61 The Weight of Secrecy

The wardens mind spun in disarray as the impending arrival of the elusive bureaucrats loomed over him. He understood their penchant for secrecy and efficiency all too well. Thoughts raced through his mind, each one dying for attention as he grappled with the dilemma of what to do with the safe concealed within his office. The mere presence of that safe would surely raise suspicion and invite unwelcome questions. In an effort to protect Ria, the head guard urged her to return to her cell without delay. She looked at the warden, his eyes meeting hers. Soon his attention shifted to Ria who was now looking refreshed after she had been given the opportunity to use the wardens shower room. One could almost not believe that it was the same Ria that Ron had tormented. She looked like a newborn, a lady of elegance. The warden was lost in her beauty for a moment and then he regained consciousness when the head guard cleared her throat multiple times. “Snap out!” The warden jolted back