Page 90 of Shadowman
I know. I’ll alert the Zagat.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing either him, or C.O. Chevelle, or maybe some other Officer man-candy, because so far, they’re all unreasonably good looking.
Could that be the draw? Worst prison in the world, but the guards are so hot it doesn’t matter?
The clomping ends up belonging to someone else—also not ugly, thus proving my point. Equally large—as seems to be the standard—but not dressed in the same uniform that Officers Chevelle and Peters were wearing. This man is in simple black garb, yet still properly tailored. He has a bronze complexion and light hair… A stern face with a no-nonsense air about him.
Either this is a requirement of working here, or working here makes them all like this.
Regardless, I’m not paying much attention to the man, because I’m distracted by what he’s carrying—a giant fruit basket. And I meangiant.
It’s the size of a Buick.
“What’s this now?” I huff as he struggles to get it inside my cell without dropping it.
“A gift,” the man rumbles on a breath. “From The Ivory.”
I feel a sparkle in my gaze, and a timid smile pulling at my lips. “Well, isn’t that sweet…”
Advantage: Blanco.
Dr. Love never gave me a giant basket of treats.
“Enjoy,” the man says, with dead eyes and a blank tone, as if he doesn’t care whether I enjoy it or not. “My name is Kent, by the way. I work directly for Mr. Blanco, so if you need anything, send for me.”
My brow cocks. “How? Via carrier pigeon?? How am I supposed to contact you?”
He gives me an emotionless stare, and I simply exhale.
“Thank you. Much appreciated, Kent. Can I have some liquor?”
“No.”
“Cigarettes?”
“No.”
“A cellphone?”
“Hellno.”
My jaw tics. “Well, whatcanyou give me that isn’t in this Moby-Dick-sized basket??”
He actually thinks about it for a moment before ultimately mumbling, “I’ll get back to you.”
And then he leaves.
Ah, sod it. At least I have this beautiful gift from my good pal Manuel Blanco to entertain me.
Andentertain, it does. The basket is chock-full of delicacies. Mostly food, various fruits and chocolates, gourmet cheeses, crackers, and olives. There are even two small cans of some sparkling soda-like drink.Non-alcoholic, of course.But once I get through the edible layer, I find things that allude to this basket being custom-built.
There are toiletries, like soaps and lotions, toothpaste and a toothbrush—thankfully, because I was beginning to wonder…
And then I notice some bottles of nail polish. Dark colors, black, red, blue, purple, but without any of the other mani-pedi accoutrements that would make it like a bridal shower or Mother’s Day gift.
Understandably… They’re obviously not going to give me anything sharp.
I do find some pens, though no paper, which is frustrating. But then I stop in my tracks, eyes lighting up when I reach somethingamazing.
