The CBB :: View topic - Consequences

through

[^/[Print]\]

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

#1: Consequences Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 6:33 pm
—
“Governor?”

“Um.”

“Miss Shaw?”

“Five more min…”

“Geri wake up!”

Geri Shaw awoke with a start and looked around in some confusion, “Katya?”

“You were dead to the world then,” Katya Mareck smiled down at her boss, “you okay?”

Geri sat up slightly, looked around her, the hospital waiting room was dimly lit and the chairs comfortable. Considering it was now nearly one am it wasn’t really surprising that she had dozed off, she smiled at the younger Officer, “I’m fine, was having a very strange dream, though, found myself giving Butcher’s eulogy,”

Katya grinned, “Well that might be a little premature yet,” she said, “the surgeon has just arrived,” she pointed to a figure by the door, “they’ve finished the op, Butcher’s on her way to Intensive Care. He wouldn’t say much as you were the one he wanted to speak to but it seems to have gone well.”

Ger nodded and stood, “I’ll speak to him,” she said, “how’s Pat?”

“Asleep, the nurse on her ward said she’d probably be in a day or two,”

“Yes, I know, her husband told me a couple of hours ago,”

“Oh, well she’s had something mild to ease the headache and is sleeping - as much as she can, anyway, they keep having to wake her to check all her reactions,”

“I’ll nip in there to see her after I’ve checked on Butcher. Could you contact Alex at the prison? Let him know the news - he can pass it on to the inmates,”

“Of course,” Katya moved away then returned, “oh, I forgot - here,” she thrust a cup of hot coffee into Geri’s hands, “thought you could do with this,”

Geri smiled her thanks then moved across to speak with the surgeon.

“Miss Shaw? I’m Ben Perry, thoracic surgeon. I’ve just finished operating on your..your erm…”

“Prisoner, I think is the term you’re looking for, Mr Perry,” Geri Shaw said with a smile, “or you could say inmate or convicted criminal - it all means the same. Butcher is a long term prisoner at the State Prison, the Prison where I am Governor.”

“Ah, yes, of course. You’ll have to forgive me, Miss Shaw, it’s a very unusual situation having an armed guard over one of my patients.”

Geri’s face lost its smile and she frowned, “Were it up to me the guard would not be there,” she said, “Butcher risked her life to save mine and is currently seriously injured. I don’t think she is fit enough to attempt escape.”

The Surgeon shook his head, “Not for a long while,” he agreed, “however I am confident that she will, eventually, recover. As you are aware she sustained a gunshot wound to her chest. On opening up the chest cavity I was able to stop the bleeding and remove the bullet. She was fortunate that the bullet missed the heart, but not so fortunate in that I had to remove just over a third of her left lung. She should be able to manage perfectly well on the rest. She’s in Intensive Care at the moment.”

“Is she awake?”

“Not yet, I want her to remain sedated for another two or three days. You can see her if you wish?”

“Thank you.”

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:56 pm; edited 37 times in total

#2: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 6:41 pm
—
Should have guessed!!!!! Rolling Eyes

#3: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 6:53 pm
—
Gobsmacked! You definitely had me convinced Lesley. As Pat says, we should have known!!

#4: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 7:13 pm
—
rofl

#5: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 7:15 pm
—
Lesley Anne Green, just wait til I get my hands on you!

#6: Author: Sugar, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 7:23 pm
—
Shocked

Typical Lesley! Great to see this back Lesley! Laughing

#7: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 7:28 pm
—
And the cliff! So early in the drabble!

#8: Author: brie, Location: Glasgow, aka the land of boredom

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 7:55 pm
—
Lesley if i'm good will you send me a transcript of the earlier RCS's???

I read RCS 1 and hoped I could dive into this- but no chance!!! Laughing

#9: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:05 pm
—
No. You need to have read the last one to appreciate the start of this!!!!

#10: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:11 pm
—

Pat wrote:

No. You need to have read the last one to appreciate the start of this!!!!

Absolutely! For two months I've been mourning the death of Butcher only a few weeks after I first got to know her! Now you do this to us! However I suppose I shouldn't complain, since she isn't dead after all, and seems set to make a full recovery. At least until something else happens.

Thanks, Lesley! Very Happy

It's great to have this back again.

#11: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:17 pm
—
*Satisfied sigh* Well that worked well, didn't it? Thought you might want a sneak peek into the inner workings of my mind.

halo

"You know this is really cruel, don’t you?"
Lesley: "Well, yes…but…"
halo

"You know it’s going to upset a lot of people, people that trusted you, that commented so nicely on your last story?"
Lesley: "I know, but I just couldn’t do it, not really,"
halo

"Well if you couldn’t do it why write it in the first place?"
Lesley: "Oh but they were such excellent scenes though, both the ‘death’ scene and the last one - I couldn’t waste them, could I?"
halo

"So you thought you’d fool everyone, did you? Even though, when you’ve done this in the past, it’s really annoyed people? Even though it is a very unkind thing to do?"
Lesley: "Well, since you put it like that, perhaps I’ll…what do you think, Devil?"
devil

*Snigger!*

#12: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:20 pm
—
Twisted Evil

#13: Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:23 pm
—
I would just like to say..............

Yes!!

I didn't think so at the time Very Happy

#14: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 8:27 pm
—
Ye gods and little fishes!
Not that I'd prefer the opposite, but... Shocked

#15: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:09 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. It's great to have this back!

You had me fooled! I am willing to put my hand up and admit that I had believed the earlier posts! Though, knowing Lesley, it could all change again...

#16: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:16 pm
—

Chair wrote:

Thanks, Lesley. It's great to have this back!

You had me fooled! I am willing to put my hand up and admit that I had believed the earlier posts! Though, knowing Lesley, it could all change again...

Yes, this could all be Butcher's dream and really Geri is dead!

#17: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:17 pm
—
Don't put ideas in her head - she has enough of her own!!!!! Rolling Eyes

#18: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 9:54 pm
—
I also firmly believed Butcher was dead but I'm very pleased she isn't.

Thanks Lesley Very Happy

#19: Author: Cathy, Location: Sydney, Australia

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 10:10 pm
—
I'm just so happy to see RCS back that I can forgive anything, even making me think that Butcher was dead. Thank you Lesley!

More please!!!!

Cathy

#20: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 10:23 pm
—
Yikes - talk about a devious mind!!!!!

rofl

#21: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 12:38 am
—
Lesley - the Don Camillo of the CBB!!

Devious, definitely devious.....

#22: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 1:40 am
—
I think evil is the word you want, really...

Laughing

Lesley, when you can't sleep, do you cogitate on the many different ways you can torture your characters, never to mention your readers?

*in mild hysterics at the idea that reading RCS1 would be any use for RCS10...*

#23: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 4:01 am
—
Um, true Lisa....maybe I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt! Laughing

#24: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 5:20 am
—
*Happy sigh* Twisted Evil

#25: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 6:59 am
—
Obviously evildoers can't sleep! Laughing

#26: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 8:36 am
—
Nice to see you so happy Lesley. Laughing

I knew you were the perfect advent drabbler!! Twisted Evil

#27: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 8:42 am
—
Rolling Eyes

I think about sums it up! Although having read the end of RCS 4 yesterday, I should have been prepared.

#28: Author: meerium, Location: belfast, northern ireland

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 9:18 am
—
rofl

bravo lesley! masterfully cliffy! and hurrah, it's back!

#29: Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 9:28 am
—
There's still plenty of time for Butcher to die Twisted Evil

Thanks, Lesley.

RCS 10! Only another 48 to go, and then you can start on the fill-ins!

#30: Author: Yvette, Location: Brisbane, Australia

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 11:14 am
—
Lesley, that was ... um ... masterful!! Here I was, seeing RCS 10, thinking what could it be like without Butcher, and lo and behold, it's not!!

Nice.... Twisted Evil

#31: Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 1:03 pm
—
Lesley,
you are bad for my mental health, doing this ! Wink

I am ***so** happy Butcher is still with us. Laughing

More RCS ! Bounces with joy !

#32: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 6:31 pm
—
Honestly!!!
Lesley, you're dreadful! (and it really amazes me that I'm STILL suprised by anything you can come up with!) Not that I'm not happy about Butcher's reprieve!

Oh, and you know what those little voices in your head are a sign of, don't you? Wink

#33: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 6:36 pm
—

Vikki wrote:

Oh, and you know what those little voices in your head are a sign of, don't you? Wink

Yep, genius! Wink

#34: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 6:44 pm
—

Lesley wrote:

Vikki wrote:

Oh, and you know what those little voices in your head are a sign of, don't you? Wink

Yep, genius! Wink

*pats Lesley on the head in a humouring fashion* Wink

#35: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 7:45 pm
—
The Intensive Care Ward was on the second floor - the same one as the Theatre Suite. The Thoracic Surgeon led the way onto the brightly lit ward and along to one of the six rooms. Inside a single bed was almost completely surrounded by machinery but Geri Shaw could see enough to recognise Butcher lying on the bed. She had a tube in her mouth attached to a ventilator, as Geri watched the machine clicked and air was pumped into her. Butcher’s chest rose and Geri could see the large and bulky dressing across the left and down the centre of her chest. The surgeon spoke,

“To gain access to the thoracic cavity it’s necessary to crack open the rib cage - this is done down the centre and through the sternum - hence the reason for the dressing along the middle of her chest.”

“And the wound itself?” Geri asked, “She had lost a lot of blood.”

“Yes, well as well as the damage to the lung the gunshot managed to break two ribs, we had to tidy those up as well. She’s got two chest drains in situ - hopefully draining out any excess blood. She’s a strong woman, surprisingly so considering she’s spent so long in prison.”

“She made a point of always keeping herself fit,” Shaw replied.

“Well in this case it’s paid off - I’m afraid you’ll be having her back, Miss Shaw, she‘ll continue to be a drain on society,” he smiled but Shaw didn’t reciprocate, instead she took a deep breath and sighed,

“Do you know how she was injured, Doctor?”

The surgeon shrugged, “I assumed it was in a fight with another inmate.”

“It was. The other inmate was attempting to kill me,” Shaw gazed across at the man.

“You mean she saved your life?”

“Yes, so you’ll forgive me if I don’t subscribe to the view that she is just a drain on the taxman’s purse.”

The man nodded abruptly, somewhat embarrassed. He moved into the room to give instructions to some of the nurses, while he did Geri Shaw sought out the guard, she found him sitting in a corner of ITU, with a clear view of the room where Butcher lay. His rifle was laid on the floor, safety catch on, and he was reading a book.

“Everything quiet here, Tony?”

Tony Wang, a quiet veteran, one of those that had transferred into the Prison after all Masters’ people had been dismissed, smiled up at the Governor,

“Quiet as the grave, Governor,” he said, “seems a total waste of time me being here, but if you want to pay me overtime to sit reading my book, so be it.”

Geri smiled, “It’s not my doing,” she said, “the Head of the Prison Board insisted.”

“Yeah? I thought Jim Grange was a bit more sensible than that?”

“Grange has retired,” Shaw replied, “the new Head is Joyce Shipley - she seems to be a stickler for the rules - and the rules say that if a ‘lifer’ is in hospital he or she must have an armed guard.”

“Well I could use the overtime,” Wang said philosophically.

Shaw smiled and walked back across to speak with the surgeon again, “When do you think Butcher will be well enough to be discharged back to the Prison Hospital, Doctor?”

