Only the Virtuous. (RCS #9) Update 14/10/06 x2 page 22

Select messages from

#

through

#

FAQ

[^/[Print]\]

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

---

#1: Only the Virtuous. (RCS #9) Update 14/10/06 x2 page 22 Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 9:54 pm
    —
It was quite late and already starting to get dark, before Geri Shaw arrived back at her apartment. She pushed open the door and walked in, allowing the door to slam behind her. The files she carried were placed on the table and she swiftly changed into more casual attire, hanging up her uniform with a sense of deep regret. After getting herself a drink and a sandwich she sat down next to the phone and dialled a number. After only two rings a man’s voice answered,

“Hello?”

“Graeme? It’s Geri,”

“Geri! How’d it go?”

Geri paused for a moment then, “Badly Graeme, very badly. I’ve been dismissed, Gross Misconduct.”

“Oh Geri, I’m so sorry. Can you get a post in another prison?”

“No, I’ve been dismissed from the Prison Service itself,” Geri returned, her voice betraying no emotion, “Twenty-one years down the drain. Don’t suppose you have any vacancies for an aging farm hand on your farm, do you?”

“Of course I have, you don’t need to ask, and if you’re aging what does that make me?” Graeme’s voice was forcibly cheerful, “Come home, Geri, you’ll always have a welcome here, you know that,”

“Thanks Graeme, I may take you up on that in the next week or so, I can’t just yet though, Pete said he was going to lodge an appeal,”

“Pete?”

”The Union Rep, he is going to lodge an appeal against the decision,”

“Does he think it will work?”

“Candidly? No, he thinks that they wanted to get rid of me and they have. It’s been their plan ever since they first suspended me just over three weeks ago. They’re hardly likely to change their minds now. They‘ve got what they wanted.”

“I can’t believe the corruption, how so many people can be so dishonest,”

“Well, to be fair, only a couple are really corrupt,” Geri replied, “for the rest – they were only going on the evidence presented. The fact that said evidence included an inmate with reason to wish me harm, an Officer who wants my job and a Governor that wants to be rid of me doesn’t seem to have penetrated.”

“You’d think someone would have realised,” Geri’s brother responded, “I mean, all those years of unblemished service,”

“Yes,” Geri swallowed, took a deep breath, “I-I have to go, Graeme,” her throat felt very constricted, while speaking she had to quickly wipe her eyes, “I’ve got a few other people to tell.”

“Have you spoken to Pat?”

”Not yet, she’s next on my list to call,”

“Has her transfer come through yet?”

“Yes, it’s next week, she’s taking some annual leave at the moment, visiting her in-laws in Adelaide,”

“Well make sure you do speak to her,” Graeme sounded somewhat pompous in saying that and Geri found herself smiling,

“I’ll do that,” she said, “but Graeme? I’m not a baby now, you know,”

“You’re still my baby sister,” Graeme replied, “take care Geri and anything you need, you’ve only got to call,”

“Thanks Graeme,” Geri replaced the receiver and went back into the kitchen to re-fill her glass. She was on her way back when the phone rang,

“Geri is that you? How are you?”

”Pat, I was just about to call you, I’m alright, I suppose. You’ve heard then?”

”Yes, Katya phoned me, she’s working tonight. Masters has already installed Robertson as Senior Officer.”

“Yes, that’s what I expected,” Geri returned quietly.

“Katya says the atmosphere is really bad there, have you heard about some of the things that have happened?”

“Not really, I’ve been forbidden to contact the prison during the investigation.”

“Oh, of course, well Katya’s handed in her notice, says she’ll get a job stacking shelves rather than continue. She says the place is a powder keg anyway.”

“Yes well, that’s no longer my problem, is it?”

“No, oh sorry, Geri, you don’t need to hear this. Look Geri, are you going to be alright? I mean I can get on the next flight back to Melbourne, be with you in only a few hours?”

“No, I’ll be fine, Pat, you’re on holiday with your family, you enjoy yourself. I’ll see you when you get back.”

“Well, if you’re sure?” Pat Francis’ voice was undecided.

“I’m certain,” Geri returned, “it’s not as though the result was unexpected. I’ve known what was going to happen from the start. I’ll ring you when you get back. Goodbye Pat.”

“Bye Geri, take care.”

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:06 pm; edited 43 times in total

---

#2:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:00 pm
    —
It's back!!!

Looking forward to more Lesley.

---

#3:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:02 pm
    —
Yay!!! Great to have this back Lesley!
Poor Geri though.

---

#4:  Author: JackieP, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:04 pm
    —
Woohoo - RCS is back.

Thanks for this Lesley, but poor Geri...

JackieP

---

#5:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:26 pm
    —
'Yay' and 'wibble, wibble'

These people are evil - get out of town, Geri (or better still get to RCS).

---

#6:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:43 pm
    —
Huzzah! It's back!
Thank you Lesley!
(I do hope you'll hurry up and get to the bits I've not already seen soon.... )

Poor Geri though. I REALLY don't like Masters!!!

---

#7:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 10:52 pm
    —

Vikki wrote:

I REALLY don't like Masters!!!

Umm... I don't quite know how to put this gently, but I don't rhink you're supposed to Vikki!

---

#8:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 11:54 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. It's great to have RCS back! I hope that Geri will be able to sort things out.

---

#9:  Author: janem, Location: Ash, Surrey Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 7:36 am
    —
Thank you for writing more Lesley. I do love this drabble and was looking forward to the next installment

---

#10:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 7:43 am
    —
Thanks Lesley. Glad you managed to find a title.

*leaves some hugs for Geri*

---

#11:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 8:37 am
    —
Yay it's back!
Feel really sorry for Gerri.
Thanks Lesley!

---

#12:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:17 am
    —
Yaye, thank goodness (or Lesley) that we didn't have too long to wait.

---

#13:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 2:30 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley.

---

#14:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:05 pm
    —
Poor Geri. It's hard for her to cope with all that's happened and not be able to go home to someone and have them help shoulder her burden.
Will Hilda and Nell find out what's been going on?

Thanks for starting this up again so soon, Lesley.

---

#15:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 3:23 pm
    —

Vikki wrote:

(I do hope you'll hurry up and get to the bits I've not already seen soon.... )

*Pokes Vikki*

Where's Uto got to these days? That was definitely gloating!

Thanks, Lesley - brilliant post as always!

---

#16:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 6:27 pm
    —
Woohoo! RCS is back
Thanks Lesley

---

#17:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 9:10 pm
    —
Can Geri get a job at RCS? I bet Hilda and Nell would soon sort out that odious Masters.

---

#18:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:16 pm
    —
After making a few more calls, Geri stopped, rubbing her eyes. Her watch told her the time was barely ten pm yet she knew she should try and get some sleep - she hadn’t managed to get a great deal over the last few days. Washing up the few pieces of crockery and cutlery she quickly checked everything was locked up before retiring to bed. She was asleep within minutes. Some hours later she was suddenly shaken from a deep sleep,

“Shaw, Shaw wake up!”

The voice was familiar and Geri awoke to discover she was being held down on her bed, a hand over her mouth, she looked up into the face of Butcher. Her eyes widened in shock.

“Good, you’re awake,” Butcher said with satisfaction, “now, if you give me your word you’ll not try and call for help I’ll let you speak.”

Shaw thought swiftly then nodded, Butcher immediately removed her hand, Shaw drew in a swift breath, “Butcher, what are you doing…?”

Butcher shook her head impatiently, “I’ll explain later,” she said quickly, “for now get up, get dressed, you’re coming with us.” As she spoke she moved very slightly, the pale moonlight glinted off of the barrel of a pistol pushed into the waistband of her jeans.

Shaw sat up, her gaze dropped to the pistol, “Butcher, the Staff?”

A second woman shouldered her way forward, “Shut the Hell up screw and do as you’re told, unless you’d rather…” she raised the pistol she carried.

Butcher pulled her back, “Back off Grant, this has got nothing to do with you.” She turned to the woman in the bed, “Couple of the screws will have sore heads come morning, no more.”

Shaw nodded slightly, she got out of bed, as she did she noticed her mobile phone on the bedside table, she went to reach toward it…

“Don’t.”

Butcher’s command was soft but definite, Shaw nodded and moved across to a wardrobe; pulled on jeans and tee-shirt, then laced on a pair of trainers. Turning to the woman beside her she spoke, “What now?”

Butcher nodded, “Now we get out of here, fast. We’ll take your car, where’s the keys?”

Shaw paused for a moment, considering, then replied, “On the hook by the front door.”

Grant disappeared from the bedroom, returned seconds later with the keys, she looked over at the prisoner, “Don’t you know better than to keep your keys there, Shaw? Anyone could get those keys off that hook through the window in the door.”

“Considering my current situation, Grant,” Shaw replied evenly, “That’s rather academic now, isn’t it?” She turned to Butcher, “Why are you doing this, Butcher? Even if it makes no difference to your sentence, it will add a number of years to Grant’s, kidnapping and car theft as well as escaping from prison.”

“I’ll explain later,” Butcher said quickly, “for now we’ve got to get somewhere safe,” she removed a set of handcuffs from her pocket, “Turn around, Shaw, put your hands behind your back.”

Shaw stared at the convict, her face showing her sense of betrayal, Butcher’s face softened very slightly, “Just do it, Shaw,” she said quietly, “It won’t be for long and it’ll stop you from trying any heroics. You may not believe this but I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Shaw thought for some seconds then nodded slightly, turned around. As the handcuffs were snapped on she winced slightly but said nothing.

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Aug 29, 2006 5:34 am; edited 1 time in total

---

#19:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 10:52 pm
    —
*boggled*

Thanks... I think?

---

#20:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:22 pm
    —
Also boggling.

Now what's going on? Is it all part of a Butcher-plan to bring Masters down (she asks hopefully)?

Honestly, Lesley, you've only just come back (yippee!) and already our brains are bending.

---

#21:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:35 pm
    —
*Hint to Butcher* "Take her to Hilda and Nell - - - please"

---

#22:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Aug 28, 2006 11:56 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley.

---

#23:  Author: Cathy, Location: Sydney, Australia Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:37 am
    —
This isn't a nightmare or something is it? Only, I don't really see how Butcher could have gotten out ...

Oh and very glad to see this back Lesley!

---

#24:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:45 am
    —
Relieved to see this back!

But -- not so relieved by current events.

Thank you, Lesley.

---

#25:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 7:19 am
    —
I was (perhaps misguidedly) comforted by one sentance in there- they were going to get her somewhere safe. Please let that be safe for Gerri rather than Butcher et al.
Thanks Lesley.

(edited cause it's early and I can't type)

---

#26:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:06 am
    —


Goodness, Lesley !

I was over the moon to see the new RCS up and running, but within 5 minutes of starting to read it, my hair is standing on end with worry for Geri and Butcher.

Have pity on my nerves first thing in the morning

More please !

---

#27:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 9:22 am
    —
Hurrah, it's back! *brings in the desk*

Thanks Lesley

---

#28:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:05 am
    —
Er...if Butcher can walk out of jail any time then why hasn't she?

---

#29:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:19 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I am wondering how Butcher has managed to get out of the prison.

---

#30:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:24 pm
    —
*Bounce, meep, yay, wibble*

---

#31:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:03 pm
    —
Hmmm.

Thank you Lesley - good to see this back.

---

#32:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:20 pm
    —
Interesting

---

#33:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 2:55 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley! Jolly good cliff position there!!

---

#34:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:11 pm
    —
A short time later all three women were standing in the hallway, before opening the front door of the apartment Butcher spoke softly to Shaw,

“Just a warning, Shaw,” she said, her hand resting on Shaw’s shoulder, “you don’t try and attract attention, you don’t try and call for help, understand?”

“Or you will hurt me, Butcher?”

“Hell no,” Butcher said surprisingly, “I’ll not touch you,” she paused for a few seconds before continuing, “but I will hurt the people you were trying to warn,” the threat was made without expression, Shaw had no doubt that the convict meant it. She nodded,

“I’ll say nothing,” she said quietly.

She walked out into the corridor, Butcher beside her, the dim night lighting enough to show the way. Down in the basement was the residents’ car park. Grant, holding the key fob up above her head, pressed the remote, the hazard lights on one of the vehicles flashed,

“Hey, is that yours?” she said, looking toward the black 4x4 with some animation, “nice wheels! Only six months old, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Shaw replied.

“Get a good rate of return on these when you nick ‘em,” Grant continued, “basically because they’re not cheap. You must be taking home a bloody good salary Shaw,”

Shaw’s eyes darkened, “Any salary I‘ve taken home has been earned, Grant,”

Before Grant could respond Butcher intervened, she indicated that Shaw should get into the back of the vehicle and sat beside her; she pointed Grant to the driver’s seat. Grant started the jeep and drove out onto the street, she looked back over her shoulder at Butcher,

“Where we going?”

“East of the city, arches near the East Melbourne station,”

“Right, I know it,”

There was silence for a time, then Shaw spoke, “Where are you taking me, Butcher?”

“Safe house,” Butcher’s reply was succinct.

“Why?” Shaw paused and swallowed quickly, then continued, “I’d have thought, having succeeded in escaping, that you would want to place as much distance as possible between yourself and the prison. Taking the time to seek revenge doesn’t seem your style.”

Butcher looked across, startled, “Revenge? Is that what you think this is? I told you, Shaw, I don’t want you getting hurt. This isn’t about revenge.”

“Then what?”

Butcher stared out of the window for some time before replying, “I need your help, Shaw,”

---

#35:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:25 pm
    —
Great cliff Lesley

---

#36:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:48 pm
    —
Well! Sits down and waits...

---

#37:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:58 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I wonder what Butcher needs Geri's help with.

---

#38:  Author: Rachel, Location: West Coast of Scotland Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 9:58 pm
    —
So glad to see this back Lesley. Long may you live and reign as Queen of Ste Therese's!

---

#39:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:02 pm
    —
Lesley, I humbly apologise for missing the start of this when I was on two days ago. How did I miss it?

As everyone else, I shall now start trying to work out just what Butcher is up to. But somehow I get the feeling Geri is safe with her - if it really is RL and not a dream!!

Whatever.....thank you, and welcome back to RCS.

---

#40:  Author: JackieP, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:39 pm
    —
*is now confuzzled*

I can only hope that Geri's okay if Butcher needs her help - just hope this isn't something dreamed up by Masters... *wibbles and straps on harness*

JackieP

---

#41:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:47 pm
    —
I hope Lesley knows where she is going on this?

I think Butcher is on the side of the angels and I'm clinging on to this belief.

---

#42:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:44 pm
    —
I agree. I like Butcher and, if she's not quite on the side of the angels, she's no devil. I wonder, too, if Masters had plans to put Geri permanently out of commission? I can't believe this isn't somehow connected with an attempt by Butcher to bring Masters down.

*sends icepacks to put on overheated CBB brains*

---

#43:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 11:56 am
    —
All very interesting.

Thanks Lesley.

---

#44:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:16 pm
    —
You started it while I was away! Good to come back and see it, will be watching avidly for all your usual twists, turns and sudden drops.

---

#45:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 7:34 pm
    —
There was a long silence, and then Shaw drew in a deep breath, “I will not help you to escape, Butcher,” she said quietly.

There was a muffled laugh from the front of the jeep, Grant looked round, “Who needs help there, screw? We’re outside, we’ve got you, got transport, even got enough cash and legit credit,” she held up a purse, Shaw recognised it as her own; Grant had obviously taken it when in Shaw’s apartment.

Butcher swore, reached across and took the purse from Grant, “I told you,” she hissed, “no side trips,”

“Oh but it was just sitting there,” Grant returned quickly, “She won’t need it, will she?”

Butcher grabbed hold of Grant’s hair, “Stop the car,” she ordered, once Grant had pulled over to the side Butcher spoke again, “right, what else did you take?”

Grant silently handed over a mobile phone, “Nothing else, Butcher,”

Butcher nodded, “Right, give me your gun. You want to escape? There’s the door, get out!”

Grant, in the process of handing over her gun stopped, the expression on her face one of horror, “No, Butcher, please.”

Butcher remained quiet for some seconds then returned the gun, “You screw up again Grant and I just might make you go, understand?”

“Yes Butcher,” subdued Grant started the engine and the jeep continued into the night.

Butcher sat back down on the back seat, she looked across at her prisoner, “Sorry about that, Shaw, here, have this back,” she pushed the purse into Shaw’s jeans pocket, “old habits I’m afraid.” She didn’t, however, return the phone.

“Thank you,” Shaw replied, then, “I meant what I said, Butcher.”

“Yeah I know,” Butcher gave a slight smile, “but as Grant said, we don’t need your help to escape, do we?”

She fell silent then, not elaborating on her need for help, saying only that she would explain once they had reached their destination. Shaw also stayed quiet; instead concentrating on the direction the jeep was travelling. When they reached the railway station Butcher directed Grant along a few side streets and back alleys, making no attempt to stop Shaw from seeing where they were going. Eventually they ended up facing what appeared to be a locked garage. Butcher got out and walked across to the garage and unlocked the padlock before throwing up the door and pointing for Grant to drive the jeep inside. Once it was in and the garage door closed once more Butcher appeared at the jeep,

“Outside,” she ordered, “walk over to the back!”

Shaw obeyed, sliding along the seat to the door and then standing out in the dim garage, Butcher stayed with her until they reached a small door in the rear wall. Once this was open Butcher indicated that both the other women precede her inside. She followed and firmly closed the door behind her before reaching up to a hidden switch. The room was suddenly flooded with fluorescent light.

“Hey, not bad Butcher,” Grant’s voice was very appreciative.

Shaw quickly looked round; the room she was in was perhaps the same size as a standard garage, maybe slightly larger. There were a couple of worn but comfortable looking sofas, the type that folded down to beds, a small television and radio to one side and a fridge at the back. In one corner there was a chemical toilet and a sink. Shaw realised she was seeing a ‘safe house’ as used by criminals, either as a hide-out or a place to hold prisoners. It appeared that it was to perform both functions at present.

Butcher nodded toward one of the sofas, “Sit down Shaw, I’ll be with you in a couple of minutes. Want a drink?”

Shaw nodded slightly, now that she was out of her air conditioned apartment and jeep she realised just how hot the January night was. She sat down.

“Grant,” Butcher spoke with the other convict, “there’s drink in the fridge, go easy on the beer though – we need clear heads,”

“Okay Butcher,”

“Right, I’m just going to have a quick look around, make sure we haven’t any curious locals about,” she tossed a set of keys to Grant then indicated Shaw, “Take the cuffs off her and get her a drink.”

“Sure, no problem,”

Butcher nodded slightly then opened the door and stepped out, the door slammed shut behind her. In the room Grant moved across to the fridge, inside, as well as cans of soft drink, there were a number of bottles of beer. Grant grabbed one and opened it, drank down half the contents in one go,

“Oh that’s good,” she said with a sigh, she looked across at the woman on the sofa, “want one, Shaw?”

“Not beer, no,” Shaw said levelly.

Grant picked out a can of Coke; she walked over to stand in front of Shaw, “This do?”

“Yes, thank you,”

Grant grinned lazily, “Suppose you want me to take the cuffs off first, do you?” She paused then continued, “Well, maybe I will, maybe I won’t. Need you to answer a question first.”

Shaw looked over at the young woman, “What question?” she asked calmly.

Grant placed the can of Coke on the side and paced, thinking, she swallowed some more beer before looking across at Shaw again, “Why’d you become a screw? You like locking people up, do you?”

Shaw shook her head, “No, not particularly. I joined the Prison Service after graduating from university. I thought I could help people.”

Grant shook her head, “That’s a load of b*lls,” she said fiercely, “you screws just lock us up, make sure we can never get out. You don’t help us.”

“I try to, so do the vast majority of Prison Officers. We are not responsible for you being in prison, you are. Your sentence has already been passed before you reach the prison.”

“But you do everything possible to increase the sentences don’t you?” Grant had finished the beer, dropped the bottle, her face had darkened with anger and a flicker of something else, Shaw thought it was pain or grief.

“No, we try not to increase any…”

“Shut up, not another word, Shaw,” Grant pulled her gun from her pocket, “I’m giving the orders, you speak only when I say so,”

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Oct 13, 2006 5:20 am; edited 1 time in total

---

#46:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:00 pm
    —
Lesley always ends her drabbles well and we are happy with the ending.

Repeat after me as a mantra.

---

#47:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:08 pm
    —

Jennie wrote:

Lesley always ends her drabbles well and we are happy with the ending. Repeat after me as a mantra.

She left the last one hanging though, didn't she?

---

#48:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:11 pm
    —
I wondered if you'd notice that weensy fact, Pat.

---

#49:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:27 pm
    —
However good Butcher's intentions are (and I'm inclined to trust her, despite her recent behavioud) I really don't think she should leave Geri alone with Grant too often.

---

#50:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:27 pm
    —
Yes, but if Grant were to do anything, Butcher would never forgive her - and I for one wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of Butcher's anger.

Geri remains very calm there, as usual, and that gives the scene an almost surreal feel. Almost as though she is the eye at the centre of the storm. (My wits are wandering!! )

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#51:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 8:37 pm
    —
Well its only been back 3 days and on the third page already!
With people on the cliff too!
Thanks Lesley

---

#52:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 9:46 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope that they won't seriously harm Geri.

---

#53:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 10:45 pm
    —
Fascinating! What is Butcher up to?

---

#54:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:35 am
    —
Grant is an unpleasant so and so - except that some nasty things have obviously happened to her in prison to cause that flash of pain and grief. Perhaps Geri will be able to help her in the end.

And Butcher will flatten Grant if she tries to harm Geri.

---

#55:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 6:27 am
    —
I have my inflatable life-jacket and crash helmet on, have a whistle, compass, maps, stout rope, bungee-jumping rope and am strapped into a parachute .... oh, and I am hiding under my computer desk

I think I am prepared for every eventuality, but knowing Lesley`s amazing plot twists and turns, I am prepared to be completely surprised and shocked

Wonderful stuff, Lesley !!

---

#56:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:51 am
    —
All very interesting.

Thanks Lesley.

---

#57:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 5:59 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley!

---

#58:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:29 pm
    —
It had taken Butcher only a few minutes to check the surroundings, make sure that there were no curious strangers watching. The area was fairly dead anyway, so it was unlikely that anyone had even seen the jeep enter the garage. She returned to the hidden room; opening the door quietly she was immediately aware that something was wrong. Without making a sound she moved into the room, Shaw sat where she had been when Butcher had left, however now she was being menaced by Grant. The barrel of Grant’s gun was on Shaw’s neck, aiming up, through her jaw. Butcher could hear them speaking,

“You’re lying screw,” Grant’s voice was full of anger and pain, “admit it, you’re lying!”

“I’m not lying,” Shaw replied quietly, her breath coming in short gasps, “most prison officers want to see inmates finish their sentences, they want to release them. It’s only a very small minority that wish other…”

“You lie, you’ll do anything to make sure the sentences are increased - make sure people lose remission. What you do is just as bad as any con, yet you make the Law work for you,”

“No, Prison Officers must work within a very strict guideline, inmates have protection, Grant, they are covered by the Law,”

“Shut up!”

Butcher stepped forward, Grant’s grip on reality seemed to be slipping, her voice was surprisingly gentle, “Grant, that’s enough, leave her alone,”

Grant looked across to see Butcher standing there, her gun was still stuck in the waist band of her jeans, her hands empty, Grant took another couple of quick breaths, “You know what happened…”

“Yeah I know, but it wasn’t Shaw’s fault, leave her alone,” still the gentle tone, almost as though Butcher was speaking to a child.

Grant gulped slightly then stepped back, moving the gun away from Shaw’s head. Shaw breathed deeply but didn’t move or say anything realising just how volatile the situation was.

“Now give me the gun,” Butcher ordered gently, holding her hand out. Grant slowly reached across and placed the gun into Butcher’s hand. Butcher took a deep breath then, swiftly, back-handed Grant across the face, “What part of ‘Take the cuffs off her and give her a drink’ didn’t you understand, Grant?”

Grant looked up from the floor where the force of Butcher’s blow had left her, “I-I’m sorry Butcher, I didn’t think…”

“Too true you didn’t think,” Butcher shot back, “you said you could deal with this, Grant. If you can’t then I’ll get rid of you myself.”

Grant paled considerably, “No, no I’ll be fine, it’s only that – she’s a screw isn’t she?”

“No Grant,” Butcher replied, “she’s a Chief Screw and we need her help. And you’re really not making her feel helping us is a good option here.”

Grant picked herself up, “Sorry Butcher,” she turned, looked over at the woman sat on the sofa, “sorry Shaw,”

Shaw nodded in acknowledgement but said nothing. Butcher also nodded, “Final chance Grant,” she said, “now, take this,” she handed back the gun, “and step outside, keep watch. Let me know if there’s any trouble, understood?”

”Understood Butcher,” Grant took the gun and walked across to the door.

Once the door had closed behind Grant, Butcher looked over at the woman, “Sorry Shaw, that shouldn’t have happened. Grant does have good reason but…it shouldn’t have been you,”

“I see,” Shaw was surprised at how steady her voice was, “and can you trust her, now you’ve given her back the gun?”

“I can,” Butcher was definite.

Last edited by Lesley on Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:30 pm; edited 1 time in total

---

#59:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:51 pm
    —

Identity Hunt wrote:

I have my inflatable life-jacket and crash helmet on, have a whistle, compass, maps, stout rope, bungee-jumping rope and am strapped into a parachute .... oh, and I am hiding under my computer desk I think I am prepared for every eventuality, but knowing Lesley`s amazing plot twists and turns, I am prepared to be completely surprised and shocked Wonderful stuff, Lesley !!

