The raddled old woman had disappeared to the back of her cell. The mad woman lay on the floor, gasping and wheezing for breath.
I straightened my torn jacket, ran my fingers through my hair. I felt like hell.
Edna came down the gallery.
“I told you to scram, didn’t I ?” she said bitingly. “All right, wise guy, you’re going before the Warden.”
I backed away, my eyes darting to the cell next to the mad woman’s. I could see a woman lying on the cot; a woman with honey-coloured hair. My heart lurched. I knew who that was.
“Don’t get mad,” I said in a croaking voice. “I didn’t mean any harm. I wanted to see what this cuckoo looked like.”
Edna smiled spitefully. “Well, you’ve seen her. I’ve a mind to stick you in with her and let her
work on you. Come on, you rat, you’re finished here. The Warden will fire you out.”
I knew then it was Edna or me. I eyed her small body over. She looked capable, but I was sure I could handle her. I had to get my hands on her throat before she could raise the alarm.
I slouched towards her, looking crestfallen, sullen.