Perry pursed his lips, “Not for some time,” he said eventually, “I would estimate she’ll be out of ITU in less than a week, should imagine it would be a few weeks after that before I could, in all conscience, release her. Your hospital doesn’t have an ITU, does it?”

Geri shook her head, “No, we have qualified Nurses on duty at all times but the facilities are somewhat basic. Inmates are returned following routine surgery after about a week or so, normally. There isn’t a full time doctor I’m afraid.”

“Well in that case I would imagine at least three weeks, possibly longer, we’ll have to see if she heals well.”

#36: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 7:52 pm
—

Vikki wrote:

Lesley wrote:

Vikki wrote:

Oh, and you know what those little voices in your head are a sign of, don't you? Wink

Yep, genius! Wink

*pats Lesley on the head in a humouring fashion* Wink

She wouldn't believe anything else Vikki!!! We just have to make allowances. Poor thing!

Mind you, genius is close to madness isn't it?

#37: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 7:55 pm
—
Well, that leaves time for plenty of trouble, doesn't it? Shocked

Glad Geri was able to make the point about Butcher saving her life. I wonder if Hilda and Nell will be allowed to visit.

Thanks, Lesley.

#38: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 7:59 pm
—
What I didn't say before was that I'm loving this - of course!!!!

#39: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 8:21 pm
—

Pat wrote:

Vikki wrote:

Lesley wrote:

Vikki wrote:

Oh, and you know what those little voices in your head are a sign of, don't you? Wink

Yep, genius! Wink

*pats Lesley on the head in a humouring fashion* Wink

She wouldn't believe anything else Vikki!!! We just have to make allowances. Poor thing!

Mind you, genius is close to madness isn't it?

Don't you have to be mad to believe yourself a genius?

#40: Author: The Ratbag Club,

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 8:42 pm
—
Fans of RCS might be interested in this link.

The Ratbag Club

#41: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 11:25 pm
—
rofl

And on to the update.

Thank you Lesley. Good to see Geri picking up the surgeon's casual observation and correcting it. And the new Head of the Prison Board is a 'stickler for rules' is she? That could have ramifications....

#42: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 3:21 am
—
Very vary varrrrrrrrrry interesting. *wondering what's happening at the school* I just hope I don't get RCS and ND mixed up. After all, Lesley has killed Nell. Sort of.... H'm, that could lead to seriously scary dreams.

*also wondering whether Vikki was the founder of aforesaid 'ratbag society' or whatever*

I wonder how many of us qualify? Laughing

#43: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 5:58 am
—
Loving this (as always)!

#44: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 7:23 am
—
So glad Bytcher is still alive! It wouldn't be the same without her. THanks Lesley.

#45: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 10:55 am
—
Thanks, Lesley. Glad to see Butcher surviving, and glad that Geri was quick to put the doctor right about Butcher.

Maintaining an invincible silence about the Ratbag Club.

#46: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 2:35 pm
—
Hurrah and indeed hurray. More RCS! Although I just want to say.....

sneaky sneaky sneaky sneaky sneaky Lesley!

#47: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 3:07 pm
—
*worries about the new head of the prison board*

Thanks Lesley

#48: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 3:57 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that Geri stuck up for Butcher - I know that she wouldn't do anything else.

#49: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 5:57 pm
—

Lisa_T wrote:

*also wondering whether Vikki was the founder of aforesaid 'ratbag society' or whatever*

I wonder how many of us qualify? Laughing

*pokes Lisa for defaming my spotless character!*

*also pokes the Doctor for making assumptions about Butcher. Glad Geri squashed him, silly man!*

Thank you Lesley!! Very Happy

#50: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:55 pm
—

Lisa_T wrote:

*also wondering whether Vikki was the founder of aforesaid 'ratbag society' or whatever*

I wonder how many of us qualify? Laughing

I suspect you might Lisa! As do I!

Are you posting again tonight Lesley? Please?

#51: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 9:05 pm
—
Early on the Tuesday morning, three days after her admission and surgery; Butcher was allowed to awaken and the tube removed. Geri Shaw was there to watch the procedure. Unlike with some patients there didn’t seem to be a long period of confusion and uncertainty from Butcher. One minute she was unconscious, the next her eyes suddenly snapped open and she stared directly up at the ceiling. In silence Butcher slowly looked all round the hospital room, noting all the machinery and the medical staff. She then looked down at herself, reaching up with one hand to trace down the bandage on her chest and the drips in both arms. Finally she turned her head to look across at where both Shaw and a prison guard stood. She raised an eyebrow and, in a voice rusty from disuse, spoke,

“I don’t think I'm ready to ‘run’ just yet, Governor.”

Shaw smiled, “No, give it a few days, perhaps.”

“Perhaps,” Butcher agreed. She looked round, “What hospital am I in?”

“St Austin’s.”

Butcher nodded then, “How long was I out?”

“Three days, it’s Tuesday now.”

“Right. Last thing I can remember is talking to you. I didn’t think I’d survive. Is that right? Haslam is dead?”

“Yes, gunshot wound to the head,” Shaw replied, “sustained during the fight with you after she had shot you.”

Butcher nodded slowly, “Don’t think I’ll ever be able to remember that,” she said, and the barest hint of a smile tugged at one corner of her mouth.

The surgeon stepped forward, “Ms Butcher I’m the…” he stopped as Butcher shook her head quickly,

“Just Butcher, Doc,” she said tiredly, “I’ll get all confused otherwise.”

Perry swallowed in surprise, “I see, very well…Butcher…I am the Consultant Thoracic Surgeon,” at Butcher’s raised eyebrow he added, “I specialise in surgery on the lungs and rib cage, not the heart.” He proceeded to tell her exactly what surgery had been performed and how her current condition was likely to progress. At the end Butcher nodded,

“So if I was so badly hurt, how come you’ve woken me so quickly?”

Perry looked surprised but replied, “With lung injuries it is always a balance between resting the lung and forcing too much from it - a ventilator can sometimes place excess strain on an injured lung.”

“So you’ve got to stop the ventilator as soon as poss? So the lung isn’t damaged?” Butcher grinned at the look of surprise on the man’s face, “You’d be surprised, the number of things you can pick up inside, Doc - once shared a cell with a Theatre Sister - she used to tell me all sorts.”

“She was another murderer?”

Butcher shook her head then winced, “No,” she said, gritting her teeth, “was serving six months for criminal damage, theft and arson, she’d been dumped by her fiancé for another woman, she wrecked his house then drove his Porsche to the harbour and pushed it in,” she grinned, “we’re not all murderers, you know?”

“No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…” the surgeon stopped, swallowed, “in answer to your question, yes, exactly that. We have to balance the possible benefits against the likelihood of further damage. Three days is normally the time. Now I see you are in pain, I’ll arrange for you to have something for it.”

“Thanks Doc,” Butcher watched as the surgeon walked over to speak with the Nurse on duty.

“I have to go, Butcher,” Shaw spoke quietly, Butcher looked across at the Governor, “I’ll be in to see you tomorrow. If you have any concerns though, let the Officer on duty know.”

“Okay Shaw,” Butcher said, she then frowned, “Shaw? Did I dream it? What you said in your Office?”

Geri shook her head and smiled, knowing exactly what Butcher was asking, “No Butcher, you didn’t dream it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Jun 09, 2007 7:54 am; edited 2 times in total

#52: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 9:17 pm
—
Nice to see them together like that.

#53: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 9:33 pm
—
That was good.

#54: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 9:54 pm
—

Quote:

“Okay Shaw,” Butcher said, she then frowned, “Shaw? Did I dream it? What you said in your Office?”

Geri shook her head and smiled, knowing exactly what Butcher was asking, “No Butcher, you didn’t dream it. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I had to go back and check because I couldn't remember exactly what they said:

RCS9

Quote:

Butcher smiled slightly, “That’s what….friend does….isn’t it?” there was a questioning look in the eyes.

Shaw reached across, held Butcher’s hand, “Yes,” she said simply, “a friend,” saw the answering smile in those dark eyes before they closed and the body went limp.

And I still cried when I read it.

#55: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 10:08 pm
—
A great scene, thanks Lesley Smile

#56: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 12:21 am
—
Thank you Lesley.... good to see Butcher is more than capable of handling the surgeon! In a lot of ways, she reminded me of Nell in that update.

Nice revenge on the fiancé.... (although shame about the Porsche) Twisted Evil

#57: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 1:42 am
—
*snort* Yes, naturally we're more concerned about the fate of the car... Laughing

I like that Lesley. Also very grateful to Lyanne for the extract, otherwise I'd have gone hunting too, and given the current state of my hard drive, that would not be pretty.

Vikki, no defamation involved. Why would that be necessary when I simply spoke the truth?
*whistles*

#58: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 8:31 am
—
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad to see that Butcher is awake.

#59: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 9:31 am
—
Trust Butcher to wake up instantly and be on her usual form. The relationship between her and Geri Shaw is lovely.

Thanks, Lesley.

#60: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 1:21 pm
—
Typical Butcher, giving the poor consultant shock after shock. Laughing

And how lovely that she can remember being called *friend*. Presumably she will make a Joey type recovery - being the same wholsale sort! And jump straight back into any fray going. Wink

Thanks, Lesley.

#61: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 1:23 pm
—
Interesting the references to dreams in that post Lesley ... Laughing

#62: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 3:03 pm
—
That surgeon is going to be well educated before this is over. Laughing

Thank you, Lesley. Very deft, that change of mood back to those very moving "parting words."

#63: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 10:13 pm
—
Nell Wilson finished making coffee and carried the two mugs into the sitting room; she passed one across to her partner. Hilda Annersley was lying back on the sofa in an attitude of complete relaxation. A half read book lay beside her but she didn’t pick ot up again, content to just gaze out into the garden,

“Thanks Nell,” she said as a mug of coffee was passed across, she took a sip then sighed contentedly, Nell looked over and laughed,

“You look like a purring cat,” she said, “one that’s not only had the cream but the tuna and mayonnaise. What are you so satisfied about?”

Hilda smiled lazily across at her friend, “I am just appreciating the moment, Nell, it’s the beginning of four weeks holiday. I have completed all work at the School, I don’t even have any work or essays due for my degree course. I can just relax and I intend to do so. For the next four weeks I can forget that I have any responsibilities or duties.”

“Oh yes?” Nell nodded knowingly, “I’ll bet before we’re three weeks into the holiday you will be itching to get back into your Study. Even if we managed to win the lottery you wouldn’t want to stop working. So, are you going to take my bet? Any stake?”

Hilda had leant back with her eyes closed, at this she opened one eye, “No bet, Nell,” she said firmly, “I’m just enjoying the moment.”

“Well you’ve only got another hour or so to relax, the girls will be here soon.”

“I know,” Hilda drank some more of her coffee then frowned slightly, “Nell? Do you have any idea what this news could be?”

“That Louise and Andrew are going to tell us?” Nell shook her head, “No, no idea. I did wonder if it could be one thing but I always thought that they wanted to wait, that they both wanted to have some time to themselves.”

“Yes, I did wonder that as well,” Hilda confessed, “after all, they’ve been married now six months…”

“That’s gone so quickly,” Nell put in, “oh well, we’ll find out soon enough. Have you finished, Modom?”

Hilda smiled, “I have, you may remove the cup, girl,” she waved the mug in Nell’s general direction.

“Hmmm,” Nell said, her eyes narrowing, “I’m tempted to ask what your last servant died of…but you’d only say under-work.”