You forgot the chocolate!!!

Thanks Lesley can't wait to see where this leads

---

#60:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 8:04 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I wonder why Butcher can trust Grant.

---

#61:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:23 pm
    —
I was thinking to myself *shades of Hilda* there in the way Butcher treated Grant - and then she back-handed Grant when she had got what she wanted. Sorry, Hilda!

Quite clearly something very nasty has been going on at the prison, something worse than we know about so far - and Grant was about to make Geri pay for it.

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#62:  Author: JackieP, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:55 pm
    —
Thank you Lesley - I'm hoping that this means, even if Butcher's not prepared to like Geri still, that she realises she's got to trust her...

*checks harness and crawls under desk with Identity Hunt*

JackieP

---

#63:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:57 pm
    —
Ooh. Interesting. Wonder what exactly Butcher has planned?
Mind you, the next post will probably be a nice safe scene somewhere completely different...

Thank you, Lesley!

---

#64:  Author: Cathy, Location: Sydney, Australia Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:19 pm
    —
Hmm, I'm thinking perhaps that Grant was one of the women providing "services" to paying customers and that she was raped and the prison didn't care? Or perhaps I'm barking up the wrong tree. Anyway, it's riveting stuff. More please!!!

Cathy

---

#65:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:48 pm
    —
Hmmm *meditative*

---

#66:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:36 pm
    —
I was wondering about Grant providing 'services', too - though whatever's wrong, it sounds somehow bigger than that (not wanting to trivialise that for one moment, but Butcher herself seemed to be saying that the women involved were volunteers, more or less). It's knocked her to the edge of her sanity, whatever it was and, despite the backhander, Butcher is quite unusually gentle with her, so it must have been bad.

---

#67:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:25 am
    —
Like Mary, I thought "Hilda" when I read this - and the blow was, I think sadly necessary, in terms of the established hierarchy. Whatever happened to Grant has damaged her badly.
Thank you Lesley

---

#68:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:34 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm not making any conjectures, they'd be bound to be wrong. But I'm sure that Hilda and Nell will save the day.

---

#69:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:44 pm
    —
Interesting. Thanks Lesley.

---

#70:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 8:38 pm
    —
It's back and I missed the start!

*wibbling madly to make up for lost time*

Thanks Lesley

---

#71:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:58 pm
    —
Hmmmmm. What on earth is Butcher up to?

Thanks Lesley.

---

#72:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:09 pm
    —
She walked across to stand behind Shaw, “Lean forwards,” she said quickly, when Shaw complied Butcher reached down and unlocked the handcuffs. While Shaw was rubbing her wrists and rolling her shoulders Butcher walked across to the side, picked up the can of Coke. She passed it across, “Here,”

Shaw took the can, opened it and drank deeply from it, finishing the contents in seconds, she shook her head when Butcher asked if she wanted more.

Butcher sat opposite Shaw, “You okay, Shaw?”

Geri Shaw didn’t answer for some time, instead concentrating on calming her breathing, eventually she looked across at the younger woman, a wary look in her eyes,

“Define ‘Okay’, Butcher,” she said softly, “I’m alive and reasonably well, considering that I’ve been forcibly abducted from my bed in the middle of the night,” she paused to look down at her right hand, still clutching the empty drink can, it was trembling. She slowly placed the can on the floor then pressed her hand against her leg to stop the shaking. She looked over at Butcher again,

“You say you want my help, Butcher,” she continued, “but even though you’ve removed the handcuffs, I’m still facing two of you, both armed. Grant came close to using her gun only minutes ago,” she swallowed sharply, “and I’ve not forgotten that, the last time we spoke, you had just vowed that you were going to kill me.”

Butcher stared into Shaw’s eyes for some seconds before dropping her gaze to the floor. When she eventually replied it was with a very quiet voice, “You were right, what you said. About Masters I mean, but I just wouldn‘t listen to you.” She rose quickly and started to pace, as though trying to walk off strong emotion, stopping and turning she spoke again, “I was so bloody angry with you Shaw,”

“Because of what happened when you were in Solitary?”

“Yeah,” Butcher took a deep breath then continued, “you were really lucky you know, that night in my cell. Lucky that the other screw knocked on the door, I mean. I was going to kill you there and then.”

Shaw reached up with a hand to rub around her neck, “Yes,” she agreed.

“I’ve never met anyone else that affected me like that, you know,” Butcher said, “made me so angry because, suddenly, they didn’t trust me. Never felt like that with any of my friends, none of my cell-mates, no-one…except you, one of the enemy.”

Shaw gave a slight half-smile, “I’m not one of the enemy now, Butcher,” she said quietly.

Butcher nodded, “Yeah I heard, Prison Board gave you the sack, didn’t they?”

“Yes.”

“For what you did to Sullivan?”

“For what they believed I had done,” Shaw qualified quickly.

Butcher shrugged, “You didn’t do it,” she stated, Shaw looked across with a raised eyebrow and Butcher continued, “I know, when you left I said you had,” she shook her head, “but that’s not you. Not your style.”

“No,”

Butcher walked over to the fridge and retrieved a couple more cans of drink, she passed one over to Shaw before opening the other and drinking, “Sullivan faked it, you know,” she said authoritatively.

“The injuries were real,”

“Yeah, but she faked who did it. Got her reward - she’s been transferred to New South Wales, got a shed load of money too, so I heard.”

“Do you know who actually inflicted the injuries?”

Butcher shrugged, “My guess? Robertson - Masters don’t get his own hands dirty. You‘ll never be able to prove it though. They wanted you out the way, didn’t they?”

“Yes, I had attempted to report their actions, unfortunately they were not the only corrupt ones within the Prison Service,”

“Yeah, not all the crooks are inside, are they?”

“No, they’re not.” Shaw opened her can of drink and took a few swallows before continuing, “you said you wanted my help. Butcher. I’ve already told you I will not help you escape. And in any case, kidnapping me at gunpoint is hardly likely to make me feel sympathetic to any cause of yours, is it?”

Butcher snorted, “I had to bring you here first, Shaw, had to make sure everything was safe. You were hardly likely to welcome me with open arms, were you? Be honest, if I’d turned up on your doorstep, alone, without the gun, what would you have done?”

Geri Shaw looked over at the convict and the slightest hint of a smile played around her lips, “Refused to answer the door and called the Police,” she said.

“Exactly,” Butcher said with satisfaction, “so I bring you here, where we can’t be disturbed. So I can tell you why I need your help.”

Shaw thought for a moment, then, “This place is obviously a criminal hide-out, yet you made no attempt to stop me seeing where it was and how to gain entry,” there was a question in her voice.

Butcher shrugged, “The entire area is scheduled for demolition in a couple of weeks, place will get bulldozed without the builders even knowing it’s here. You knowing about it don’t matter.”

Shaw nodded, “Very well, in that case I’ll at least listen. Why do you need my help?”

“I’ll get Grant back in here first, you need to listen to what she’s got to say.”

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:35 pm; edited 1 time in total

---

#73:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:19 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

“I’ll get Grant back in here first, you need to listen to what she’s got to say.”

So do we Lesley!

---

#74:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:20 pm
    —
Lovely place to stop, leaving everyone asking for more no doubt.

---

#75:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:21 pm
    —
Yeah well I haven't written it yet - it's dancing about inside my brain!

---

#76:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:23 pm
    —
What a wonderful picture that conjures up!

---

#77:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:24 pm
    —
Thank you Lesley. I just wish this wasn't in instalments - I want to know NOW what Grant has to say.

---

#78:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:49 pm
    —
So do I! Come on, Lesley, none of this messing about wasting good drabble time working or sleeping or mowing the lawn ...

I'm so glad Butcher is getting back on an even keel. What a fascinating relationship she has with Geri. Perhaps she's one of the few people she's had a rel. of mutual respect with? And a sort of equality. Obviously quite precious, anyway.

---

#79:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:00 am
    —
The next bit may be dancing around in your brain, Lesley, but please don't keep the rest of us dancing around on tenterhooks for too long before enlightening us! At this stage, we're waiting with what patience we can muster to hear what Grant has to say- if you prolong the suspense for too long, you may find someone starting a chant!!!!

Like Tara, though, I'm really pleased to see Butcher re-establishing something of her former rapport with Geri Shaw, but did she have to go to such lengths do do so?

---

#80:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:03 am
    —
I leave in an hour to catch my plane to Sydney, and this is where you stop it?!

---

#81:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 3:29 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I am looking forward to hearing what Butcher and Grant have to say.

---

#82:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 4:52 pm
    —
Can only wonder at this relationship they have developed - and can understand Butcher's disbelief at feeling this way about a *screw*. But they are both very revelatory about themselves, aren't they? Almost as much as Hilda and Nell...

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#83:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:06 pm
    —
During the time Butcher was away fetching Grant, Shaw took the time to settle herself. Considering that she was still being held prisoner; and that her captor was a convicted killer, she felt fairly safe. She was very curious as to what had happened at the prison, it had to be something very serious, yet it can only have happened recently - otherwise Pat Francis would have mentioned it, having spoken to Katya Mareck only that evening. Geri Shaw was also intrigued as to what had affected Grant so badly, she knew Grant’s record, the woman had been convicted of Grievous Bodily Harm, having been part of a gang that had attacked innocent passers-by for their belongings. Grant had been caught on CCTV using a piece of a wooden fence to hit a man across the head, not once but three times. The man had been in a coma for six weeks, although, thankfully, he was now on his way to a full recovery. Grant had never shown any remorse or empathy for her victim, had been completely hardened, yet something had seriously affected her - Shaw was almost afraid to discover what it could be.

Butcher returned with Grant who, without meeting Shaw’s eyes, walked across to sit on the sofa opposite her. Butcher sat beside Grant; she spoke first without preamble,

“Last time I saw you, Shaw,” she began, “was Christmas Eve.”

Shaw nodded.

“Right, well Masters’ plan worked out really well, all over Christmas and New Year,” Butcher’s eyes bore into Shaw’s, “gave the girls that needed it some money, brought in a lot of prosperity for the prison in general. We even had a couple of beers with a decent Christmas Dinner, Christmas Day,” she held up a hand, “and yeah, I know that’s against the Regs, but even you’ll agree that most of the Regs are outdated, stupid.”

“Not most of them, Butcher,” Shaw put in solemnly.

Butcher gave a half smile, “Well I didn’t think you’d agree,” she swallowed quickly, “but all the inmates thought it was great, and there was no trouble because of the booze, I saw to that.”

“And you allowed the ‘prostitution’ to continue?” Shaw’s expression was uncompromising.

Butcher looked across, her dark eyes unfathomable, “Yes,” she said shortly. There was silence for some time then Butcher took a deep breath and spoke again, “Everything went fine for the next week or so, first week of the new year, Masters had rearranged all the screws so the ones we saw most were all in the know, all happy about it. The girls were putting some money by, ready for when they were released. And yes, I’ll admit, I was being paid well too, was able to pay my people bonuses.”

“Then something went wrong?” Shaw asked softly.

Butcher took a long time to answer, “Masters got greedy, told me he had another dozen clients, could use the cells in the Education Block. I told him there were only another three women interested. I told him that was it.”

“What did he do?” Shaw could make a guess at what came next, she looked over at Grant, wondering.

“He sent Robertson round, to ask women personally,” Grant said suddenly, “he was real friendly, until people started saying ‘no’, then he got nasty. Started talking about ‘losing remission’, about how new charges could be found, how women could find themselves having to serve another six months…”

“He forced you?” Shaw was aghast.

Grant shook her head, “No, not me. I’ve got four years to go, doesn’t bother me if a few more months go on my sentence.” She stopped, and her eyes became haunted, “But some of the other women were close to release, one of them my cell mate.”

---

#84:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:09 pm
    —
The one who'd got a job lined up!!

---

#85:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:38 pm
    —
*fears Pat is correct*

Thank goodness Lesley's creations are in charge of dealing with the perpetrators! Don't think I have enough imagination for anything remotely satisfying.....

---

#86:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 9:32 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm sorry that Masters has behaved in such a despicable way.

---

#87:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:20 pm
    —
Poor Butcher - that will take some getting over. What a mess to sort out!

*pondering why I think this will get worse before it gets better*

---

#88:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:22 pm
    —
Thank you Lesley!

*knows what's coming and hides*

---

#89:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:26 pm
    —
Naughty Vikki!

---

#90:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 11:09 pm
    —
Grrrr Lesley - I thought you'd posted more!! Vikki's not the only ones who's norty!!

---

#91:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:50 am
    —
Vikki wrote:

Quote:

Thank you Lesley! *knows what's coming and hides*

Have you got room under the desk Vikki

Caroline *hoping the plot bunnies change their mind*

---

#92:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:47 am
    —

Caroline OSullivan wrote:

Vikki wrote: Quote: Thank you Lesley! *knows what's coming and hides* Have you got room under the desk Vikki Caroline *hoping the plot bunnies change their mind*

Naughty Caroline - I don't know - you and Vikki gloating - tut tut!

ADVANCE WARNING - NOT PLEASANT

“Richards?” Geri Shaw’s response was a whisper.

“Yeah, Richards,” Butcher’s voice was devoid of emotion, she looked over at Shaw, “the kid was scheduled for release in a week, she had a lot to lose. Robertson pressurised her…”

“I tried to stop her,” this from Grant, “as God’s my witness I tried. But the stupid cow decided to go ahead, said it was only one night, that the extra money would be useful. Her grandmother didn’t need to know.”

Shaw gazed angrily over at Butcher, “You let her be forced into that?”

Butcher shook her head, “I didn’t even know it was happening,” she said quietly, “Robertson only went round after lock up,” she swallowed slightly, “but that’s not the worst, Shaw.”

“There’s more?”

Butcher nodded, indicated Grant once more, the younger woman continued, “They brought her back to our cell just after they opened the cells Sunday morning,” Grant’s voice was almost monotone, as though she were striving to keep any emotion from showing, “Robertson brought her, stuffed a great wodge of hundred dollar bills into her top pocket, said she’d performed well. Richards didn’t say anything, just sat on her cot, stared into nothing. I tried to cheer her up, said it was all over now, that she was going out in less than a week, she could forget about it…She said she couldn’t forget.”

Grant looked down at the floor, lost in memories, eventually she continued, “The bell went for breakfast but Richards said she didn’t want any. I said I’d bring her back a coffee. I was only gone five minutes. That’s all, five minutes. Richards wasn’t in the cell, least, I couldn’t see her, could hear the shower going though. I went in to tell her I’d got her a coffee and a roll.” Grant looked over at Shaw, “You know that piddling little window? High up, next to the shower? It’s got bars across it, like all windows in the nick. She’d torn one of the sheets, used it as a rope, hung herself.” The convict’s eyes filled with tears that she quickly dashed away with one hand, “I was only gone five minutes,” she swallowed quickly, “oh I called the screws, they worked on her for almost an hour, got the paramedics in and everything, was no use though. She was dead.”

There was silence for some time, Shaw rose and walked over toward the entrance to the hide-out. Butcher also rose but didn’t attempt to stop the older woman. Eventually Shaw spoke,

“Mel Richards dead?” She looked over at Grant in the hope that she had misunderstood; Grant’s confirmation shattered that hope. Shaw looked over at Butcher, “This is your fault, Butcher,” Shaw’s voice was accusatory, “you have responsibility here.”

Butcher’s dark eyes grew darker still, “You think I don’t know that?” she said softly, walking over to stand in front of Shaw, “think I’ve not been saying that to myself ever since I heard? She died Sunday morning, about half seven, less than forty-eight hours ago - and I’ve said it was my fault every single minute since. I know I couldn’t have done anything to stop Robertson but…”

Without considering the fact that Butcher was armed Shaw reached across and grabbed her lapels, “Is that all you can say? Don’t you even feel the slightest amount of guilt?”

Almost negligently Butcher reached up and broke Shaw’s hold; however instead of continuing to the attack she spread her arms wide, “I’ve been convicted of four murders, Shaw, I’ve lost count of how many bones I’ve broken, how many injuries I’ve inflicted. And I’ve never felt guilty for any of them - but I feel guilty now. You want to hit me, go ahead, maybe it’ll make you feel better, maybe it’ll make me feel better too.”

There was silence for almost a minute, Butcher and Shaw staring into each other’s eyes. Eventually Shaw looked away, “Hitting you won’t bring her back,” she said softly, “and it won’t make either of us feel better. We both failed her.”

“Yeah,” Butcher nodded, “but I’m not going to let it happen again.” She turned away, looked up at the ceiling for a time, “I did think about just killing them,” she said, “but while I’d be able to get one, I doubt I could get them both. And anyway, there are upwards of 30 other screws in the nick that would just take the ideas elsewhere - his people - Masters I mean.” She turned to look back at Shaw once more, “I own the women in the prison, Shaw, but with the exception of the ones Masters brought in - you own the screws. Well?”

---

#93:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:58 am
    —
*shivers*
Thanks Lesley, that can't have been easy to write, and I really hope Masters and his scum pay for what they've done!!

---

#94:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 12:22 pm
    —
That's worse than I expected.

---

#95:  Author: Rachel, Location: West Coast of Scotland Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:35 pm
    —
Must have been a difficult scene to write Lesley.




Mind you, I think it may be time for Miss Annersley to start vetting your reading and viewing habits!

---

#96:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:01 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm sorry to hear about Richards. You did very well at writing that difficult scene.

---

#97:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:05 pm
    —
Weeping for poor Mel Richards.

So difficult to write, Lesley, but at least Butcher and Geri are speaking again.

---

#98:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 2:38 pm
    —
Definitely in tune, these two. Both uncompromising - and both accepting of their guilt. And both treading their way back cautiously to some kind of trust in each other. I dread to think what that appalling news must have done to Geri.

But murder is not the answer, is it? Time for some original and clever planning - time for Hilda and Nell to poke their nose in?

Thank you, Lesley

---

#99:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:17 pm
    —
Here's where Lesley's particular skills really come in! The solution won't be anything that we'd think of!!! And yes, I think it's time hilda and Nell got into the act too.

---

#100:  Author: leahbelle, Location: Kilmarnock Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:38 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. That must have been difficult to write. Poor Mel.

---

#101:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:52 pm
    —
Poor Mel!
Thanks Lesley (I think)

---

#102:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 6:57 pm
    —
Poor Mel - that's such a shame.

---

#103:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 7:34 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley

---

#104:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:18 pm
    —
“I’m no longer a part of the Prison Service…" Shaw began..

“Doesn’t matter, you’re the one most of the original screws will follow,” Butcher replied.

“And your intention?”

Butcher shrugged, “Thought we could talk about that, try and sort out exactly what we want.”

“I see,” Shaw paused for some time, eventually Butcher became impatient,

“Come on Shaw, what’s stopping you?”

Geri Shaw raised an eyebrow, “Truthfully?” she asked, “You Butcher.” she paused to take a breath before continuing, “you’ve been inside more than ten years, you know that you have a lifetime of prison to look forward to. I appreciate that you wish to seek vengeance on Masters and Robertson, but you could have done that in some other way. If you go ahead with this plan, whether it’s successful or not, the result will be that you will be back inside once more. It’s not yet 2am, you have more that four hours before they even realise you’re missing. You could get away, you could escape.”

“Yeah, I could escape,” Butcher said quietly, “and then what? You think I’ve not considered it? In less than four hours, with your car and money, I could be out of the state, find an airport and be Outback by morning. But then what? I couldn’t settle in some hick town, I’d be bored out of my mind within a couple of months, would start watching the local banks to see just how easy it’d be to rob them – not because I needed the money, especially, because I needed the excitement. How long would it take before I was on the run again? And if I stayed in one of the bigger cities on the coast somewhere I’d be continually looking over my shoulder. Would have the Feds after me, and when they found me it’d probably be with a shoot-to-kill policy. Let’s face it I’m a killer, aren’t I? Feds ain’t going to risk themselves.”

Butcher paused for some time, lost in thought, “You think I’ve not considered it? I have. I can’t stop being who I am,” she said with dignity, “but ‘who I am’ means I can’t live in the normal world any more,” a wry smile, “if I tried I’d probably not make it to my next birthday. Funny really; last year, when I was talking to Annersley? I said that I couldn’t live with all the rules and regulations outside - but really, the problem is I can’t live with the lack of the same. Prison is strictly regimented, there’s far more rules and regulations inside then I’ve ever come across out here. You always know exactly where you are inside. And I need that, need the structure - even if I’m continually pushing the boundaries. So, the only alternative then, is for me to go back inside. Isn’t it?”

Shaw nodded, “Yes,” she said simply.

“Right,” Butcher agreed, “so if I’ve got to spend the rest of my life in prison I find that I’d rather live in a prison run by someone like you, to one run by Masters and his cronies. So are you going to help me get it back?”

There was silence for a time then Shaw replied, “I’ll not do anything under duress, Butcher,” she said firmly.

Butcher thought for a second, “You mean these?” She lifted the gun.

“I do,”

Butcher nodded, turned to Grant, “Give me your gun!”

Grant looked startled for a split second but obeyed orders, Butcher held both guns in her right hand, moved toward Shaw, then stopped, deep in thought,

“Prison Board gave you the sack, didn’t they?”

“Yes,” Shaw replied steadily,

“But if you were to present them with two escaped prisoners, one of them being a notorious killer, they’d give you anything, wouldn’t they? Even reinstate you and give you the pick of any jobs?”

“Perhaps,” Shaw continued, staring into Butcher’s eyes,

“Then how….?” Butcher didn’t voice the obvious question.

Shaw didn’t say anything for a while then, quietly, she spoke, “Sometimes, Butcher, you just have to trust someone.”

Butcher looked down at the floor for a moment, swallowed a few times, “Right,” she said, then stepped forward and placed the two weapons into Shaw’s hands...

---

#105:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:37 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley

---

#106:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:39 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. It will be interesting to see what Shaw does next.

---

#107:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:00 pm
    —
Trust is what it all comes down to in the end, isn't it? Can't have been easy for Butcher to analyse herself like that, and come to her decision. She's a very strong woman.

---

#108:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:10 pm
    —
I find it fascinating how well she understands herself, and knows exactly what the alternatives are if she leaves the prison system. She must be tempted, even so....

Still pondering that title!!

Thanks, Lesley

---

#109:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:56 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley!

Gripping stuff, but something nice n light n fluffly would be nice...*hopes*

---

#110:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:58 pm
    —

Kat wrote:

Thanks Lesley! Gripping stuff, but something nice n light n fluffly would be nice...*hopes*

*Baby bunny rabbit*



Just for Kat.

---

#111:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:06 pm
    —
Yay, thank you Lesley!

*cuddles the baby bunny*

---

#112:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:06 pm
    —
Just caught up on this, Lesley. Amazing how much can happen in a weekend.

Poor poor Richards - I really hoped she was going to be able to make a fresh start.

Will be interested to see just what happens with Grant, Btucher and Geri.

*waits with bated breath*

---

#113:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:11 pm
    —
*giggles at Kat and Lesley!*

Thanks Lesley! You just can't help liking Butcher, despite who/what she is. There's something about her honesty, and her acceptance of who she is and the way her life HAS to be.


*wonders if Kat knows that the baby bunny is nibbling on her sleeve?*

---

#114:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:18 pm
    —
It just peed on your Buffy dvds...

*giggling*

---

#115:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:42 pm
    —
Well, I hope it has some money to replace them then, or it's bunny pie at the Gather.........

---

#116:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 10:44 pm
    —
Better ask, Lesley - she was responsible for it's training before it came to me!

---

#117:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:12 am
    —
To return to our moutons, abandoning incontinent baby bunnies ...

Oh yes! At last Butcher is prepared to trust Geri.
I was totally unprepared for the horror of Mel's death. I had so hoped she'd make it to a new life.
And Butcher is impressive in her self-knowledge and honesty - but imagine actually deciding to go back and spend the rest of your life in prison! She must, indeed, be tempted.
I think she'll find it hard to forgive herself for her responsibility for Mel's fate. She prides herself on her savviness, but was taken in by Masters, with such an awful result.
Oh well, at least his fate is sealed now.

---

#118:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 12:15 am
    —

Tara wrote:

To return to our moutons, abandoning incontinent baby bunnies ...

*really should go to bed instead of yibbling all over Lesley's drabble*

Sorry, Lesley!

---

#119:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:33 am
    —
Oh heavens - I'm glad I only saw both today's episodes at the same time - I think! I'm really sorry about Mel - I did think she was going to be able to succeed 'outside', what with the promise of the job and so on.

As for the rest of the plot, it thickens by the minute - and we haven't even got the school term started yet! I do hope that Geri Shaw will indeed be able to help here, despite Butcher feeling she had to 'abduct' her before she could try and enlist her help.

---

#120:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:52 am
    —
Poor Mel! How could they? You'd think even an amoral degenerate like Masters would have found her more useful for his own hypocritical halo polishing. Of course, he wants the education wing for his own disgusting ploys.

Love Butcher's sense of responsibility, and understanding of her own limitations, though. Hope they manage to clean house on the Masters crew with no further casualties. Minimal casualties?

Thank you so much for today's bonus post.

---

#121:  Author: Cathy, Location: Sydney, Australia Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 4:41 am
    —
Didn't see the bit coming about Richards. Please can we have a scene where Butcher carves some bits off Masters with a blunt knife? (A very blunt knife.)

---

#122:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 10:50 am
    —
Well. Thank you Lesley.

