Marshall’s POV

The day started badly and only got worse.

Lockdown hit right after breakfast. Someone from Block C tried to stab a guard. We weren’t allowed out of our cells for hours. The noise of shouting, metal doors slamming, and boots running up and down the corridor made it feel like the whole prison was shaking.

Francesco sat on his bunk, quiet as always, his head leaning against the wall. I could tell he was trying to stay calm, but his jaw was tight. I could see the muscle moving just under the skin.

I paced. I always did when I was nervous. “You think someone died?” I asked....