“True,” Hilda remarked complacently, she settled back on the sofa, “in a way it’s a pity we can’t be outside in the garden or on the beach but the weather,” she indicated the damp, somewhat windy day, “but at least it means we can have a little longer curled up in here,” she closed her eyes again, the picture of satisfaction.

…

The injection arranged by Perry was enough to allow Butcher to sink into a light doze for some hours; she was aware of all the movements of the nurses, of the checks and adjustments they made to the different drips, drains and machines, but remained relatively pain-free and relaxed. Toward mid-afternoon Butcher heard the door open and a few murmured words from her guard, then there was the sound of footsteps before a voice spoke quietly,

“Butcher? Are you awake?”

Butcher opened her eyes slowly, turned her head; standing next to her bed was the Prison Officer Pat Francis. She was wearing civilian clothes, rather than her uniform. As she turned her head slightly Butcher could see, running from her left temple round to her eye, a dark angry bruise, blue-black in appearance. Butcher looked at the bruise then met the other woman’s gaze,

“Sorry about that, Mrs Francis,” she said quietly.

Pat Francis reached up with her left hand and gently laid her hand across the bruise on her head, she smiled, “Considering what you did afterwards,” she said, amusement in her eyes, “I think I might be able to forgive you,”

Butcher nodded slightly, “Rees and Grant?”

Pat Francis’ smile widened, “Looked after me extremely well,” she said, “and didn’t allow me to leave the cell for about twenty minutes. That apart, they otherwise treated me as though I were royalty. Considering it was, technically, a hostage situation, I was most impressed.”

“They in Solitary?”

Pat shook her head.

“Thanks, not their fault, mine,”

“Yes,” the Prison Officer nodded, “but I don’t think even I could envisage so painful a punishment,” she paused for a few seconds before adding, “well done, Butcher, very well done.”

#64: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 12:00 am
—
Seconded!!

Hilda relaxing and enjoying the view?! Good grief! Nell is right to be sceptical.

#65: Author: Sugar, Location: second star to the right!

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 4:49 am
—
Nice to see H&N still the same as ever. Love the cat with cream and tuna mayo!!!

#66: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 5:57 am
—
Oh good, nice to see Pat again!

#67: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 8:15 am
—
Fantastic. I loved the scene with Hilda and Nell!

#68: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 10:39 am
—
As great as ever, Lesley, thanks.

#69: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 10:41 am
—
I didn't know that Hilda knew how to relax! Lovely scene.

#70: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 12:17 pm
—
I'm glad Rees and Grant didn't get punished, thanks Lesley

#71: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 2:26 pm
—
Awww, Lovely!
Thank you Lesley. So glad there's no hard feelings from Pat, and that Rees and Grant didn't get into serious trouble.
Oh, and Please hurry up and share Louise and Andrew's news with us.... Wink

#72: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 4:31 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that Rees and Grant are not in Solitary. I wonder what the news is.

#73: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 6:45 pm
—
Thanks Lesley. The relationship that Butcher has with the prison staff is great.
I am concerned about the peacefullness of the scene with H&N though! It feels too much like the calm before the storm.

#74: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 9:58 pm
—

Pat wrote:

I am concerned about the peacefullness of the scene with H&N though! It feels too much like the calm before the storm.

It's ALWAYS the calm before a storm in RCS. Lesley's congenitally incapable of writing more than 5 posts without some kind of twist, even if we haven't spotten it yet....

Thank you all the same Lesley.

#75: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 12:06 am
—
Aw Pat! I know your cynicism is well warranted, but your suspicious mind has just trashed the lovely fluffiness I was enjoying after that scene. I know it's impossible Lesley, but I do enjoy those nice quiet scenes...

*contemplates challenging Lesley to write an RCS with no murder or mayhem*

Naaaaaaahhh...

#76: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 9:48 am
—
When Geri Shaw arrived back at the Prison she was greeted by the Senior Officer, Alex Wood, “You’ve got a visitor,” he said bluntly.

“I have? Who?”

“A Michael Bentley, he’s Dale’s next of kin, a cousin.”

Shaw frowned, “Where has he been? Dale’s funeral was yesterday.”

“Said he couldn’t take time off work,” Alex said with contempt. “funny though, he managed fine when he got the letter from the Legal Branch saying he was Dale’s heir.”

Shaw nodded, agreeing with the sentiment. To her certain knowledge Dale had never received a visit from this man, but he was quick enough to appear with the promise of taking her money and belongings. Geri sighed, “Very well, I’ll see him in my Office, ask Terri in Admissions to send someone up with all Dale’s belongings.”

In fact Terri Little herself appeared with the box containing Dale’s belongings, just as Alex Wood was showing two men into the Governor’s Office,

“Ah thank you Officer Little,” Shaw smiled, “please place the box on my desk. Don’t leave just yet, you may be needed.”

Terri nodded and moved to stand to one side of the room; meanwhile Alex was introducing the two men, “This is Mr Bentley, Governor,” he indicated the taller of the two men. Bentley was a big man with a slight layer of fat overlying hard muscles.

Geri reached out a hand, “Mr Bentley, I’m sorry to have to see you at such a sad time.”

Bentley reached out to shake Geri’s hand, seemed to take great pleasure in exerting a lot of pressure and seeing the woman wince slightly, “This is my lawyer, Norton.”

The other man, older and slighter, nodded briefly but didn’t offer to shake hands. The door opened again and another man walked in, Shaw smiled across at him,

“This is Drew Niven,” she said, “he’s from our Legal Branch. Drew this is Mr Bentley and Mr Norton.”

Niven smiled to both then unfolded a paper he held, “I’ll not keep everyone,” he said quickly, “Dale had you, Mr Bentley, down as her only next of kin, therefore her belongings all go to you…”

“Right, so what did she leave?”

Niven raised an eyebrow, “She left property, a house and a business in Melbourne,” he passed across details to Bentley.

Bentley looked through the papers, “She had far more than that,” he said quickly, “what about the two places near the centre?”

“I’m afraid they were classed as being bought with stolen goods, Mr Bentley,” Niven replied, “as such they were confiscated by the State. A great deal of the money and possessions were also confiscated.”

“Typical,” Bentley said with a frown, “so what else have I got?”

“There is a car in storage - a Ferrari - it could not be proven that it had been bought illegally, and a considerable amount of money in bank accounts…”

“How much?”

“Approximately half a million dollars.”

At this Bentley smiled, “Well, well, the little cow was worth something dead then. Great. Anything else?”

“There are the belongings she brought into the prison with her,” Geri said quickly, “Officer Little has them here. Mr Bentley it is custom for the relatives of those inmates that have died to leave a small donation to the Prison Fund - a fund used to provide services to the inmates. May I ask for a small donation? Fifty dollars is customary from someone that has just received such a large legacy.”

Bentley snorted, “Might be customary but it’s not compulsory, is it? So why the Hell should I give this place anything. Let the inmates rot for all I care.”

He sorted through the box, “Clothes, jewellery, fair amount of money, couple of books, yeah well, it’ll all sell,” he came across a small sealed plastic box and flipped it open, “now what’s in here? Oh, just stamps.” He looked over at the lawyer, “This all mine then?”

The lawyer nodded.

“Right, pick it up, we’ll be on our way,” he picked up the small plastic box and flipped it across the desk toward Geri, “here you go, Governor, call it my donation. The cons gotta write letters, haven’t they?”

Ger caught the box and looked inside, an eyebrow rose, “Mr Bentley, you may wish to re-consider, these stamps are…”

“Are all you’re getting. Now have you got something for me to sign? I want to check out all my new kit.”

The Governor attempted again to persuade him not to leave the stamps but the man impatiently waved her protests away. In a very short time he and his lawyer had signed for receiving all the relevant documents and property and were escorted back to the Gatehouse by Office Little. Niven also left at the same time.

Alex Wood waited until the noise of the external door being unlocked and then locked again indicated that Bentley and the others had left the Admin Block, he then turned, “Unpleasant character,” he said, “he couldn’t be at all bothered about how Dale had died or where she was buried. And he’s probably more of a crook than Dale ever was.”

“Perhaps,” Shaw murmured, “though the type to always ensure his businesses appear legal,” she was smiling slightly as she said this and Alex picked up on this,

“You look very pleased with yourself, Governor?”

Geri’s smile widened, “I was just thinking about the refurbishments to the Education Block and that we can start looking into getting a proper Rehabilitation Centre started for Drug and Alcohol Abuse.”

Wood frowned, “But you said that the Board had refused the funding, have they changed their mind?”

Shaw shook her head, “No, they’ve not changed their mind. But we don’t need their money now.”

“I don’t understand…”

“No, and neither did Bentley, even though I did try to tell him,” she took a deep breath, “how much do you know about stamps, Alex?”

Now the man just looked confused, “You use them to send stuff through the mail, what else is there to know?”

“A few years ago I would have agreed with you,” she replied, “that was until my youngest nephew, Thomas, decided that, along with cycling and karate, he’d add a rather more sedate hobby - philately - that is stamp collecting. And decided to give me a tutorial about them when I visited just before Christmas.”

A light shone in Alex’s eyes, “You mean…?”

“I mean that Dale was a very clever woman,” Shaw replied, “and she was well aware that a great deal of her wealth would be taken by the State in the event of her conviction. But that, should she be able to prove that anything had been obtained legally it would be kept for her. Doesn’t it seem strange that Dale would bother to keep half a dozen stamps in a sealed container? I’m no expert, Alex, but I would say even a conservative estimate would put each of these stamps down as worth one hundred thousand dollars.”

“And it will all be for the prison’s use,” Alex grinned, “he‘s just signed the papers confirming that?”

“I did try to tell him about the stamps, Alex,” Shaw said with a smile, “not only do I have you, Drew and Terri as witnesses, but his own lawyer was there. I did try to tell him about the value of the stamps. It‘s really not my fault that he chose to ignore me, is it?”

Alex’s grin grew larger, “Geri, you’re a crook,” he said.

“I’ve learnt from the best,” the Governor replied with a smile.

#77: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 10:35 am
—
LESLEY! 10 minutes ago I was so excited that RCS 10 had started and that there were several pages to get me going. THEN I discover that you've turned my little Butcher-grieving world on its head!! It's not that I'm not pleased she's not dead of course, just that it was a bit of a shock! (Ha Laughing

sort that sentence out at your peril! Confused

)

And now all these lovely posts - Hilda and Nell, cats and tuna, Geri with lots of money - I have NO idea what's coming next! (and for you that's the highest compliment I expect Laughing

Well it's earned!)

Thank you. I think.

#78: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 10:46 am
—
*Satisfied sigh!* Wink

#79: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 11:43 am
—
Deeply suspicious of Lesley's satisfied sigh.

#80: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 12:45 pm
—
Now I wonder just who that best is, Geri? Laughing

It's not so much that you're clever but that Bentley was stupid and greedy - his loss! One pre-supposes that he can't return and claim the stamps if he has signed them away. But then that wouldn't stop you, would it, Lesley, my dear? mrgreen

Thank you for the peaceful scene earlier.

#81: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 12:52 pm
—
What do they say? You can't con an honest man. Wink

#82: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 3:38 pm
—

Jennie wrote:

Deeply suspicious of Lesley's satisfied sigh.

Also deeply suspicious...

But I'm very pleased that the nasty man unwittingly handed over vast sums of money to Geri!

