The Omega Team: Death Sentence (Kindle Worlds Novella) Read online

  She tried to smile but couldn’t. “What you did was great, but it’s only one day and one inmate. Dick and Edward won’t give up. They’re like roaches. Just when you think you’ve gotten rid of them, they find another way in and you’re back to square one.”

  “That doesn’t mean you back down and let them take over. You keep at it. In fact, you stay one step ahead. With Jacqui monitoring Edward and Dick at Zephron, I can keep getting in their way without them knowing.”

  “They’ll get suspicious.”

  “Let them. No way can they prove it’s me. I’ll con them like I did today. In fact, I’ll make them turn on each other. Before this is over, they won’t know who to trust, and they sure as fuck will think twice before making a move. As a bonus, we’ll have everything recorded.”

  “To use in court.”

  “To convince a state’s attorney to prosecute. They all can’t be dirty. We need to find the ones who aren’t.”

  Hallie wasn’t sure there was such a government official. “How?”

  “The agency has contacts in the criminal justice system. Using them, we’ll know who we can trust and who to avoid. If things go perfectly, we’ll nail Dick and Edward for Kim’s murder, slap them with God knows how many other charges, and they’ll plead out so they won’t have to face a trial.”

  “And get only a few years.”

  “Not going to happen.” Chase grabbed a pizza slice. “From what I can see, they’re both looking at hard time. At most, the state’s attorney will take the death penalty off the table.”

  Hallie had never believed in state-sanctioned executions before, believing them barbaric. Since Kim’s death, she wasn’t as certain. Some people didn’t deserve to live in a civilized society. “If things go perfectly.”

  He finished his chew and nodded.

  “If they don’t?”

  “We don’t give up. We never give up.”

  Chapter Five

  Hallie understood Chase couldn’t promise success, but he’d come as close as possible. She threw her arms around him and hugged hard.

  He pressed his mouth to her ear. “What’s this for?”

  “Being you. You’re perfect…well, almost.”

  “Almost?” He dipped her, his dark eyes gleaming, his hair gliding over her cheeks as she liked. “How have I come up short?”

  “You’re still dressed.”

  They ditched their clothes faster than if the garments had caught fire. Her lust certainly flamed to an intolerable level.

  “Oh shit.” He pushed to his feet. His rigid cock swung like an erotic pendulum. “Be right back.”

  She grabbed his hairy calf. “Where are you going?”

  “To get the condoms.”

  “We won’t need any for what I have in mind.”

  He smiled faintly. “You want to neck?”

  Poor guy feared she’d deprive him. “I want to go down on you as you go down on me. Technically, that’s sixty—”

  “I know what it’s called.” He pried her fingers off his leg and flopped on the floor. “Hop on.” He patted both thighs.

  His cock pointed at his head. The position revealed his lovely sac, plump and tight to his bod. So damn masculine, she couldn’t think. Acting on carnal instinct, she turned her back to him, straddled his legs then eased down until her damp folds were above his face and his cojones were within licking distance for her. “Bon appétit.”

  “And bottoms up.”

  She laughed.

  He pulled her down and indulged.

  His first lick registered deeply within her pussy. The second and third left her throat and scalp tingling.

  Wasn’t easy to arouse him when she couldn’t rein in her own desire, but to do anything less would be selfish. She ran her tongue up his thick column and took his left ball into her mouth.

  His breath rushed out. He squirmed but kept tending her.

  She could do no less with him and enjoyed the short hairs on his nut, its salty taste, and warmth. He smelled better than anything in life: clean, musky, a million percent male. With so much to enjoy, she couldn’t control her basest needs and treated herself to a wicked smorgasbord like no other.

  Too bad they hadn’t positioned her specs and his pen to record this.

  Next time.

  For now, she fought climax and made him her priority.

  His grunts and growls filled the room. They breathed hard. Their love games became a contest. Each strove to make the other come first.

  He slipped two fingers into her sheath, tongued her clit, and explored her anus.

