Roland grabbed the cell bars and shook them to wake Boo Boo.

Capt. Jones didn’t show up for his shift today.

Boo Boo started laughing before he opened his eyes.

I heard the guards talking, Roland said.

Tell me Jones is down with the bad bug.

No, the warden put him on administrative leave for tazing some looter in the supermarket.

Police brutality never sleeps.

No, no, this looter was white and wasn’t even looting.

Boo Boo slid off the top bunk.

Did Betsy jump in his shit yet about our note?

Guards saying Jones told them somebody’s blackmailing him, telling people he got the virus.

We’re black. Getting our note is like getting mail. Looks like blackmail to me.

Both men fell out, bending at the waist laughing so hard Roland started coughing.

Boo Boo stepped back.

Wonder if Betsy thinks she got the bug, he said.

Roland wiped his mouth with his hand and wiped his hand on his arm.

Don’t know, man. I see her for counseling this afternoon. If she’s here guess not if she’s off sick maybe. Wonder if she got tested.

Ask her for a kiss.

No way, brother, she might give me one.

Hey, knock it off up there.

How you feeling, Lt. Smith?

Why?

Your face is all red. Looks like your head’s gonna explode. You got a fever? I’d get checked if I was you.

Roland pointed to the stairs.

Here comes Miller.

Morning, Sgt. Miller. Anything good on TV this morning? Wonder what Whoopi’s gonna say about the infection. Think this will get worse than the plague? Wonder if you can get them New York germs from just looking at them women on the TV. You didn’t touch the remote lately, did you?

Boo Boo backed into his cell.

I don’t feel good.

Boo Boo started coughing.

C’mon, man, don’t be hacking that shit on me.

Boo Boo kept coughing.

I can’t breathe, man.