Thanks Lesley

#83: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 4:54 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. I'm sorry that Mr Bentley was just after the money but at least he left the stamps for Geri, even if it was unwittingly.

#84: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 6:59 pm
—
What a ratbag!
*wonders how soon he'll be keeping Masters company*
That little "donation" serves him right. Twisted Evil

#85: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 8:04 pm
—

Kathy_S wrote:

What a ratbag!
*wonders how soon he'll be keeping Masters company*
That little "donation" serves him right. Twisted Evil

Oi Kathy! The Ratbag Club is far too exclusive to admit that piece of excrement!

That was great Lesley - stupidly evil people deserve all they get

#86: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 10:18 pm
—
Scumbag, I should have said. Sorry, Pat!

#87: Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast

Posted: Sat May 26, 2007 10:33 pm
—

Pat wrote:

That was great Lesley - stupidly evil people deserve all they get

*g* What about people who are intelligently evil?

Thanks, Lesley.

*joins the line eying Lesley with deep suspicion*
What next? Laughing

#88: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 12:28 am
—
Ah, that was very satisfying! And she's right, she did try to tell him..... Laughing

#89: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 6:58 am
—
LOL
Thanks Lesley, and nice one Geri!
Serves that rotten piece of scum right. (I just hope we get to see his face when he realises what he's done!)

#90: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 1:49 pm
—
“That was Geri on the phone,” Nell said as she walked back into the kitchen; Hilda looked over from where she was stirring a large pot of chilli con carne,

“How’s Butcher?”

“Okay, well, as okay as possible,” Nell qualified, “they’ve taken the tube out, she’s awake and alert. Geri says it might take a while but she’s going to recover.”

“Thank God,” Hilda’s breathed prayer was heart-felt, “did Geri say when we could visit?”

Nell Wilson frowned, “She says there’s a problem, at the moment, the new Head of the Prison Board is insisting that any visits are handled in the same way as if she were still in the prison. Want to ensure all regulations are strictly upheld, apparently.”

“But surely, in the circumstance…?” Hilda began.

“I know, Geri’s tried all those arguments, the woman won’t budge. Seems to look on Butcher as just a number and a trouble-maker.”

Hilda shook her head, “Very stupid and very short-sighted. Well the last time I saw Butcher was only last Thursday - it will have to be in nine days then? And Butcher won’t have any other visitors.”

“Well Geri said she’s going in every day, and I think one or two of the other Officers will go as well - she’s still in ITU at the moment - they may not have allowed us in anyway.”

“True,” Hilda conceded, “well we can write to her - let her know we are thinking of her. Geri can take any letters in.”

“Fine, now do you want me to take over looking after the chilli and make a start on the curry? You can get the salad, rice and jacket potatoes done.”

“Yes Ma’am,” Hilda said, gratefully relinquishing the responsibility for cooking the main courses to her friend.

…

“I bin swimming, Grandma.”

It was early afternoon and Hilda and Nell’s lazy day had come to an end with the arrival of Cherry and Robbie. The food was all prepared and keeping warm or cold respectively in the oven or fridge. The table had been prepared ready to transfer the dishes onto and dinner plates, serving spoons and cutlery were all there ready for people to help themselves. Also ready were drinks, both alcoholic and non, as well as a large fruit salad and some cheesecakes. The two women had been enjoying a welcome break before welcoming all their visitors when a ring on the doorbell heralded the arrival of the first. Nell went to answer the bell and as soon as the door to the cottage had opened Robbie had run in and launched himself at Hilda. As Hilda had only just sat up this had the effect of pushing her back to lay on the sofa with Robbie on top of her, she smiled,

“I can see that, Robbie, your hair is still wet,” she said while kissing and hugging him.

“I swammed a whole length on my own, Grandma. I didn’t need my water wings and I didn’t touch the bottom,” Robbie said excitedly.

“You swam an entire length?” Hilda replied, only just managing not to correct the lad’s English.

“Yes Grandma, Shane said I was bonzer.”

Hilda looked across at Cherry who responded, “Bonzer means good, great, excellent, you know - oh, perhaps you don’t - it’s old fashioned now, mind, I’ve no idea why Shane’s started using it.”

“You mean it is slang, Cherry?” Hilda said with a smile.

“Yes, I suppose so, why? Is it important?”

Hilda and Nell exchanged amused glances, Nell answered, “No, not important at all,” she said with a grin.

Last edited by Lesley on Sun May 27, 2007 7:39 pm; edited 1 time in total

#91: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 1:56 pm
—
Well, time spent with Robbie will be good for them, not that it will be in the least bit peaceful, but it will take their minds off things.

#92: Author: Liane, Location: Manchester

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 4:42 pm
—
Yay it's Robbie!
Thanks Lesley

#93: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 5:21 pm
—
Well done Hilda for not correcting Robbie's grammar! And please please please let her use the word 'bonzer' at some point.

Thanks Lesley

#94: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 6:32 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. It's great to see Robbie!

#95: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 7:29 pm
—
How thoughtful they both are, and how much respect they have for Butcher. And the charmer is back! Laughing

Loved the teasing - but I'm quite sure Hilda would never, ever correct Robbie's English! Laughing

Just speak very correctly until he got it!! Twisted Evil

After all, she's in a very vulnerable position there, flat on her back.... mrgreen

Thanks, Lesley

#96: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 8:18 pm
—

Lisa_T wrote:

Pat wrote:

That was great Lesley - stupidly evil people deserve all they get

*g* What about people who are intelligently evil?

Thanks, Lesley.

*joins the line eying Lesley with deep suspicion*
What next? Laughing

Well naturally they have to come to a worse end!!

Getting more deeply suspicious of the quiet H&N posts!!! However, I shan't mention that again, as the quietness in itself is a cliff! So that's all the satidfaction you'll get out of me on that score Lesley!! Wink

#97: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 9:05 pm
—
LOL
Thanks Lesley!
Now, when do we get Louise and Andrew's news?

#98: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 11:36 pm
—
Ah, that was nice.... bit worried nabout the way the new Head of the Prison Board is behaving. I can see why she is, but still....

And Robbie's back, and they've been spending time with Shane..... Very Happy

Loved the remark about slang!

#99: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 5:47 am
—

Quote:

“I swammed a whole length on my own"...
“You swam an entire length?” Hilda replied, only just managing not to correct the lad’s English.

I read that too quickly and thought that there was something wrong with Robbie saying "whole length" instead of "entire length" Embarassed

Sorry Hilda!

Robbie is just so cute!

#100: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 1:53 pm
—
Aww Robbie is briilliant. Thanks Lesley

#101: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 3:31 pm
—
Nice to see Robbie again. Very Happy

And does this mean Cherry & Shane have patched things up?

*does NOT like the sound of the new Head of the Prison Board*

#102: Author: Nell, Location: exiled from the big smoke

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 6:00 pm
—
Its back and with such a beginning - though I guess nothing shold surprise me now where Lesley is concerned!

Thank you!

#103: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 9:07 pm
—
The rest of the guests appeared fairly soon afterwards; as well as those considered family by Hilda and Nell, they had invited a number of those still on-site including the Coates, Rosalind Moore, and Kelly and Jake Stevens, and Nancy Wilmot, Kathie Ferrars and Ruth Derwent. When Rosalind appeared Hilda moved across to greet her,

“Rosalind, how are you? Did Geoff manage to get his flight last night?”

“Flight, what flight?” This from Nancy, “I thought he’d finished in Brisbane?”

Rosalind turned a somewhat pale face to her friend, “Oh, I forgot you’d not know,” she said. Nancy and Kathie having been away for the weekend. “Geoff had a call, late last Friday night, from his Regiment. He’s been placed back on active service and he’s got to prove he’s fit enough. He was recalled to England - to be assessed at the Para Depot in Aldershot - basically he’ll spend a few weeks proving he’s fit enough to pass all their assault courses and then be given his final test - parachuting.” Rosalind smiled across at Nancy but, it was obvious, the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“And they called late on Friday?” Kathie put in, “bit inconvenient, wasn’t it?”

“Not deliberately,” Ros said with a slight grin, “after all, to them it would be Friday morning.”

“Oh yes, I forgot about that.”

Ros turned back to Hilda, “In answer to your question, Hilda, yes, he managed his flight last night. He called me a couple of hours ago, he’s in Singapore at the moment, flying on to Heathrow in a few hours. At least we had this weekend together - and he was able to spend them with Kelly and Jake.”

“And you, Rosalind,” Hilda finished softly, “I expect he was extremely grateful for that.”

Rosalind’s smile widened, “Yes,” she confirmed, a gurgle from the baby on her hip caused her to look down at Jake who was trying desperately to reach the floor, “want to get down Jake?”

“Let me take him, Ros,” this from Kelly.

“But you and me is going to play with my Lego, Kelly.”

Kelly looked down, “I know, but Jake can come too. We can see how quickly we can build stuff before he knocks it down, okay Robbie?”

“Okay Kelly,” Robbie smiled and ran toward the stairs and his toys. Kelly following him, holding Jake on her shoulder.

Hilda looked after the three, “That girl is a wonder,” she said softly, she smiled over at Rosalind Moore, “and she has left you time with your friends for a while at least. Why don’t you all help yourselves to drinks and have a chat?” her smile widened, “You can discuss exactly how you’re going to broach the subject of having a crèche on site with me,” eyes sparkling she moved away leaving all her Staff and former Staff open-mouthed. As she moved out of earshot she faintly heard,

“How did she..?” before she had to turn to greet another guest.

#104: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 9:10 pm
—
Hilda always knows!!!! Laughing

#105: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 9:11 pm
—
Ahhh Hilda....how soon can I apply for a job there? Laughing

Lovely to see Ros and family back, although I may be putting in a pre-emptive wibble about Geoff going back to active service.

Thank you Lesley

#106: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 9:36 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. I'm sorry that Geoff has been placed on active service.

#107: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 10:06 pm
—
Am I the only one wibbling about Jake and the Lego? I hope Kelly is careful with him (unless Robbie has those really big lego pieces).

Thanks for the update.

#108: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Mon May 28, 2007 11:48 pm
—
Good to see Hilda hasn't lost her touch!

Poor Geoff and Rosalind, with him called away like that.

#109: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 3:44 am
—
Poor Ros, to have Geoff leave so suddenly like that! I hope that his service is only brief, and that he can come back safe and well to his family. (now why does that sound unlikely to me I wonder?? Laughing

)

And Hilda.. and her magic abilities. You'd think people would almost be used to that now! Very Happy

#110: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 10:23 am
—
Just caught up again here, loving this and so many possible strands, wonder where you are going to take us all with this one. Laughing

#111: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 6:51 pm
—
Quite, Carolyn. Too many oportunities for disasters among that lot. Laughing

Then of course there is Hilda - the antidote to any disaster. Wink

Thanks, Lesley

#112: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 7:19 pm
—
Ah, but don't forget, Lesley loves to take us to the very brink of disaster. It wouldn't be any fun for her if we didn't wibble.

#113: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 7:59 pm
—

Chelsea wrote:

Am I the only one wibbling about Jake and the Lego? I hope Kelly is careful with him (unless Robbie has those really big lego pieces).

Thanks for the update.

Ah, it's probably Duplo! (You have to call it Lego to younger children or they get offended that you think they're babies Wink

) Aaron did insist yesterday that his 18 month old cousin is too young even for Duplo.

