29 Neon tubes (2/2)

”Go on, go ahead, you know the way.”

Sam scrutinized the two and was willing to be in the middle. They took her to the common room. Where else?

In the soft light of the inflamed torches, seven naked women stood crowded together. Most of them stared anxiously to the ground. Few let their eyes flit between the heavily occupied gallery and the guards in the room.

”I'm probably late.” Sam sneered in Brutus' direction. Brutus returned her gaze. No emotion could be read on his face.

”Go on, Scherenlady, take off your clothes, take a shower, you stop the traffic.”

From the upper rang echoed laughter. Brutus' joke probably met the taste of the average prison guard.

Sam folded his arms defiantly. ”No.”

Brutus laid his hand on his baton with a lithe movement. His colleague, who had applauded Sam when he had seen her naked in front of her sink, placed a hand on Brutus' forearm. ”Let it be good, the lady has just washed herself thoroughly.”

Brutus stared at Sam. ”Undress yourself.”

Sam measured him arrogantly from top to bottom. ”No.”

Brutus shrugged equably. ”What the hell, will get the men.” He turned away.