stepped closer.
"What happened?"
Tank looked around.
Then whispered:
"He wasn't transferred."
Carter's heart began beating faster.
"Then where is he?"
Tank's smile disappeared.
"That's what everybody wants to know."
Carter stared at him.
"Do you know?"
Tank looked toward the security camera.
Then back at Carter.
"Maybe I do."
Carter waited.
Tank leaned closer.
"But you're not asking the right person."
"Who should I ask?"
Tank smiled again.
"The man who owns this prison."
Carter frowned.
"Warden Whitaker?"
Tank shook his head.
"No."
He leaned closer.
"Me."
Carter looked at him.
For a moment, he didn't understand.
Then Tank continued.
"You think Whitaker runs this place?"
He laughed quietly.