#114: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 9:14 pm
—
Thanks Lesley!
Love Hilda's last comment, and the oppen-mouthed shock it elicited from the others! Wink

#115: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 9:44 pm
—
“So she ain’t gonna die then?” the mocking voice stopped Rees as she moved across to her cell, she turned to see Wade standing and smirking at her.

“What’s it to you, Wade. Your boss is dead, isn’t she? You‘ll have to cope without all that lovely money now, won‘t you?”

Wade flushed at the reference to Haslam, “She was my partner, not my boss,” she began.

“Yeah? So why’d your partner give you that cross on your face then? Marking you she was.”

Wade reached up to the scar on her forehead, “At least she didn’t suck up to the screws, did she? Saving the Governor’s life? What, she going for a Pardon was she?”

Rees looked angry, “Least she doesn’t expect others to do her dirty work,” she shot back, “and she doesn’t attack people that can’t defend themselves. Was it just Haslam and Mullins that knew about the attack on Dale, Wade? Or did you know too?”

“Dunno what you’re talking about,” Wade said somewhat shakily, “was just saying, that’s all.”

“Saying what?”

“Well…Butcher’s going to be out of it for months, isn’t she? So you taking over, or throwing it open to anyone?”

“None of your business, Wade.”

#116: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 10:34 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. It was interesting to see Wade and Rees talking.

#117: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue May 29, 2007 11:41 pm
—
Interesting - apparently some people believe there's a vacancy to be filled.

#118: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 2:21 am
—
Can you imagine Butcher's reaction if she comes back to the prison and finds a new leader in place?? I can appreciate that there may need to be someone who can assert temporary control, but surely no more than that!

I'd forgotten how much I disliked Wade Evil or Very Mad

#119: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 7:54 am
—
Hmm. A good point - who is going to fill the power vacuum?

#120: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 6:10 pm
—
Can't say I much like the sound of those last words. She'll have a jolly good try, won't she? But then, some people never learn.

Thanks, Lesley.

#121: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 6:49 pm
—
Isn't Wade dreadful? I hope she gets what's coming to her.

#122: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 8:43 pm
—
Interesting to see what effect the absence of Butcher has on the prison. You can tell so much about people by the way others act when they aren't there.

Thanks Lesley

#123: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 9:27 pm
—
When Andrew and Louise arrived at the Heads’ cottage they were almost mobbed by the rest of their friends; gathered in the kitchen, ostensibly dishing up the food ready to bring in for everyone, the two were closely questioned,

“Well, what is this news then?” Alison demanded, “You said you’d tell us.”

“Yes, why you couldn’t have told us on the phone I’ll never know,” Carol put in quickly.

Louise grinned, “We couldn’t say before - we were waiting for confirmation.”

“Confirmation? Confirmation of what?” Cherry asked.

“This,” Andrew said, and removed a folded piece of paper from his pocket, the others all crowded round to read the printed words but before either Hilda or Nell could read them Alison let out a shout,

“You got it? You got the job? Fantastic!”

Andrew grinned somewhat sheepishly, “You are now speaking to a very junior member of the most prestigious law firm in Victoria,” he said, “getting a post with Atkins, Parkes & Winton is the best I could have hoped for.”

“They are willing to fund Andrew to get registered here in Australia,” Louise put in, “and, although the starting salary is low, there will be plenty of opportunities for advancement.”

“And it’s the type of work I was always interested in,” Andrew smiled, “defending people against injustices, making sure they are properly represented. Mr Atkins, he’s the Senior Partner, said that when he first started the firm that was his goal. He’s semi-retired now but his Partners continue his work.”

There was a flurry of congratulatory hugs and kisses from the girls then Andrew found himself standing opposite Hilda, she looked up at the blushing young man,

“Congratulations Andrew” she said, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek, “you will be a asset to your firm.”

“Thanks Hilda.”

Nell reached across to place an arm around Andrew’s shoulders, “So will we see you in court then? Defending clients?”

“Eventually, after I’ve got some experience.”

“Well they couldn’t have chosen a better man,” Nell grinned, “and at least your news wasn’t that both Hilda and I feared.”

Louise looked over, “What news did you…” she stopped then giggled, “oh I know, no we’re not ready for a family just yet,” she continued hastily.

“Definitely,” Andrew agreed, “don’t worry, both of you, that’s not going to happen, at least, not for a while yet.”

#124: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 10:50 pm
—
*giggles*

Why do I think "famous last words" Louise?!

#125: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Wed May 30, 2007 11:32 pm
—
funnily enough, so did I.... Laughing

Nice to see more of Louise and Andrew.

#126: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 3:45 pm
—
Now I was thinking more along the lines of Andrew defending one of them for injustices wreaked upon them. Shocked

Thanls, Lesley

#127: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 4:11 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. Well done, Andrew!

#128: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 4:38 pm
—
Hmm still all good news then apart from the hints of trouble on the horizon at the prison...

Thanks Lesley

#129: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 7:37 pm
—
Over the next few days Butcher’s condition slowly improved, so much so that, by the weekend, the Surgeon was talking about her possible transfer to a main ward, rather than remaining on ITU. He decided to leave it until the following Monday, dependent on whether her condition continued to improve. In herself Butcher acknowledged that she was improving but that it was a very slow business. She was still unable to do very much for herself yet resented that a nurse had to help her. She was sleeping much of the day and still in a great deal of pain.

That Saturday morning, a week after her injury, saw her awake and with nothing to do except stare at the four walls. On other occasions when this had happened she had chatted with the ever-present prison guard; however the current guard was a new one, not long transferred in to the State Prison, and was taking her duties very seriously, standing outside the room where Butcher lay, rifle on her shoulder. That her presence there was not only superfluous but was preventing anyone from going in to speak to Butcher, hadn’t yet occurred to the woman.

Mid morning though saw a young nurse brave the guard’s gaze and enter the room; Butcher had been dozing but a sixth sense caused her to awaken just as the nurse reached Butcher’s bedside. The girl, she didn’t look twenty, bit her lip in nervousness then said,

“Have you had a wash today?”

Butcher slowly shook her head, “No, the Night Staff normally give me a bed bath - but I was asleep this morning.”

The Nurse, her name badge said Student Nurse Barrett, nodded, “Yes, that’s what Sister said. I’ll fill a bowl and get some towels.” She disappeared only to return a short while later with the objects and drew round the patient screens. Butcher watched,

“Not seen you before,” she said, “you new?”

The girl had started slightly at Butcher’s voice but she covered it well, she shook her head, “No, I normally work on the surgical ward upstairs - but they are short-staffed on here, asked if some of us could come over and help out - just with those patients that weren’t seriously ill.”

“And you got assigned to me?” Butcher gave a half smile, “drew the short straw, did you?”

The nurse soaked a flannel in the bowl of hot water and draped a towel around Butcher’s neck, she squeezed the water out of the flannel and quickly washed her patient’s face, then dried it carefully, she shook her head,

“No, nothing like that, only I was a bit late in this morning so…”

“So I’m your reward?” Butcher laughed, then winced at the pain from her wounds, “Well don’t worry kid, I don’t bite.”

The girl reddened slightly then swallowed sharply before continuing the bed bath. She gently pulled the covering sheet down to Butcher’s waist and helped her remove the theatre gown she wore - this being far easier to manoeuvre over the drips, drains and dressings. She placed a towel over one side and proceeded to wash her patient’s arms and torso, after a while she spoke again,

“They say you were shot? That you pushed the Governor out of the way?”

“They’re right,” Butcher replied.

“Why? Why did you do it? I mean why would you, a…” she stopped, unable to phrase her question. Butcher answered it anyway.

“A con? A prisoner? A lifer?” She attempted a shrug then stopped when a pain shot across her chest, “It seemed like a good idea at the time,” she finished with a wry smile.

The nurse smiled and finished drying Butcher’s arm, “You’re not what I expected,” she said quietly.

“Why? Think I had two heads or something?”

The nurse shook her head, “No, nothing like that, only, you seem normal. It’s hard to believe you’ve killed people. I’ve never met someone like that before.”

Butcher looked across, staring into the girl’s eyes, “No,” she agreed, “you probably haven’t.”

The nurse pulled on a clean theatre gown, the ITU Sister appeared to help the nurse roll Butcher onto her side to allow her to complete the bed bath, then, between them, the two nurses lifted Butcher up into a more upright position. Once that was done the Sister left the room again. The nurse brought over a small bowl, toothbrush and paste and helped Butcher brush her teeth. Once that was complete she paused, took a couple of deep breaths, then,

“How could you do it? Kill someone?”

Butcher thought for a time, “They were attacking me or mine,” she said eventually, “I’m not saying that was justification, but it was my reason. I will defend what’s mine.”

“And the Governor of your Prison?”

Butcher smiled, “No, she’s not mine, she’s her own person. But worth it anyway.”

The nurse nodded, she glanced at the name above the bed, “Why do they call you Butcher?”

Butcher shrugged, “It’s my name.”

“No, I mean why just Butcher, no other name, no Miss or Mrs or whatever?”

“I’ve been inside more than ten years, that’s what the screws and inmates call you.”

“Family and friends too?”

“Don’t have any family but yes, friends too.”

“Don’t you mind?”

“It’s my name, how could I mind?”

The nurse turned to leave then turned back, a worried expression on her face, “You’ll be coming over to the surgical ward Monday, won’t you?”

“So I’ve been told.”

“You should know, some of the Staff don’t want you - because of what you are.”

Butcher nodded, “Doesn’t surprise me,” she said, “what about you?”

The nurse smiled, “I’ll be happy to look after you, Butcher,” she said.

“Then I’ll ask for you,” Butcher replied, “thanks Nurse Barrett.”

#130: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 7:40 pm
—
Glad to see that Butcher is on the mend. And I loved her interaction with the nurse.

#131: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 7:54 pm
—
That was great, challenging perceptions.

#132: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 7:57 pm
—
What I found very heartening about that was that Butcher recognised the young nurse's ignorance and worries, and dealt with them in such a kind way.

Yes, I know Butcher is a murderer, but I still think she has a great deal of good in her.

#133: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 8:00 pm
—
Butcher is a fantastic peron, who understands other people so well.

#134: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 8:42 pm
—
The nurse was pretty mature as well. She was frightened, but she adjusted quickly and treated Butcher as a human being, despite what she had heard. And is even prepared to go against the prevailing attitudes.

Thanks, Lesley. I may now know how to give a bed bath! Laughing

#135: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 8:43 pm
—
Makes you wonder what Butcher would/could have been had she not chosen the life she did.

Thanks Lesley

#136: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 9:19 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. The nurse seems nice.

#137: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Thu May 31, 2007 11:35 pm
—
Fascinating Lesley - both Butcher and Barrett made the effort to see one another as individuals.

#138: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:47 am
—
Quite a contrast between the new guard and the new nurse!

Thank you, Lesley.

#139: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 6:24 am
—
Well done Student Nurse Barrett! She's not afraid, as Cath said, to see Butcher as an individual and to stand ready to have her assumptions corrected.

I hope the other nurses don't give Nurse Barrett a hard time for her compassion!

#140: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 12:13 pm
—
Well done that girl! She'll make an excellent nurse.

#141: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:17 pm
—

Miranda wrote:

I hope the other nurses don't give Nurse Barrett a hard time for her compassion!

Echoes Miranda.

Thanks Lesley

#142: Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 4:15 pm
—
When I used to work in a hospital a lot of people would get really upset if there were prisoners in, especially patients and their relatives. They always wore really long chains which attached them to one or two guards.

