Debra had seen much of life, and the warden''s big talk was pathetic.


    She crooked a finger at him, and he strutted in, fearless.


    Before he could get close, she grabbed his neck right at the sweet spot. One squeeze, and he''d be done.


    He froze. Guards outside moved to step in.


    "I wouldn''t," she warned. "My hand''s got a mind of its own. If he dies, you''re all screwed, right?"


    "How dare you?" the warden hissed. "In here, you''re my prisoner. Touch me, and you''re screwed."


    Unfazed, she snapped his neck with a crisp crack.


    He dropped, eyes wide in shock. The guards outside freaked.


    "She''s nuts!" one yelled, aiming at her.


    "Go ahead and shoot," she said, sitting on the bunk. "See if you live to see another day."


    She kicked the warden''s body. "You see, I can off him, and your chief won''t touch me. Mess with me, and you''re next."<fnefda> Readplete version only at Find?Novel</fnefda>


    The guards hesitated, spooked by her vibe. She wasn''t just anyone. The chief''s politeness proved it.


    But then again, a Seamar City hotshot meant squat in Orkgate. Plus, rumors of her and Marion splitting were everywhere.


    "Quit bluffing!" one guard shouted. "You''re locked up. Think you''re getting out? You can wait for the death sentence for killing the warden."


    Debra shrugged. "I''m here because I let myself be. If I didn''t want it, good luck locking me up."


    "Stop your..."


    "That''s enough," another guard interrupted, still shaken by her vibe. "His death means a promotion for us. Let''s go report this to the chief."


    Debra grinned at him. "Good call. Next warden''s you, I bet."


    Panic erupted outside. "Shit! Marion''s busting in."