---

#123:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 12:57 am
    —
Oh, poor Mel. And Butcher's awareness of herself and her needs are absolutely right. I sense that now that she has recognised the dreadful evil of Masters' greed and exploitation, her perceptions of others will be readjusted and she will be prepared to act.

Thanks Lesley

---

#124:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:31 pm
    —
There was a moment of complete stillness; then Shaw drew in a deep, shuddering breath and slowly expelled it. Holding onto the weapons she reached behind her to open the door to the garage itself, neither Butcher nor Grant moved, though they both watched intently. Shaw checked that her jeep was still there and walked out and placed the guns on the roof of the jeep before walking back into the ’safe house’. She moved back to the sofas and sat down before looking over at the other two women,

“Sit down, both of you, please,” she said, “tell me more about what’s been happening at the prison. We have a lot of work to do.”

The two convicts sat on the sofa opposite, Butcher first walking across to the fridge and extracting three cans of drinks and handing them round. She was the first to speak,

“So what d’you think, Shaw? Feel up to directing a riot of your own? With us working together we can easily overpower Masters and the rest.”

Shaw looked over quickly and shook her head, “No Butcher, no riot. We cannot do anything illegal,” she paused, smiled slightly, “I’ll re-phrase, we cannot be seen to do anything illegal. Not if we want to defeat Masters.”

“What do you mean?” Grant asked the question.

“Masters is, at present, the Governor of the prison, he has the support and backing of the prison board..”

“Yeah but you said they were crooks,”

“No, some of them are corrupt, I’ll admit, but the majority are only somewhat naïve and inexperienced.”

“See what you mean, “Butcher was nodding, “if there’s a riot then we’ll be in the wrong, won’t we? They won’t look at the reasons for the disturbance, they’ll just come in and crush it?”

“Exactly, we need to overthrow the regime in the prison, but that’s of no use unless we can also ensure that Masters and the others receive due payment for their actions, ”

“What d’you me…” Butcher cut across Grant’s reply,

“You mean bring in the Law? Have them actually convicted?” Butcher’s eyes were gleaming.

Geri Shaw shrugged, “It would seem poetic justice, “ she said mildly.

Butcher said nothing, but her grin widened, she looked over at Grant to see that the younger woman had also thought about the ramifications, Grant nodded,

“I’d like that,” she said.

“Only problem is,” Butcher said after some seconds of thought, “how do we get the pi…the police involved? They’re not going to take any notice of anything I say, or that of any other inmate. And Shaw you’re hardly in a position to contact them - they’ll think it’s just sour grapes because of you getting the push.”

Geri nodded, “Yes, and we’ll also need to obtain a great deal in the way of proof, if we are to have a case that will be suitable for prosecution, we will need to be able to demonstrate not only what has been happening in the prison but that Masters and Robertson are responsible. It’s not something that we will be able to do alone, even with the backing of most of the inmates and prison officers.”

Butcher thought for a moment then shook her head, “You’re right, makes me wish I’d just tried to top them,” she sighed, “And we should be looking at the Prison Board as well, just to make a clean sweep.”

Geri Shaw smiled, “You always did aim high, Butcher,”

“No point aiming at the ground, Shaw,” Butcher replied, “So what can we do, any ideas?”

Shaw thought deeply for some time, “Two things to make a start,” she said, “firstly I’ll need details of exactly how you managed to escape, because, if we are to be successful no-one must know that you ever left the prison.”

“Okay, and the second thing?”

Shaw looked across at Butcher, “Secondly, I’ll need my mobile phone back, I have to speak to some people I think can help.”

---

#125:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:59 pm
    —
Are we finally going to see Hilda and Nell riding to the rescue, I wonder

Geri can beat Butcher and the others at their own game, I suspect, if she puts her mind to it. She certainly seems to think the same way they do. How on earth is she going to convince everyone that Butcher and Grant never left the prison?

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#126:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:28 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I know that I can count on you to make things come right in the end!

---

#127:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:29 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley!

Now, WHO could Geri be planning to call........

---

#128:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:45 pm
    —

Vikki wrote:

Thanks Lesley! Now, WHO could Geri be planning to call........

As if you don't know already! Someone wake uto up PLEASE!

Fantastic Lesley - really intrigued how Geri's going to get people to think Butcher and Grant are still inside.

---

#129:  Author: Cathy, Location: Sydney, Australia Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:45 pm
    —
Contemplating a lovely scene where Hilda and Nell and the Prefects of Doom ride in on their motor bikes ...

No?

---

#130:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:49 pm
    —

Sugarplum wrote:

Vikki wrote: Thanks Lesley! Now, WHO could Geri be planning to call........ As if you don't know already! Someone wake uto up PLEASE! Fantastic Lesley - really intrigued how Geri's going to get people to think Butcher and Grant are still inside.

I haven't read all of it, just the bits that Lesley had written when she let me on her computer...(and her face when she realised that she'd given away about Richards' death was an absolute PICTURE...... )

---

#131:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:05 am
    —
Loved Geri's careful correction about not doing anything illegal to not being SEEN doing anything illegal! And I am wondering just what they are going to do.

Thanks Lesley.

---

#132:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:11 am
    —
*g* I do love Geri, she's great.

Thanks Lesley. Looking forward to seeing how this all pans out.

---

#133:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 12:33 pm
    —

Vikki wrote:

Sugarplum wrote: Vikki wrote: Thanks Lesley! Now, WHO could Geri be planning to call........ As if you don't know already! Someone wake uto up PLEASE! Fantastic Lesley - really intrigued how Geri's going to get people to think Butcher and Grant are still inside. I haven't read all of it, just the bits that Lesley had written when she let me on her computer...(and her face when she realised that she'd given away about Richards' death was an absolute PICTURE...... )

I think you're running scared of Uto Vikki!!!!

---

#134:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:27 pm
    —

Vikki wrote:

Thanks Lesley! Now, WHO could Geri be planning to call........

Ghostbusters of course!

---

#135:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 4:43 pm
    —
Vikki wrote

Quote:

I haven't read all of it, just the bits that Lesley had written when she let me on her computer...(and her face when she realised that she'd given away about Richards' death was an absolute PICTURE...... )

Yes and Vikki didn't have her camera with her then either

I have to say I was in such a state of shock about Mel that I don't remember very much of what Lesley had posted

---

#136:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 7:41 pm
    —
It took some time for the ringing of the telephone to penetrate a deep sleep, eventually however the receiver was lifted,

“Hilda Annersley here,”

“Oh Miss Annersley, it’s the Gatehouse, there’s a telephone call for you, the caller said it was very urgent,”

Hilda Annersley glanced at her watch, nearly two in the morning, and it wouldn’t be anyone on escort duty, it was only Tuesday morning, the new term didn’t start until the following Monday, the flights from the UK and elsewhere didn’t leave until the weekend.

“Um, did the caller give their name?”

“Yes Ma’am,” the young Security Guard replied, “she said to say it was Geri Shaw, and that it was very important.”

Some minutes later Hilda replaced the receiver and turned to see Nell standing there,

“You shouldn…” she began,

Nell held up her hand, “What did I say about you mollycoddling me? I’m fully fit now, even Emma Hedges has said I’m fit, and my physio has discharged me, said I can start running again. So don't even think about saying I should have stayed in bed. Now who was on the phone?”

“It might have been a private call, Nell,” Hilda replied mildly.

“Was it?”

“Well no, but it might have been,” Hilda smiled, “it was Geri Shaw, she’s on her way over here,”

“Now? But it’s after two in the morning!” Nell said quickly, then her expression changed, “she’s alright, isn’t she? I mean she sounded OK last night, upset yes, but nothing more,”

“She sounded a little…strained,” Hilda replied thoughtfully, “but insisted that she was fine. She wanted to come here immediately, she said she needed our help.”

“But no idea why?”

No,” Hilda replied slowly, “though I had the impression that it was something she couldn’t mention over the telephone. I’ve instructed the Gatehouse to wave her straight through, she’ll be here within the next fifteen minutes or so.”

It was a little over fifteen minutes later when the Gatehouse rang to say that Geri Shaw was on her way. Both Hilda and Nell were at the door when the jeep drew up; Geri got out of the drivers seat and walked across to the two friends,

“Hilda, Nell, thank you so much, now, I have two people with me, be prepared, it will be rather a shock,”

As she spoke the back door to the jeep opened and two figures emerged, as they came toward the door their features could be distinguished. Nell Wilson reacted first, pushing Hilda back into the cottage with a terse,

“Call Security, quickly Hilda! I’ll hold her here as long as poss…”

“Wait!” This was Butcher herself, “Shaw will tell you, I’m not here to hurt anyone here, I, we need your help.”

There was a split second of silence, then Hilda tapped Nell on the shoulder, “I thought that being stabbed and left for dead, would have cured you of this heroic phase,” she said, her eyes twinkling, “what will it take? Let them in,”

Nell looked over at Butcher sharply before nodding and stepping back…

---

#137:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 8:50 pm
    —
It may be a little premature but Huzzah!

At least we're on the right track.

---

#138:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:04 pm
    —
I can't believe it! For once I was right!

I loved that last comment from Hilda - brilliant response to Nell going automatically into combat mode.

Wonder just exactly what *criminal* activity they will devise between them.

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#139:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 9:30 pm
    —
Nell is hopeless. :8oo:

But yay for the reinforcements!

---

#140:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 10:38 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad they have gone to Hilda and Nell for help.

---

#141:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2006 11:54 pm
    —
Nell's first reaction is to protect Hilda - so no change there, then!

I have to admit I have absolutely no idea how Hilda and Nell can help in this. I wait in fascination to find out.

Complex doesn't begin to describe your thought processes, Lesley!

---

#142:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 12:28 am
    —
I'd add the word 'devious' as at least the basic minimum!

Nell doesn't change does she?!

---

#143:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:28 am
    —

Quote:

I thought that being stabbed and left for dead, would have cured you of this heroic phase,”

Er, no, not really Hilda! Not when it comes to you!

Thank you Lesley, things are looking up!

---

#144:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 12:07 pm
    —

Tara wrote:

I have to admit I have absolutely no idea how Hilda and Nell can help in this. I wait in fascination to find out.

Wot Tara said! Wonder what plan Butcher and Shaw have in mind?

Thanks Lesley.

---

#145:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 10:44 pm
    —
Lovely post Lesley! Thank you sweetie!

---

#146:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 2:25 am
    —
Yay,
Hilda and Nell to the rescue
Wonderful and gripping stuff, as always, Lesley !!

---

#147:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:01 pm
    —

Josie wrote:

Tara wrote: I have to admit I have absolutely no idea how Hilda and Nell can help in this. I wait in fascination to find out. Wot Tara said! Wonder what plan Butcher and Shaw have in mind? Thanks Lesley.

well they do have police contacts don't they...

Thanks Lesley!

---

#148:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:11 pm
    —
Inside the Heads’ cottage Hilda Annersley glanced round at the four women seated around the kitchen table; she smiled inwardly, though without allowing her expression to change. Nell Wilson’s protective instincts were to the fore as she had pointed everyone to seats. Butcher was sitting opposite Hilda, as far away as possible, with Nell Wilson sat to Butcher’s right. Hilda brought across a tray of fruit juice and glasses from the fridge and placed it in the centre of the table,

“Please help yourselves,” she said softly, her English accent even more noticeable to the three Australians seated around the table.

“I expect you’re wondering why we’re here?” Geri Shaw asked with a slight smile.

“The thought did occur,” Nell Wilson replied drily.

Geri nodded, “I’ll quickly recap, first, this is Butcher and Grant, both inmates at the prison,” she pointed to the two Englishwomen, “these are Hilda Annersley and Nell Wilson, friends of mine.”

“How come posh English mates of yours will be able to help, Shaw?” Grant burst out quickly.

“They’re not just her mates, Grant,” Butcher put in quickly, “one of them is a friend of mine, too,” she paused before continuing, “at least, she was,” she stopped, looked across at Hilda then rose, taking a deep breath while she did, “Annersley, what I said before, I was wrong…I’m sorry,”

Hilda looked over at the convict thoughtfully, she then rose and reached across the table with her right hand, “Apology accepted, Butcher,” she said quietly, the pair shook hands before sitting down again. Hilda looked round, “Perhaps an explanation, Geri?”

Geri Shaw nodded, in quick sentences she sketched out what had happened earlier in the evening and the events told to her by Butcher and Grant. When she reached Grant’s tale about Richards both women showed signs of pain in their expressions. Hilda Annersley looked across at Butcher who responded,

“I know, Annersley, my fault, nothing I ever say or do will make up for that,”

Hilda nodded slowly, “Your fault, Butcher,” she agreed, “but you were hurt and angry, you did not intend that something so dreadful should occur. The primary responsibility has to rest with the Governor.”

“Don’t beat yourself up about it, Butcher,” Nell Wilson put in gruffly, “everyone makes mistakes, you thought you were helping your people,” Nell’s face softened very slightly into a slight smile, “and some people can make you feel very angry.”

“That’s not to say you don’t learn from it,” Hilda Annersley put in gently, she turned back to Geri Shaw, “You said that you wanted our help, Geri? I assume, I hope, that you want us to help ensure these two men are suitably punished?”

Geri nodded, “Yes, exactly,” she began, “we’ve had some…” she got no further…

“Why would you want to help us? It’s gonna be dangerous and you might get hurt,” the question came from Grant, her expression puzzled, as though she couldn’t understand something. The other four women turned to look at her, Hilda Annersley answered,

“Because we’re friends, Grant. Friends help each other, regardless of the cost.”

The simple explanation seemed to puzzle Grant even though it was understood by all the others present, however, before any further explanation could be made there was an interruption, a loud knock on the door…

Butcher looked over, startled, “Who could that be?” she demanded, “The last thing we need is for someone to find out that Grant and I are out.”

Hilda Annersley rose, “I'll answer the door,” she said, “stay calm, all of you,”

She walked over to the hallway and unlocked the door, outside stood a man, John Coates,

“Hilda, sorry to disturb you,” John smiled, “especially as it’s,” he squinted at his watch, “after three in the morning. But the lads on the Gate said you had unexpected visitors and I wondered if there was something wrong?”

“I didn’t realise you were covering the night shift tonight, John,” Hilda said mildly, whilst thinking furiously about possible ramifications,

John shrugged, “You know how it is,” he grinned, “once you’ve got a responsibility you can’t let it go. Ron Lucas called in sick, he’s got food poisoning, they didn’t have anyone senior on the night shift. So, is everything alright, Hilda?”

Hilda looked across at the man thoughtfully, aware that he had deduced that something was wrong, after all, visitors at two in the morning was never normal behaviour. She knew that if she said there wasn’t a problem John would accept it and leave, but perhaps they could use his help? She nodded to herself,

“John, there is a problem,” she began, “nothing to do with the School or the grounds and so nothing that you have to be concerned about. It is something that you might be able to help with however it will require that you…” she paused, thinking, then continued, “…‘bend’ some of the principles that caused you to become a police officer.”

John frowned, “Are you planning to break the law, Hilda?” His tones indicated just how surprising he found that thought.

“Not exactly,” Hilda replied, “or at least, I’m not planning to go against the ‘spirit’ of the law,”

John thought deeply, “Hmmmm, I’ve known both Nell and you for sometime now. I think I trust your judgement,” he paused and then added, “and Shane’s away with friends at the moment so he’ll not feel obliged to get involved - a young police officer is always far more keen to keep to the letter of the law, rather than use their own judgement.” He smiled across at the Head, “Okay, you’ve intrigued me, how can I help?”


Hmmmm, am I getting too predictable now?

---

#149:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:18 pm
    —
That isn't possible!!!!

---

#150:  Author: catherine, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 1:20 pm
    —
The only predictable thing about your drabbles Lesley, is that you like to keep us guessing until the very end - and possibly even then!!

I do hope Hilda and Nell will manage to stay in one piece though ...

---

#151:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:20 pm
    —
Of course you're not!

Thank you.

---

#152:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:30 pm
    —
Yay! Rally the troops!

Only predictable in that I would expect exactly what happened when Geri asked for help.

Quote:

“Because we’re friends, Grant. Friends help each other, regardless of the cost.”

I'd have been most disappointed if that had not been the reaction from Hilda and Nell.

---

#153:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:39 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. You are definitely not predictable! I hope that John will be able to help them.

---

#154:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:15 pm
    —
*huzzah!*
With Hilda and Nell on the case SURELY everything will be okay?
Thanks Lesley!

---

#155:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 4:22 pm
    —
*nods and agrees with Vikki*

Thank you, Lesley!

---

#156:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:18 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

Hmmmm, am I getting too predictable now?

I couldn't say. Write some more and I'll let you know

---

#157:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 5:29 pm
    —

Alex wrote:

Lesley wrote: Hmmmm, am I getting too predictable now? I couldn't say. Write some more and I'll let you know

Wot Alex said!

---

#158:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 8:43 pm
    —
Hilda in fine fettle there, thinking on her feet and totally outside the box. Loved the way she told John she was not going against the *spirit* of the law - though she might decide to break the law. Tortuous, Hilda!

Thank you, Lesley.

---

#159:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 11:01 pm
    —
You're about as predictable as a ball of tangled knitting wool. One just has to keep telling oneself it will all be unravelled in the end.

---

#160:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 11:11 pm
    —
Yaye - another post! I'm getting curiouser and curiouser.

---

#161:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 11:37 pm
    —

Quote:

Are you planning to break the law, Hilda

No, never ... well, perhaps just a teeny bit ...

Good old John.

Love Hilda and Nell's instant response to their friends, and also Hilda's clear-sighted recognition of ther fact that, although Butcher made wrong decisions, the primary responsibility lies with Masters, it is his crime, not hers.

You, predictable, Lesley? Only in your unpredictability!

---

#162:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:23 am
    —
No, not break it, just flex it very gently!

And Butcher has been able to apologise to Hilda at last....

Quote:

Friends help each other, regardless of the cost.

That sums it up does't it?

Thank you Lesley.

---

#163:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2006 1:49 am
    —

francesn wrote:

You're about as predictable as a ball of tangled knitting wool. One just has to keep telling oneself it will all be unravelled in the end.

*giggles wildly*

That is a fantastic comment Fran!!!

---

#164:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 5:53 am
    —
*feels hopeful*

Especially liked this bit.

Quote:

“Don’t beat yourself up about it, Butcher,” Nell Wilson put in gruffly, “everyone makes mistakes, you thought you were helping your people,” Nell’s face softened very slightly into a slight smile, “and some people can make you feel very angry.”

---

#165:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 10:17 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

Hmmmm, am I getting too predictable now?

Only the cliffs are!
Must be time for more now Lesley!

---

#166:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 12:06 am
    —
It was only a short time later that Hilda walked back in to the kitchen, John Coates just behind her,

“We just may have some help,” she began, unfortunately she didn’t get any further as John caught sight of one of those seated around the table,

“Dammit Hilda you should have said what the problem was, you need the police…” at the same time he reached into his pocket to retrieve his radio.

“No John,” Hilda replied firmly, “no police, they have come to us for help,”

At the same time Butcher had risen from the table and was glaring across at the Security Chief, “You’re Coates, I recognise you,” she spat out, “Annersley told me about you, I said I recognised the name, couldn’t think why, exactly, but I remember now.” Butcher’s dark eyes were almost emitting sparks, “Fifteen years ago, you were the one put me away for my first spell inside as an adult,” she turned toward the table, “forget it Shaw, think I’m going to work with a pig? No way.”

She moved away from the table and Nell Wilson, sat beside her, rose quickly and placed a hand on her shoulder, “Don’t, Butcher, I’m sure we can sort this out…”

Butcher shook the hand off, “Get lost, Wilson,” she moved toward the Security Chief.

Nell reached across to stop her, a significant error; Butcher acted automatically, blocking Nell’s arm and, in the same movement, reaching forward to hook a foot around Nell’s leg and pushing. Nell Wilson fell onto her back and Butcher moved again, automatically pulling her right arm back, fist clenched…

“Butcher, no!” The words came from Geri Shaw, standing across the other side of the table. At the words Butcher seemed to pause momentarily; from Nell’s perspective, lying flat on her back, the woman above her stopped dead for a split second before continuing to follow through on the punch to Nell’s abdomen. Unable to do anything to stop it, Nell winced in anticipation - only for the punch to not land. Instead, at the last second, Butcher pulled the punch, simply touching Nell’s stomach with her clenched fist. Nell and Butcher locked gazes,

“You don’t want me to land a punch there, Wilson,” Butcher said quietly but with authority.

Nell Wilson relaxed slightly, she shook her head, “No,” she agreed.

“What was it, knife?”

Nell nodded, “Yes, did Hilda tell you?”

Butcher shrugged, “She might have, but I’d have known anyway, Shaw had the same. You move differently when the stomach muscles have been cut.” She opened out her fist, “Sorry Wilson, here,”

Nell placed her hand in Butcher’s, allowed herself to be hauled to her feet, “Pretty good move,” she commented, “throwing me straight on my back,”

Butcher smiled, “Karate,” she explained, “and a little judo. You should try it.” She turned and looked across at Geri Shaw, “Well, Shaw?”

Shaw smiled slightly, “Thank you Butcher, now please, let Hilda explain,”

---

#167:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:42 am
    —
Ooh, that could have been very nasty!

---

#168:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 6:04 am
    —
Butcher has so much potential control over herself, to be able to stop herself punching Nell. If that were only harnessed...
Thank you Lesley.

---

#169:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 12:17 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope that everyone will be able to work together.

---

#170:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:37 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley, this is great.

---

#171:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:23 pm
    —
Is there anything Butcher doesn't notice?

Let's just hope she will listen to Hilda, despite John's presence.

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#172:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:46 pm
    —
Eeek!

*peers cautiously out from behind the sofa....*

---

#173:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:34 pm
    —
All attention turned to where Hilda stood in front of John Coates; she had reached across and was holding onto Coates’ radio, preventing him from using it, she was also speaking with him, oblivious to the scene elsewhere,

“You said that you were prepared to work within the spirit of the Law, John,”

“That’s different, you’ve got a murderer there, she’s dangerous,”

She’s a friend and I trust her,” Hilda’s voice was firm, “she’s prepared to go back to prison, she just wants the prison to be staffed with honest men and women,”

“Honest? Why should that matter?” John glared down at the slim woman in front of him.

“Because, John,” Hilda returned firmly, “the honest can be trusted to take care of her people,”

John paused, looked across at Butcher again before returning to Hilda, “Her people?” he said quietly.

Hilda nodded, “Her responsibility. Come on John, you can certainly understand that, can’t you?”

There was silence for some time, “She’s just another prisoner, she doesn’t have responsibility for any of the others,”

“She feels that she does,” Hilda returned promptly, “and I know just how far she will go to protect her people.”

Coates looked across at Butcher again before glaring back at Hilda, “Alright,” he said crossly, “but the first hint of trouble and I won’t wait for the police, I’ll take her down myself…”

“You can try, copper,” Butcher had evidentially heard the last remark, she glared across at the man, “but you’re getting old now, past your prime. You wouldn’t be hard to take.”

“That’s enough,” Hilda’s voice was barely raised, yet it penetrated, she turned to look at both John Coates and Butcher, forcing both of them to stop glaring at each other and, instead, look at her. “We are here to work out a way to successfully fight the corrupt within the Prison Service, not fight among ourselves.”

Both Coates and Butcher reluctantly nodded and John sat at the table, opposite Butcher. Hilda and Geri Shaw glanced at each other with almost identical expressions of disquiet. The rest of the party also sat and listened as Geri went through everything for Coates’ benefit. At the end of her recitation there was silence for some seconds then,

“OK, there’s a problem there,” John Coates said, his expression reflecting the horror that he too had felt at Richards’ fate, “that type of corruption,” he shook his head, “I’ve seen it, of course I have, I was a police office for more than twenty-five years.”

“Never took part yourself, copper?” Butcher voiced the question, her tone indicating that she was certain that John had.

Coates flushed slightly in anger but he forced his reply to remain polite, “No Butcher,” he said steadily, “I was never corrupt. You may not believe this, but I always felt that being a police officer meant that I should be honest.”

Butcher looked over at the man, her gaze flickered to the other women around the table, Annersley, Shaw and Wilson, she nodded, “Okay, I believe you,” she said quietly.

Shaw looked round, “Our thoughts were,” she began, “that, to expose what is happening at the prison, we will need to obtain proof, and we will need to go public. Attempting to just inform the Prison Authorities will not work - I discovered that.”

“To get proof you’ll need to get inside,” John Coates looked interested, “will they allow you in?”

Shaw shook her head, “No, the staff currently manning the Gatehouse are all Masters’ people, they will all be aware of my dismissal.”

“You’ll need to have people there that can be taken to see what’s happening inside,” Nell put in, “Is that why you wanted Hilda and me?”

“Partly,” Geri smiled, “also I knew you had access to equipment so that we could film what was going on. I know that mobile phones can do that, but it’s got be stored immediately so that, if we’re caught and the equipment confiscated, the evidence will be beyond their reach.”

Hilda leant forward, “You’re speaking of our satellite web cams?”

Geri nodded, “The difficulty is going to be getting in there without them knowing. Ideally we should be in there and collecting evidence at a time when Masters and Robertson are there - so that they are unable, later, to deny that they knew anything was happening.”

“Well the main problem’s going to be getting you in then,” Coates said quickly,

“I can get you in,” this from Butcher.

Coates ignored her, if he even heard Butcher’s comment, instead, speaking directly to Geri Shaw he continued, “I’ll got friends in the force, owe me a favour or two. Would an armed SWAT team at the Gatehouse be enough to force entry?”