#143: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2007 10:45 pm
—
Just caught up on loads of this (incidentally, remind me to chase you with a hatchet for doing this to us, Lesley. If it weren't for the fact that we're so glad Butcher's still around ...).
Not surprising that Nurse Barrett hasn't met anyone quite like Butcher, there aren't many around. She's going to take a while to recover from her wounds, and I wonder how much hostility she's going to meet, both in the hospital and back at the prison. Wonder what effect her loss of physical strength is going to have. At least she has some people on her side, including Geri Shaw. I loved:

Quote:

Butcher smiled, “No, she’s not mine, she’s her own person. But worth it anyway.”

Lovely peaceful vignette of Hilda and Nell, although it can't possibly last, and, like Mary, I wonder where Andrew's training to defend people against injustices is going to come in.

Great to have this back, Lesley, thank you.

#144: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:27 am
—
First thing Monday morning saw Butcher being cleared to be moved to the General Surgical ward. She still had a number of drips and drains in situ but at least one of the chest drains and the arterial line were removed prior to her transfer. Butcher herself was drowsy when her bed was moved and didn’t see the many glares and stares directed toward her. The prison guard, however, did, and made a mental note of them. Butcher was placed in one of the single wards some distance from the Nurses’ Station and the guard also saw a couple of worried faces when this was announced. The room was pleasant enough with en-suite facilities and a large window with views out onto the gardens. Once the bed was in place the prison guard was provided with a chair within the room so she could keep an eye on her charge. The two were then left in the room for some time before any member of staff entered.

Two days later saw Geri Shaw summoned to the hospital; on her arrival she walked swiftly up to the ward, her face showing her anger, her eyes flashing and her brow lowered. The Sister of the ward did attempt to intercept her journey but thought better of it on seeing the Governor‘s face.. Shaw arrived outside Butcher’s room and looked across at the guard standing there,

“What happened, Amanda?”

Amanda Blanchford swallowed, “Butcher assaulted the Matron of the hospital,” she said swiftly, “punched her in the face.”

“What the Hell were you doing?”

Blanchford flushed, “The Matron appeared mid-morning, asked me to wait outside as she was going to examine Butcher’s wounds - I didn’t think anything of it, she’s done the same other days. I stood just outside, waiting.”

“Alright, sorry, then what?”

“And, all of a sudden, I hear raised voices and the sound of a punch, I quickly open the door and rush in, the Matron is leaning against the wall, hands to her face, I can see her nose is bleeding. Butcher is lying half in half out of her bed, breathing hard and with her lips blue. I helped Butcher back in the bed, the Matron refused to send any of her nurses in to help.”

“Did Butcher say anything?”

“Only that she’d speak to you,” Blanchford replied, “that’s when I contacted you.”

Shaw nodded, “One of three calls I received in quick succession,” she said quickly, “the other two being from the Matron herself and from Joyce Shipley. At the minute the prevailing opinion is that Butcher should immediately be transferred back to the prison.”

“But she’s not well enough yet, is she?”

“No,” Shaw took a deep breath and then released the breath slowly, “well I suppose I’d better go and speak to her,” she said, “find out what in God’s name happened.”

A short time later Shaw was standing at Butcher’s bedside, she took a moment to observe her prisoner. Butcher was lying almost flat on the bed; her breathing was somewhat laboured and her lips pale. Her eyes were closed yet her face wasn’t relaxed, instead it was tense, her teeth clenched. Shaw’s gaze moved to Butcher’s hands, the fists were also clenched.

“Butcher,” she said softly, watching as Butcher’s eyes suddenly snapped open, “when did you last have something for the pain?”

Butcher frowned, after some thought she spoke, “Last night, I think, the evening drug round.”

Shaw nodded, she checked her watch, saw that it was almost noon, then she walked across to the door and opened it, “Amanda? Fetch the Surgeon, Mr Perry. I want him to examine Butcher.”

“Yes Governor,” Blanchford said immediately, “but he may be operating.”

“If he’s operating find his deputy,” Shaw said firmly, “otherwise though, I don’t care what he’s doing, bring him here!”

The Prison Officer looked as though she were about to ask how then, suddenly, her attitude changed and she shifted the rifle on her shoulder very slightly, “Yes Governor,” she said and strode away.

Shaw walked back to stand beside Butcher, “I’ve been told that you assaulted the matron, Butcher,” she began, “want to tell me what happened?”

Butcher nodded very slightly, even that amount of movement causing her obvious pain, she spoke quietly, “Yes, I’ll tell you, Shaw.”

#145: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 12:18 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. I look forward to hearing Butcher's reason.

#146: Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!!

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:13 pm
—
Hmmm, sounds like the matron has issues with having a prisoner on her ward. And I'm also wondering whether maybe she was with-holding the pain medication? Sounds a bit odd that Butcher has had no pain relief since the night before. Confused

Thanks Lesley. Is it not an option to get Butcher transferred to the RCS hospital? I'm sure the staff there would be more open minded....

#147: Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 1:24 pm
—
Vikki wrote:

Quote:

Thanks Lesley. Is it not an option to get Butcher transferred to the RCS hospital? I'm sure the staff there would be more open minded....

Major coincidence here. I was dreaming about RCS last night and Butcher being in RCS hospital. New guard wouldn't let Hilda and Nell in so they waved their permanent director passes and walked on through to visit Butcher.

I'm glad that Geri is willing to listen to Butcher and is going right to the top.

Thanks Lesley Very Happy

#148: Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 2:00 pm
—
What next? Shocked

Thank you, Lesley.

#149: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 2:43 pm
—
It was all going so nicely Butcher was slowly getting better and everything at the school seemed rosy and then this Surprised

I hope Geri will be able to sort things out.

Thanks Lesley

#150: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:11 pm
—
Did Matron deliberately hurt Butcher, I wonder, hoping she would get away with it? After all, who would believe a murderer? Crying or Very sad

Now with Geri, who does believe Butcher, on the warpath....wait for the sparks to fly.

As an aside, my daughter was in a hospital on the other side of the city when she was 18, and in a private room. Across the narrow corridor, in another private room, was a prisoner from the large jail nearby. He was chained to his bed and there was a guard in the room, but as a mother I will leave you to guess my fears! Rolling Eyes

Sorry, Lesley, didn't mean to hi-jack the story! Very Happy

#151: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:48 am
—
What on earth has this Matron done???

I hope that the surgeon or his assistant come along quickly. We're not going to be very happy otherwise Evil or Very Mad

#152: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 9:57 am
—
I can't believe Butcher assaulted the matron without a very good reason. Whatever the uninformed hospital staff might think about her, she just doesn't go around beating people up for the sake of it! As for withholding her pain medication - there can't be any acceptable excuse for that! Let's hope Geri manages to calm things down quickly.

Thanks, Lesley!

#153: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 11:16 am
—
I, too, am deeply suspicious of the Matron. It's all too easy to hurt a patient who has lines and drips, is kept immobile, and needs pain medication.

I'm glad Geri is there to sort it out, and I bet Matron soon starts to regret her actions.

#154: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:07 pm
—
There's an excuse for fear, they don't know Butcher as we do, but there is no excuse for the withholding of care and compassion by those whose job it is to provide just that. You do it because of who you are, not who the patient is, they don't have to 'deserve' it. Which says quite a lot about the Matron.
This must all be so hard for Butcher, bad enough to be so helpless and dependent, worse to have to cope with totally undeserved hostility and cruelty. Do they know why she was injured?? Interested to see she can still pack a punch. Wink

Glad to see Geri's on the warpath, I'm sure she'll sort them.

#155: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:42 pm
—
Hmm. My first thought is 'what did the Matron do to Butcher?' I can't believe in her condition that she would punch someone out unless she had a very good reason!

#156: Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 4:01 pm
—
I'm also wondering if it was the Matron.

Thanks, Lesley.

#157: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 6:22 pm
—
The morning had begun with some pain, but bearable; two physiotherapists had entered the room not long after nine am and proceeded to take Butcher through a number of exercises designed to strengthen the lungs. She’d also been for a very short walk - the Senior Physio explaining that they were not allowed to take Butcher out into the corridor - orders from ‘on high’. Butcher had just nodded at this - realising that not only the Staff, but other patients would be concerned and worried about seeing a dangerous convict loose. Her quick eyes did notice that although the two Physios had started off being very defensive and concerned, their fears seemed to ease after talking with Butcher and the guard.

When the Physios left Butcher was exhausted; they promised to ask the Sister for some pain relief, however nothing had happened. Indeed Butcher had been left strictly alone for the next hour or so before the Ward Sister herself appeared to help Butcher have a wash. The woman had been gentle and efficient, but had not spoken to Butcher at all, confining her remarks to Amanda Blanchford. When, just as she was leaving she asked the Prison Officer whether Butcher was in pain Amanda Blanchford had had enough,

“I don’t know, Sister, why don’t you ask her - she’s lying right there.”

The woman had flushed somewhat but had turned and, for the first time, addressed a remark toward Butcher, “Are you in pain?”

Butcher looked across, “Yes I’m in pain. I was told by the Physio that they would be asking for some pain relief for me - that was nearly two hours ago.”

“Oh, I apologise, we have had other people to look after…”

“And I’m not entitled to the same care?”

“I didn’t say that.”

Butcher half smiled, “You didn’t have to, I can see it in your expression. Why should someone like me be treated in hospital, after all I don’t pay taxes, do I? I’m already costing enough as it is, aren‘t I?”

“Enough, Butcher,” Blanchford’s order was spoken softly but the convict subsided.

The Sister said nothing for some seconds then she glared across, “And if I do think that? What of it? Why should you be offered any medical help after what you’ve done?”

Butcher closed her eyes, thinking, then began to speak, “Whatever houses I may visit, I will come for the benefit of the sick, remaining free of all intentional injustice, of all mischief …” she paused then added, “… be they free or slaves.”

The woman’s eyes widened, “How do you know that?”

Butcher’s smile widened, “Recognise it, do you? Part of the Hippocratic Oath - I missed out the bit about sexual relationships - it wasn’t appropriate. Rest is though, isn’t it?”

“How do you know that?” the question was repeated with more insistence.

Butcher’s eyes darkened, “Friend of mine studied Greek, she taught it to me once. If all the medical people had kept to that oath the profession would be in a much better state now, wouldn’t it?”

There was a long silence during which both Butcher and Officer Blanchford noticed the Sister’s face slowly flush red with embarrassment. After swallowing a few times she nodded, “Yes Butcher, it would,” she began, “and you have managed to remind me of the reason I entered Nursing. To help those who are sick. I’m sorry, your medication should have been brought to you some time ago. I shouldn’t have liste…I should have made up my own mind. I bring you an injection right away.”

“Thanks Sister,” Butcher said quietly, “I don’t expect people to like me but…”

“Yes,” the Sister said quickly, she left the room.

Butcher stopped there in her recital of the morning’s events as the door opened and a somewhat flustered Surgeon appeared,

“Miss Shaw? Your guard was most insistent that I see you immediately, practically dragged me out of my clinic. What is so important?”

Geri Shaw said nothing, merely indicated Butcher, lying on the bed. Perry frowned and glanced across cursorily then stopped, looked again. He moved to the bed, reaching out a hand to feel the pulse at Butcher’s wrist, then swiftly connected the machine to check blood pressure. He then moved to check through the drug chart on the bottom of the bed. He frowned and walked across to the door, the other inhabitants in the room heard him talking to one of the nurses outside and, a short time later a nurse appeared with a small tray. The Surgeon took it from her and walked back across to Butcher. He swiftly placed the injection into the top of her thigh,

“That should start to work very soon,” he said quickly, “I don’t know what’s happened, you should have been given something for pain long before this.”

