Chapter 37

"Welcome, Warden Pope," Dr. Ava says, her voice filled with warmth. "Max is stable now. We have successfully stitched his wound, and he is resting comfortably."

Warden Pope's face relaxes, a sense of relief washing over him. "Thank you, Dr. Ava," he says sincerely. "I appreciate your swift action in providing the necessary medical care for Max."

Dr. Ava's expression turns serious as she addresses the financial aspect of Max's treatment. "Warden Pope, I have a concern regarding Max's medical fees," she says, her voice tinged with a hint of worry.

Warden Pope furrows his brow, his attention fully focused on Dr. Ava. "What is it, Dr. Ava?" he asks, curious to understand the issue at hand.

Dr. Ava takes a deep breath, her gaze unwavering. "I wanted to inquire about who will be responsible for covering Max's medical expenses," she says, her tone filled with genuine concern.

"Don't worry, Ava," Warden Pope assures her, his voice filled with a sense of reassurance. "Since it's an injury that occurred within the prison, I will be covering the cost."

Dr. Ava's eyes widen slightly, a mix of gratitude and relief washing over her. She understands the financial implications of medical expenses and appreciates Warden Pope's willingness to alleviate that burden.

"That will be good, Warden Pope," she responds, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you for taking care of it."

Warden Pope nods, acknowledging Dr. Ava's appreciation. "It's my responsibility to ensure the well-being of the inmates," he states firmly. "Covering the medical expenses is part of that duty."

Dr. Ava's expression softens, recognizing Warden Pope's commitment to the welfare of those within his jurisdiction. "I appreciate your support, Warden," she says sincerely. "Your dedication to the inmates' care is commendable."

"Okay, Jack, bring them to the interrogation room," Warden Pope commands, his voice firm. He understands the need to gather information and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Jack, fully aware of the gravity of the situation, nods in acknowledgment. "Understood, Warden," he replies, his voice steady. He knows that the interrogation room is the designated space for extracting the truth and uncovering the motives behind the incident.

As Jack prepares to escort the inmates, he pauses, considering Warden Pope's mention of Chao. "Should I bring in Chao with them?" he asks, seeking clarification.

Warden Pope shakes his head, his expression determined. "No need to bring in Chao at this moment," he answers decisively.

Jack nods in understanding. "Understood, Warden," he repeats, his voice resolute. He knows that the interrogation process will provide valuable insights, and the investigation will shed light on the events leading up to Max's injury.

With a final nod, Warden Pope and Jack exchange a brief moment of shared determination before proceeding with their respective duties.

"Warden Pope, sir," Ramirez addresses him respectfully. "How did the searching of the prisoners' cells go?"

Warden Pope turns his attention to Ramirez, his gaze expectant. "Well, Ramirez, did you find any hidden weapons or contraband?"

Ramirez stands tall, his expression displaying a mix of confidence and professionalism. "Everything went well, sir," he reports. "No hidden weapons or contraband were found in the cells."

A sense of relief washes over Warden Pope as he hears Ramirez's words. Maintaining a secure and weapon-free environment is crucial within the prison walls, and the successful search provides a sense of reassurance.

"Good job, Ramirez," Warden Pope commends, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Your diligence and thoroughness are commendable."

Ramirez's face lights up with a brief smile, appreciating the recognition of his efforts. "Thank you, sir," he replies, his tone filled with gratitude.

Warden Pope nods, acknowledging Ramirez's dedication. "You may now go," he states, granting permission for Ramirez to continue with his assigned duties.

Kai, Anthena, and the other inmate are given permission to return to the yard, knowing that Max is in safe hands. As they make their way back, a sense of relief washes over them, but their thoughts remain with Max and his courageous act.

Meanwhile, as they walk, Anthena eyes meet Dr. Ava's gaze from across the corridor. There is a moment of connection, a silent understanding passing between them. Anthena can't help but be drawn to Dr. Ava's compassion and dedication to her work.

Dr. Ava, too, finds herself captivated by Anthena strength and resilience amidst the chaos of prison life. His actions during the incident, his unwavering loyalty to Kai and Max, leave an impression on her.

Caught in this brief moment of connection, their paths intersect in unexpected ways. Anthena curiosity and admiration for Dr. Ava grow, while Dr. Ava finds herself intrigued by Anthena enigmatic presence.

Chao's voice carries a mixture of concern and frustration as he addresses the situation at hand. He calls out to his trusted ally, his voice filled with an urgency that reflects the gravity of the situation.

Confusion and worry cloud Chao's mind as he processes the news that two of his gang members have been apprehended. He ponders the implications of their capture, aware that it could potentially lead to the exposure of his involvement in the events that unfolded.

In response to Chao's question, the answer resonates with a sense of betrayal. Officer Jack, a figure of authority within the prison, is the one responsible for apprehending the gang members. Chao's frustration grows, realizing that his carefully laid plans may be in jeopardy.

Yet, Chao's confidence remains unshaken as he reassures himself. He firmly believes that his loyal gang members will stay true to their pact of silence, ensuring that his name remains concealed from the authorities. The trust he has cultivated with his followers serves as a shield against potential threats to his dominance within the prison walls.

Taking a deep breath, Chao steadies himself, resolving to navigate the unfolding situation with cunning and resilience. He understands the importance of maintaining control and staying one step ahead of his adversaries.

"No matter what," Chao murmurs, his voice filled with conviction, "they won't mention my name." He reinforces his belief in the loyalty and allegiance of his gang members, relying on their unwavering commitment to protect him and the clandestine operations they carry out.