Upon arrival at Barton Prison, Julian is processed and taken to a cell occupied by a prisoner named Gordon, who soon becomes his lover. However, six months later, a jealous guard sends Gordon to another wing of the prison, separating the lovers. Not to be deterred, Julian sends a message to Gordon via Lanky, another prisoner, which starts a long correspondence between them.<br><br>Through their letters, readers learn more about the two men -- their backgrounds, their secrets, their hopes and dreams. The letters reveal the story of two lovers trapped inside a prison, separated from the world outside and from each other.<br><br>But prison life is hard. There are bashings and murders. There are corrupt prison officers and violent inmates. How can Julian, who comes from an upper middle-class family and is incarcerated for an accident, hope to survive against such odds, especially when he becomes the target of a particularly corrupt and vicious screw?

Letters from the Inside

I said, “I swear to you that’s the truth. I know you’re not going to take my word over an officer’s, but that’s what happened. And now, whether you believe me or not, I’m going to be living in danger.”


“Look at him,” I said. “He wants to kill me right now. And just because I wouldn’t let him fuck me.”


Then you know what McKenny said? Fucking arsehole. He brought up your name. He said, “I thought you wouldn’t have minded a bit of cock. Weren’t you and Gordon Thompson an item?”


My eyes nearly popped all the fucking way out of my head. And that bit wasn’t acting. I was fucking furious.


“Hardly the same thing,” I said. “Gordon and I love each other. Also, he never raped me. You think just because I like men I want any cock that’s forced on me?”


He looked me up and down and told me he’d investigate. I didn’t see Phillips for the rest of the day or the next one. I thought he’d been transferred.


Chapter 14