Butcher nodded slowly, “Thanks Doc.”

Perry looked across at Shaw, “You were quite correct to call me, Miss Shaw,” he said somewhat stiffly, “I understand there has been some trouble here…but that is no excuse. I will leave instructions that pain relief is to be given regularly in future.”

“Thank you Doctor.”

The Surgeon left the room and Shaw looked over at Butcher, “Hopefully that will start to work soon, Butcher,” she began, “before it sends you to sleep can you complete your tale?”

#158: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:02 pm
—
Talk about pre-judging! That was inexcusable. Thanks Lesley - I think.

#159: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:05 pm
—
So what happened after that?

#160: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:07 pm
—
Nice one, Butcher. And it hit the mark! But if it did, why didn't she get her pain relief? Why did the sister not bring it? And it seems the story of her bravery hasn't percolated. Evil or Very Mad

It seems that some people are indeed more equal than others. (Sorry, Lesley. Laughing

Have finally read it! Rolling Eyes

)

#161: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:33 pm
—
Well, I don't think much of that Sister, or the other nurses. If they knew their job, they would realise that Butcher's injuries would stop her doing much, if anything to them. What were they expecting? That Butcher would get out of bed and chase them, shouting, 'Hold still whilst I murder you!'?

#162: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 8:34 pm
—
It's definitely time someone told those nursing staff exactly how Butcher came by her injuries. Perhaps they'll bring themselves to show her a little human decency, if not compassion.

Thanks, Lesley.

#163: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:49 pm
—
Very telling. Interesting that the people who are actually willing to relate to Butcher very quickly change their preconceived ideas about her. It sounds as if Matron had told Sister not to give the pain relief? Looking forward to her appearance in Butcher's recital.

Thanks, Lesley.

#164: Author: Cathy, Location: Sydney, Australia

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 2:07 am
—
The treatment of Butcher by some of the medical staff here is shameful, but to a certain extent I can see where they are coming from (not that I think that excuses it). All they know is that she's a dangerous criminal, a murderer (which she is) and they haven't had the opportunity to get to know her, like we've seen her through Lesley's stories.

Several years ago a young man named Martin Bryant opened fire at Port Arthur (Tasmania, tourist attraction, formal penal colony"). He callously murdered many people, including someone I had gone to school with. Feelings ran high at the time and I do remember media reports on the distress of the hospital staff who had to treat him (among other things he had managed to set fire to himself -- long story, which I don't want to re-hash here).

Such was my anger and grief at the time I don't know how I would have coped myself, had I been one of those medical staff who had to take care of him in the hospital. So I can see where the staff in this story are coming from, although, as I've already said, that doesn't excuse it.

Cathy

#165: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 7:38 am
—

Quote:

Why should you be offered any medical help after what you’ve done?”

What? Saved the life of someone who holds an office she detests?

#166: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 10:55 am
—
Can see the difficulties for the hospital staff it's hard to alter preconceived ideas but at the same time they should be professional enough to see past what they think Butcher is to give her the treatment she urgently needs.

Thanks Lesley

#167: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:43 am
—
I wonder who that sister shouldn't have listened to?

And I wonder what they think Butcher's done?

Thank you Lesley.

#168: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:10 pm
—

Quote:

And I wonder what they think Butcher's done?

Well as we all know, there isn't really a lot she HASN'T done Laughing

But when you throw saving the life of a friend at extreme risk to your own into the mix, then that alters the whole balance somewhat.

(I think I may have just mixed my metaphors Embarassed

)

#169: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:26 pm
—
It was only minutes after the Sister left that the door opened again and the Hospital Matron walked in carrying a small medicine tray. She looked across at the Prison Guard,

“Sister said that the patient needs analgesia?”

Amanda Blanchford nodded, “Yes, that’s correct.”

The Matron smiled slightly, “Very well, I will need to examine the wound, could you please wait outside?”

“Of course, Matron,” Blanchford shot a glance toward her prisoner before exiting the room. Butcher looked over at the Matron, the woman was in her early forties, tall and slim. She had previously only seen her when accompanied on formal Ward Rounds.

“Doctor Perry looked at the wound yesterday, Matron,” she said, “he said it didn’t need to be touched today.”

“It’s Mr Perry,” the Matron replied quickly, “and I’m well aware of what was said.” She drew down the sheet covering Butcher’s chest and lifted up the gown before pulling on a pair of sterile gloves. Working swiftly she loosened the tape holding the dressings in place and slowly removed the one covering the incision down the centre of Butcher’s ribs - the one the surgeon had made to open the rib cage. She looked at the wound, “That’s healing well,” she said quickly.

Butcher nodded, “I normally heal well.”

The Matron looked over sharply, “You’ve had this sort of thing happen before, have you?”

Butcher shook her head, “No,” she said quietly, “this is the first time I’ve ever been shot.”

The Matron didn’t reply, instead concentrating on changing the dressing - once complete she looked at the other wound, the one covering the actual wound itself, “This one’s not too bad, either,” she remarked, “though it’s taking longer to heal. To be expected, though - the damage to two of the ribs was so extensive that Mr Perry had to repair them with metal implants.”

“I didn’t know that,” Butcher replied with some surprise.

The Matron gazed across, “Mr Perry is an excellent Surgeon,” she said, “regardless of the identity of the patient he will always do the best for them,” the expression on her face was not fear, though Butcher wasn’t quite sure what it was, only that the woman was definitely not afraid.

“That’s good to hear,” Butcher said quietly, she then smiled slightly as a thought struck her.

“Something funny?” the Matron’s face remained impassive.

Butcher nodded, “Only that, in the prison, I work in the metal shop - it’s gonna really p*** the screws, each time they run the metal detector over me, it’ll beep.”

The Matron finished changing the second dressing and disposed of all the soiled material in the clinical waste bin. She quickly washed her hands and then walked back across to stand beside the bed to Butcher’s bed,

“I suppose you intend to use that fact to try and smuggle weapons?” The woman’s face was angry.

Butcher shook her head, “No, just annoy the screws. As I’m sure you know, I’m a lifer, will spend the rest of my life inside. You learn pretty quick to take what laughs you can.”

“Laughs? You find being in prison funny? After what you’ve done…”

“You ever been inside, Matron?” Butcher interrupted, “No? Didn’t think so. If you had you’d realise it wasn’t funny. You have no control of your destiny, can’t move freely, reliant on others for everything, food, water, shelter. You know that if there was a fire you could do nothing, have to ask permission to visit the lav, get a drink, anything…”

“You deserve it.”

Butcher nodded slightly, “Yeah, but that doesn’t make it any easier; being able to beat the screws at little stuff - keeps you going, keeps you sane.”

The Matron laughed, “You? Sane? I don’t think so. I read about you, you know, read about your crimes. Four murder convictions - you don’t deserve anything, you certainly don’t deserve medical care,” she lifted the small tray she had carried in with her, “nor do you deserve this.”

Butcher moved slightly and bit her lip, she stared across at the woman standing beside her, “You want me to beg for it?” she asked, “ain’t going to happen.”

“No? We’ll see,” the Matron replied, “you’ve managed to fool some of my staff but not me, I know what scum looks like. Your first murder, armed robbery wasn’t it?”

“Yes but…”

“My father…”

“No,” Butcher’s eyes widened, “Hibbert didn’t have any kids…”

“I mean, that’s how my father died, too. Shot during an armed robbery five years ago. He’d only gone in to pick up a form.”

“It wasn’t me, I was inside then,” Butcher said quickly, “I’m sorry about your Dad but it wasn’t me. And I didn’t kill Hibbert, it was my partner.”

“Liar!”

Butcher shook her head, “I didn’t kill Hibbert, all those I’ve killed at least had a fighting chance.”

“I don’t believe you,” the woman raised the syringe full of pain medicine and emptied the syringe on the floor, “and you’re not getting any of this.”

Butcher glared, “I’ll survive,” she said, “and I won’t ask you for anything.”

“No? Suppose I do this, then?” As she spoke she suddenly pressed down with all her strength on Butcher’s wound, Butcher’s face went white and her mouth opened in a soundless scream. She scrabbled desperately to move the Matron’s hands but her own weakness and the superior position of the Matron made that impossible. “Beg me, Butcher!” The woman hissed.

Butcher said nothing but, with a desperate strength, folded her right hand into a karate punch, knuckle protruding, and punched the woman in the face.

#170: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 9:40 pm
—
Wow. That was powerful.
Thanks.

#171: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 10:52 pm
—
That goes some way to explaining the violence of Matron's reactions, anyway, and they're human enough. But betraying her vocation and deliberately causing unnecessary pain and distress isn't going to exorcise her own demons, it's just trapping her in a downward spiral of sadism.

Butcher might not have been involved in those particular incidents, but her past actions have made her part of a sort of fraternity of crime which, I suppose, does link her to them in a way - enough to understand how Matron feels, anyway. But we know Butcher is so much more than that and, in some ways, so much nobler than that - and I don't suppose any of us is blaming her for that punch!

#172: Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:01 pm
—
I hope someone finds out exactly what that Matron did and hauls her over burning burning hot coals for it.

Thanks Lesley

#173: Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:47 am
—
It explains Matron's actions but she was still thoroughly unprofessional and deserves to be struck off.

Reading this reminds me of the episode of the West Wing "Swiss Diplomacy" The son of the Ayatollah of Iran has a heart condition and needs surgery. The only doctor available to do it is in the US, to where he fled after his family were tortured and killed. The President doesn't feel he should order the Doctor to perform the surgery and has the following conversation with his wife:

Quote:

ABBEY What's the problem, Jed? Don't tell me there's a problem with State...
BARTLET The only doctor available won't do it.
ABBEY He's Jewish?
BARTLET Persian.
ABBEY He doesn't have a choice.
BARTLET Abbey...
ABBEY He doesn't. Doctors aren't instruments of the state, and they're not allowed to choose patients on spec.
BARTLET I can't order him to do it.
ABBEY Yes, you can.
BARTLET Through the power vested in me by you?
ABBEY Samuel Mudd set Booth's leg after he shot Lincoln. Doctors are liable in this country if they don't treat the patient right in front of them.
BARTLET Just for the record, this is why we don't talk about foreign policy. Which we do, and you don't think we do it enough.
ABBEY Why?
BARTLET Because Samuel Mudd was tried and convicted of treason for setting that leg.
ABBEY So?
BARTLET What 'so'?
ABBEY So that's the way it goes. You set the leg.

#174: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:02 am
—
And in doing that the matron demonstrates just how close she is to what she professes to despise.

#175: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 10:32 am
—

Cath V-P wrote:

And in doing that the matron demonstrates just how close she is to what she professes to despise.

*Agrees*

#176: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 11:12 am
—
A Matron, above all others, should put her personal feelings aside and not only treat the patient, but should do no harm.

She deserved the punch in the face.

#177: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 4:13 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. The Matron still sounds horrible.

#178: Author: Rosalin, Location: Swansea

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 4:26 pm
—
Ah. Well. That certainly explains (and imo excuses) the punch.

If the Matron can't distance herself from this and treat Butcher as just a patient then couldn't she explain this to some one and leave Butcher to her colleagues. Surely they'd be understanding given the circumstances of the Matron's father's death.

