Blood and Sympathy by Lori L. Clark

scared as a rabbit.
    Mentally, I've started
that bucket list. I'm too embarrassed to write it down just yet, in case one of
these assholes around here were to get a hold of it and laugh at all the things
I've never been able to do before.
    We will have to share
our stories about Devil's Fork Lake. Maybe you know a few that I don't, and I
bet I have one or two that you've never heard. You're not afraid of the dark,
are you? I didn't used to be, but the nights here are the worst. Hearing the
newest inmates cry at night twists my gut. I was once in their shoes and I know
how it feels. It's got to be the worst feeling in the world. I don't remember
exactly where it is, but my brother and I used to hide out in a cave around
there somewhere. 
    I hope you liked the
music box. I had a hard time picking out a design, but my shop teacher told me
that Claire means clear and bright, and I figured the sun was something a
person sees when there aren't any clouds in the sky. The song sort of went
along with it naturally. If you don't like it, it's okay. I can make you
something else later.
    I'd be honored to hold
your hand while you get your tattoo.
    Counting down the days
until I see your pretty smile.
    Braden
    I walked down to the lobby and put my letter to
Claire in the outgoing mail basket. There was a signup sheet on the counter for
volunteers needed to help build a shelter at one of the local parks in May.
Doing that was always hard work, and depending on which guards they sent along,
most of the time they made sure you didn't have any time to fuck off. Most of
the guys put in for it so they could have a change of scenery. I scanned the
names and was surprised to see Brogan on the list.
    When I got back to my room, Brogan was leaning
against the wall watching me. I pushed through the door, trying my best to
ignore him. I didn't want any trouble, and sure as shit, that's exactly what he
had in mind.
    "Since when did you get to be too important
to talk to your brother?" he asked.
    Since you became such a prick , I wanted to
say. I swallowed the smart-assed comment. "What do you want, Brogan?"
    He followed me inside, his eyes darting around the
small space before coming to rest on my letters from Claire. I reached for them,
but I wasn't fast enough. He snatched them away from me and grinned.
"Damn, these smell good enough to eat."
    "Give 'em back," I said through clenched
teeth.
    "Claire Copeland. Claire Copeland. Why's that
name sound so familiar?" He scratched the back of his head and thought for
a minute. All of a sudden, realization lit up his face and he started laughing.
"Bro, you better wake up and smell the fucking coffee. First off, even if
she were to look twice at your pathetic ass, her daddy would have your hide if
you came within a hundred yards of her."
    I squeezed my eyes shut and pinched the bridge of
my nose. "It's not like that. Claire and I are just writing letters back
and forth."
    "That right? I heard there was some hot chick
up here visiting you. I told the boys they had to be mistaken. No hot chic could
possibly want anything to do with the likes of you."
    "Brogan, give the letters back, and leave. I
don't need you starting any of your shit." I held out my hand, hoping he'd
just give me the letters and go without causing trouble.
    "Brogan!" the guard's voice roared.
    Brogan's attention shot toward the hallway where
one of the guards stood with his hands on his hips, giving him a death glare.
"I was just leaving," he mumbled.
    He started out of the room, and I said,
"Brogan? The letters?"
    He opened his mouth but quickly snapped it shut
before tossing the envelopes onto my bed and going.
    I let loose a shuddering breath and collapsed on
the mattress as soon as they were out of sight. I hated him knowing anything
about my life, and I couldn't wait to get as far from him as possible. I didn't
trust him any further than I could throw him.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
    Claire
Copeland
     
    In the weeks following my visit with