The Omega Team: Death Sentence (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Tina Donahue Page A

know she’d been responsible for the tire. Nor could she be mad at her. A shitty childhood plus too many years inside had convinced Patricia that she couldn’t trust a soul. She’d never believe anyone would come to her aid.
    With her out of the mix, Hallie had to find another inmate to help expose Dick and Edward. Weariness and discouragement overwhelmed her more than when she’d lived with a madman for a father.
    Patricia made a beeline for Ynez and Ruth.
    Watching her, Chase joined Hallie and kept his voice low. “Anyone gives you trouble, I don’t care how minor, call me immediately, understand?”
    “Nothing’s going to happen. I’ve backed off. She’s made her point.” Hallie brushed her hand against his. “You be safe, too. Call me if anything comes down.”
    “No way will those pricks mess with me. I’ll see you at lunch.”
     
    *****
     
    Dick and Edward manned their stations in the bubble.
    Chase dropped into his chair.
    Neither man glanced his way, nor did they speak to each other, their silence thick and ripe with tension.
    Fine with Chase. If he was lucky, those two would get into it with both ending up dead.
    Chase worked long enough not to arouse suspicion then left and hurried down the hall to phone Jacqui. He’d already sent a text detailing what he wanted her to do.
    She answered on the first ring. “I have Hallie on the monitor. You can chill. Nothing’s going to happen to her.”
    “Better not.”
    She made an annoyed sound. “I think I liked you better when you weren’t in love.”
    He grinned so hard his cheeks hurt. “Get used to it. This isn’t going to change.”
    “Watch out for yourself.”
    “I always do.”
    He returned to the bubble and forced himself to concentrate on his job, rather than his concern for Hallie. Every sound made him jump. Thankfully, Dick and Edward’s backs were to him and they didn’t see his agitation.
    Time dragged as it never had before. A half hour seemed like days.
    Dick stood. “Taking my break.”
    Hunched in front of his monitors, Edward made a derisive noise.
    Dick slammed the door.
    Looked like the twins had broken up. Once Chase worked his magic, one would hopefully befriend him and share secrets so he’d get critical info he could use to hang them.
    Edward slapped the counter. “Shit.”
    Chase looked over, ready to bond with him. “What’s wrong?”
    “Lunez is missing from the kitchen. Lazy bitch is probably having a smoke while the inmates stuff baloney under their shirts or spit in the food.”
    “Or worse.”
    Edward sighed loudly. “Yeah. Looks like we might have a case of food poisoning on our hands. One gang getting back at the other. Better warn your girlfriend.”
    Just what Hallie needed. Too much work heaped on top of her worry. “Did you contact Lunez? Tell her to get her ass to her post?”
    “She’s not responding.” He pushed back his chair. “Time to crack some heads.”
    “Keep your seat, I’ll go.” Chase didn’t want Edward having an excuse to beat an inmate to death. “Buzz Lunez until she answers.”
     
    *****
     
    Hallie updated patient charts. No one interrupted her, least of all Patricia.
    Whenever she needed patient medication or had a question, she went to Shirl who treated her like manure stuck to her shoe. The cruel behavior rolled off Patricia who returned to work and fawned over her charges.
    How anyone could show such empathy then switch lightning fast to combative or murderous mystified Hallie. She still wanted to believe Patricia was a good person. Deep, deep, deep inside.
    Unfortunately, the mission couldn’t wait until Patricia decided to come around. Someone else could get hurt or killed.
    The phone rang. Dick.
    Hallie grimaced. “Yes?”
    “Chase is hurt.”
    Her heart stalled.
    Dick’s voice seemed far away. “He must have planned to go to the canteen on his way back from the kitchen. Got hit on the head fucking hard near the first storeroom. He’s bleeding damn—”
    She