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"Malakai West," Beau replied, his Southern accent thick.
The officer's fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before she looked up. "What's your relation with the inmate?"
Beau smiled at her, shaking his head. "I'm his cousin," he lied.
The officer squinted at him, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she was trying to piece together how a biracial man who looked fully black could possibly be related to a white guy like Beau. After a brief pause, she nodded slowly. "Alright... right this way."
Beau followed her, his boots tapping softly against the cold floor. Soon, they stopped in a small room where Beau was instructed to strip down for a search. After the search, the officer handed back his clothes and gestured for him to follow.
"Follow me, sir."
They walked down a long hallway before the officer stopped again, turning to face Beau.
"No physical contact with the inmate at all times. Also, if you're suspected of any suspicious activity, we will ask you to leave the premises."
Beau nodded, his expression calm. "Yes, ma'am."
A buzzing sound filled the air as the door to the visitation room began to open.
Beau stepped inside, his eyes immediately locking onto Malakai Westβa biracial man with a buzz cut and outgrown facial hair, dressed in an orange jumpsuit.
Malakai sat at a small metal table, his eyes narrowing as Beau approached.
Beau took a seat across from him, leaning back in the uncomfortable chair. "Hello, Malakai."
Malakai squinted, suspiciously. "Who the fuck are you, and why did you ask to see me?"
A slow smile spread across Beau's face. "The name's Beau Buckley."
Malakai's brow furrowed. "And?"
Beau leaned in slightly. "My son's name is Wyatt Buckley, and I believe he's dating your ex-girlfriend, Milia Zorell."
Malakai's eyes flashed with recognition, a small smile curling his lips. "Ah... let me guess, you're here to ridicule me about my abusive behavior towards your daughter-in-law?"
Beau chuckled softly. "No, I'm here to agree with you."
That caught Malakai off guard. He blinked, leaning back in his seat. "Agree with me?"
"You see," Beau began, his voice lowering, "I understand why you beat the shit out of that little bitch. She's got a nasty, nasty attitude towards people."
Malakai nodded, chains clinking as he sat up straighter. "Damn, see? I'm not the only one who sees it. That's what I've been telling these motherfuckers! That bitch is devious, and she says things that just make you want to choke her out."
Beau laughed, a deep, evil sound. "Trust me, I've seen it firsthand, and God, I just wanted to wrap my hands around her neck and squeeze the life out of her."
Their shared hatred for Milia brought a wicked grin to Malakai's face, and he laughed along with Beau. The two men, strangers moments ago, found common ground in their mutual loathing.
Beau leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "What if I told you I could get you out of here?"
Malakai's laughter stopped immediately. His eyes darted around the room before he leaned in closer. "I'd love to get the fuck out of here, but what's in it for you?"
Beau's smile widened, "You get the opportunity to go out and kill the bitch who's the reason you're in here in the first place."
Malakai's eyes widened in surprise before a grin stretched across his face. "Now that's what I'm talking about! It would be a fucking honor!"
They reached across the table to shake hands, but the guard's sharp voice cut through the room. "No touching!"
They pulled away quickly, but the excitement still crackled in the air.
Malakai's excitement was clear as he leaned back, a hint of hope in his eyes.
"So, tell me... how are you planning on getting me out of this shithole?"