On Best Behavior (C3) Read Online Free

tape the interviews.”
    “That’s not approved.” The CO placed the recorder in a box of forbidden items.
    Unable to protest, she found her words stuck in her throat.
    “Actually,” Anita butted in, slipping on her heels, “Warden Sanchez did approve that. There’s a letter in my briefcase. I could show you—” She halted when the guard held out his hand.
    “Step back. I’ll get it.”
    While Sophie zipped up her boots with trembling hands, Anita stood placidly. “It’s in the side pocket.”
    The guard scanned the letter and seemed disappointed. “It’s legit,” he said, nodding at the female CO. “Put the recorders back in their bags.” He glared at Sophie. “Those recorders better have all their working pieces when you leave, batteries included.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Follow me to the interview rooms.”
    They grabbed their briefcases and followed the officer, waiting to be buzzed through several locked doors. When they arrived at one door, the CO unlocked it and gestured for Sophie to enter. She gave Anita a jittery smile.
    “See you in a few hours,” Anita said as the door closed. She turned to accompany the officer to the next interview room.
    Sophie shivered when she heard jangling keys lock the door behind her. She placed her briefcase on the table and collapsed into a chair bolted to the cement floor. Keep it together . She forced herself to take some deep breaths.
    A few minutes later the CO unlocked the door and led in a large, imposing woman.
    Noticing the inmate’s handcuffs, she frowned. “I thought we were only interviewing minimum-security offenders?”
    He guided the woman to another chair and shrugged. He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. “This is the list Dr. Ashby gave me. Dominique volunteered for the study.”
    “Oh.” She felt her face flush when the inmate shot her a challenging stare.
    “You want me to take her away?” the CO asked.
    She paused. “No, it must’ve been my misunderstanding. I’d be happy to meet with Dominique. Does she, um, does she need to stay in cuffs?”
    “Yes. I’ll be right outside.” He departed, leaving the door ajar.
    She tried to rein in her furious blush. “Sorry about that.”
    Dominique studied her. “Huh. When I go see Dr. Ashby I don’t have to be cuffed.”
    “That’s probably because Dr. Ashby’s a psychologist for the DOC. They trust her.”
    Dominique continued staring.
    She took out some papers and hoped her smile didn’t convey her anxiety. “Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m Dr. Sophie Taylor, from DePaul University. We’re conducting a study on the effectiveness of psychotherapy in prison. Today I’ll interview you about your experiences in therapy here at Downer’s Grove. Would you be willing to read about the potential benefits and risks of the study?”
    The woman gave the slightest of nods.
    Sophie was about to slide the informed consent document across the table. But instead, making every effort to be friendly, she took a deep breath, walked over to Dominique, and placed the paper on the table in front of her. “Please look this over and sign if you agree to participate.”
    Stepping back, she waited a moment before Dominique gave her an expectant look. “Is there a problem?” Sophie asked.
    “I kind of need a pen?” the woman replied.
    “Oh!” Sophie gasped. “Uh, they confiscated my pens…Let me see if I can get one.”
    She poked her head out the door, and the CO came in to supervise the inmate as she signed the document with his pen. He then collected it and stepped outside again.
    “It looks difficult to sign with handcuffs on.” She returned to her seat.
    Dominique appeared unfazed. “I’m used to it.”
    “Are you okay with me recording this interview, as outlined in the informed consent document?” She pulled out the tape recorder.
    “Whatever.”
    Pressing the record button, Sophie realized she would be recorded too. She said a silent prayer that she