“Well it would,” Geri said doubtfully, “but we don’t want any warning to get inside the prison,”

“Not a problem, they’d be very discreet and quick, they’re trained for hostage situations. Once it was secure you could go in, take all the pictures you wanted, be in and out in minutes. You’d probably be wise to carry a gun - you are trained I assume?”

“Yes, I’m trained,” Geri replied, considering.

“No guns,” Butcher’s response was louder, adamant, Geri Shaw looked across,

“What was that, Butcher?”

“No guns, not inside,” Butcher repeated, “I can’t speak for all the inmates - there may be a few that have been bought by Masters,”

“So? All the more reason for Geri here to be armed in case of any trouble…” John began.

“No guns!” Butcher was on her feet, brushing past Shaw before turning to face the rest of the people sat at the table. In her hand was a small pistol. Everyone froze as they all focused upon the gun. Butcher nodded, “No one do anything stupid,” she said softly, “Wilson stay still!”

Nell Wilson relaxed back slightly.

Butcher looked directly at Geri Shaw, “This is one of the two guns you took from Grant and me,” she said, “you kept it with you, didn’t you? Put the other one in the boot of your jeep but kept this one in your back pocket?”

Shaw nodded slightly, comprehension dawning.

“Well check your pocket, Shaw, that’s right, it’s not there is it? I’ve got it here, took it just now as I brushed past you.” She paused to check everyone understood then continued, “Now I’m not a pickpocket, though I have learned a little in my time inside. But there are some inmates that would consider me just a gifted amateur, they are professionals.”

She reversed the gun and held it out to Shaw, Geri took it quietly, “No guns, Butcher,” she promised.

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:45 pm; edited 1 time in total

---

#174:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 10:41 pm
    —
The trouble with drabbles is that you have to wait for the next installment, when all you want to do is to keep reading!!!

---

#175:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:05 pm
    —
Goodness, Nell had a lucky escape there - Butcher could have pulverised her.

And what an effective object lesson from Butcher about the guns. Definitely no argument there!

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#176:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:10 pm
    —
Yikes!


Thanks Lesley!

---

#177:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Sun Sep 17, 2006 11:40 pm
    —
remembers to breathe

I've just read all 9 pages of this Lesley - and needed half a large bar of chocolate as emergency rations while I did so

As usual I refuse to make any guesses as to what will happen next because I know I will be wrong




And Lesley always seems such a nice person

---

#178:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:39 am
    —
Hilda really does understand Butcher's need to protect "her people" doesn't she - because that's exactly how she would feel. And Butcher accepts John Coates' integrity without particularly liking him, which is interesting...

Thankl you Lesley.

---

#179:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:54 am
    —
Thank you Lesley.

Interesting dynamics there...

---

#180:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 1:35 pm
    —
*Agrees with Nell re dynamics*

It is going to be interesting to see how they all manage to work together, they all have their own integrity, and yet come from different viewpoints and backgrounds.

---

#181:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:16 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I look forward to seeing what their plan is.

---

#182:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 2:31 pm
    —

Dawn wrote:

And Lesley always seems such a nice person

She works hard to maintain that image.....

*hides before Lesley can beat me up!*

---

#183:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 4:30 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley - finally caught up on the last few posts!

Looking forward to seeing where this is going...

---

#184:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 8:10 pm
    —

Vikki wrote:

Dawn wrote: And Lesley always seems such a nice person She works hard to maintain that image..... *hides before Lesley can beat me up!*

You are VERY brave Vikki!!!!

---

#185:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:11 pm
    —
Everyone sat round the table took a deep breath as Butcher sat back down, she looked round, “The idea to use a SWAT team is fine, afterwards, but you can’t guarantee that those inside won’t realise what’s happening. It’ll only take one message to Masters and any evidence will disappear.”

“So you can’t depend on all those that you’re responsible for, then?” This from Coates.

Butcher looked across at the man, “I can’t, any more than you can depend on all the screws. All my people are criminals - what’s the excuse for the screws?”

“That’s enough,” Hilda said softly, she looked across at Butcher, “You have an alternative suggestion?”

Butcher nodded, “Yeah, Grant and I have to get back before the bed check at six, I can take a couple of people in with me,”

“How?” Nell Wilson asked.

Butcher shrugged, “Same way we got out, has to be in the next couple of hours though,”

“Before the shift changeover?” Shaw asked.

“Yeah.”

“And once inside?”

“Shaw gets hold of some keys and we wait until the afternoon when the first load of ‘visitors’ for the Solitary Wing appear.”

The others seated around the table all exchanged glances, Geri Shaw spoke, “It might work,” she said, “it’s simple enough,”

“Those going in would be at the mercy of all the inmates though,” John replied.

Geri smiled, “I’ve already been there twice this evening, John. I’m prepared to trust Butcher.”

John nodded slightly, “Alright, but I’m coming with y…”

“No,” Butcher’s response cut him off.

“Why not?”

Butcher sighed, “It’s a women’s prison,” she said with some patience, “I can hide one or two more women, I can’t hide a man. I’ll take Shaw and either Wilson or Annersley.”

“Take me,” the words came simultaneously from both Hilda and Nell, they turned to look at each other however before either could speak Geri Shaw interrupted,

“It should be Nell, we need you out here, Hilda,”

Hilda looked across, “Why? What else is there to do here?”

“Someone has to persuade the Prison Authorities to take notice,” Geri replied, “they’ll not listen to me and you’re better able to ‘persuade’ than anyone else I know!”

At the words Nell, John and Butcher all nodded, smiling. Hilda bowed her head in acquiescence.

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Sep 19, 2006 10:50 pm; edited 1 time in total

---

#186:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:49 am
    —
Oh John!!!!

Am worrying a little - Nell is still vulnerable after that stabbing. Mind you, I second Geri's remark to Hilda that:

Quote:

you’re better able to ‘persuade’ than anyone else I know!”

---

#187:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 11:17 am
    —
Hope the plan comes off. Why do I get the feeling it's not going to go so smoothly?

Thanks Lesley

---

#188:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 12:14 pm
    —
Oh boy, two episodes, and all I can see is Hilda keeping the peace, Hilda agreeing with Butcher that one looks after one's own - and Hilda now accepting immediately the role they have for her, because she knows her strength lies in diplomacy, not physical strength.

But oh, how she will worry about Nell.

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#189:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 1:39 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope that things will go to plan.

---

#190:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:45 pm
    —
It took some time to set everything up and arrange everyone’s role; by the time everything was ready both Butcher and Grant were getting anxious - to ensure that they were not missed they had to be back before the mandatory bed count at six am and it was five-forty by the time that John Coates had dropped off the four women just outside the prison’s outer walls. He didn’t stay long, aware that external sensors would have registered a vehicle. The four women stood watching until the jeep was out of sight. Geri Shaw turned,

“Well Butcher? We’re in your hands,”

Butcher nodded and indicated that they should follow her. Leading the way she walked away form the Main Entrance to the prison and instead walked round the side.

“There will be an officer with a dog patrolling, Butcher,” Shaw warned.

“Yeah I know, don’t worry,” Butcher dismissed the warning, raising suspicions within Geri Shaw as to exactly how the inmates had escaped. A short time later Butcher stopped, “here it is,”

Nell and Geri looked at where Butcher was pointing, grey against the grey concrete walls was a rope ladder leading to the top of the fifteen foot outer wall.

“You be OK getting up over this, Wilson?” Butcher voice cut into Nell’s astonishment, she looked round,

“Yes, no trouble, what about the other side?”

“There’s a ladder there,” Grant put in, “got some blankets on the top the muffle the spikes.” She reached for the ladder and swiftly climbed to the top, Nell Wilson followed her.

“You bringing up the rear, Shaw?”

Geri Shaw was startled from her contemplation, “Er, yes Butcher, I’ll come last. I was just wondering how you had managed it. The nearest wing is the Hospital Wing, isn’t it?”

“Yeah that’s right,” Butcher grinned before climbing up the ladder.

Once at the top she waited until Shaw had joined her then the two pulled the ladder up after them. Shaw noting that the ladder was shop bought, not home made. She followed Butcher down into the prison grounds, noting that the ladder was one that should never have been in that part of the prison being one used solely by the Maintenance Officers and never left within the prison itself. Shaw turned to Butcher,

“I see that this conspiracy is far more widespread than first thought,”

Butcher smiled, “I’m saying nothing, Shaw,” she led the way over to the nearest block, retrieved a key from her pocket and went to open the gate, she then hesitated and turned to Shaw, “you should be doing this,” she said, handing her the key.

Geri Shaw took the key and unlocked the gate, ushering everyone inside. Once the outer door was locked she moved across to the inner door and unlocked that. The Hospital Block consisted of two differing parts. One being for the normal prisoner when taken ill and the other being the Segregation Block. The two parts were totally separate and had separate staff. Shaw moved to the normal Hospital wing, finding it in darkness, she looked across at Butcher.

“There weren’t any other patients,” Butcher said in explanation,

“I see,” Shaw said, Nell Wilson looked on in some confusion, sure that there was more to this than she could see. Shaw continued, “Where are they?”

Butcher pointed across to the office and Shaw walked in, switching on the light as she did so, tied to two of the seats were two Prison Officers, Geri immediately recognised them as Katya Mareck and David Spencer. She moved, with Nell, to release them,

“Geri,” Katya gasped as soon as the gag had been removed, “what are you doing here? Well never mind, Butcher and Grant …”

“Are here, Katya,” Geri said with a smile, “but then that is what you were hoping for, wasn’t it?”

Both Katya and Dave Spencer looked across with confusion in their eyes, Geri shook her head, “Ever since Butcher first appeared in my flat,” she began, “it’s been worrying me, how did she escape?” Geri took a deep breath and continued, “regardless of the current problems, there has never been an escape from this prison. With the exception of the riot last year, the security has been exemplary. I was very concerned about just how Butcher had managed. Then I see that, in fact, the reason she has escaped is because certain of the officers have helped her.”

Katya frowned, “No, nothing like that…”

Shaw shook her head, she reached out for Katya’s hand, indicated the wrist, “Had you been tied for, what, five hours? You would have significant marks on your wrists, I know. In addition the rope ladder had been brought in from outside, not made here in the prison, that ladder is in the wrong place and whoever is responsible for patrolling the wall should be sacked immediately.”

Katya attempted to continue denying everything but, in the face of all the evidence had to give up, “Are you angry, Geri?”

“Angry? That you help a convicted killer to escape? What do you think?”

“You don’t know what it’s been like, Geri, since Richards’ death, before it was only the Staff that were despondent, but since, the prison is about to explode. Butcher and I spoke about it,” Katya nodded toward the inmate, “knew we needed help, but also knew that if it didn’t happen soon it would be too late.”

“And you trusted Butcher to come back?”

“Yes,”

Shaw nodded, “You’re a good judge of character, Katya. Now, before the quite horrendous breaches in security tempt someone less honourable than Butcher could you please deal with them?”

---

#191:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:59 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Thank you for satisfying my curiosity over how they managed to escape!

---

#192:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 10:50 pm
    —
Interesting just how many people DO trust Butcher. Once her word is given....

Thanks, Lesley

---

#193:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 11:24 pm
    —
Excellent posts Lesley!
Thank you sweetie!

---

#194:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:30 am
    —
But of course - although I bet they prayed for every minute of the time Butcher and Grant were away!

And what an appropriate gesture it was for Butcher to give Geri that key.

---

#195:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 9:52 am
    —
Phew I was worried for a moment there...

Thanks Lesley.

---

#196:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 9:19 pm
    —
Caught up with this now - thank you Lesley - I'm waiting with bated breath to see what happens and hoping desperately it all goes according to plan!

---

#197:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 10:56 pm
    —
“Of course,” Katya Mareck said quickly, “I’ll just phone Steve McNeill, he’s on outside patrol – he was keeping an eye on that wall, you know? That’s how Dave and I knew to arrange things in here so it would look as though we’d been overpowered.”

Dave Spencer stood, “I’ll move that ladder, Maintenance will want it back later,” he moved to the door then stopped in front of Butcher, “you did well, Butcher,” he said quietly before moving on.

In the office Shaw looked across at Butcher who shrugged, “I couldn’t tell you it was all set up, could I? Suppose you’d decided not to come back with me? The screws were putting their jobs on the line.”

“They were risking far more than that,” Geri Shaw replied, she looked back at Katya Mareck, the young officer had just finished speaking on the telephone, “Katya, I hope, at a later date, to have the opportunity to speak with you very seriously about exactly what you risked this night. For now though, we are in a somewhat precarious position here.”

Mareck looked at her watch, “It’s just after six now, the mandatory bed count needs to be filled in on-line,” she glanced across at the computer screen, “there it is now,” she leant across and filled in the box, pressed send. “Dave and I were discussing, just before Steve phoned to say you’d arrived, about what we would do if you’d not appeared in time – pleased it’s not necessary now. Have you thought about what we can do?”

”Yes,” Shaw indicated they should all sit and very quickly introduced Nell Wilson and gave details about the plan that had been formulated in Hilda and Nell’s kitchen. “The first thing we need to do, however, is find somewhere that Nell and I can lay low until this afternoon - I doubt anything will be happening over in Solitary until then.”

“Can’t we stay here?” Nell asked, looking round.

Katya shook her head, “One of the Hospital Officers is brand new - not certain but we think he’s one of Masters’ people, we can’t risk it,”

“Hospital Officer? Why the difference?” Nell was puzzled, “isn’t he a Prison Officer?”

Geri Shaw smiled, “Yes but, within the prison hospital both prison officers and nurses are required. Officers that combine both, that have qualifications for both, are known as Hospital Officers.”

“I see, then…” she pointed to Katya and the recently returned Dave Spencer.

“No, we’re both Prison Officers,” Katya replied, “a number of the Hospital Officers have resigned recently, in protest at what has been happening in the prison - among other things the fact that they were having to treat the inmates in Solitary for certain infections. The rule is that there must be at least one Nurse or Hospital Officer on duty at all times, Governor Masters didn’t want to pay out the extra to employ any so we were ordered here for the night duty, the Seg Wing is the same,” Katya shrugged, “we’ve got First Aid qualifications but if anything more serious had happened to any of the inmates…”

“I see,” Nell frowned, realising just how little Masters regarded those for whom he had responsibility, “the sooner we can get rid of him the better then,” she said determinedly.

Butcher grinned, “I like you Wilson,” she turned to Shaw, “both Grant and I are scheduled to return to the wing this morning, first thing. It will be safest if you and Wilson come too.”

Shaw frowned, “Can it be done before the shift change, Katya? It would make more sense,”

Katya nodded, “Yes, Gill Dean is on duty on North Wing this morning, she’s normally in early, she can distract Lamb - he’s on nights on North and we can easily get you over there,”

“Problem is, though, where will you stay?” This from Butcher, “Grant and I can be returned to our cells but even though neither of us have a room mate at the moment, it’s not feasible for you to hide out there - it would only take one security check or over zealous screw…officer, for you to be busted,”

“What about a spare office?” Shaw asked,

Spencer shook his head, “Many of them are now used, or have been co-opted by Robertson for some scheme or other - and that reminds me, Robertson is very dangerous, possibly even more so than Masters - did Butcher tell you that Chapmen is in hospital with a broken leg?”

Shaw shook her head, “No, what happened?”

Spencer and Butcher both shook their heads, “Not sure,” Butcher replied, “didn’t get the chance to speak to Chapman, but she did send a message that Robertson had done it. She went to hospital Sunday, needed an operation.”

“She’ll be returning tomorrow,” Katya put in, “but Dave is right, Robertson is dangerous.”

“What about where Geri and I will be spending the morning,” Nell put in quickly, “shouldn’t we be arranging that?”

Geri smiled, “Yes we should,” she turned, “what about the Education Block?”

“No, Masters has workmen in there, rebuilding work,”

There was silence for some minutes then, reluctantly, Butcher spoke,” I know somewhere they can hideout,”

…

The journey back to the North Wing went smoothly, far more smoothly than any of those involved dared to hope, Katya leaving them once she had seen them safely into the Wing. Swiftly Grant had been taken to her cell and Nell and Geri joined Butcher in her cell - they didn’t have long to wait. The rising bell sounded and, a short time later Butcher’s cell was unlocked once more, the officer, Miss Dean, apparently not noticing that there were three people in the cell where there should only be one. While Butcher moved quickly among the rest of the women both Geri and Nell waited with some trepidation, both nervously adjusted the small backpacks they carried.

On her return Butcher told them to follow her and led the way out onto the wing. Surprisingly, to Shaw, all the women were out of their cells queuing for breakfast and, incidentally, providing cover for when Butcher led her two guests across to the Association Games Room, once inside she shut the door and sighed,

“I’m probably going to really regret this,” she began, “but I’ve got the perfect place where the two of you can hide,”

Shaw looked puzzled, “In here, Butcher? But there’s nothing in here that will hide us,”

“Yes there is,” Butcher walked across to the large Space Invaders machine against one wall and released the brake on its wheels. She pushed it over to one side. The wall revealed seemed innocuous enough, made up, like the rest of the wall, of wooden panels. At least it did until Butcher pushed hard in one spot then, suddenly, the outline of a door suddenly became apparent, she pulled it open. “There’s room enough in here for both of you,” she said, “Screws’ll never find it,” she shot a glance at Shaw then added, “they never did, anyway.”

In silence Shaw stepped forward, looked inside. The room was only tiny, only the width of the door and extending back some six feet or so, with a sudden nod Shaw realised that it was taking advantage of a space between two other rooms next to the Games Room. The space was lined with shelves and, on the shelves were any number of items, Shaw picked up packs of phone cards, cigarettes, small bottles of beer, chocolate, there were other items too. She looked across at Butcher.

Butcher shrugged, “They won’t find you in here,” she repeated.

Last edited by Lesley on Fri Sep 22, 2006 11:17 pm; edited 1 time in total

---

#198:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 11:11 pm
    —
Goodness!

If they needed any signs of how serious Butcher is and how much she trusts them then all these things she is giving away to them must be more than enough.

Thanks, Lesley

---

#199:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2006 11:18 pm
    —
*thinks Butcher is ingenious*

Thanks Lesley!

---

#200:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 3:03 am
    —
Oh. this is serious, for Butcher to reveal this. Hope this continues to go smoothly, but...!!!

---

#201:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 8:16 am
    —
Just caught up on this, thanks Lesley.

---

#202:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 11:48 am
    —
Thanks Lesley.

---

#203:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 5:21 pm
    —
Wow!!
That must have been a hard thing for Butcher to do, revealing her secret hiding place (Or one of them anyway) like that....

Thanks Lesley!

---

#204:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 9:24 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

They won't find you in here.

I sincerely hope not! One wonders how often it has been used before....

Thanks, Lesley

---

#205:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 10:11 pm
    —
So many twists and turns. Thanks Lesley

---

#206:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 11:29 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope that nobody will discover Geri and Nell.

---

#207:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:08 pm
    —
Lesley, my heart was in my mouth there! Thanks.

---

#208:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:05 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley. Also hoping they won't get caught. Robertson is a nasty piece of work - hate to think what he'd do to them!

---

#209:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:54 pm
    —
Inside the secret store room Nell and Geri sat in silence listening to the sound of the video game machine being pushed over to stand in front of the door. Shaw appeared to be in shock and, to begin with, didn’t reply when Nell spoke,

“Sorry Nell, what was that?”

“I asked if this room was airtight?” Nell said patiently, “because if it is this will be a short wait,” she smiled.

Geri Shaw looked round to study the door as she was sitting closest to it, “No, it’s not airtight,” she said, “I can see gaps,” she laughed suddenly, “I should imagine, now I know that this is here, that it’s actually quite easy to spot the outline of the door in the wall.”

“Easy once you know,” Nell agreed, she rummaged in her rucksack and brought out a small lantern, switched it on,” that’s better,” she said and the small room suddenly lit up, “let me know immediately if you hear the door to the Games Room being opened, Geri,” she warned.

Geri nodded. She looked around at all the items on the shelves again, “Always knew that Butcher had to have a secret stash somewhere,” she said, “just never occurred to me that it could be here,” she reached up to one of the shelves, pulled down a large wad of money, “these are hundred dollar bills,” she said in some shock.

“Paying game then, being in prison,” Nell commented, “Butcher must be deadly serious about stopping Masters,” she continued, “if she’s allowed you to see this.”

Geri Shaw looked across sharply, a somewhat surprised expression on her face, “I hadn’t thought of that,” she said, “you’re right, she must be.”

Nell nodded slightly, “Well how long will we have to wait then? What’s the timetable for the day?”

“Timetable?” Geri laughed, “of course, you would see it like that, as a school,”

Nell shrugged, “There are a number of similarities,”

“Yes,” Geri smiled, “well, breakfast will be finished about now,” she squinted at her watch, “then they’ll have some free time - they have to ensure their cells will pass muster at inspection,”

“We used to have a Matron that did that,” Nell said softly, “put the fear of God into the girls,”

“Used to? What happened to her?”

“She died, climbing accident,” Nell said shortly, some pain in her eyes, she shook herself, “then what?”

“Any that wish to report sick do so now, any that are expecting visitors report to the Senior Wing Officer, the rest are marched off to their work details.”

“Suppose any of them don’t pass muster for cell inspection? Or do something else wrong?”

Geri looked across and smiled, “That’s when I’d be involved, they’d be reported to me for punishment, for first offences it could be something as simple as loss of privileges or ‘buy-up’, more serious might mean Solitary…” her voice trailed off as she realised that she no longer had those duties.

Nell spoke again quickly, “So, work details, what do they do?”

Geri looked across, a question in her expression, Nell shrugged,

“I’m curious,” she said, “and it stops me thinking about the fact that the only thing stopping us being caught is Butcher’s integrity.

“You shouldn’t be worried,” Geri returned, “Butcher is loyal, fanatically so. Work details? Well some work in the kitchen - though their times are slightly different - they are up earlier to prepare breakfast. Some work as Orderlies in the Hospital, or in the Library. We also have our own laundry on site, a small farm and three work shops - if all else fails the inmates can be allocated to one of the many cleaning details throughout the prison - we don’t have external cleaners.”

“Understandable, so, how long are they working?”

“Two hours, then return to their Wing, they can buy items from the prison shop so long as they have the money, anything from toiletries and phone cards to books and food. Then it’s lunch and Association Time before the afternoon work details - two hours again.”

“Only four hours work a day? I’m in the wrong profession!”

Geri smiled, “With some of the inmates you’d think we were working them as slaves,” she said drily, “some of them have never actually worked before being sentenced to prison. Anyway, after the second work detail there’s Tea and then either Association Time or they can attend any classes that are available or visit the Prison Gym. Last hot drink is available just before lock-up at eight.”

“Pretty regimented then, similar to the School,” Nell commented, “What about weekends?”

“No work details, apart from those working in the Kitchens, Hospital and Farm - those inmates will normally be volunteers, hoping to earn more money, or they might be on punishment. If necessary inmates are allocated and receive time off during the week. There are far more structured events available for the inmates plus those that want to can just relax in their cells.”

“No passes to the city then?” Nell grinned.

“Well hardly.”

Nell leant back, “Interesting,” she said, she looked along the shelves and reached up to retrieve some items, “Well why don’t we have our own ‘buy-up’ right now? Here you go,” she passed across some of the items to Geri Shaw.

“Nell, this is contraband!”

“Is it?” Nell looked over, “looks like chocolate and lemonade to me, eat up Geri, we’ve still got some time to kill,”

Last edited by Lesley on Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:03 am; edited 1 time in total

---

#210:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:08 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley

---

#211:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:55 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley. Nice little fill-in piece that, leading up to.....what?

---

#212:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:04 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. It was interesting to hear about the routines.

---

#213:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:30 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

“Nell, this is contraband!” “Is is?” Nell looked over, “looks like chocolate and lemonade to me”

at Nell!

Thanks, Lesley

---

#214:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:41 pm
    —
I was just about to quote the same bit Liz did, so won't repeat her!

Are you making us wait as Geri and Nell are waiting?

---

#215:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 12:03 am
    —
Loved Nell's pragmatic approach - especially to the "contraband".
And the thought of Matron's betrayal clearly still hurts.
Thanks Lesley.

---

#216:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:29 pm
    —
*giggles at Nell*

Hope Butcher doesn't mind them eating her stock...

Thanks Lesley!

---

#217:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:47 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Trust Nell to be so practical.

---

#218:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 2:55 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley!

---

#219:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 3:56 am
    —
All caught up. As usual, marvelous dynamics throughout.

Hadn't quite realized the scope of Butcher's organization.

Lemonade, huh?

---

#220:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 6:52 pm
    —
“Are you sure about this, John?” The person asking the question was a tall man a few years younger than John Coates. He had grey hair and dark blue eyes; he also had a two inch long scar just below one eye.

John Coates sighed, the two men were sat in an office near the centre of Melbourne, it was an office that was actually extremely difficult for most people to get into, being within an office block that was wholly given over to the Police Force. John Coates however, had been admitted immediately his name had been passed on to the other man.

“I can’t be one hundred percent sure, Niall, you know that, but I’m ninety-nine percent sure,”

The other man, Niall O’Rourke, was, unsurprisingly, an Irishman – or at least, he had Irish ancestry. His family had emigrated to Australia two years before he had been born. He and John had been partners when Niall had first joined the Police Force – John had been his mentor, Niall smiled, “Ninety-nine eh? You were only ninety-five percent sure there was going to be trouble just before I got this,” he pointed to the scar under his right eye.

“I’m even more sure of this,” John said quietly.

Niall whistled, “Right, well OK then – but why my lot? Granted we’re good at securing people when diplomacy fails but a prison? They’ve got their own people, experts at putting down riots.”

