Warden's took a shine to her.

Don't blame him." He muttered something else that Lawler did not hear, for Lawler was paying no attention to him.
Lawler held the flask to the woman's half-open mouth, and smiled when several drops of the strong spirits trickled over her tongue.

Then he walked to the wood pile and replenished the fire.

Returning, he saw Link standing close to the bunk, smiling bestially at the upturned face.

When Lawler caught sight of him he was fingering the disordered hair, lifting it and letting it filter through his fingers.
Without a word, Lawler leaped and struck with bitter malignance.