“Ya know … I lied before I went into prison, and I lied while I was there, and I don’t wanna lie anymore.”

The governor frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I’m done here. Sebastian’s in solitary, but his release as far as I know is still going ahead on Friday.”

“The guards saw Pauly attack first, Sebastian will still be released as planned.”

“I wanna talk to him before I go.”

The governor sighed, then shook his head. “That doesn’t sound like a good idea.”

“It was all I could think about when we were locked down, and as soon as we were allowed out of our cells, I went to the library, and I wrote Sebastian a letter.”

He lifted the folded piece of paper up for the governor to see. “Please let me give it to him.”

“He’s in solitary … I’ll go with you and open up the hatch.”

“Thank you.”

The governor gawped into space, then whispered, “Your sister.”

Rory shook his head. He couldn’t think about her.

“Is there anything else I can do for you?”

Rory nodded. “I’d like to see Ollie and Captain.”

“I can do that right now.”

He picked up the phone on his desk, and it connected immediately. “Send Oliver Linton and Benjamin Tracy to my office.”

Rory closed his eyes, and heard the governor putting the phone back in the holder.

“Can I speak to them alone?”

“I’ll wait outside.”

Rory listened to the governor getting to his feet, walking to the door, then passing through it. He released a slow breath and flexed his aching hands. It didn’t seem like much time had passed before the door opened again.

“What the hell is going on?” Ollie blurted.

Rory opened his eyes. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“As long as it’s not about you being a police officer.” Ollie snorted.

Rory didn’t answer.

“We heard Pauly tried to wind up Sebastian, tried to get him to attack you, but Sebastian saw through it.”

Rory stood up. “What Pauly said was true.”

“What?” Ollie gasped.

“I’m undercover. I was sent here to gather information on Sebastian. To unearth his plans.”

Captain leaned back against the wall and turned away, but Ollie took a step towards Rory. His eyes were searching when they connected with Rory’s, and he didn’t see disbelief, but a devastating realization.

“Take it back.” Ollie murmured.

Rory took a deep breath. “It wasn’t my intention to deceive you, I didn’t want to hurt either of you.”

“You’re not in here for eight years…” Ollie whispered.

“No.”

Ollie turned around and clutched his head. “You lied.”

“Yes.”

“I thought we were friends—”

“We are.”

“No, we’re not! Friends don’t lie like that. You—I told you about my dad.”

Rory scrunched up his face. “I know.”