And if she doesn't want to distance herself then I don't see that she's exactly got the moral high ground here.

Thanks Lesley.

#179: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 5:15 pm
—
I agree with everyone else. Butcher followed the only course available to her. I hope she gets what she deserves. I can understand her feelings, however, deliberate cruelty to a patient regardless of who they are cannot be forgiven nor justified. poke

#180: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 6:34 pm
—
That Matron was deliberately torturing a patient. That puts her on a par with any violent prisoner. She deserved everything she got.

#181: Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:03 pm
—
The problem is that the matron will never admit to toturing Butcher and who are most believe going to believe - a hospital matron or a convicted felon?

#182: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:42 pm
—
The lack of medication will speak on her behalf.

#183: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 7:48 pm
—
She went in there with the deliberate intention of hurting a patient - so that makes her litttle better than any of the murderers she professes to hate. She may have had a reason, but that doesn't make it an excuse.

I shall be waiting for Geri's reaction to all this.

Thanks, Lesley

#184: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 8:47 pm
—
Butcher stopped her recitation and looked across at the woman standing beside her, “I swear, Governor, that’s what happened.”

Miss Shaw nodded slightly, her expression grim, “Yes Butcher, I believe you. You do realise though that…”

“I can’t prove it?” Butcher nodded slightly, “Yeah, I know. And no-one else will take my word for it.” She took a breath, wincing as the pain caught her again, then turned toward Shaw again, “I can understand how she feels, in a way,” she continued, “when I was talking to my family, if someone had hurt them…”

“That’s beside the point, Butcher,” Shaw returned firmly, “as a Nursing Professional she has a duty of care to her patients. At the very most she should have contacted her superiors to tell them about the situation and that she did not feel able to give you of her best. They could have arranged ‘gardening leave’ so that she not come into contact with you. Instead, not only has she assaulted you herself, she has obviously attempted to influence how others act - her behaviour is inexcusable.”

There was a pause, during which Geri Shaw walked across to stare out of the window, after almost a minute she sighed and walked back to the bed, “Which makes what I’m about to do even more difficult,” she said regretfully. “As Officer Blanchford already knows, I had three calls about this incident, one was from her, the other two were from the Matron here and from Mrs Shipley, Head of the Prison Board.”

“That must have been pleasant,” Butcher remarked, her face relaxing slightly as the injection started to work.

“Hardly,” Shaw replied quickly, “you may not be aware of it, but this hospital is the only one that will accept serving inmates and has the expertise to deal with severe trauma cases. No other hospital in the Melbourne area is prepared to accept the risk.”

“Take me back to the Prison then,” Butcher said.

Shaw shook her head, “I can’t do that, not yet. You’re not well enough, Butcher. However for you to remain here there are stringent conditions,” she turned to the Prison Guard, “your case, where is it?”

Blanchford frowned slightly then nodded, “Over there, Governor,” she pointed.

Shaw looked across to see a locked attaché case on the chair over near the window, she held out her hand, “The key, please.”

The Guard passed across a key and Shaw walked over and opened the case, a short time later she was standing next to Butcher once more, holding two sets of handcuffs in her hand. The chain between the cuffs on both sets was about a foot long, allowing rather more movement than the norm. Shaw looked down at the woman in the bed,

“I’m sorry Butcher, but the conditions are that you not have the opportunity to assault another member of the medical or nursing staff. I know you had good reason but the orders are not mine.”

Butcher said nothing, just stared across at the Governor in silence.

Shaw nodded, “You need to stay in this hospital for a while longer,” she explained, “the Prison Hospital does not have the facilities to look after you. When you return to my prison I want you to be fit and well.”

Butcher nodded very slightly, “My prison,” she said, her dark eyes sparkling.

Shaw smiled slightly, “We can debate that another time. For now, give me your hand.”

Officer Blanchford watched in silence as Butcher slowly raised her arm and allowed the Governor to fix one of the cuffs around the convict’s wrist. Miss Shaw then fastened the other cuff to the bed, allowing Butcher enough lee-way only to raise her hand about a foot from the bed. Shaw then moved round to the other side and did the same to Butcher’s left wrist. With a quick nod to herself Amanda Blanchford acknowledged that Shaw was probably the only person Butcher would ever have allowed to restrain her in such circumstances.

As Shaw finished fixing the second cuff to the bed Butcher looked across, “Don’t leave me defenceless, Shaw.”

“I won’t,” Geri Shaw replied softly. “The restraints are because of a direct order to me from the Prison Board, however I have a further order.” She looked across at the Prison Guard, “Officer Blanchford?”

Blanchford straightened, “Governor?”

“Effective immediately the terms of your spell on guard are changed. From now on you are not only responsible for ensuring the security of the prisoner, Butcher, you are also responsible for her safety. Do you understand?”

“Yes Governor.”

“That means that you will remain with Butcher at all times, you do not leave this room unless it is to accompany Butcher to another place. Should you need a comfort break you will first lock that door,” Shaw pointed at the door leading to the corridor, “and then use the en-suite facilities. You will not do so if there is anyone else in the room, unless it is another member of Staff from the Prison.”

“Understood Miss Shaw,” Amanda Blanchford looked across to see that Butcher was avidly listening.

“And finally, Officer Blanchford,” Shaw continued, “you will keep Butcher in sight at all times, regardless of what tests, procedures or investigations she is having. Should any member of the hospital staff ask you to leave you will firmly insist that you stay so that Butcher’s safety is assured. You will pass on these orders to any other prison guard. Understood?”

“Understood, Governor,” Amanda replied promptly.

Shaw nodded, “I have to go now, Butcher,” she said, “but I’ll be back later today.”

“Thanks Governor.”

#185: Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 9:00 pm
—
I don't see what else Geri could have done, and hopefully Butcher sees that as well, her co-op makes that look likely.

So I presume the Real hospital doesn't have the skills as opposed to not being willing?

#186: Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 11:16 pm
—
Oh no! I can't bear the thought of Butcher helpless and shackled, it's really horrible. Lesley, how can you sleep at night?

Geri was in an impossible situation there, and has done her best, but I am very, very uneasy. There's too much hostility and violence washing around for Butcher to be left this vulnerable.

#187: Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2007 11:43 pm
—
What dreadful situation for them. And Butcher displayed an awareness of why the matron acted like that that speaks well of her her understanding of human behaviour. And how much she trusts Geri to allow herself to be restrained like that.

#188: Author: Miranda, Location: Perth, Western Australia

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 1:19 am
—

Quote:

Butcher nodded very slightly, “My prison,” she said, her dark eyes sparkling.
Shaw smiled slightly, “We can debate that another time."

Given the circumstances, I don't see a lot else that Geri could do... But what I'm worried about is if there is a different guard in the room - one who isn't willing to follow Geri's orders to protect Butcher... *WIBBLE*

Does Butcher still have use of her legs I wonder?

#189: Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:15 am
—
I can understand why Geri did that. I also suspect she will have a lot of influence over the selection of guards (for example, Pat would be another one that she would trust there). It does show the relationship between Geri and Butcher ... and loved the comments about 'My prison' Laughing

#190: Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 10:53 am
—
Well, at least the Matron won't torture Butcher again, not with a witness in the room. But where do the hospital staff go from here?

#191: Author: Sal, Location: Walsall / Aberystwyth

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:37 pm
—

Jennie wrote:

Well, at least the Matron won't torture Butcher again, not with a witness in the room. But where do the hospital staff go from here?

I was wondering that, clearly Matron has a lot of influence over the other staff as illustrated by their attitude to Butcher, I wonder if the story of her alleged assault will cause the staff who had ignored Matron's influence to treat Butcher differently?

Thanks Lesley

#192: Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 4:51 pm
—
Butcher trusted Geri to allow her to do such a thing - and Geri trusts members of her staff, doesn't she? Without them she couln't be sure what else might go on, especially now Butcher is powerless to help herself.

Thanks, Lesley

#193: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 6:45 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. I can see that Geri didn't have a choice.

#194: Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:37 pm
—
Shaw stalked along the corridor toward the Nurse’s Station; a number of the nurses were standing there, including the Ward Sister. As Geri reached the Station another figure appeared,

“Ah, Miss Shaw, I trust that my Staff will not be exposed to any more danger?”

Shaw looked across, noting in passing that, while Butcher was obviously weak at the moment, she was still strong enough to break the Matron’s nose, “Well that depends, Matron,” she said coolly, “were you planning on assaulting anyone else?”

The woman’s face was already flushed due to her injury, but Geri was pleased to note that it darkened still further at this response, “I-I’m afraid I have no…”

“You know what I mean, Matron,” Geri replied, “but for the benefit of your staff here I will spell it out. You deliberately and maliciously assaulted my prisoner, withheld analgesia and caused her to react. If that had been me I would have reacted in the same way and I am very pleased that her attack on you left its mark.”

“How dare you…” the woman got no further.

“How dare I? Because I am disgusted at your lack of professionalism, Matron. In the Prison Service we are taught, during basic training, to leave our own opinions and thoughts at home. To care for, guard and look after our prisoners without judging them. I would have thought that a senior member of a ‘caring’ profession could do no less. If you had serious issues about Butcher’s record you should have absented yourself from her care. Instead you not only attempt to influence your staff, but you attempt to torture and hurt her.”

The Matron swallowed sharply, glanced round at those of her staff watching, she rallied somewhat, “I don’t know what lies Butcher has been telling you,” she began.

“Butcher doesn’t lie,” Shaw responded, “she has told me the truth - you emptied the syringe of medication on the floor then, when she refused to beg for more, pressed down with all your weight over her wound. It was at that point that she hit you.”

“This is ridiculous, you have no proof of your allegations, Miss Shaw.”

“No, I have no proof,” Geri replied, “and that is to your advantage, because if I had proof then you would now be under arrest. I sincerely hope you can live with your conscience, Matron. As to the rest of you,” she turned to look at the other nurses gathered around, “I have been ordered to ensure that Butcher is no longer capable of attacking any of the hospital staff - that I have done. However I have also left orders that my staff now ensure Butcher’s safety - I don’t trust any of you. Some of you are already aware of this, but for those that are not - the reason Butcher is here, the reason she was badly injured? Because she pushed me out of the way of a bullet - the same bullet that caused all of her injuries and nearly killed her. She deserved to be treated with consideration and with respect. I will be making enquiries about moving Butcher to another hospital as soon as possible - I no longer trust that she will receive adequate care here.” As she completed her final speech Geri Shaw turned on her heel and stalked out of the ward.

#195: Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:51 pm
—
Thanks, Lesley. Geri did a brilliant speech there.

#196: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:54 pm
—
Well done Geri. Did they really thihnk there'd be no come-back at all? That Geri would just let that sort of thing go?

#197: Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:56 pm
—
Oh boy - that was Geri at her stateliest - she certainly put them all, from Matron downwards, in their places there, didn't she. I saw definite shades of Hilda there!

But she was quite right - if Matron couldn't keep her personal feelings out of her professional life, and I can see it could be hard in this particular instance, she should have removed herself from Butcher's care immediately. Not sure if Butcher will be relieved or embarrassed that the hospital staff now know exactly how she was injured, though.

Thanks, Lesley

#198: Author: Lottie, Location: Humphrey's Corner

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:58 pm
—
Well said, Geri!

Thanks, Lesley!

#199: Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:00 pm
—
They needed to know how she was injured. Talk about prejudice!

#200: Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 9:10 pm