The Warden of The Witches

Chapter 52:

Drug-Sniffing Dog

"Am I inspecting items for the prison?" Veronica stood outside the infirmary, pointing at herself with a puzzled expression.

"Yes, the items brought into the prison today will undergo a concentrated inspection in the evening and then be handed over to the inmates at night. It's almost time, and I hope you can help check them," Aiden nodded.

In prison, inmates also receive items from the outside—mostly brought by their family members, some are self-purchased, and a small portion donated from external sources.

According to regulations, all items must undergo inspection by prison guards. Items that don't meet the prison relief requirements won't reach the inmates hand.

Veronica who was assigned to surveillance and the riot squad, was handling this inspection task for the first time.

"Understood," Veronica responded, then asked, "Is it because there aren't enough people for the inspection?"

"No, there are enough staff for the inspection. I just want you to conduct an additional check.

Someone in the core area is spreading drugs, and it's not a small-scale operation. I suspect that the personnel conducting the inspections may be involved.

Initially, I planned to investigate it myself, but I can't leave at the moment, so I'm entrusting this to you," Aiden said in a hushed tone, leaning closer to Veronica's ear. "I trust you."

"Got it. But sir, forgive me for being blunt. I'm just a newcomer. Do you really trust me this much?"

Veronica, having spent several years at the police station, had some understanding of workplace dynamics.

For leaders in high positions, internal investigations are usually entrusted only to trusted individuals, commonly referred to as... confidants.

"I don't need trustworty worker, I just need someone who is professional. You approach your work with seriousness, and I can see that.

You'll carry out your responsibilities diligently—that's my judgment," Aiden responded calmly, handing her a signed note. "I've already signed this. Go ahead!"

The prison operates on order and rules, and as long as the prison guards fulfill their duties within the rules, the prison's management structure will runs smoothly.

In Aiden's view, a good subordinate is someone who simply fulfills their responsibilities well. whether they respect or dislike him is irrelevant.

He doesn't need to cultivate trustworty confidant, he just needs subordinates who doesn't become a thorn in His side.

Veronica didn't respond, she just saluted Aiden and headed to her designated post.

Upon reaching the room for inspecting the items, she noticed a somewhat familiar face.

"Newcomer?" Megan, the Veteran prison guard turned to face her, with hands behind her back. "What are you doing here?"

She was directing two younger guards in moving stacks of bundled blankets onto a cart.

"The warden asked me to inspect items brought into the prison." Veronica waved the note signed by Aiden.

"Normally, they don't assign this task to newcomers," Megan said with a hidden meaning. "Looks like you've managed to please the boss."

Veronica had heard from other guards that positions in the prison were divided into those with "perks" and those without.

Managing the workshop where inmates worked was a lucrative position, and some guards would manipulate internal affairs to line their pockets with some of the workshop's benefits.

Apart from that, inspecting incoming items was also a lucrative assignment. Sometimes, those in this position had the opportunity to receive bribes from inmates or their families.

Therefore, some experienced guards who understood these dynamics tended to be particularly eager for such assignments and rarely handed the opportunities to newcomers.

"The warden ordered me to do a recheck," Veronica responded straightforwardly.

"What does that mean?" Megan furrowed her brow.

"Literal meaning: I need to reinspect the items here," Veronica explained plainly.

"No need; I've already checked most of the stuff here," Megan replied lazily. "How about this: send out what's been inspected, and you can take your time with the rest."

"The warden's order is for a complete recheck, all of it, again!" Veronica emphasized expressionlessly.

"Look, you're just running errands for the warden. Don't let the position get to your head, a newcomer trying to throw their weight around?" Megan shot her a disdainful look.

"You're the one throwing your weight around. The warden ordered a recheck, and now you're making decisions here?" Veronica argued logically.

"Alright, alright, no need for this! Normally, one check is enough. Why bother checking twice?" Megan impatiently waved her hand, signaling the other two to take the cart away, completely dismissing the newcomer.

However, just as the two young guards were about to follow the order and push the cart out, Veronica suddenly stepped forward, blocking the doorway. Simultaneously, she raised her fist and slammed it hard against the door, creating a loud crack that fractured the thick wooden panel.

This thunderous sound left Megan and the two young guards frozen in place.

"I'd like to see who dares to take anything out through this door!" Veronica stared intently at everyone present.

Her naturally stern face carried an intimidating presence, enhanced by the force she exerted in cracking the door, instantly silencing the room.

The two young guards didn't move, after all, none of them had the confidence that their bodies were sturdier than the door panel.

Megan also felt a bit cornered, she hadn't expected the newcomer to be this assertive.

"Oh, young people, don't be so impulsive. It makes everyone uncomfortable..." She softened her tone, attempting to smooth things over.

Unfortunately, Veronica wasn't having it. "It's uncomfortable for you, not for me. Besides, you brought this upon yourself."

Megan felt a twitch at the corner of her eye but managed to maintain composure. "I mean, with so much stuff, if you recheck everything, when will you finish? It's just not practical."

"Don't worry; I'm more efficient than you guys." Veronica approached, pushed Megan aside, and began inspecting the blankets on the cart.

She was well aware that Aiden had specifically chosen her for this task for a fundamental reason.

She knew that items hidden within blankets were the most likely to be overlooked. Sometimes, guards had to open them up, flip through the cotton inside, and then resew the blankets.

However, Veronica only casually flipped through the top layers of blankets, moving them aside.

But when she reached the bottom beddings, her movements paused.

Then, she brought her face closer and sniffed carefully.

"Leave this one, take the rest," Veronica said sternly, pointing at the last blanket.

Megan's face gradually lost color.

Before she could react, with a rip, Veronica had torn open the outer fabric of the blanket.

"There it is." After searching through the cotton inside, Veronica spoke in a low voice.

In the clump of cotton, several yellow paper packets emerged.

The heightened sense of smell inherent to pureblood werewolves told Veronica that these packets contained drugs that strictly controlled outside the prison.

"Now, what explanation do you have for this, madam?" She stared fiercely at Megan.