Chapter 42: Chapter 42

Another night shift awaited him that evening. Erik took his place in front of the security monitor with resignation. He had four hours of absolute boredom ahead, then there would be lunch (or dinner? He was not really sure at that hour) in the officers’ canteen. The food was bland and depressing as the rest of the work, but at least it was one thing less to worry about. Then he would go to secure one of the armoured doors between one pod and the other.

Erik was accompanied by Bruno Martinelli, one of the older jailers. The man was extremely polite, but had a tendency to doze off in front of the monitor. Erik never knew whether to wake him or not: in doubt, when he realized that his nap has lasted for a while, he intentionally moved the chair, making some noise, or got up and opened the door, causing his colleague to jolt awake. It seemed less embarrassing than pointing out that he was asleep again.

“All right, Persson?” Martinelli asked.

”Yes, thanks, and you?”