CHAPTER 127

CARMEN

“Cartier!”

I flinched when I heard my last name being called by the prison guard as she stopped in front of the cell I shared with two other women – Reese and Naomi.

She chewed her gum aggressively, using her baton to hit the cell bars, as she watched me so intently that I almost started to dig a hole to hide myself in.

“You have been here for a while now, Carmen. It’s time you took the bull by the horns. Don’t let people like her intimidate you,” Naomi said, giving me an encouraging pat on the back to approach the prison guard and ask her what her deal was and why she was calling me.

“What…what’s the matter?” I questioned, looking down at my feet to avoid making eye contact with the woman.

“Are you ready for your board hearing today?” she asked me, leaning against the bars with folded arms.

“I think so,” I said with a nod.

“Well, then.” She sighed and took out the key to the bars, opening it for me to step out.

“Good luck, Carmen! I’ve had two board hearings so far that have n