Chapter Text
It was absurd. Unthinkable. Impossible.
And yet, it couldn't leave her head.
Enrica Pucci sighed and looked in the mirror once again. She wasn't really anxious, no, more like excited for the forthcoming meeting. It wasn't related to her current mission in the prison, it was just curiosity that made her restless. Their meeting wouldn't probably turn out in some unexpected way, but still, she had to know. Just to put her mind at ease.
Footsteps could be heard outside. Three short knocks on the heavy metallic door, that very door that was promised to safely block you away from the rest of the most savage prisons in Florida. A cold, abrupt “Come in", and it opens.
The first thing that caught Pucci's attention were short golden locks, disheveled and curled up peculiarly at the front. A bright contrast to the two guards who were pointing their rifles at the back of the cuffed woman.
The second were the eyes. Hollow, deep emerald eyes. In a clear, presice rhythm they seemed to have scanned every corner of the room before starting to study the figure in front of them.
—Good morning, take a seat, - Enrica gestured at the visitors bench. When the guards followed the woman, Pucci held up her hand to stop them.
—You must've been notified that I hold all my meetings privately.
—Of course, but she's especially-
—Please, trust me, officer. It will be alright.
The guards shared a look and decided to obey the priestess. Once the heavy door had been closed, Pucci straightened up and cleared her throat.
—My name is Enrica Pucci.
Their eyes locked, and the priestess felt her heart sink. The woman was still being silent, shooting her a nonchalant look.
—You've been at the prison for only a few weeks, but had already created your own hierarchy. A part of people fear you, another respects you. It's rather interesting considering your somewhat average build. Amazing, even.
—Isn't it a "preventative meeting"? - she finally spoke with a face so still she might as well have been wearing a stone mask, - I wasn't expecting any compliments.
—I just want to get acquainted with you.
—And why would a priestess need that?
—My function is to help those in need and to provide safety and comfort to everyone here. I must know where such an authority is coming from.
—You think us low-life scums are worth saving?
—Every person has a place in Heaven. Sometimes you need a leading hand.
The golden-haired woman fell silent again, cogs clearly turning in her head. Enrica had expected her guest to be unusual, but not in this way. Yes, she certainly resembled Dia, a bit too much to be a coincidence, and yes, you could feel the power of her influence even now - her sheer presence made people around her feel intense. But this attitude, the look in her eyes - everything was so different. Dia was free, expressive, always pleased with herself and was able to sway one's heart. The woman sitting before her, on the contrary, was more like an animal in ambush waiting for a right moment, a secret observer who's full of secrets.
—I'm Giorna Giovanni. But you already know that.
It seems like Giorna has finally agreed to cooperate. Pucci felt her the tension leave her shoulders a little.
—I do. But there's more I'd like to know about you.
Pucci went around her desk, sat by it, and looked at the file on her guest from the prison's database.
—You were accused of serial killings with extremely vague circumstances. You got caught on the spot and voluntarily surrendered to the police. You're not a USA citizen and appeared in the States not so long ago, - the priestess moved her eyes away from the screen to look at Giorna, who was listening calmly.
—What are you driving at?
—I assume that you came to this prison with some goal in mind. You don't look like someone who'd get caught easily.
—And what would I need in place like this?
—Now that's something I don't know.
Giorna put her back against the wall and crossed her legs, eyeing the priestess. Did Enrica just imagine or did the woman just smile?
—And who are you, Pucci?
She was quiet. An expected question.
—You don't sound like a normal priest to me. And why exactly do you have access to the info of my arrest?
Giorna stood up and leaned to Enrica over the table.
—I have something to do here, but our conversation intrigued me. I'll find your secret before I finish it.
With that, she went for the door, leaving Pucci alone. Enrica smiled to herself.