“This isn’t a riot, the people I want you to secure won’t be the inmates, well mainly it won’t be – it’ll be some of the prison officers – those in the Gatehouse, Admin Block and Solitary to be precise.”

Niall shook his head, “You’re going to have to explain a bit more, Johnny-boy, I’m just a thick Irishman, remember?”

John snorted, shaking his head, “Thick? I don’t think so, PhD in criminality isn’t it? Dr O’Rourke…”

“Now what did I tell you about using the ‘D’ word, Johnny?” O’Rourke grinned, “OK, not thick, just confused. I always thought it was the cons in a prison we had to look out for, not the prison officers.”

“In this case that’s not true,” John Coates said soberly, “have you ever heard of a Prison Governor name of Masters?”

O’Rourke thought for a time, “Masters, Masters, where have I heard that before? Ah, got it, d’you mean William Masters?”

“Yes,”

“I have heard something about him,” O’Rourke frowned, “what was it?” He sat in thought for a time before suddenly brightening, “I’ve got it, year or so ago one of my Officers told me about something – an informer of his had been sentenced to six months in a young offenders prison. Told him that Masters was a bigger crook than anyone else, wouldn’t say any more.”

“Has he been investigated?”

O’Rourke shook his head, “No, I did try and look into it, got told by the ‘higher-ups’ to leave it be, he’s got some serious protection apparently,”

“Not after today, not if we can go through with this,” John returned.

Well tell me a bit more,” Niall continued, “I want to know all the details if I’m going to put my lads and lasses into action,”

John grinned, “…‘lads and lasses’ – that doesn’t mean that Niall O’Rourke has finally been forced to come out of the nineteenth century, does it? What did they do, threaten to sack you if you didn’t allow women to join your squad?”

“No, nothing like that,” Niall protested, “you know me, I always said that I would never have women in the squad, well, I had to,”

“Why?”

“Well you know that vow I made? What was it, ten years ago?”

”The one about how women couldn’t shoot straight? That you would admit any woman that could beat your record at the shooting range – even though it had stood for nine years at the time?”

“Yes, that one,” Niall flushed, “well the current holder is Tamara Anderson, she’s not only more accurate than me but faster too,”

“And you had to swallow your words?”

“Big time,” Niall said with feeling, “she’s my second in command now, and out of the squad of thirty, nine of them are women.” He sighed then looked over, “And yes, I was wrong, so get your gloating over, I’ve had enough of it from the other half anyway,”

John continued grinning but didn’t say any more about it, instead he asked, “If Jane had stayed in the force I bet she’d have demanded entry long before – she always was a good shot. How is she, and the boys?”

“Wonderful – Jane gets more beautiful every day and the boys are growing up now, little Harry’s nearly twelve – my baby, can you believe that?”

“Time goes so quickly,” John agreed, “I can’t believe that Shane is now twenty-two, he’s transferred over to Melbourne, did I tell you?”

“Yes, I’m pleased, after what happened to him in Perth he deserved a break,”

“Yeah, thanks for your letter of support, by the way,”

Niall dismissed the thanks, “Knew he couldn’t be responsible, not with you as his Dad – he’s just like you, will help anyone. No way he could be bent. So, you going to tell me a bit more about the situation in the prison then?”

“I will, before I do though, before I forget - you’ll have to come over sometime, you and the family, Sarah and I would love to see you. Word of advice though, don’t even think about voicing the view that women can’t do anything while you’re on-site at the RCS…”

---

#221:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:15 pm
    —
*giggles at that last warning*

Thanks Lesley

---

#222:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:31 pm
    —
How many people have learnt that the hard way!

---

#223:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:34 pm
    —
Good advice! Meanwhile, back in the prison . . . . .

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#224:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 8:37 pm
    —
Loved that last bit

---

#225:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:30 pm
    —
I did enjoy Nell's conversation with Butcher while in hiding, and am pleased to see John drumming up support.

Thanks, Lesley

---

#226:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:28 pm
    —
Fab post Lesley!
And I think Niall O'Rourke is in for an eye-opening experience.....

---

#227:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 11:07 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

Word of advice though, don’t even think about voicing the view that women can’t do anything while you’re on-site at the RCS…”

Good plan.

Thanks Lesley!

---

#228:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 11:40 pm
    —
*g* at the last line.

Thanks Lesley. Fab as ever.

---

#229:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 12:13 am
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I think that John gave Niall some very good advice at the end!

---

#230:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 12:22 am
    —
Most excellent advice John! Hmm, Masters is worryingly well-protected isn't he?

Thank you Lesley.

---

#231:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 4:19 am
    —
Sounds like Niall has been well educated already. Good advice, though.

---

#232:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:04 am
    —
Thanks Lesley! Great last line...

---

#233:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:51 pm
    —
Across the other side of town Stuart Henderson was meeting an uninvited guest. Stuart was an investigative journalist employed by a large newspaper. He had a desk in a large, open-plan office and, when not out following up cases, could be found sat in front of his laptop, busy typing up stories. His desk had attained almost cult status within the newspaper due to the amount of rubbish upon it. Everywhere you looked there were empty fast food containers, half-drunk cups of coffee, sweet wrappers. And there were piles of newspapers, magazines, and pieces of paper; mountains of pieces of paper. Stuart vowed that he knew where everything was on his desk – his colleagues felt that this was probably just a prayer he mentioned everyday in the hope that, one day, it would suddenly become true. He looked up as a shadow fell across the laptop screen,

“I’m busy, go away!”

“I wish to speak with you, Mr Henderson,” the voice was low, very pleasant, and obviously English.

“Not interested in any stories about England,” he continued, “try the political editor or current affairs,”

“What about human interest features, Mr Henderson? Where an innocent party has been unfairly treated for attempting to stop injustice?”

Henderson stopped typing, he looked at the speaker. He saw a tall, slender woman, he estimated her age at early forties, she had short brown hair in a modern style and piercing blue/grey eyes. Henderson’s quick journalist mind also noted that she carried herself with a great deal of authority and confidence – she was someone that always expected that she be treated with respect. She probably always received it too.

“I’m listening,” he said quickly.

“Just before Christmas last, you spoke with a friend of mine, about illegal events happening in the Women’s State Prison…”

“Prison? Wait a sec, is this about Geraldine Shaw? You’re behind the times, she was breaking the rules herself, she’s been dismissed for violent conduct…”

“And did it not occur to you, Mr Henderson, that the reason she faced those charges was because she was attempting to stop the events within the prison?”

Henderson, about to issue another command to leave, stopped, “You got proof of that?”

Hilda Annersley shook her head, “Not yet,” she replied, “but I will, soon, have proof of the activities happening within the prison. Activities that have been shielded until now,” Hilda paused and her gaze bore into the man, “activities that Geri tried to tell you about.”

Henderson returned the gaze for some seconds then, “You think I made a mistake?”

“Yes,”

Henderson pointed to a chair, “Have a seat,” he said, he waited until the woman was seated, “Was supposed to meet with Shaw, early Christmas Eve morning,” he began, “had a photographer all set to take pictures and everything.”

“Yes, I know,”

“Couple of hours before I’m due to meet with her, maybe three in the morning, I get a call from my boss, Shaw’s bad news, don’t touch her, she’s bent,”

“Is that what you thought?”

Henderson hesitated, “No, I didn’t think that, not really. Boss told me he had another story, a big one, about possible terrorist infiltration in schools in Melbourne. Seemed like a better story than one about prisoners being forced to act as call girls.”

“I see,” Hilda Annersley said nothing else, just waited, eventually Henderson spoke again,

“I sold out, didn’t I? Went from being an independent journalist to being a lackey. Damnation, boss’ll be writing the bloody stories for me soon.”

“What can you do to stop that happening?”

Henderson laughed, “What you want me to do, I suppose. Follow the original story. But I don’t want another boss telling me what to write,”

“I just want you to write the truth,” Hilda replied.

---

#234:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 7:54 pm
    —
Go Hilda!

---

#235:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 8:34 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I would like Stuart to write the truth about what is happening in the prison.

---

#236:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:59 pm
    —
*G* Would love to see him try and stop Hilda bossing him about.

---

#237:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:09 pm
    —
*agrees with Chair*

Thanks Lesley.

---

#238:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 10:19 pm
    —
Yay! Hilda strikes again

They were right to leave Hilda outside where she could do most good.

Thanks Lesley.



PS. I wonder if Stuart Henderson knows what he is getting into

---

#239:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:48 am
    —
Interesting to see the impact Hilda has on someone who has never before met her - and who is likely be suspicious by profession.

Terrorist infiltration in schools in Melbourne?!! A red herring? Or...something else?

---

#240:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 10:44 am
    —
Yes indeed Cath - but what if it's not...

Thanks Lesley.

---

#241:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 12:09 pm
    —
I do so love Hilda in her "iron fist in a velvet glove" mode !!

Thoroughly enjoying this, Lesley - thank you !

---

#242:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:52 pm
    —
Yes - go for it Stuart!

Thanks, Lesley

---

#243:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:29 pm
    —
The morning passed somewhat slowly for the two women in the store room. Not wanting to give themselves away to any of the Officers or inmates they kept their voices low and remained on high alert for anytime that the door to the Games Room was opened. This was made more difficult because the two had not slept for very long the night before. However although tired neither woman dared to try sleeping. They were not sure exactly when Butcher would consider it safe enough for them to move across to the Solitary Wing. Indeed one of their whispered conversations was about that very item,

“When would be the best time, Geri?” Nell looked across.

Geri Shaw considered, “It would have to be before the afternoon work detail,” she said slowly, “otherwise Butcher and the rest of the inmates will not be able to help.”

“Didn’t you say they had a shop open when they get back, just before lunch?” Nell asked, “wouldn’t that be a good time?”

Geri shook her head, “No, too many Officers around then – there’s always a chance of trouble when the shop is open – inmates that, for whatever reason, are not able to buy things sometimes try and steal from the shop or from other inmates. A strong Officer presence is necessary.” Geri mused for a while, “I’d have thought,” she continued, “that after Lunch, during Association time would be the best time, there’s more movement between wings and fewer Officers. Plus the inmates, on the whole, are quieter, more placid, after meals,”

“So we’re going to have to miss lunch too?” Nell grimaced, “don’t know that chocolate and biscuits will be sufficient, Geri,”

Geri smiled, “You shouldn’t be eating that anyway, Nell, I told you, it’s contraband. Storing all this constitutes a serious breach of the Rules,” her face darkened somewhat and she swallowed before continuing in a lower voice, “not something that concerns me any more,” she said, referring to her dismissal from the Prison Service.

Nell looked over, her gaze sympathetic, “Maybe, once we’ve got the proof, the Authorities will see how wrong they were, will reinstate you?”

“I doubt it, no industry likes a ‘whistleblower’, does it?”

There was silence for some time, Geri Shaw sunk into some despondency. Nell frowned, thinking, “What are you planning to do, Geri? Once this is all over, I mean,”

Geri looked across, “I’m not sure, the Prison Service has been my one and only career. I spoke with my brother yesterday – he says he can give me a job on his farm. I suppose I can do that, after all I grew up on that farm.”

“Is it something that you would enjoy?”

Geri shrugged, “I don’t think so, I never liked it when a child, it’s not changed since then.”

“RCS Industries could use a good Administrator, I’m sure,” Nell said diffidently.

Geri smiled, “Thank you, Nell, I may well consider it,”

There was a long silence during which Nell Wilson tried, and failed, to imagine just how bad she would feel, if she were suddenly told she could never teach again, she sighed; glanced up at the shelves surrounding them both for inspiration,

“Why has Butcher got all this stuff?” she asked suddenly, Shaw looked across in some puzzlement and Nell continued, “I mean I can understand the beer, the phone cards, the cash. But there’s nothing in your rules against people having chocolate, biscuits or lemonade, is there?”

Geri took a deep breath, “Not as such,” she admitted, “but the food and drink is not that issued by the Prison, it’s all termed as luxury items. It can be obtained from the prison shop or from visitors,”

“So?”

“So if an inmate is on punishment, has lost buy-up and/or visiting rights, they should have no way of getting hold of those items,”

“Oh, I see, Butcher runs a Black Market then?”

Shaw nodded, “It would appear so.”

Some time later a bell rang signalling the end of the work detail; the two women listened as the inmates were all brought back to the Wing. Suddenly the door to the Games Room was opened and Nell swiftly switched off the lantern.

“Well? Any problems?” The voice was familiar to Geri who quickly indicated to Nell that Masters was speaking.

“With the women, you mean?” the second voice was Robertson, “No, they all seem to have shrugged off the little b*tch Richards topping herself.”

“What about her next of kin? She might cause trouble.”

“What her grandmother? She’s got no pull with the board – no one’ll listen to her, especially because, as far as the prison records are concerned, the reason she killed herself was because she had lost her remission. You changing her record was perfect.”

“Good, because I’ve finally got agreement from the Board to go ahead with converting the Education Block,”

“Why did you need their permission? They’re not paying for it are they?”

“They needed to approve the plans, make sure the cell blocks are built to a certain standard,”

“They won’t be though, will they?” Robertson laughed.

“Yes they will,” Masters replied, “of course they will. They’ll be built to a very poor standard – but we won’t tell the Board that. What do I care if sub-standard cement is used?”

“Well you will if they escape,”

“More likely the cell block will collapse – but what the Hell? No one cares about a bunch of cons anyway. Public will say they deserved it. I’m not bothered, by the time it happens we’ll be well away from here.”

There was silence during which the two women inside the store room rose from their positions seated on the floor and stared at each other in horror. Then a noise outside alerted them that the two men were moving,

“I don’t know, Will,” Robertson said conversationally, “have we said enough to interest any hidden listeners?”

There was the sound of machinery being moved, then, “Oh I don’t know Leo, shall we ask them?”

As Masters said this he reached forward and pressed the wall, Geri and Nell watched intently as the store room door opened wide, revealing the two women hidden within,

“Well Geri,” Masters said, staring directly at Geri Shaw, “heard enough?”

“How did…?” Geri stopped as the door to the Games Room opened and a third figure appeared.

It was Butcher.

---

#244:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:34 pm
    —
She wouldn't!

Would she?

NO!!!

Argh.

---

#245:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 8:08 pm
    —
No she wouldn't!

---

#246:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 8:38 pm
    —
What would be the point? I refuse to doubt Butcher now.

Interesting conversation there, Lesley, till you pulled the plug!

And I did enjoy the epidose before this. Hilda doesn't say a lot - but every word packs a punch!

Thank you.

---

#247:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:57 pm
    —
Lesley, you are being incredibly norty here!
The next post would be GREATLY appreciated my dear.....

---

#248:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 10:23 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I still have faith in Butcher. I hope that Nell and Geri will get out of there safely.

---

#249:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 10:42 pm
    —
A very interesting development!

---

#250:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2006 11:30 pm
    —
*blinks* LESLEY!

I've just caught up and this is where you leave me!

*is certain Butcher hasn't turned*

---

#251:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 12:00 am
    —
Excuse me Lesley, but would a little more be possible??
Smiles sweetly.....

---

#252:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:00 am
    —

Vikki wrote:

Lesley, you are being incredibly norty here! The next post would be GREATLY appreciated my dear.....

Uh huh. Wot Vikki said.

---

#253:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:08 am
    —
Now what's going on!

Thanks Lesley - I think...

---

#254:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 1:02 pm
    —
NORTY, NORTY, NORTY LESLEY.

---

#255:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 3:25 pm
    —
My odds are on the women

Thanks, Lesley

---

#256:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 4:02 pm
    —
Further to my earlier comments I believe I am now in a postition to draw a conclusion:

Lesley is not predictable.

---

#257:  Author: LizB, Location: Oxon, England Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 4:11 pm
    —

Alex wrote:

Further to my earlier comments I believe I am now in a postition to draw a conclusion: Lesley is not predictable.

But is she predicatable in her unpredictability?

---

#258:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:04 pm
    —

LizB wrote:

Alex wrote: Further to my earlier comments I believe I am now in a postition to draw a conclusion: Lesley is not predictable. But is she predicatable in her unpredictability?

Right that's starting to give me a headache....


Butcher walked further into the room aware that all eyes were upon her; she looked across at the two men,

“Alright Governor? I told you they were there, didn’t I?”

Masters smiled, “You did, Butcher, though I’m surprised that you wanted to let us know of the location of your supplies,”

Butcher shrugged, “I can build up another, especially with the extra money you’ll be paying me,”

“I will?”

“Too right you will, Masters, you don’t want me as an enemy,” Butcher’s eyes darkened and she switched her gaze to Geri Shaw, “don’t want to end up like her, do you?”

Masters looked over at Geri and his smile widened, “We can do business, Butcher,” he said, “and you have earned yourself that large bonus we spoke about,”

“And the rest, Masters, I want a transfer to a category C prison, an open prison,”

“If you’re intending to escape, Butcher, I don’t want to know,”

“Escape? Why should I escape? Got all I want inside, well, nearly all – we can discuss any extras later. No, an open prison means I’ll have the best of both worlds, get to see a bit of the outside but without having to go on the run.”

“We trusted you, Butcher,” the voice was Nell Wilson’s, her grey eyes boring into the convict, “why?”

Butcher shrugged, “Why not?” she looked across at Robertson, “watch that one, Robertson, she's strong and fast.”

“Who is she?”

“Name’s Wilson, she’s a friend of Shaw – she’s a teacher. You need to stop her punch her in the stomach, she had surgery there a couple of months ago.”

Robertson smiled,” I’ll remember that,”

Shaw finally found her voice, “Why Butcher?”

Butcher closed her eyes for some seconds, when she did, finally, reply, her dark eyes bore into Shaw’s remorselessly,

“I’ve been breaking the law since I was six, Shaw, I’ve been lying even longer. Why should I suddenly change? I told you what I wanted to do to you before Christmas. Last night, all of this? Just so I could get you back inside – care to guess what the large bonus is? It’s you. I get you.”

“Me?” Shaw looked confused, “What are you talking about?” She made to walk toward Butcher but her arms were suddenly held by Robertson. Shaw attempted to break free but realised that the man’s greater strength, combined with his use of restraint techniques, held her powerless.

Shaw watched as Butcher walked over to stand directly in front of her; the convict raised one hand and lightly stroked down the left side of Geri’s face, Geri flinched back, hating herself for doing so.

“What am I talking about, Shaw?” Butcher whispered the words, “Well, put it this way, what Sullivan did to you, in the siege? That was nothing. Minor injuries. Understand?”

“Butcher stop!” Nell Wilson reached forward, her hand on Butcher’s shoulder, pulling her away. Shaw opened her mouth to warn Nell but was too late; as Geri watched Butcher spun round, reaching up and holding Nell’s arm and then pulling it backwards. Nell’s wrist and elbow locked.

“This is an arm lock,” Butcher said, and to Geri’s ears the tone was conversational, “it does exactly what it says, don’t you agree, Wilson?”

As Geri struggled without success against Robertson she saw Nell initially refuse to reply then, after Butcher twisted her arm slightly Nell swore and whispered, “Yes, I agree,” her tone like ice.

There were a few seconds of silence and then Masters laughed, “Excellent,” he said, and Geri saw that his eyes were glistening, enjoying the sight of two women being held immobile before him, “Now, I think we should adjourn to my office, we have a number of things to discuss before your eventual fate. Everyone will be busy with lunch at present, they will not see us,” he moved toward the door but Butcher’s voice stopped him,

“They were both carrying rucksacks,”

Masters walked into the store room and retrieved the rucksacks; he checked in the storeroom that nothing had been left behind before walking out and closing the room. He then walked with Robertson, Butcher and their two prisoners back to the Admin Block.

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:37 am; edited 1 time in total

---

#259:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 7:10 pm
    —
I am still clinging (possibly foolishly) that Butcher has a plan - one that HELPS Nell and Geri, not HURTS them

---

#260:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:09 pm
    —
I like Butcher, and she has nothing against Nell at all. I'm looking forward to seeing where this is going. Remebering that the previous RCS was called 'Trust', and this is a continuation.

---

#261:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:47 pm
    —
Taking deep breaths and trying to remember that Lesley has a very devious mind and that things on the whole work out OK for her heroines in the end











and having done that, it's time to yell
OY LESLEY WHAT IS GOING ON?

please?????

---

#262:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:00 pm
    —

Dawn wrote:

Taking deep breaths and trying to remember that Lesley has a very devious mind and that things on the whole work out OK for her heroines in the end and having done that, it's time to yell OY LESLEY WHAT IS GOING ON? please?????

I know what's going on! Lesley is having a great deal of fun laughing at everyone teetering on the edge of her cliff! As usual!

---

#263:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:46 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I am definitely teetering on the very edge of the cliff! I am really hoping that Butcher will come good.

---

#264:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 9:54 pm
    —

Pat wrote:

Dawn wrote: Taking deep breaths and trying to remember that Lesley has a very devious mind and that things on the whole work out OK for her heroines in the end and having done that, it's time to yell OY LESLEY WHAT IS GOING ON? please????? I know what's going on! Lesley is having a great deal of fun laughing at everyone teetering on the edge of her cliff! As usual!

What me? Never!

---

#265:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:25 pm
    —
Innocence does not become you Lesley!

---

#266:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 10:38 pm
    —
*deploys parachute*

OhmigoshLesleyIcan'tbelieveyou'redoingthistous!!!!!!!!!

*reminds self to breathe*

---

#267:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2006 11:27 pm
    —
*squeaks*

*hides under the bed*

---

#268:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 12:07 am
    —
*agrees with Dawn*
*adds various plaintive noises*

---

#269:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 1:02 am
    —
You can't leave us like this Lesley. Well obviously you can but please don't!

*smiles prettily at Lesley*

---

#270:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 4:36 am
    —
She has! Hang on a minute though, what about Hilda?

---

#271:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 7:30 am
    —
Butcher would not betray Hilda`s trust, I am sure of that.
She knows how much Hilda cares about Nell, so I`m sure she wouldn`t hurt Nell, but what on earth is the cunning plan ?

My brain hurts.

Please give us more, Lesley !

---

#272:  Author: JoW, Location: Lincolnshire Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 4:39 pm
    —
I need to believe it's all a cunning plan... it is, isn't it???

---

#273:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:42 pm
    —
In the Governor’s Office Geri and Nell were both thrust into chairs, Robertson and Butcher standing just behind them and, in Nell’s case, retaining a hold - Butcher keeping Nell’s arm in a lock to keep her in place. They had met no one on their trip to the Admin Block and there was no one around the Admin area itself. Geri Shaw was puzzled about this and eventually realised that Masters must have sent all the Admin Staff home.

“Now ladies,” Masters had sat in his chair behind the desk, he looked across at the two women, Geri Shaw could see he was enjoying the situation, “just what am I going to do with you?” He smiled before adding, “Or more precisely, what am I going to do with you, Miss Wilson? After all, Geri’s fate is known,”

“You don’t dare do anything to us, Masters,” Geri responded angrily, “the most you can do is eject us from the prison. Nothing more.”

“Not before I’ve had my turn,” this from Butcher.

Masters looked across at her then back at Geri, “You see how it is, Geri? I’m sure you appreciate that I cannot afford to upset one of my greatest supporters,”

“You will be forced to release both of us, Masters,” it was Nell Wilson’s voice, surprisingly calm considering. Geri looked over, despite being held fast by Butcher, and in a position that Geri knew had to be very painful, she was impressed - Nell’s voice showed nothing of the strain that Geri knew she must be feeling.

“But Miss Wilson, in here I am forced to do nothing,” Masters replied.

“This isn’t a dictatorship,” Nell responded hotly, “you will not be able to hold two people here illegally. People outside know that we came in here, they will go to the authorities.”

Masters sighed, “Yes, I suppose you are correct,” he conceded, “although the authorities in question will be the Police - it’s a criminal offence to attempt to help inmates escape, you know. I know that’s not what you actually intended, but that is what you will be charged with. Now Geri, exactly where do you think you will be held until your trial?”

“I’ve got a spare bunk in my cell, Governor,” Butcher put in with a grin.

Robertson laughed and even Masters smiled slightly, “Why so you have, Butcher, how good of you to volunteer. Well Geri, that’s your bunk sorted. Now, about Miss Wilson here…”

“You’re not putting me anywhere,” Nell said coldly then winced as Butcher pressed harder on the armlock,

“You’ll do as you’re told, Wilson!”

Nell said no more but her grey eyes glittered dangerously.

Masters shook his head, disapprovingly, “Now Miss Wilson, you really shouldn’t misbehave, you know, it might mean a spell in Solitary,” both he and Robertson laughed,

“Maybe that’s what she needs, Will,” Robertson’s deep voice rumbled.

“Perhaps,” Masters agreed, “I’m sure we have some clients that would enjoy her particular attractions,”

“Like Richards you mean,” Geri said through gritted teeth, “I hold you responsible for her death, Masters,”

“Do you?” Masters seemed amused, “well I suppose I was, but really, how was I to know the silly little slut would react like that?”

The sound of a telephone interrupted anything that either Geri or Nell might have said. Before lifting the receiver Masters signalled to the two standing behind the two chairs and both Robertson and Butcher reached across to hold hands over the mouths of their two prisoners.

Masters was on the phone only a short time, when he replaced the receiver he frowned, “That was the Gatehouse, I have a visitor, apparently,”

“Who?” Robertson asked.

“A journalist, wants to speak to me about prison reform. He hasn’t cleared anything with the Prison Authorities though.” He looked across at the two women, “Lock these two up in Segregation for now, we can continue this after I’ve got rid of this fellow.”

