Brown-Eyed Boy novel Chapter 4

"Is your wife also living with them?" I asked curiously

"She was, but..." He paused for a little while and I had my answer. His pained expression spoke more than words could.

"I apologize for prying." I couldn't convey my remorse adequately.

He nodded his head but didn't say a thing. Once again we were engulfed in silence.

That's when it hit me that we hadn't exchanged names.

"Sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier, my name is Liam Anderson." I stretched my hand out for him to shake, and he did, gladly.

"Mathew Johnson," he replied warmly.

"It's nice to meet you, Mathew," I informed. "I very much prefer you for a roommate." He smiled and laid down on his back.

I exhaled. A deep satisfying exhale.

"We will get along just fine," Mathew murmured.

DANIEL POV

I rubbed my tense fingers and eyed the ton of paperwork laying on my desk. I have been working on the parole forms since morning and I still have a sizable amount pending. After my earlier confrontation with Kane, I have seen the fellow roaming around hallways just putting on an act for me. More than ever I am determined to unmask him.

I talked out my plan with Gianna and as always, she was willing and ready to help. She has proven to be hardworking, dedicated, and loyal to me for the eight years I have known her. We do fight sometimes, a boss-friend relationship can be tricky, but we always stick with each other.

I would have made her my supervisor but Kane had far more qualifications and experience which was hard to overlook. I am sure that once we are done unmasking him, the position will hopefully be filled by Gianna.

Glancing at my watch I realize it's almost five pm, which means the inmates would be getting ready for dinner. It's usually served between half-past five to seven pm.

My excuse for going down to the cafeteria is my monthly check-up routine, but in reality I am just hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

Relations between inmates and guards are prohibited in all our contracts. A vibration in my pocket distracted me enough to move my eyes from him. I walked towards the exit leisurely, fetching my phone from the pocket.

I was almost by the door, when I made eye contact with Gianna. She seemed alarmed. Her whole face screamed disapproval. I quickened my pace, cursing my impulses.

Seeing him didn't dampen my interest as I hoped. If anything it fueled it.

Once I was alone in the hallway, I opened the message which was from Gianna. Be careful, it read.

Gianna had caught on fast, not that I was surprised. She has known me for long, inside and outside work.

I hurried back to my office with one thought in mind. I grabbed Liam's file, and once again went through it. His mug shot which was attached to his file, didn't do him any justice. He was stunningly beautiful in person.

With the kind of thoughts I am having about him, it would be hypocritical of me to point this out, but the blatant stares he was getting at the cafeteria, just showed how most wanted a piece of him. Including me.