He clutched his bag of belongings to his chest, shot Ollie a glance, then followed the guard up two sets of stairs. Sebastian didn’t turn to him, he continued to look down on the wing, but as Rory passed behind him, he saw his back tense, and his biceps bulge as he flexed them.

“Cell 82.”

The guard gestured Rory inside. He stepped in, looked at the bunk bed, the small basin and toilet, and the shabby looking cabinet. He glanced at both beds, both made, both crease free. Rory’s heart thumped harder. He didn’t know which bed was meant for him. He looked to the guard for help, but he’d gone.

“Shit.”

Rory turned back to the beds, hoping to find some evidence of which one his cellmate slept in. There were no pictures tacked to the walls, or hairs on the pillow, Rory was clueless.

“You’re on the top one.”

Rory jumped forward at the voice and hugged the bag to his chest. He knew Sebastian was behind him and had filled the doorway with his bulk.

“Bit jumpy aren’t you.”

Rory turned around and faked a light laugh. “I didn’t know you were there.”

Sebastian’s arms were crossed. His tight T-shirt stretched over his pronounced pectorals, and his biceps rounded. “You should always know where I am…”

“What?”

He took a step closer, and Rory backed away fast until his back met the wall.

“I’m everywhere … don’t forget that.”

“I won’t.”

“Good, what’s your name?”

“Rory Price.”

“How long are you in for?”

“Eight years.”

Sebastian snorted, then bobbed his head. “I’m in for sixteen, but I’m coming to the end of my sentence.”

Rory already knew, that was why he was there. He had to uncover Sebastian’s future plans, stop them before they could even take form.

“That must be a nice feeling.”

“Isn’t it just…”

Sebastian stared until Rory looked away. He put his bag on the top bunk and started sorting through his clothes.

“You find it hard to look me in the eye.”

Rory paused. “No, I don’t—

“Really? Look at me now then.”

Rory looked at Sebastian’s intense eyes. They didn’t blink, the blue was like ice, and Rory withheld a shudder. Looking Sebastian Claw in the eyes filled him with unease, and he glanced away, then cursed under his breath.

“I’ll find out why…”

“Why what?” Rory whispered.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “Why you find it hard to look at me.”

He left the cell, and Rory slumped forward, and pressed his forehead into the mattress. He had to befriend Sebastian, not get on his bad side, the mission relied on him striking a bond with the criminal, but their first exchange had been anything but friendly.

Rory looked up at the sound of a knock.