Robertson nodded and Masters left the room. As the door shut behind the Governor, the Senior Officer hauled Geri to her feet, “Come on, you, about time you found out what it feels like to be on the other side, you ready, Butcher?” He looked across, as did Geri, to where Butcher was holding Nell. Nell was resisting Butcher’s attempts to get her to stand,

“Get moving, Wilson!” Butcher ordered quickly, as Geri looked across the inmate bent down slightly to hiss the order directly into Nell’s ear, “you keep struggling and I swear I’ll break your arm.”

Geri tried to go to Nell’s defence but Robertson, alert to the possibility, held her upper arms, rendering her helpless. Geri could only watch as Nell, goaded beyond endurance, made a superhuman effort and pushed back with her chair, the chair back caught Butcher in the stomach and the pain caused her to slightly loosen her hold on Nell. Swiftly Nell moved, twisting so as to get out of the arm lock she brought her other arm up to elbow Butcher in the face. Butcher though, with her years of martial arts, anticipated the move and ducked down beneath the blow. In the same movement she twisted round and fired off a punch of tremendous power directly into Nell Wilson’s abdomen. As Geri watched, horrified, Nell crumpled to the floor.

---

#274:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:48 pm
    —
What!!!! Oh help!
So why am I still determinedly thinking that it will be alright?!!!

Thanks Lesley!

---

#275:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 2:13 am
    —
*not happy with the way things are going*
*hopes things aren't as they seem*
It's all faked to trap Masters, right?

---

#276:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 11:32 am
    —
*meeps* Lesley!!

---

#277:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:38 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I am also hoping that it is all fake.

---

#278:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:42 pm
    —
Well!

One thing being off with chickenpox has allowed me to do is to catch up on the last four or five stories in the RCS universe.

Lesley, I have enjoyed watching the beautiful interactions with Hilda and Nell. I have giggled endlessly at the gorgeous Robbie, and watched Cherry blossom.

I loved seeing the development of Mel Richards, and mourned what happened to her.

I also liked the relationship that developed between Butcher and Hilda.

I don't think that all of this suspense is good for someone who has been unwell .... please come back and put me out of my misery!!

Please??



ETA: did not mean to pun on Cherry's name ...

Last edited by Tan on Sun Oct 01, 2006 2:25 pm; edited 1 time in total

---

#279:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 1:59 pm
    —
Lesley, how could you?

---

#280:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:11 pm
    —
Lesleeeeeey!

---

#281:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:14 pm
    —
Somehow I am expecting things to get even worse before they eventually get better.

---

#282:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:42 pm
    —
I read two episodes together - and find each one leaves me on a worse cliff. Up until that last blow, I was still behind Butcher. Maybe I still am... for she knows that Hilda is out there. As well as this joirnalist who has now come knocking....

Nell just HAD to do that, didn't she? Not in her character to give in without a fight. But does she know something we don't - and did Butcher really put all her force behind it?

Thanks, Lesley

---

#283:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:42 pm
    —
Oh help.

Lesley you are MEAN

---

#284:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:47 pm
    —

francesn wrote:

Oh help. Lesley you are MEAN

Very true! But reading all these comments is soo much fun!

---

#285:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:48 pm
    —
Oh, dear! I had hoped we'd be past this cliff by the time I got back but I see it goes down further than I thought.

---

#286:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 4:55 pm
    —
Once Lesley gets going on a cliff of this magnitude she keeps the suspence going like no one else!!!

---

#287:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 5:34 pm
    —
I have noticed that she has been on the board two or three times today .... including in this house ....

---

#288:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 5:45 pm
    —

Tan wrote:

I have noticed that she has been on the board two or three times today .... including in this house ....

Yeah but she hasn't written any more yet - it's still floating around in my head at the mo.

---

#289:  Author: Katarzyna, Location: North West England Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 8:01 pm
    —
In which case get a firm grip on the words in your head and put them on the computer!

Some of these people obviously need putting out of their misery - in a cliff sense, not in a permenant kind of way!!

---

#290:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 10:22 pm
    —
The woman behind the reception desk looked up when a shadow fell across her; two people, a man and a woman, stood on the opposite side of her desk,

“Can I help you?” she asked, frowning,

The woman smiled very slightly, “I’m sure you can, Miss er….” she looked down at the name plate, “…Miss Long. Please announce to your boss, Mr Isherwood, that he has two guests,”

“Two guests? I know nothing of this,” Miss Long was now annoyed, “Mr Isherwood is seeing no one today, who are you anyway?”

“I am Miss Annersley,” the woman replied, “and this is Mr Henderson. And you have not yet informed Mr Isherwood that we are waiting,”

“I’m not going to,” Miss Long was now thoroughly angry, “who do you think you are, demanding to see Mr Isherwood? He’s a very busy man, he doesn’t have time to see anyone that just walks in off the street. Leave now before I call the police!”

If the Receptionist hoped that her speech would be enough to cause the two to leave she was doomed to disappointment, instead Miss Annersley took a deep breath, “Miss Long, in answer to your question, I am one of the thousands that pay your salary. You are, after all, a public servant, are you not?”

“What…?”

“And, surprising as it may seem, so is your superior. Now, for the final time of asking, please contact Mr Isherwood and inform him that he has two guests waiting.”

A very short time later saw Miss Annersley and Mr Henderson sitting in Mr Isherwood’s office; the Area Manager was not happy,

“…I don’t know if you appreciate just how busy I am? And as for your bullying of my secretary…”

“Mr Isherwood,” Hilda Annersley’s voice pierced the almost nasal whine from the man, “our business is exceptionally important and involves you personally,”

“What do you mean? Neither of you are involved with the prisons are you? I’m sure I would know,”

“Mr Henderson is a journalist,” Miss Annersley replied, “However I have a link to the prisons, Mr Isherwood, some of my Staff provide education for the inmates at the nearby women’s State Prison,”

At the word ‘Journalist‘ the man seemed to straighten slightly and lose most of his belligerence and anger, “The women’s prison?” Isherwood frowned, “oh now this isn’t about that girl that died, is it?”

“If you mean the woman who killed herself, Melanie Richards, then yes, this is, partly, about her.” Miss Annersley replied firmly, “it is also, however, about a member of your own staff, someone that you have treated abominably.”

“I don’t know what you mean…”

“Really? I think you do, Mr Isherwood, but don’t worry, I will explain,”

“Well go on then,” Isherwood said a trifle impatiently trying desperately to keep smiling for the journalist.

“Not yet, Mr Isherwood,” Miss Annersley said quickly, “we are awaiting certain of your colleagues - I took the liberty of inviting them all,” as she said this there was the sound of footsteps outside then the Receptionist knocked sullenly on the door and ushered in a number of people.

“But, this is all the people that sit on the Prison Board,” Isherwood said in astonishment,”

Yes Mr Isherwood,” Hilda nodded, “oh and one other…” she stopped as the door was slammed open again and a slim woman in her fifties stalked in,

“Mind telling me what this is all about, Isherwood? I get an urgent text, must attend a meeting, possible career damage?”

The man gulped, “Mrs Haslam, Samantha, what are you doing here?”

“You mean you didn’t send the text? Who did then?”

“I did, Mrs Haslam,” Miss Annersley’s low voice said quickly, “I felt that it was necessary for you, all of you, to see this,”

“See what?”

Miss Annersley moved across to the desk and removed a laptop from the case she carried, she placed it on the desk and switched it on, looking round she spoke quickly, “Yesterday all of you ladies and gentlemen pronounced judgement upon a member of the prison service, Geraldine Shaw, for an alleged serious assault upon an inmate. Most of you are probably unaware that a few days before this supposed assault, Miss Shaw had reported serious events occurring within the prison, instigated by the Governor Mr Masters and his second Robertson.”

Haslam spoke out quickly, “Is that it? That’s ridiculous, the woman had no foundation - she was merely attempting to divert attention away from her own deeds,”

“She was telling the truth,” Hilda replied firmly, “moreover the recent death of an inmate is directly linked to the events that are still occurring within the prison, events that I hope to be able to show you very soon.”

“What so you mean?” The questioner was an older man, in his early sixties, “I’m Jim Grange, by the way,”

Hilda indicated the laptop, “Any minute now I expect to receive a call from a friend of mine, she is, at this moment, attempting to find you the proof,”

“Proof? Proof of what?” Another of the members of the Prison Board, a woman, spoke,

“Proof that Governor Masters is allowing his prison to be used as a brothel,” Hilda replied, noting that Henderson was busy writing everything down, also noticing that all the other inhabitants of the office had noted the same, “and proof that some of the inmates are being coerced into prostitution - it has caused the suicide of one already.”

At the words there was a positive outcry from the rest of the people in the office, both Isherwood and Haslam strenuously denying that anything of the sort had happened, Miss Annersley looked across to them,

“Then you will not have anything to worry about when this laptop links with one in the prison and shows you pictures of the Solitary Wing where this is alleged to be taking place.”

At the words Isherwood went white and sat down abruptly, looking ill, Haslam tried something else. Moving quickly she retrieved a mobile phone from her pocket and started to dial mumbling something about intruders within the prison. An arm reached across and plucked the phone from her grasp,

“No, don’t tell anyone Samantha,” it was Grange, “I’m interested in how this pans out - if nothing’s happening then you’ve got nothing to worry about, have you?”

“Can I quote you on that, Mr Grange?” Henderson put in.

“Of course my boy,” Grange smiled even while keeping a firm hand on Haslam, stopping her from bolting. He turned to Miss Annersley, When should this be happening?”

Hilda looked at her watch, “Soon, very soon, we just have to wait for a call on my phone,” she retrieved her phone from her pocket, placed it on the desk next to the laptop, “we just have to wait,” she repeated.

---

#291:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 10:29 pm
    —
Food for speculation here!

Nice one lesley.

---

#292:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Oct 01, 2006 10:30 pm
    —
For a call from Nell? Or Butcher?

---

#293:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 6:27 am
    —

Quote:

we just have to wait,” she repeated

That about sizes it up!
Thank you, Lesley.

---

#294:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:03 am
    —
So, we wait.... pours gin and tonic, chooses olives.... Cheese and crackers anyone?

Thank you Lesley!

---

#295:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:10 pm
    —
At work, but starts on the Gin anyway. Not like I can work with this going on!

---

#296:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 12:40 pm
    —
Mmm gin and tonic -defiantely. And yes please olives, cheese and crackers sound lovely - it's just about lunch time anyway.

Oh and thank you Lesley.

---

#297:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 2:26 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm wondering if Hilda will get the phone call.

---

#298:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 4:14 pm
    —
*sits down to wait for phonecall*

Thanks Lesley. Won't wibble as I'm sure you have it all under control...you do, don't you?!

---

#299:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 6:48 pm
    —


When the two men, Masters and Robertson, had initially walked into the Games Room, Nell Wilson had listened intently to their conversation. Their callousness with regard to the recent death of Mel Richards was only matched by their attitude toward the women supposedly under their care. Nell saw Geri making quick notes about the scam involving sub-standard cement in a small pad she was carrying in her rucksack. Then, when Masters had opened the door leading to their hiding place the pair had stood there, mesmerised and unable to think about their next action. Butcher entering the room had just confirmed Nell’s worst fears, that somehow they had all been wrong about the convict.

Butcher’s venom seemed to be reserved particularly for Geri Shaw; Nell could see the way that Butcher’s betrayal hurt Shaw – even more than the inmate’s threats of what was planned for the ex-prison officer in the near future. In an attempt to hinder Butcher, Nell had reached forward, trying to stop the younger woman – she had completely forgotten exactly how dangerous Butcher really was.

The speed with which Butcher had moved had surprised Nell, but even more than that was the convict’s strength. Nell Wilson was literally unable to move and when the arm lock had been applied she found herself being forced to obey Butcher, regardless of her own feelings. This was a completely new experience for Nell, and not one that she enjoyed as, even in the midst of her own predicament, she couldn’t help remembering the times when she had been the attacker, when she had forced others to do her bidding. During the entire walk to the Admin block Butcher didn’t let up on the amount of pain inflicted, holding her arm in such a way as to force Nell to move.

As Masters and Robertson entered the Governor’s Office, Shaw held firmly, Butcher swore slightly and swung Nell across to slam up against the wall,

“Dammit Wilson, don’t try anything!” she hissed, her head close to Nell’s left ear. Before Nell could even consider a response she heard further words from the convict, spoken under her breath and barely audible Nell heard, “Trust me Wilson.”

Nell Wilson turned her head sharply and stared into Butcher’s eyes, “You mean…?”

Butcher moved Nell’s arm slightly, causing a groan from Nell, “Now’s not the time,” Butcher whispered, “Keep resisting, I’ll tell you when we can attack…Now inside Wilson, before all the ligaments in your arm are ripped apart,” Butcher’s voice changed and she spoke the end of her sentence in normal tones before pushing Nell through the door. Nell saw that Masters was there, watching, and put up a show of resistance, forcing Butcher to apply more pressure to the arm lock. Nell was driven into one of the chairs opposite Masters’ desk and held there.

---

#300:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 6:56 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley
*sits down to finish off the cheese and crackers and add some chocolate cake*

---

#301:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 7:05 pm
    —
Huh, breathes great sigh of relief.

---

#302:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:23 pm
    —

Jennie wrote:

Huh, breathes great sigh of relief.

Doesn't need to!

---

#303:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:25 pm
    —
Threatens to report Pat to Uto.

---

#304:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:29 pm
    —

Jennie wrote:

Threatens to report Pat to Uto.

*giggles at that*

*Heaves sigh of relief that my faith in Butcher is not misplaced*

*Continues to have a quiet wibble as they are not out of there yet*

---

#305:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:37 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I have also just let out a big sigh of relief! I hope they get out safely.

---

#306:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:47 pm
    —

Jennie wrote:

Threatens to report Pat to Uto.

I wasn'y gloating because I'd been told, but because I didn't need to be told.
Oh, and I'm not afraid of Uto!

---

#307:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 8:48 pm
    —
Phew. I can stop holding my breath now ... was hoping that this would be another Lesley plot twist ....

---

#308:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:30 pm
    —
Fascinated how Hilda managed to keep all those high-powered people there under her thumb in the earlier episode - just hope her timing isn't off.

Loved the thoughts percolating through Nell's mind about the times it had been she who was the attacker. Hopefully she can do what Butcher wants here. And get that all-important message to Hilda.

Thanks, Lelsey

---

#309:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 10:10 pm
    —

Jennie wrote:

Threatens to report Pat to Uto.

I AM Uto Jennie!!!!

---

#310:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:54 am
    —
Ah, that's better! Hope this works though!

---

#311:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:58 am
    —
Only a bit better. They still have to try and make that call...

---

#312:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:16 am
    —
Hmm. They still ahve to get out though...

thanks Lesley.

---

#313:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 12:32 pm
    —
Interestinger and interestinger...

Thanks Lesley.

---

#314:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 7:35 pm
    —
It's now more than 24 hours since the last update and please nice Lesley it would be good to have another one very soon

---

#315:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:02 pm
    —

Dawn wrote:

It's now more than 24 hours since the last update and please nice Lesley it would be good to have another one very soon

How likely is it to be in the prison. You know how Lesley likes to jump about at times like this!

---

#316:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:11 pm
    —

Pat wrote:

Dawn wrote: It's now more than 24 hours since the last update and please nice Lesley it would be good to have another one very soon How likely is it to be in the prison. You know how Lesley likes to jump about at times like this!

Maybe we should start a gentle betting system as to the most likely/unlikely place the next update could be situated in

I think the most likely is ....erm London
and the most unlikely .......the prison

---

#317:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:24 pm
    —
And yar boo sucks to all of you!



Once sat in the chair and with Butcher continuing to keep pressure on her arm, Nell did wondered if she had imagined the whispered words from the inmate. Yet, although very painful, she gradually realised that her arm was not as bad as it could be – that Butcher, although applying pressure, was not applying full pressure. Just enough to ensure that Nell reacted properly. The pain was enough to cause Nell to snap angrily to some of the things Masters said but in reality she remained calm, not really losing her temper. When Masters answered the telephone and both Geri and she were silenced, Butcher took the opportunity to move closer to Nell,

“Call expected, wait!”

Nell listened to Masters’ end of the telephone conversation in some puzzlement, knowing that the plan had never meant for the journalist to announce himself at the front gate. Masters then said he was going to meet the journalist and instructed Robertson and Butcher to take their two captives down to Segregation. At this Nell stiffened and Butcher leant forwards again, appearing to be ordering Nell not to struggle while, under her breath, was actually saying the opposite,

“Struggle hard, fight me!”

Nell needed no further invitation! As the arm lock wasn’t as fiercely applied as it could have been Nell had a little lee-way, she made good use of it pushing back roughly with her chair and hearing Butcher grunt at the chair back impacted with her stomach. Rising swiftly Nell twisted out of the arm lock and brought her right arm up in an effort to elbow Butcher in the face – prepared to pull back if necessary – but Butcher moved so fast she didn’t need to, instead the elbow passed harmlessly just above Butcher’s head and the convict twisted round and fired a punch directly into Nell’s abdomen. Nell doubled up in anticipation of the pain as Butcher’s fist impacted directly over the knife and surgical wounds and then found that Butcher had pulled the punch. She didn’t allow either of the other two inhabitants in the office to suspect that, however, collapsing to the floor.

Butcher leant forward, her actions slightly masked from where Robertson stood holding Shaw, she bent down to check out her prisoner,

“She’s out cold,” she said for Robertson’s benefit, adding softly, “Give me two minutes then attack screw,” Nell blinked once in acknowledgement.

“She’ll be round in a while,” Robertson replied, his face reflecting his enjoyment of the scene, “we can wait,”

Butcher nodded, she looked across at Robertson’s captive, Shaw was not a weak woman yet, being held in the Senior Officer’s hands she was unable to move. Robertson was tall and strong, even for a man. He held Geri Shaw almost negligently yet without possibility of escape. Butcher grinned,

“While we’re waiting,” she began, “any chance of swapping? I mean there’s so much I want to discuss with Shaw, after all,”

Robertson looked down at Geri Shaw’s pale face and grinned, “Sure, why not?”

He moved away from Shaw and allowed Butcher to stand in front of him. Butcher reached up and grabbed one of Geri’s shoulders, pushed her across to the wall. Robertson watched with a grin,

“Scared Shaw?”

Geri Shaw’s eyes flashed, “Disappointed,” she replied, “very disappointed that I should be so wrong about you,”

Butcher grinned, “You should know to trust your first instincts, Shaw,” she said while roughly pushing Shaw back against the wall, “no con’s worth trusting now are they?”

Geri Shaw’s eyes widened very slightly, so slight that, had she not been watching for it, Butcher would have missed the first sign that Geri realised what Butcher was trying to tell her. Geri Shaw didn’t give any other sign, however, instead she made to attack Butcher, thereby holding Robertson’s attention. Butcher swept Shaw’s hands down and punched her in the face, again pulling the punch at the last minute, at the same time, knowing that the man would have all his attention upon her and Shaw, Butcher called out,

“Now!”

Robertson had time for a split second of puzzlement before comprehension showed in his face, he spun round to try and stop Nell Wilson’s attack - he was too late. With a grunt he fell unconscious to the floor, knocked out by a judiciously applied glass paperweight to the back of his head. There was silence as all three women looked at each other, Butcher was the first to react, walking over and crouching down beside Robertson,

“Well he’s definitely out cold,” she said, “bet that felt good didn’t it, Wilson?”

---

#318:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:28 pm
    —
I lost


Thankyou Lesley - a fabulous update

---

#319:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:31 pm
    —
Yay!! Hope that the next episode is easy to write Lesley...

---

#320:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 8:33 pm
    —
'Unpredictable' is Lesley's middle name!! Loved that scene.

---

#321:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:16 pm
    —
Hooray! I bet Nell enjoyed that!

Thank you Lesley.

---

#322:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:22 pm
    —
Of course Nell enjoyed it - but I bet she also enjoyed the play-acting with Butcher. Right up her street! She could use it to release all that pent-up anger.

Thanks, Lesley

---

#323:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:41 pm
    —
Hurrah! *dances* Thank you, Lesley - and thank heavens!

---

#324:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:12 pm
    —
HOOOflaminRAAAAY!

Glad to see that all will be well at some point.

---

#325:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:18 pm
    —

Carolyn P wrote:

HOOOflaminRAAAAY! Glad to see that all will be well at some point.

Did you doubt it Carolyn?

---

#326:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:20 pm
    —
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-ha!!!


(plus some belated giggling over Uto)

---

#327:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:36 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that they have knocked Robertson out.

What is a Uto, please?

---

#328:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:18 pm
    —
Uto is the Scourge of Gloaters, Chair. For her inside information on the fates of those who gloat, particularly over sneak previews of drabble installments, see the drabbles here and here.

The giggling was because of the conversation earlier in the thread, in which Pat may have just formally revealed Uto's secret identity:

Pat wrote:

I AM Uto Jennie!!!!

---

#329:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 12:12 am
    —
Or she has delusions of grandeur!!


I bet Nell enjoyed that - channelling her anger in that way would have given that blow even more force. But they're not out of it yet....

Thank you Nigel -sorry, Lesley!

---

#330:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:39 am
    —
Thank you Lesley!

---

#331:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 11:58 am
    —

Cath V-P wrote:

Thank you Nigel -sorry, Lesley!

Er... Nigel?


There was silence within the room for a few seconds then Butcher found herself dragged up and slammed against the wall. Too stunned even to react at first she looked into the eyes of an extremely angry Geri Shaw,

“What the hell are you playing at, Butcher? Is this all a game to you?” Geri held Butcher pressed against the wall, “Why the betrayal, the change?”

Butcher took a quick breath, “They knew,” she said quietly, “Masters and Robertson. They knew you and Wilson were in the prison, knew I’d brought you in. Didn’t know about Grant, thankfully, but knew everything else. They were about to find you anyway. The only thing I could think of was to go to them, so they’d think I’d brought you in for my own amusement.”

“Knew?” Geri’s eyes were searching Butcher’s seeing the truth there, “which of the women betrayed us?”

Butcher shook her head, “None of the women betrayed you, us,” she said quietly, “it was a screw, not one of Masters’, one of yours,”

“You’re ly…” Geri stopped, “No, you don’t lie, which prison officer? There were very few that actually knew we were here,”

“I’m not sure, it was Grant that overheard them - all she could hear was that it was a male screw,”

“Male? But there was only Mr Spencer - and he knew that Grant was a member of our party,” Shaw looked puzzled,

Butcher shook her head, “No, there was one other - don’t you remember Miss Mareck saying that we’d been seen coming over the wall?”

“Officer McNeill?”

“Yeah, that’s him - and if he was watching us come over the wall it’s possible that he missed Grant - she was first over, remember?”

“But why would he do that? Betray you, I mean,” Nell asked.

Shaw and Butcher looked at each other and answered Nell together, “Money,”

Geri continued, “Unfortunately it’s possible, if Masters offered enough..”

Nell shrugged, “People are not all trustworthy,” she said gently, “sometimes it’s the ones you least expect that will betray you.” She took a deep breath before looking across at the other two, “So what now then, apart from fighting among ourselves,”

Geri and Butcher looked at each other, Geri took a step back, let go of Butcher, “In the circumstances,” she began, “you did the best you could,”

Butcher nodded, “Yeah, well, thought Masters wouldn’t take much notice of anything else if he got his hands on you, meant he didn’t realise what else was happening,”

“What do you mean?” Nell looked puzzled, “what else can be happening?”

“Well first - that phone call was not from the Gatehouse - it was from Rees, she and another woman worked out how to make it seem a call was coming through on the land lines rather than a mobile - don’t ask me how,”

“Mobile? What mobile?” This from Geri.

Butcher looked over, her face innocent, “Why yours, Shaw,” she said.

Geri reached into her pocket, “You took it?”

Butcher nodded, “Originally it was nothing to do with this caper,” she explained, “I knew I could get a lot of use out of it, then, once I realised that our plan was washed up, I thought we could use it. Masters will be back here soon so we’ve got to make sure we can keep distracting him or put him out of action. Annersley’s relying on us, isn’t she?”

“Maybe she is,“ Nell put in, “But not a great deal can be done, can it? We have the equipment here after all, don’t we?” she pointed toward the two rucksacks on Masters’ desk.

Butcher grinned, “No you don’t,” she said, “check your rucksack, Wilson,”

Nell did so quickly, pulling out the topmost items, she then gasped, “How the Hell…” she held up a large, heavy book, probably about the same size and weight as the laptop, she looked across accusingly toward Butcher.

Butcher shrugged, “What did you expect? Grant and I are both crooks, she replaced the laptop with that book just before we left your place. Carried the laptop in herself.”

Geri Shaw looked over at her friend’s astounded expression with some amusement; she bit her lip to stop grinning before observing, “We should really have expected it, Nell,”

Nell smiled slightly, she replaced the book in the rucksack and placed it on her back, “Well I know one thing,” she said, “I’ve got to get this back outside, regardless,” she looked at the puzzled expression on the other two faces, “didn’t you realise?” she asked. “This book is one of Hilda’s, a very rare and expensive one that she bought when in England. I wouldn’t recommend losing it.”

---

#332:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 12:05 pm
    —
oops!

---

#333:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 12:11 pm
    —
Well done Butcher & Grant! Wonder if Hilda's missed it yet?

Thanks Lesley.

---

#334:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 12:41 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm afraid I'm a bit confused. Is Rees on their side or Masters' side? I hope they can return the book without the book being damaged.

