Page 40 of Birdy

The damn thing is burning against my thigh, curiosity spinning my mind out of control. But it’s not until I’ve gone through all the motions of clocking out and I make it into the privacy of my car that I pull it free and unball it.

I meant what I said.

If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m not a snitch.

Plus, you’re not like the rest of them.

You owe me tho…

I think I read it three times, maybe even more. She’s got such pretty handwriting—this elegant wispy sort of script that just flows. Matches her perfectly. Blowing out a breath, I throw my head back into the seat and stare up at the dark cloth roof.

Yeah... I’m. So. Fucked.

?Yikes - Nicki Minaj

It’s been almosta week since I gave Andrés that kite, and I haven’t gotten a reply. Was I expecting one? Yes, a part of me was. The others can’t believe I was stupid enough to give him a note in the first place. I mean, really, what was I thinking? So, while sulking in the disappointment of his silence—hell, he’s barely even looked at me since—I’ve also been tearing myself apart about slipping up. I could get into a shit-ton of trouble if he were to rat me out. I don’t actually think he would, but then again, what do I really know about him? Just because we exchanged a few words on top of several heated looks doesn’t mean he wouldn’t protect himself and his position before anything else.

Me especially.

I’m nothing to him.

“So did you hear about Kovitz?” Mari asks quietly, pulling me out of my head.

My vision refocuses on the pile of uniforms in front of me, then on her form beside me. She’s much closer than she was minutes ago, her dark stare scanning the doorway to make sure Birks isn’t listening in.

Folding the uniform top in my hands in half, I flick my gaze that way as well. “What about her? She’s out of medical, right?”

“Yup got out on Friday. She’s already making moves, though…”

It’s not so much the statement itself that gets me, but more how she says it. “What exactly does ‘making moves’ cover? Shehasto make moves if she wants her shit to keep moving through here smoothly and undetected.”

Mari hums, but it’s not in complete agreement, placing another pair of pants with its matching top and specifically numbered bag. “Word through the grapevine is her movesarewhat she’s making moves on. After what happened last week, she’s trying to change things up.”

Freezing in place, I mentally repeat what she’s just said and allow myself to absorb it. Nah...there’s no way.Koko can’t be that stupid.“Explain. How do you know this?”

“Quinn. I guess Koko’s mom sent her some money, and she was able to get a beauty day penciled in over the weekend. I’m also guessing she didn’t know Quinn was in beauty that day ‘cause she spilled the beans to Jahna without any reservations.”

Interesting.Jahna’s D Block, but she’s cool people—a lifer with mad hair skills. She gets on with pretty much everyone.“And what exactly is she planning to do?”

“One of the CO’s in D Block is dirty as fuck. Ryker’s his last name, I think. Anyway, Franca’sbeenfucking him for months already. Her pussy must be gold ‘cause, apparently, he volunteered to help their efforts.”

Oh yeah, I’ve heard of Ryker. He’s fuckedlotsof the girls here. Some by choice, others not so much… How he still has a job, I’m not too sure. Given how Franca’s mind works, it doesn’t surprise me her crazy ass is giving him access to her pussy.

What I am surprised about is that—as it would turn out—Kokoisthat stupid.

I already know the answer to my next question, but I put it out there for Mari to confirm. “I’m assuming this new mule means she’s breaking off with another partner, correct?”

Mari nods and reaches for another garment. “Bingo.”

I almost shake my head. Damn shame, this is what it’s come to.

All right, Kovitz. I got you.

“Ladies,” Birks's voice booms into the laundry room, halting us all in place. “Start wrapping up. You’ve got five minutes until pick-up.”

When his big-ass frame returns to the hallway, and the rest of the girls start scrambling about to finish up the loads, I turn back to Mari. “I’m not gonna say a word to her about it.”

Her dark browns widen. “You’re not?”

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