"Gavin, you’ve got to stop pacing. You’re making me nervous," Anna said, leaning against the cold concrete wall of the cell. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, she watched him stride back and forth, his boots scuffing against the floor. The dim light from the single bulb overhead flickered, casting shadows that seemed to stretch and shrink with his movements.

They’d been cellmates for three weeks now, ever since Anna was transferred to this block. Gavin, with his broad shoulders and a face that looked like it had seen too many fights, was the kind of guy who kept to himself. Anna, on the other hand, had a sharp tongue and a way of holding herself that made it clear she wasn’t afraid of much. Her dark hair was pulled into a messy bun, strands escaping to frame her angular face. Her uniform hung loosely on her slender frame, but the way she carried herself made it impossible to ignore her presence.

Gavin stopped pacing and turned to her, his jaw tight. "You think I like being stuck in here with you?" he snapped, his voice low but edged with frustration. Anna raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. Before she could retort, the sound of keys jangling echoed down the hallway, and they both froze. Someone was coming.