---

#335:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:55 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley

---

#336:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:56 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

“This book is one of Hilda’s, a very rare and expensive one that she bought when in England. I wouldn’t recommend losing it.”

*giggling* No, can't see Hilda being impressed at that!

Thank you, Lesley!

---

#337:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:08 pm
    —
Well done, Nell - you know how Hilda will make them regret the loss of her book, even if they don't! Mind you, her bite really must be worse than her bark if you can think of that at such a time.

I shall await with what patience I can muster for the next revelations....

Thanks, Lesley

---

#338:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:17 pm
    —
*g* I can imagine Hilda's reaction to the loss of a rare book!

Thank you Lesley. Great stuff.

---

#339:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 12:22 am
    —
Heavens, this is convoluted - but Nell's right;

Quote:

“sometimes it’s the ones you least expect that will betray you

Yes indeed.

And if a hair on that book's head is harmed as it were....

Thank you Lesley! Nigel - as in Molesworth!

---

#340:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 3:39 am
    —
*idly wonders just what book it is*

Glad to hear the equipment's in good hands, though! Or at least not in Masters'.

(Also confuzzled by Nigel. I don't remember one in Mrs. Molesworth, but then The Cuckoo Clock is the only one I've read in recent years.)

---

#341:  Author: Elder in Ontario, Location: Ontario, Canada Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 2:28 pm
    —
Kathy wrote:

Quote:

(Also confuzzled by Nigel. I don't remember one in Mrs. Molesworth, but then The Cuckoo Clock is the only one I've read in recent years.)

[/quote]

Nothing to do with Mrs. Molesworth, Kathy!! I *think* Cath is referring to one Nigel Molesworth, who 'stars' in the book How to be Topp - sorry, name of the author escapes me, but it's a 'funny', and I think dates from the 1960s. Don't know if his exploits would seem as 'funny' today, but I haven't read the books for ages!

---

#342:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 7:06 pm
    —
In Isherwood’s office the group gathered there had been waiting for some time, almost two hours in total. Both Isherwood and Haslam had, with the passage of time, become less worried and far calmer, so much so that, for the last thirty minutes Haslam had been agitating that nothing was going to happen and that she should call the police. That she did not was probably a combination of effort from Hilda Annersley and Jim Grange. Finally, when even Hilda had started to get worried, her phone rang,

“Hello, is that Geri?”

The voice on the other end was unfamiliar, “No, this is Rees, I’m Butcher’s second, are you Annersley?”

“Yes, this is Annersley,” Hilda replied quickly, her mind racing, “why are you calling me? What’s gone wrong?”

“Change of plan, Annersley,” the voice on the other end of the phone replied, “Butcher said to tell you that Grant has the laptop and will be getting your pictures,”

“But what…”

Hilda was interrupted as another voice came on the phone, “Miss Annersley? This is Officer Amanda Blanchford, I’m aware of Miss Shaw’s intentions, Grant and I are going to Solitary now, stand by, we will contact you when in position and ready to transmit,”

“Officer Blanchford? What about Miss Shaw and my friend?”

“Sorry Annersley,” it was Rees again, “screw’s gone - think Shaw and the other woman are OK, Butcher’s with them.”

…

In the Governor’s Officer any further deliberations were interrupted by a groan from Robertson, Butcher moved across to the man,

“He’s coming round already,” she said in some surprise, “must have a thick skull,” she lifted the paperweight to hit him again but stopped when Geri Shaw shook her head,

“So far we’ve acted in self defence,” she said quickly, “that would be termed assault,”

Butcher frowned, “If we let him recover it’ll be too late,” she said reasonably.

“What about locking him in somewhere?” surprisingly it was Nell who made the suggestion, “I mean this is a prison, after all,”

Shaw and Butcher looked at each other, “Never thought of that,” Butcher said, a slight grin on her face, she quickly removed the keys and chain from the man’s belt and passed it across to Geri, “Where?”

Geri thought for a few seconds, “Waiting room, it’s close,”

Butcher and Nell lifted the man between them and walked him to the small room nearby, as they reached it he suddenly regained full consciousness and the two women had a few seconds of struggle before managing to throw him into the room. Shaw was there to swiftly slam shut and lock the door just before he crashed into the door, yelling defiance.

Butcher opened the spy hole in the door and watched dispassionately as Robertson threw himself at the door again and again in a fruitless attempt to break free, “That’s a waste of energy,” she observed, “door’s designed to take all that and more,” she looked over at Shaw, “he’s really p*ssed,” she continued, “you should have let me knock him out again – if he gets free we’ve had it.”

“We’ll see,” Shaw said, “I’d be happier if Masters was in there too – I don’t want him wriggling out of this.”

…

147416 Grant E J had spent a considerable number of her twenty-five years in either prison or youth custody - yet she had never done anything like this before. That morning in the prison had been strange anyway with a number of the inmates being aware that Shaw and a friend of hers were inside the prison and intended to expose what had been happening in the Solitary Wing. Then, after she had overheard that the Governor was aware of the fact, she’d joined Butcher in planning their next moves. And for her, the next move had meant that she was ostensibly being taken to Solitary for punishment – there was one cell set aside for that still. Even stranger was that another screw was willingly taking part in the masquerade – Mrs Blanchford had, until just before Christmas, been the most senior officer assigned to Solitary. Now she had been reassigned to the Library but was eager to be a part of the plan. As the two got closer to the Solitary Wing they both slipped into their expected roles, Grant being particularly truculent and angry. The Officer in charge of Solitary looked across in surprise when the two appeared but, on hearing that Grant had earned herself three days solitary, waved them to the cell. Once inside Grant sat with barely concealed impatience, waiting to see if Blanchford could do it.

---

#343:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 7:29 pm
    —
Hoping Blanchford is as *trustworthy* as the others. Hmm!

The very quietness of that post had me holding my breath.....

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#344:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:18 pm
    —

MaryR wrote:

Hoping Blanchford is as *trustworthy* as the others. Hmm! The very quietness of that post had me holding my breath..... Thanks, Lesley.

It wasn't long enough either, was it?

---

#345:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:10 pm
    —
*Reads the above two comments and lets out a quiet eek*

---

#346:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 12:49 am
    —
Practises deep breathing.

Loved Nell's bright idea.. "this is a prison, after all". Well, really!

Yes, I did mean Nigel Molesworth - thank you elder!

Some more would be nice Lesley!

---

#347:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 2:55 am
    —
Wondering if Blanchford could do what?

*not so good at 'Patience is a Virtue'*

Thanks, Elder & Cath. Here he is, I think. Molesworth.

---

#348:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 8:49 am
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope that Blanchford can be trusted.

---

#349:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 6:38 pm
    —
*joins patmac with the eeking*

---

#350:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 8:15 pm
    —
Once Grant had been locked up Blanchford took a deep breath and plastered a smile on her face, she turned to the Officer beside her, Oliver Stone, “She’ll be fine once she’s calmed down,” she said, referring to Grant, “just don’t stand any nonsense from her and treat her fairly,”

“Thanks,” Stone said, he was one of Masters’ people and had only transferred in a few weeks before, “You’ve had experience with her then?”

Amanda began to walk with the man back to the Control Room, she nodded, “Oh yes, I’m in the Library now but I used to work here,” she said, “when it was just Solitary, I mean. Grant has been in for a couple of sessions.”

“We haven’t had that many here for punishment,” the man replied, “got enough to do with all the ones here for the other business,” he looked over to check Amanda’s reaction.

Amanda was very careful to show nothing more than mild boredom, “So I hear,” she replied, “must admit I can’t see why I was transferred out of here. I can look after them as well as those in for punishment.”

The man relaxed very slightly, “Well it would be useful having someone on duty that was experienced, I must admit. Take now, for instance, my partner, Lynn Ratcliffe, is late getting back from her lunch – means I’m stuck on my own until she gets back,”

Amanda Blanchford kept a straight face but inwardly smiled, she knew very well that Officer Ratcliffe was being kept in the Officers’ Mess – Alex Wood, the most senior and experienced prison officer after Geri Shaw, had organised things very quickly once Butcher had convinced him that Geri Shaw needed help. Officer Ratcliffe had suffered an accident – nothing serious, just something that required that she change uniform – it was surprising how long it was taking to find her a clean uniform.

“Well if you like I’ll stay here for a while,” she said, trying her best to remain nonchalant, “nothing’s happening at the Library at the moment, I’ll cover if you want something to eat?”

They were walking past the other cells while speaking; the cell doors were all locked shut, of course. The man looked across with some suspicion,

“Thought you lot wanted nothing to do with what was happening here? You’ve all given us the cold shoulder since we got here. Think more of these whores than your fellow officers,”

Amanda bit down on her instinctive reply, instead she shrugged her shoulders, “Maybe we were a bit hasty,” she said, “after all, if the women themselves want to do this who are we to argue? So do you want me to cover for you?”

The man thought for a minute then shook his head, “Better not,” he said, “but I’ll take a quick comfort break if it’s OK?”

“Of course,” Amanda smiled. She continued smiling until the man had left the block then had quickly run back to Grant’s cell,

“We’ve only got a few minutes,” she said, “the laptop, quickly!”

Grant retrieved the laptop from within the bundle of bedclothes she had carried and the two moved swiftly to the Control Room. Blanchford moved inside immediately and flicked on all the CCTV monitors; she heaved a sigh of relief when she saw that of the seven cells with women in, four were occupied - she didn’t actually watch what they were doing for long.

“Grant I need this plugged in,” Blanchford stopped and looked round, instead of the inmate standing next to her Grant was standing outside, “What are you doin…?” regardless of the situation Blanchford found herself smiling. Inside the Control room was forbidden to any inmate, “It’s alright Grant, I need your help, come in,”

Grant grinned somewhat sheepishly and entered, climbing up on the control panel to plug in leads, she looked over at the Prison Officer,

“How long will the screw be away?”

“Not long, try and sort out a barricade or something, stop him getting back in, we can shut him out of here but he’ll be able to warn the inhabitants of the cells that something’s wrong - we need to get these pictures sent out first.”

---

#351:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 9:25 pm
    —
Come on ladies, get a move on!

---

#352:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 12:18 am
    —
Nice view from up here!!!

Thank you Lesley.

---

#353:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 1:01 am
    —
Why do I have a bad feeling about this? It seems as though things are going so well....

---

#354:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 10:55 am
    —
But how long will a simple barricade stop Stone?

Thanks, Lesley

---

#355:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 5:47 pm
    —
In the Area Manager’s Office Hilda’s laptop suddenly lit up, Grange looked across,

“You appear to be receiving something, Miss Annersley,” he said quickly.

Hilda moved forward and clicked onto the icon, the image was fuzzy to begin with and she wondered whether there would be suitable evidence, then, suddenly, the image sharpened. A prison cell, she could immediately identify that, but seen from above. There were two people in the cell, on the bed and…Hilda swallowed sharply and looked away - there was no mistaking what the pair were doing… Her thoughts were interrupted when Isherwood, silent until now, suddenly jeered,

“You getting us to watch porn films then?”

That’s no film,” Henderson, the journalist interrupted, “look at the man’s face, when he turns slightly,”

The rest of the group gathered around did so and, when the man’s face was again in camera shot there was a sudden outcry,

“Harry,” Jim Grange’s voice rose above the rest, “Harry Dodson, he’s Managing Director of Dodson Building Merchants - I know him because he’s a member of my golf club. What have you got to say about this Jason, Sam?”

“I…I…” Jason Isherwood appeared to be unable to answer, Haslam looked across at him with contempt,

“Jim I’m as stunned as you are,” she said, her voice sounding shocked, “I had no idea that this was happening, I…”

“You were told, Ms Haslam,” Hilda Annersley interrupted, “both Mr Isherwood and you were told that this was happening,” she pointed to the laptop, on the screen the scene had shifted to another cell, a different woman and a different man. One of the group, the woman who had spoken earlier, indicated that she recognised him as a major building contractor,

“And he’s married to an old school friend of mine,” she continued, “I always told Tricia that he was no good,”

Sue Haslam, however, had taken no notice of this, instead pushing her way over to stand in front of Hilda, “I have not been told,” she stormed, “how dare you say that I have? I had no idea this was happening,”

“You were told, Ms Haslam,” Hilda returned, taking no notice of the other woman’s attempt to intimidate her, “you were told a few days before Christmas by the Senior Officer of the prison, Geraldine Shaw. She spoke with both Mr Isherwood and you. And you both dismissed her claims.”

“Geraldine Shaw?” Grange frowned, “I know that name…”

“You should, Mr Grange,” Hilda returned, “she is the woman that the Prison Board dismissed from the Prison Service yesterday,” her eyes swept round to include everyone in the office, “that is, you ladies and gentlemen,”

Henderson stepped forward, “Excellent Miss Annersley,” he said with a grin, “so you’re saying that reason Shaw was dismissed was because of her trying to blow the whistle on this?”

“That is exactly what I’m saying,” Hilda returned evenly.

“And I say you’re lying,” Sue Haslam shouted, “Neither Jason nor I have ever seen this Shaw woman before, she didn’t attempt to tell us anything,”

Grange looked from the calm face of Hilda Annersley to the angry and flushed face of Sue Haslam; he then looked across at the white face of Jason Isherwood,

“Well there’s a simple way to prove this, one way or another,” he said, “Jason, call in your Receptionist will you?”

Jason Isherwood suddenly looked as though someone had thrown him a lifeline when he was drowning, he quickly summoned the woman to the office,

“Right Heather,” he began somewhat pompously, “I’d like you to confirm to these people that I have not had an appointment with a Geraldine Shaw recently.”

The woman looked round quickly, still smarting somewhat at the way that Hilda Annersley had forced her way in, she shook her head, “No Mr Isherwood, I’d know if you’d seen her, she’s never been here,”

Isherwood turned triumphantly toward the rest. Miss Annersley stepped forward, intending to speak, however Jim Grange placed a hand on her arm, stopping her,

“Now, Heather,” he began with a smile, “you should be aware that this is not a case of simply being loyal to your employer. Your answer here is one that you may be called upon to repeat under oath in a court of law. The consequences for both Mr Isherwood and Ms Haslam may be very grave, however you personally have nothing to fear for telling the truth.” He paused there then added, “And you will not be sacked because of it - if need be I’ll ensure you have a suitable position elsewhere in the Prison Service.”

Heather bit her lip and swallowed a few times, eventually she nodded slightly, “She was here,” she whispered, “a few days before Christmas. She spoke to both Mr Isherwood and Ms Has…”

“You’re fired Heather!” The vitriolic response from Isherwood made the woman flinch then,

“Be silent, Mr Isherwood,” and at the icy tones from Miss Annersley, Isherwood sunk back onto his chair.

Jim Grange smiled toward Heather, “Miss Shaw spoke with Ms Haslam as well?”

“Yes sir,” Heather nodded, “I have the appointment on Mr Isherwood’s diary. Sir? I don’t know everything they said but I took some drinks in to them, they were talking about the women’s prison and prostitution.”

“Thank you Heather,”

Jim Grange looked round, “It appears that we of the Prison Board have been misled and lied to about the state of affairs at the women’s State Prison. I assume I have a majority for taking action?” With the exception of Isherwood and Haslam all the Prison Board members nodded, Grange smiled and turned to Miss Annersley, “My thanks, Miss Annersley, for bringing this to our attention. You may rely upon us to take action,”

“I’m pleased to hear that, Mr Grange,” Hilda inclined her head, “the situation within the prison is a volatile one at present. Miss Shaw is, with another friend, inside the prison at the moment. In addition, as well as both Mr Masters and the current Senior Officer, Mr Robertson, there are a number of prison officers that owe their allegiance to the Governor,”

“You feel that we need to take back the prison?”

“I do,”

Grange nodded, “Very well, we will have to move fast, these operations take some time to…” he stopped as Miss Annersley was shaking her head and smiling,

“The operation is ready to go now, Mr Grange, another friend of mine had a contact within the police force, someone who is Commander of the Police Swat Team,”

Grange looked surprised, “What, Niall O’Rourke?”

“Yes,” Hilda lifted her mobile, “I have only to place a call through to them…?”

Grange looked round at the others in the room, Henderson was frantically scribbling away and, at the same time, calling someone on his mobile, Isherwood and Haslam had both retreated to the sofa at the back of the office, both of them in shock as to their sudden downfall. The rest of the Board were all looking to him, approval in their expressions, Grange smiled,

“Then please give the word, Miss Annersley,” he said.

---

#356:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 6:35 pm
    —
Go, Hilda! Now going off to have a quiet wibble about them getting Nell, Geri and Butcher out safely.

*Crawls under desk*

---

#357:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 7:20 pm
    —
Don't be a wimp, Pat! Has Hilda retreated under the table? Of course not. Hope Nell has, though!

How soon can we get the cavalry there, then, Lesley? And perhaps Hilda had better go as well to calm everyone down.

Thank you.

---

#358:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 7:31 pm
    —
To the wire!

Great Lesley.

---

#359:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 10:07 pm
    —
In the Solitary Wing Blanchford had managed to ensure that images from three of the four occupied cells had been downloaded onto the laptop and transmitted before anyone in the cells registered that there was a problem. At the gate Grant had attempted, without a lot of success, to barricade the way. However the gates had been designed to allow access for Prison Officers and there was very little in the way of large pieces of furniture that was available. When Stone had returned from his comfort break he had very quickly realised that something was wrong. Managing to open the gate despite Grant’s efforts he had also managed to silence her with a blow to the head before racing toward the Control Room. The first that Amanda Blanchford had known there was danger was when she was suddenly attacked from behind…

“What are you doing, you b*tch?” Stone knocked her to the floor and quickly looked across at the monitors, leads and computer, “What have you done? Answer me!” He threw himself on top of Amanda, holding her down and placing a hand around her neck.

Amanda tried to struggle against the man but was against a far greater strength, she managed to smile slightly, “You’re too late, Stone, the images have already been sent.”

“You cow,” Stone looked down with fury, “you’ve cost me thousands of dollars. Well I’m not going to lose out, you’re going to pay,” he continued squeezing, totally irrational, while Blanchford struggled weakly.

There was a dull thud and the man slumped forwards, Blanchford looked up to see Grant standing there holding a fire extinguisher in her hands. She sat up and looked across at Stone, he was unconscious but still breathing - a large bruise on his temple testament to the blow that Grant had just landed. Blanchford looked across at Grant who grinned,

“Wanted to do that to a screw for ages,” she said.

Officer Blanchford stood and smiled, “Just so long as you don’t make a habit of it, Grant,” she remarked drily.

---

#360:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2006 10:16 pm
    —
Two posts, yay!

Thank you, Lesley.

---

#361:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 12:01 am
    —
Huzzah! Well dont Grant, well done Hilda! Well done Heather!

*doesn't think this is quite the end though*

---

#362:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 12:32 am
    —
That's reassuring - at least the Prison Board now knows and believes. But the prison still has to be secured....

Nice last two lines!
Thanks Lesley

---

#363:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 12:59 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley, I know everything will be all right now, Hilda's in full control.

---

#364:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 3:21 pm
    —
Loved the last line!

Thanks, Lesley

---

#365:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 3:41 pm
    —
After ensuring Robertson was secure the three in the Admin Block returned to Masters’ Office and wasted no time finding out what was happening elsewhere in the prison and warning everyone that Masters was loose. They had then thoroughly searched through Masters’ records, looking for documentary evidence that would help to convict him. Geri managed to discover records showing that, even in the less than a month he had been Governor, he had managed to squirrel away a significant amount of money, as well as arrange contracts with a number of the less reputable building contractors in the city. Geri Shaw spoke with Alex Wood who was over in the Officer’s Mess and discovered that Amanda Blanchford had accompanied Grant to Solitary, she spared a thought for the two - hoping that neither of them would come to any harm. Geri also passed on to Alex Wood the knowledge that the prison would shortly be invaded,

“So it might be as well to instigate a total lock down,” Geri continued, “that way the inmates will be safe. As you’re next in line it should be no problem.”

Alex sighed, “Maybe,” he said hesitantly, “though the main problem’s going to be on the Wings, isn’t it? And the people in charge on the Wings are all Masters’ people.”

“Well do the best you can Alex,” Geri said quickly, “at least get as many women as possible out of the line of fire.”

Butcher, after hearing this, had retreated to the Office next door and contacted Rees on the mobile, she’d given a few terse orders to ensure that the inmates co-operate fully with the screws, this time, as a SWAT team would be entering the prison soon, she returned to the other office just as Nell Wilson gave her news.

Nell had managed to retrieve her own mobile from her pack and contacted Hilda; what she heard was enough to bring a smile to her lips, she turned to the other two,

“They did it, Grant and the Officer, they managed to get into Solitary and transmit the pictures,” she said to the other two, “Hilda’s just been in touch with John - the team should be attacking any minute…”

There was the muffled sound of thunder flashes from the direction of the Gatehouse,

“…now.” Nell finished.

“We’ll stay here,” Geri said swiftly, “until everything is secured it will be dangerous for anyone that is unable to give the correct credentials to the Police Officers,”

Butcher grinned, “Like me, you mean, Shaw? Yeah, you’re probably right, don’t fancy being used for target practice by some idiot with a police uniform but no brain. What about Masters though - I don’t want him getting away.”

Shaw shook her head, “I can’t see that he will, Butcher,” she smiled very slightly, “this is, after all, a prison, isn’t it? There is only the one exit from the place and, from the noise down there, it sounds as though no one will be getting away from there.”

After this the three women remained silent, listening to the sounds of invasion starting to percolate through to them; after some twenty or thirty minutes the sounds ceased and, even before the phone call from Officer Wood confirming that the invasion had been successful, they had all realised this. As Geri was just finishing her conversation with Wood they all heard the sound of the gate at the entrance to the Admin Block being unlocked, she rang off and looked over at the other two,

“Right, that’s going to be the Police and probably an Officer, Butcher be careful, they are likely to be a little jumpy,”

Butcher nodded as all three moved out to the main corridor - to find it empty, Nell frowned,

“Well where are they, then?”

“Right here, Miss Wilson,” the voice was not that of an unknown Police officer, nor was it an ordinary Prison Officer, as all three women spun round they saw that the voice belonged to the Governor, William Masters. Two other items struck the three just as quickly, firstly that he had obviously released Robertson because the other man was also standing there observing them all, and secondly, and more importantly, both men were armed.

---

#366:  Author: Ray, Location: Bristol, England Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 4:05 pm
    —
I think the appropriate response here is: Eeeeeeeek!

Ray *diving under her desk*

---

#367:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 4:12 pm
    —
Echoes Ray and takes cover as well!!

---

#368:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 4:48 pm
    —
Well you didn't all expect it to be that straightforward did you?

---

#369:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 6:33 pm
    —
Well I didn't! Not with Masters missing!

Last edited by Pat on Sun Oct 08, 2006 9:58 pm; edited 1 time in total

---

#370:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 8:27 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I have just caught up on the last few updates. I have still managed to finish on a cliff and keep wibbling!

---

#371:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 8:34 pm
    —

Ray wrote:

I think the appropriate response here is: Eeeeeeeek! Ray *diving under her desk*

Room for a little 'un?

---

#372:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:25 pm
    —
I think we need the bunker.
And the trampolines.
And the chocolate.

---

#373:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 11:57 pm
    —
*joins Ray & Patmac under desk*

Blimey! Well done Grant, though (loved the end of that last but one post).

Hmmm - might go and bounce on the trampolines for a while...

Thanks Lesley.

---

#374:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:34 am
    —
Ah, I see....
Oh dear.
Gulp.

Thank you Lesley.

---

#375:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 5:44 am
    —
Definitely desk and chocolate time......

How on earth will they get out of this ?
Gripping stuff...

---

#376:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:43 am
    —
Well....

Thank you Lesley!

---

#377:  Author: Rachel, Location: West Coast of Scotland Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:11 pm
    —
Catching up from page nine, the comments are almost as entertaining as Lesley's posts!

And I'm glad this hasn't finished yet - I like to be in at the kill eventually. So to speak. You know.

---

#378:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:17 pm
    —
Running off to the bunker. Please identify yourselves after you knock.

---

#379:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:18 pm
    —
eeeek! I was so convinced everything would be ok now!

---

#380:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:23 pm
    —
“Now what am I going to do with the two of you?” Masters was addressing Geri Shaw and Nell Wilson; the two women were back in the Governor’s Office, Masters had forced them both in there and they were both sat with their backs to the main desk, facing the door. Masters was standing slightly to one side, leaning against a side wall. At the question Nell looked across,

“Can’t you count, Masters? There are three of us,”

Before Masters could reply the door to the office slammed open once more and Robertson stalked in, with him was Butcher. She had obviously been assaulted by Robertson, bearing the bruising from a pistol-whipping on her face. Robertson pushed the convict inside and ordered her to her knees. Her face dark and eyes flashing with anger Butcher did as told. Master smiled across at Nell,

“I’m aware there are three of you, Miss Wilson,” he said, “but come now, Butcher doesn’t count, nothing that either of us do to Butcher will be classed as anything more than rodent extermination,” he smiled, “In fact, if anything, we’ll probably be awarded a medal.”

“That what you think of all cons then, Mas…?” Butcher’s voice cut off as Robertson hit her in the mouth.

Masters looked at the other two, “You’ll have to excuse Robertson,” he said calmly, “he’s more than a little upset with Butcher at the moment. You’d think, as it was you, Miss Wilson, who actually knocked him out, that he’d be angry with you, wouldn’t you? But I believe he’s annoyed with Butcher because she betrayed us.”

“Regardless of his reasoning,” Nell said tightly, her own eyes showing just as much anger as Butcher’s, “attacking someone when they are defenceless is somewhat despicable, isn’t it?”