  She worked her digit into his tightest opening, took his cock as deep as she could, and fondled his balls.

  They exploded together and played until they went limp.

  He yawned and stretched.

  She sucked his inner thigh.

  Drowsy laughter spilled from him. “Are you giving me a hickey?”

  “It’s either that or Red Bull to keep you awake.”

  “I like this better.”

  So did she and marked him as her man. Adolescent behavior, but she couldn’t help herself. Finished, she patted the crimson stain. “Let me know when you’re ready for a second round.”

  “Give me fifteen.”

  *****

  Chase took ten, mounted Hallie in the missionary position, delayed his orgasm for a reasonable period, and fought sleep after they came. The moment she stirred, he did, too, and took her doggie style. Torn condom wrappers and their clothes littered his office floor. The place had never looked better.

  She breathed hard.

  He stroked her anus. “Next time, I’d like to try this.”

  Her head bobbed in agreement. “Give me a moment to catch my breath then have at it.”

  He’d need a cold shower and an adrenaline chaser to wake up before he’d be ready. Or something to douse her energy so he could catch up to her stamina. “How does a bath sound?”

  She twisted to look at him, her eyes bright. “Really nice.”

  They faced each other in his tub filled with warm water and shampoo bubbles. It was either that or dishwashing liquid, maybe even laundry detergent. She’d opted for the personal product.

  He propped her heels on his pecs and sucked her toes.

  She laughed. “You’re tickling me.”

  “Uh-huh.” He licked her arch.

  She thrashed and sent a frothy wave over the edge. “Crap. Sorry.”

  “No need to be.” He stroked her legs to further relax her while he gathered steam. “Mess up my bathroom and me as much as you want. I. Don’t. Mind.”

  Her arm hung limply over the side. Her lids were mere slits. “Are you always this easy to get along with?”

  “Are you asking if I have a mean side with women?”

  Her cheeks got rosier. “I’d forgotten how direct you can be.”

  “Saves time. And no, I don’t hurt women, ever. Even if one tried to harm me first, I wouldn’t raise my hand to her.”

  “What if she pulled a knife or pointed a gun or raced her car toward you to run you down?”

  Hallie kept surprising him. It wasn’t a secret she didn’t trust men easily, but he hadn’t considered her caution was this bad. “I’d dodge the blade and bullet and would dive out of striking distance before her vehicle pulverized me. Then I’d make a citizen’s arrest and would haul her ass to the nearest police station. But would I beat her up? No. Guys who do that to women are trying to manage their own turmoil. Controlling their environment, including their wives or girlfriends, calms them until they need more and more mastery of their situation, which they never achieve. Thus, their violence escalates.”

  Her face turned deep red. “How do you know so much about abusers?”

  “Met enough in the service. That field, like police work, tends to draw in men who feel inadequate and need a weapon and authority to make them think better of themselves.”

  “Like Edward and Dick.”

  “Classic examples.”
/>
  Embarrassment swept her features.

  Hardly the reaction Chase had expected. “You don’t agree with my assessment?”

  “Completely and more so. I think they’re worse than you probably do. It’s just that I…. You….”

  Chase let her flounder for a moment then kissed her toes. “It’s okay to say whatever you want. I won’t judge.” He’d die a little if she didn’t want a relationship.

  She curled her toes on his pecs. “You’re a good guy. I realize that now. And I’m trying really hard at this. Us.”

  “I know.” His heart soared. “You’re still here and fondling me with your feet.”

  Her laughter broke the tension. “Speaking of Dick and Edward.”

  “Were we?”

  “Yeah.” She brought her legs down and leaned toward him. “Patricia kinda sorta let stuff slip today while I was taking her sample.”

  “Kinda sorta?”

  Hallie told him what Patricia had said, which sounded long on attitude and short on specifics. “We’ll need more than that to nab the Terrible Two. She didn’t even give you a name.”

  “She will. I sense she wants to unload or maybe bitch. Whatever it is, she’ll tell me what’s been going on with Dick and Edward as long as I keep talking to her.”

  “Won’t she wonder why you’re repeatedly asking for urine samples?

  “I have a better way to keep her nearby. From what I’ve heard, working in the kitchen, as she does, is right up there with being in Hell, or maybe down there with it. Even in the winter, the room’s unbearably hot. Then there are the bugs and rats.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Gatekeeper won’t spring for exterminators. The kitchen staff does what they can. I’ll offer her a job working in the infirmary like Kim used to do. I’ve never replaced her.”

  “What if Patricia’s carved out a kingdom in the kitchen and doesn’t want to lose it for what you’re offering?”

  “You mean working in one of the few air-conditioned spaces in the prison, an area that’s clean, bug and rodent free, and having me for a boss? Granted, there are downsides from sickness, blood, and the long-term ill to contend with. But still, I don’t think anything she has going on in the kitchen could compete with the good parts in my space.”

  She had a point. “Great idea. You deserve a reward.” He helped her from the tub and carried her to his office.

  She clung to him and planted kisses on his neck and cheek. “Wouldn’t your bedroom be better?”

  “Rubbers are in here.” He broke out two. One to sheath himself and the other to lubricate her tightest opening. Hotter than the sun. So snug, the fit around his finger stole his breath. “You’re sure about this?”

  She snatched air and moaned it out. “Stop now and I will leave.”

  A threat he wouldn’t risk. “I won’t stop.” From the moment they’d met, they’d careened toward each other, an overpowering force drawing them together. Most would have called it lust. If this wasn’t beginning love, nothing was.

  Positioned between her legs, he guided his crown into her pink ring.

  She shifted.

  He stopped. “Doing okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m relaxing so you’ll stop feeling so guilty. You’re not hurting me.”

  And here he’d accused her of having trust issues when he had trouble believing in himself. At least with this. “Good. Here we go.”

  He entered her carefully and took his time to plow inside. At last, he reached her core. His head fell down.

  She sucked air. “Wow.”

  Her delight was the only encouragement he needed. He stroked her clit and pumped, losing himself in wonder, basking in delight.

  He and Hallie came together for what seemed a long time, and then sagged to the floor, spent.

  Still joined, they slept.

  *****

  Hallie got Patricia’s schedule from Chase, courtesy of Jacqui. Having an expert hacker on the team proved invaluable.

  Using the information, Hallie crossed paths with Patricia outside the kitchen in what appeared a random encounter. Neither spoke or made eye contact.

  Before they got too far away, Hallie called out. “Patricia, wait. I’ve been meaning to speak to you.”

  She stopped and turned, shoulders bunched, fists clenched. “About what? Wait, let me guess. You found something in my pee, and now I don’t get to go on my Caribbean vacation?”

  “Relax. Please. What I want to say has nothing to do with your urine test.” Hallie pushed her glasses up her nose and joined Patricia. “I’ve heard good things about your work in the kitchen.”

  Sweat dampened Patricia’s plump face and prison uniform. Food of unknown origin smeared her tunic and pants. “Since when?”

  “It’s a well-known fact. You do what you’re supposed to without complaint, keep the others in line, and don’t cause any trouble. I need someone like that on my team.”

  Interest sparked in Patricia’s eyes. Her stance softened with what might have been gratitude. Both emotions evaporated quickly, replaced by suspicion. She pushed back her stringy brown hair. “Since when?”

  Hallie hoped her acting skills were good enough to pull this off. “I never replaced Kim Stephenson. I need someone to keep the infirmary spotless. That means constant cleaning, changing beds, getting rid of soiled linens. Past inmates have either taken to it or they don’t want to be around blood and sickness. We have two Alzheimer’s patients, Ruth and Ynez. They’re lifers. During your shift, you’d have to feed, dress, and change them. Make sure they don’t get bedsores.” Hallie wished she could make it sound more exciting and pleasant, but as Chase had said, cutting through BS was faster. “It’s not for everyone. But there are perks. Air conditioning, no bugs or rats like in the kitchen, and during your shift you’d report to me rather than Officer Lunez.” A female guard with a shittier attitude than Patricia’s.

  She looked past Hallie, her face a mask.

  “Think about it and let me know.” Hallie pivoted.

  “I’ll do it. When do I report?”

  Curbing her excitement, Hallie faced her. “I’ll get the paperwork started. You can begin tomorrow during my shift. I arrive at eight in the morning. See you then, and thanks.”

  Patricia left.

  *****

  As Chase had promised Hallie, he played Dick and Edward off each other whenever one worked alone with him.

  This evening, he and Dick manned the bubble, the first time they were the only ones here since the treasure-hunt incident. Chase ignored the SOB. A ploy he’d used on Edward to unnerve him when they’d been together. Make him worry about the grudge Chase nursed.

  Dick grew increasingly antsy and rocked. His chair squeaked. “Isn’t it time for your break? I’ll watch things while you’re gone.”

  “I bet you will. Same as Edward? As good as Edward?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Chase focused on the monitors. “Make of it what you will. Just don’t be stupid enough to cross me again.”

  “I never did the first time.” Dick stood. “I’ve told you that for days.”

  “Then excuse me.” Chase deliberately rolled his eyes. “The snitch doesn’t exist. Neither does the phantom weapon. I must have dreamed up the whole thing.”

  “I didn’t try to make you look bad.”

  “If not you, then who did? Me?” Chase touched his chest. “Now why would I do that? I wouldn’t. One of the inmates?” He leaned forward. “They didn’t know your game was coming down, right? Or do you put out memos and use the sound system to announce what you’re planning to do? No? So who does that leave except you?”

  Dick blew out a breath, his face florid. “Don’t pin this on me. Edward knew about it, too.”

  Chase kept his peace and let those words sink in.

  Understanding crossed Dick’s features. What someone might call a lightbulb going off in his head.

  Chase drummed his fingers on the counter. “Does Edw
ard like to play games? Mess with you? You know, punking between friends, for fun?”

  Dick frowned.

  “What do you know, I don’t see you laughing.” Chase faced the monitors. “Welcome to my world.”

  “Why would Edward do that? No.” Dick paced. “Doesn’t make sense.”

  “Whether it does or doesn’t, I know if it was me, I wouldn’t be doing anymore treasure hunts for a while, making myself look paranoid and out of control for no damn good reason. I’d wait until I knew who I could trust.”

  Dick halted. “You can trust me.”

  “Yeah?” Chase stood. “Prove it.”

  “How?”

  “Give me your snitch’s name. Tell me how you settled things…if you did.”

  Dick rubbed his neck. “Edward spoke to the person. He told me he fixed things.”

  “Funny, yesterday when Edward and I worked together, he told me the same thing about you.” Chase strode to the door. “You two should get your stories straight before pawning them off on anyone else.” He left the bubble.

  *****

  Anxious for information, Hallie found it difficult to bide her time with Patricia, but had no choice. Push her and she’d never talk.

  Given Patricia’s bulk and experience in lifting heavy rice or potato sacks, she had no trouble hoisting Ruth and Ynez.

  Hallie observed closely to make certain Patricia didn’t toss them around like inanimate objects. To her surprise, Patricia proved exceedingly gentle. During their sponge baths and feedings, she sang to them, choosing popular tunes from their youth that they responded to. Their agitation and lethargy decreased.

  When Shirl found out about their new helper, she wasn’t impressed. “Way to go, Hallie, bringing a murderer in here.”

  “The victim didn’t die.”

  “She might as well have. The news stories say she’s a damn vegetable.”

  “And Patricia’s life is basically over at twenty-four. She won’t get out of here until she’s an old woman. It’s either let her rot in her cell or have her do something useful. I opted for that.”

  Shirl scrunched her nose and huffed away. Didn’t matter. Patricia worked harder than the other inmates, kept things running smoothly, and handled the hardest tasks.