Masters laughed, “Why I do believe you’ve been infected with the same disease that Geri here has,” he said, shaking his head in mock concern, “that of actually caring about the inmates, as though they were civilised people. It’s more widespread than I thought. Butcher is nothing, Miss Wilson, she’s a convicted killer, a drain on society for the rest of her life. Believe me we’ll be doing the world a favour by disposing of her.”

“She has more honour and integrity than you’ll ever have, Will,” Geri said quietly.

Masters sighed, “Now you see, that’s why I knew you were dangerous, Geri, why I knew that one of the first things I had to arrange was a way to break the link between Butcher and yourself. I really thought that I’d done it too – or at least that Kevin Taylor had…”

“You b*st*rd!” it was Butcher’s voice, as the other two women looked across Butcher spoke again, “You set it all up, didn’t you? Taylor, Solitary, all of it?”

Shaw stiffened at this, looked across with anger, “Is that true? Did you arrange for Taylor to attack Butcher?”

“Surprised you didn’t think of it before, Geri – I mean Kevin did come from the prison where I was Governor before this. His orders were to knock her about a bit – I think she upset him though, so he was a little more heavy handed. It worked though, didn’t it? She was angry enough that, when I came along she just fell over herself to take part.”

Butcher struggled to rise from her knees, stopped when Robertson ground the barrel of his pistol into her temple, “If I get my hands on you, Masters…” she began.

Robertson laughed and, for the first time, spoke, “You’ll do nothing, b*tch, you’re not careful you’re not going to survive the day,”

Shaw looked across at Masters, “You must know that the Police have taken control of the prison,” she began, “they and the Prison Board have proof of what’s been happening in here. What do you hope to achieve by holding us?”

“You’ll not escape, Masters,” Nell put in, “there’s only one exit from here and it’s crawling with police officers. What do you hope to gain?”

“What do I hope to gain? Simple really, I want transport away from here, a head start - only a few hours will be enough. With the money the pair of us have salted away we can go anywhere in the world.”

Shaw shook her head, “You know they will not negotiate, Will, standing orders are no negotiations - at least no negotiations that mean that the person escapes.”

“Yes but that’s when it is with prisoners, isn’t I?” Masters replied smoothly, “No way I would expect the Police to negotiate with scum,”

“And what does that make you, Masters?” Butcher said intently, “you’ve broken the law, you’ll be classed as a criminal now, you’re no bett…urgh….”

Butcher’s voice cut off as Robertson swung his pistol into the side of her face, knocking her to the floor. There was silence for some seconds, both Nell and Geri stopped from going to Butcher’s aid by Masters pointing his pistol at them. On the floor Butcher slowly raised herself, first on all fours and then onto her knees, she looked across at Robertson and this time her dark eyes had murder in them,

“Why don’t you put down the gun, Robertson,” she said softly, “and try that again?”

---

#381:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:30 pm
    —
Oh my! One cliff resolved, another appears.

Back to under the desk I think.

Thanks for the update Lesley!!

---

#382:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:22 pm
    —
Is it safe to breathe now? Thanks, Lesley.

---

#383:  Author: Karry, Location: Stoke on Trent Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:23 pm
    —
eebles! Unfolds extending desk leaf and hides - anyone else?

---

#384:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:23 pm
    —
Good job I tidied under the desk today - I need the room to to wibble.

Thanks Lesley

---

#385:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:59 pm
    —
What a lot of spineless jellyfish!

I do hope you're going to post again tonight Lesley.

---

#386:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:03 pm
    —

Pat wrote:

What a lot of spineless jellyfish!

What? Nell, Geri and Butcher?

Pat wrote:

I do hope you're going to post again tonight Lesley.

Might post later - know what's going to happen just got to get it on paper.

---

#387:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:07 pm
    —

Lesley wrote:

“She has more honour and integrity than you’ll ever have, Will,” Geri said quietly.

Voltaire once said, "The wicked can have only accomplices....Only the virtuous have friends."

By Society's lights, Butcher would be classed as wicked, but as Geri's words show only too well, Butcher has many people who trust her, and would call her *friend*.

Thanks, Lesley.

---

#388:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 9:13 pm
    —
[quote="Lesley"]

Pat wrote:

What a lot of spineless jellyfish!

What? Nell, Geri and Butcher?


No! Of course not! This lot of wimpy CBBers!

---

#389:  Author: Lyanne, Location: Ipswich, England Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 11:43 pm
    —
Just caught up from page nine and I'm still at the edge of my chair...

---

#390:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 12:28 am
    —
The depths of Master's mind and soul are truly revolting.... and how well Geri put it.

Quote:

“She has more honour and integrity than you’ll ever have, Will,” Geri said quietly.

Yes indeed.

---

#391:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:24 am
    —
*agrees with Cath*

Hope Butcher survives this! And the others, of course, but Butcher seems more at risk just now.

---

#392:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:55 am
    —
Thanks Lesley.

---

#393:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:58 am
    —
I'm wibbling that one of them will give the others a chance and then get killed. The trouble is Nell, Geri and Butcher are all capable of that.

*Retires under desk again*

---

#394:  Author: JackieP, Location: Kingston upon Hull Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 1:40 pm
    —
Gah - and I thought I'd missed the cliffs....

Thanks for this Lesley - more please?

JackieP

---

#395:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 6:05 pm
    —

Jennie wrote:

Is it safe to breathe now? Thanks, Lesley.

I don't feel it is safe to breathe, yet!

Thanks, Lesley. I hope things will work out.

---

#396:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:38 pm
    —
“I don’t think so, Butcher,” Masters put in quickly, “ we have a use for you,” he looked across at Geri and Nell, “we’ve got to make contact with the people outside – prove to them that we are not to be trifled with. Killing you will do that and still leave us with two far more valuable hostages. Geri, I need some information from you – who is in charge of the Police presence down there?”

Geri said nothing initially and Masters signalled to Robertson, the tall man swung his foot catching Butcher in the stomach, “He can keep doing that, Geri,” Masters warned.

“Don’t you f***ing tell them anything,” the gasped sentence came from Butcher, she was glaring across at Geri, “you hear me, Shaw?”

“But…”

“I mean it,” Butcher interrupted even as Robertson kicked her again, “no way these two are going to get away with what they’ve…” she stopped as Robertson held his pistol to her head.

“Well, Geri?” this from Masters.

Geri Shaw looked over at him, catching the minute shake of Nell’s head as she did, “You are already responsible for the death of one inmate,” she said quietly, “and you say you are going to kill another. I will not, in any way, aid you in your attempt to evade justice.”

“Shall I kill this one?” Robertson’s voice was devoid of any emotion, he looked across at Masters while keeping a hold of Butcher’s shoulder and with the barrel of his pistol against her temple.

Masters looked from the two women sat in defiance over toward Robertson, “Not yet,” he said, “save it for when we want to make an impression. I’ll get through to the people downstairs myself.” He leant across and picked up the telephone, moving slightly closer to Nell Wilson as he did so. Nell registered the fact but didn’t react, correctly assuming that there would be a better chance later on.

Masters phoned down to the Gatehouse and was quickly put through, he explained the situation brutally,

“Alright O’Rourke, I’ll spell it out for you, I’m holding Geri Shaw and Helena Wilson, the two women that started this. If I don’t get transport for Robertson and myself and a three hour head start then I’ll kill them both.”

There was a short pause while the man on the other end obviously replied then Masters spoke again, “Yes I can prove they’re still alive, here,” he pressed a button on the phone then spoke to the two women, “Say who you are, now!”

“I’m Geri Shaw,”

“Nell Wilson,”

Masters picked the receiver up again, “Right, now I know all about all the delaying tactics you use and about how you’ll want me to speak to a Police negotiator, well you can forget all that. I want transport here within the next thirty minutes - a helicopter fully fuelled and a pilot - big enough for four passengers - don’t tell me you need more time, I know for a fact that the Airforce Base nearby has them on permanent standby. And to show you we mean business we’ll have a little treat for you.” He slammed the phone down and looked across at Robertson, “Get ready!” he ordered.

Geri Shaw looked across, “They won’t negotiate,” she said, “you know that,”

“They will when they see we’re serious,” Masters replied, “are you ready, Robertson?”

“Just about,” the reply from Robertson. He had forced Butcher to her feet and she was now standing with her back to a wall. Robertson was standing about ten feet from her; the pistol held out in front of him, aimed at Butcher’s head.

“Whenever you’re ready then,” Masters began, leaning forward slightly.

At this the two women, until then placidly sitting on the chairs, both reacted. Nell reached up while Masters was distracted and grabbed the arm holding the pistol. She didn’t allow him time to recover from the surprise, however, swiftly bringing her knee up and the arm down, at the pain to his forearm Masters lost his grip of the pistol and it skittered away beneath the desk. Nell didn’t allow Masters to recover, although only a few years older than Nell’s projected age he was obviously not used to physical exertion and her initial punch to the stomach caught him unawares.

At the same time Geri Shaw also acted, but her target was Robertson - the man was standing only a few feet away from her but with his attention totally on Butcher, Shaw reached across and caught hold of his gun arm deflecting it’s path away from Butcher, a bullet shot out and slammed harmlessly into the ceiling. Shaw kept hold of the arm and attempted to use the restraint techniques she was well-versed in. However Robertson kept hold of the gun and swung the woman round. There was a second shot and Shaw slumped to the ground.

The actions of the two women had not gone unnoticed by Butcher; almost as soon as they started to move so did she; she reached Robertson too late to help Shaw, instead finding herself catching the other woman as she fell against her. Robertson grinned and raised the pistol again, at the same time a shout from Masters distracted him and he looked across quickly,

Butcher, using the momentum of Shaw falling against her to spin, did so so quickly that Robertson couldn’t bring the gun back on target before Butcher kicked him in the chest. He staggered back, falling against the far wall, breathing shallowly in an attempt to reduce the pain in his ribs. Focusing on Butcher he brought the gun up again, made to squeeze the trigger…and Butcher moved forward in what was a perfectly executed kata to first kick his leading leg and then, as he fell slightly forward, punch him in the throat. As the punch landed Butcher could feel his windpipe was crushed beneath it. Robertson dropped to the floor, already dead.

---

#397:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:49 pm
    —
Oh good! Self-defence too!

---

#398:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:54 pm
    —
Now that was action packed!

---

#399:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:55 pm
    —

Pat wrote:

Oh good! Self-defence too!

But what about Geri!!

---

#400:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:06 pm
    —
Echoing Chelsea - But what about Geri.?

Poor thing catches it every time. Don't you like her, Lesley?

---

#401:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:07 pm
    —

MaryR wrote:

But what about Geri, as Chelsea has said? Poor thing catches it every time. Don't you like her, Lesley?

She must like her. Think what she's done to her favourite characters!

---

#402:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 10:25 pm
    —
Butcher watched almost clinically as Robertson fell backwards to land in a boneless heap – he was dead, she knew that, she had known as soon as her blow had connected. She stood there, panting slightly, he was dead, she had killed him - and in front of witnesses. She knew what that would mean for her – transfer to a prison with Category A Facilities, under the highest security for the rest of her life. Her eyes lit upon Robertson’s right hand; although the body was now lifeless that hand still held the gun…

“Butcher,” the word was very soft, almost a whisper, but Butcher heard nonetheless, she spun round. Across the other side of the room lay Shaw, but she wasn’t dead; instead she was struggling to sit up, her right hand clasped on her left upper arm. There was blood seeping out past her hand,

“Butcher,” Shaw repeated gently,

Butcher smiled very slightly, “Thought you were dead,” she said.

Geri Shaw shook her head, “Not yet,” she replied, “this hurts far too much for me to be dead,” she paused to swallow sharply a few times before continuing, “Butcher you didn’t murder him,”

Butcher gave a short ironical laugh, “He’s dead, Shaw, I delivered the blow that killed him. What would you call it?”

Geri looked across, holding Butcher’s gaze with her own, “Self-defence,” she replied quietly.

Butcher’s jaw dropped, “Self-defence?” She moved a step away from Robertson’s body, closer to the other two women.

Shaw nodded, “The Law allows for a person to defend themselves against attack. If a person is threatened with lethal force they are allowed to respond in kind. Robertson was attempting to kill you, Butcher – you are entitled to defend yourself, even if it results in the death of the attacker.” Shaw paused for a breath before adding, “And if necessary I will repeat that in a Court of Law.”

“As will I,” Nell Wilson looked over from where she stood in front of Masters, holding him at bay with his own pistol, she looked deep into Butcher’s dark eyes, her grey ones projecting both warmth and understanding, “I saw everything, Butcher, you had no choice.”

Butcher took another couple of steps away from the body, away from the gun, she shrugged slightly, “I wanted to kill him,” she confessed.

“Not surprised,” Nell returned brusquely, “after the amount of punishment you’d taken I’d defy anyone not to want to do the same,”

“Even Shaw?” There was a very slight smile on Butcher’s lips.

“Hell, not just Geri,” Nell returned with a grin, “even Hilda,”

“The point is, Butcher,” Geri Shaw put in, and Butcher turned to look at her, “you were definitely defending yourself and, incidentally, defending us as well.” She paused for a few seconds before adding, “So you won’t need that gun, will you?”

Butcher stood still for some time thinking, eventually she shook her head very slightly, she looked over at Geri Shaw, “You were bloody stupid back there, you know that? Taking a bullet for me.”

Geri smiled slightly, “That wasn’t the intention, I meant to just deflect the bullet and then disarm him,”

Butcher smiled and knelt beside the injured woman, gently prised Geri’s hand away from the wound, “No sense,” she said quietly, “you need a minder, Shaw,” she looked quickly at the wound revealed then turned to Nell. “Wilson you know anything about care of wounds? This doesn’t look too deep but it’s bleeding a lot,”

Nell nodded, “Take over here, Butcher,” she said, indicating the cowering Masters, “I’ve got first aid qualifications, can probably help.”

A short time later the two women had swapped places, Nell kneeling next to Geri Shaw, checking her injury, while Butcher sat in one of the chairs facing Masters who was sat on the floor, his hands on his head. Butcher had refused to take the gun that Nell had been holding, instead reaching across to the Governor’s desk to pick up a small but sharp letter opener. She didn’t even look at Masters, instead concentrating on tossing the small knife from one hand to the other. This seemed to have a detrimental effect upon Masters and he barely dared to move, intent on just watching the knife.

After about ten minutes Nell had managed to stop the bleeding and apply a dressing to Geri Shaw’s arm. When Geri insisted that she wanted to get up Nell also improvised a sling. In all it was some twenty minutes or more from when Robertson had fired the first shot until Shaw was deemed fit enough to stand – although feeling a little weak and in some pain, she was able to get to her feet without too much difficulty. Nell then remarked that she was surprised that there had been no response from the Police; both Butcher and Shaw replied that the Admin Block had very good sound proofing – it was likely that the shots fired by Robertson just hadn’t been heard.

---

#403:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 10:29 pm
    —
I *love* the mesmerising effect of that knife!!!

---

#404:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:00 am
    —
Phew! Glad Geri's still alive!! And not just alive, able to think Butcher out of trouble!

Thanks Lesley.

---

#405:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:03 am
    —
Thanks, Lesley. The last 2 updates have definitely been action packed. You have done a wonderful job at writing both of them.

---

#406:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 2:01 am
    —
Thank you Lesley, that was compelling.

Right, so, one bad guy dead, another disarmed and intimidated (love that knife). Geri wounded, but talking and able to reassure Butcher, as is Nell.

I think now would be a very good time for the police to arrive....

---

#407:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 3:19 am
    —

Cath V-P wrote:

I think now would be a very good time for the police to arrive....

It would, but that quiet is nerve-wracking.
Rather vindictively pleased with the current situation in the admin block, though.

---

#408:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 7:30 pm
    —
Shaw walked across to stare down at Masters; the man had obviously come off second best during his tangle with Nell Wilson, he had the beginnings of a black eye and bruised jaw, as well as a painful right arm and stomach. Shaw shook her head,

“Anything to say, Masters?”

Masters didn’t say anything initially then, after watching Butcher flick the paper knife up in the air, he said quickly, “Well, was good while it lasted. Suppose they’ll give me a slap on the wrists, won’t they? I mean I can’t be charged with much, can I?”

“You killed Richards,” Butcher’s voice was devoid of emotion.

“No I didn’t, she did that to herself,” Masters seemed to be gaining some spirit, “how was I to know that she’d react that way? She volunteered.”

“She didn’t, Robertson coerced her,”

“Ah, but that was Robertson, wasn’t it?” he looked across to Robertson’s body, “and I knew nothing about it. After all, he can’t deny it, can he?”

At this Butcher stopped flicking the knife up and stared across at Masters,

“Keep her away from me,” Masters said quickly, “she’s sub-human,”

Butcher leant forward and placed the paper knife under Masters jaw, “More human than you, Masters,” she said quietly, “and at least I’m prepared to take responsibility when I do something wrong.” She looked across at the other two women, “You want him dead, Shaw?”

Shaw shook her head, “I…don’t know, Butcher,” she said quietly,

“No one would know,” Butcher replied, “so long as our stories were straight, would be another self-defence. And he deserves it, doesn’t he?”

Shaw nodded, her eyes focusing back on the man lying on the floor, “Yes, he deserves it,” she agreed, she paused for a time, “For Richards rather than anything else. I can accept what he did to me, to the rest of the prison, how he used you, but not Richards. She was barely 22 years old, she only had another few days to serve. I wrote a reference for her, first job where she had to read and write, and she qualified. She was offered the job, planned to start two days after her release.” Shaw swallowed quickly, looked over at Butcher, “She saved my life, you know? In the siege I mean, Sullivan would have cut my throat, Richards stopped her. If she hadn’t done that I would be dead, you were too far away to stop Sullivan.”

“Yes, she was a good kid, I think she’d have made it on the outside, I don’t think she’d have returned.” Butcher paused, looked over at where Nell Wilson had watched in silence, “What about you, Wilson? Does he deserve to die?”

Nell thought for a time then nodded, “Yes,” she said quietly, “he deserves to die,” she paused for a time then added, “but we, none of us, have the right to kill him.”

Shaw looked over at Nell and smiled, “No we don’t, do we?”

Butcher thought for a moment then nodded, “You’re right, we don’t,” she pulled the knife away from Masters’ throat, looked over at Geri Shaw, “What now?”

Geri took a deep breath, “We’ll contact the Gatehouse - it must be close to that deadline, Butcher, lock him up in the waiting room, they can take him into custody.”

“Here, have these,” Nell passed across a set of keys and their chain.

“What? You’d trust her with the keys?” Masters was incensed, “How could you? You’re betraying your own, Shaw,”

Shaw’s expression darkened, “You are not one of mine, Masters, and given a choice between you, I would choose Butcher every time,”

Butcher grinned and reached down to haul the man to his feet, as she passed Shaw she stopped to whisper in her ear,

“Don’t trust me too much, now, will you screw?”

---

#409:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 7:36 pm
    —
*Grin*. But Geri knows where she can be trusted, doesn't she?

---

#410:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 7:41 pm
    —
Fantabulous posts Lesley, thank you!!

---

#411:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 8:16 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I think they made the right decision not to kill Masters.

---

#412:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:17 pm
    —
I *hope* Geri knows she can be trusted!

Thanks Lesley

---

#413:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:31 pm
    —
Like I said, it's NOT only the virtuous have friends, is it? In the episode before this, Geri and Nell saved Butcher from herself because they respected her. That was a wonderfully emotive piece, Lesley, right down to Nell's remark that even Hilda would want to kill Robertson!

One could feel them here longing to avenge Richards, who was so near to getting her life back..... but Butcher sees that Nell has the right of it.

Thanks, Lesley - and sorry for rambling.

---

#414:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:45 pm
    —
As Butcher dragged Masters out of the door Nell and Geri looked at each other,

“Can you make the call, Nell?” Geri asked, “feeling a bit sick,”

“Of course,” Nell first pushed Geri into a chair before lifting the receiver…

Butcher dragged Masters along to the waiting room and pushed him in, Masters seemed to have recovered a little of his composure and turned,

“Come on, Butcher, I know you, we can make a deal here,”

“No deal, Masters,” Butcher’s face was stony.

“I’ve got money, a lot of it,”

“I’ve got enough money,” Butcher returned, “and I want to see you go down,”

Masters seemed to realise she was serious, he laughed, “You think I’ll ever be convicted? There’s no evidence, I’ll get off.”

Butcher shook her head, “No you won’t, you’ll go down, won’t be much I’m afraid, not what you really deserve, but you’re looking at a minimum of five to eight years - and let’s face it, for you that’ll be a lifetime,”

“What do you mean?” Masters looked worried.

Butcher grinned, “Don’t ever make the mistake of thinking that the reason I didn’t kill you was because I’m too good. That was the reason Shaw and Wilson didn’t kill you. Both of them are really good people, Wilson far more so than she thinks. But not me. Reason I didn’t kill you? Because it would be too good for you, Masters, too easy. No way, for what you’ve done you don’t deserve a quick death. Think about it, Masters, what type of prisoners are hated above all others? Even more than the paedophiles?”

Masters thought for a moment then, as he suddenly realised, all colour drained from his face, “Ex-prison officers,” he said, his voice a whisper.

Butcher nodded, “That’s right, so, how do you think you’ll be greeted by Thorpe when they lock you up in the male nick?”

Masters swallowed quickly, “I-I’ll be in protective custody…” he began.

“Yes you will,” Butcher agreed, “but it won’t mean anything. They’ll still attack you, every, single, day. For five years minimum, Masters,” Butcher shook her head, “and don’t think you’ll be able to fight them off - if I know Thorpe you’ll be attacked by four or five at a time. He’ll probably use it as a reward for his people.”

Masters shook his head, “The Officers will stop it, they’ll see I’m being attack….”

“No they won’t,” Butcher smiled, “because screws hate seeing ex-prison officers inside too. And remember, not all the attacks will be to hurt you - some will be a lot more friendly than that, a lot more…intimate, let’s say,” Butcher smiled, it was not a pleasant smile, “I should think, after five years of that, you might just about have paid for what you did to Richards.”

---

#415:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:56 pm
    —
Very fitting!

---

#416:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:11 pm
    —
Nice one Lesley.

---

#417:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:30 pm
    —
As much as he deserves! Nasty Man

Thanks Lesley - I've just caught up on a load of this now I'm out of hospital - there was too much thinking required while I was in!

---

#418:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 11:04 pm
    —
Eeep! Glad I missed the 'Geri being shot' cliff - thanks Lesley!

Truly relieved that Butcher didn't kill Masters - and I also hope that, if she had done, Geri and Nell would have testified to say so. Self-defence is one thing and murder is another, even if he is a b*****d.

---

#419:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 12:21 am
    —
Thanks, Lesley. Masters definitely deserved that talk!

---

#420:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 2:21 am
    —
Chilling...indeed, revenge is a dish best eaten cold.

And Butcher has a very clear understanding of herself - and others.

Thank you Lesley.

---

#421:  Author: Tan, Location: London via Newcastle Australia Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 7:51 am
    —
I agree with Butcher in this case .... having briefly worked in a men's prison she is spot on with what will happen.

Glad that Butcher, Geri and Nell are OK. Wondering if it safe to crawl out from under the desk yet?

---

#422:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 9:02 am
    —

Tan wrote:

Wondering if it safe to crawl out from under the desk yet?

*You go first )

Thanks Lesley. They were very nailbiting instalments.

---

#423:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 12:34 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley.

---

#424:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 1:28 pm
    —
*shudders.*

Thanks, Lesley, for that graphic word picture.

---

#425:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 5:34 pm
    —
When Butcher returned to the Governor’s Office it was to find Nell Wilson helping Geri Shaw to stand, Nell looked across,

“I’ve spoken with the people outside,” she began, “they want the three of us to unlock the gates and leave the Admin Block – we’ll be met then. The Police will deal with Masters and Robertson, and they’ll want to question all of us about what happened.”

Butcher nodded then looked at Shaw while giving her the keys, “You don’t look well, Shaw, that bullet’s really taken it out of you, hasn’t it?” she observed.

Geri Shaw smiled, “Perhaps, or it might be that I didn’t get a great deal of sleep last night.” She looked at her two companions, “Let’s go!”

The three women moved to the main gate exiting the Admin Block and waited while Nell unlocked it. As they stepped through all the lights suddenly went out and the corridor was plunged into darkness. Two strong, brilliant white lights shone directly into their faces and the red targeting lasers from automatic rifles appeared to move across their bodies and faces,

“Halt! Hands on heads!” The disembodied voice shouted out, all three women obeyed, though Shaw had to bite her lip against the pain from her arm.

“Identify yourselves!”

“Nell Wilson,”

“Geri Shaw,”

There was a long pause then, “You, third one, identify yourself!”

There was another pause then, softly, Shaw spoke, “Butcher?”

Butcher smiled slightly, “59388 Butcher, A.S.” she said in a bored tone.

There was another pause while it seemed there was some consultation, then the lights flickered back on and the three saw that they were facing two members of the Police Swat Team, heavily armed and pointing rifles at them, behind them was a familiar figure, Pat Francis.

“Alright, Ms Wilson, Ms Shaw, step across here please, welcome back. Butcher? On the floor, arms spread!”

The other two women turned, Shaw spoke, “No, that’s not necessary. Butcher was a great help here.”

Nell nodded, “Without her we’d not have survived,” she said quickly.

“I’ve got my orders, ladies,” the gunman replied, “all prisoners to be secured,”

Both Geri and Nell looked angry at this, surprisingly it was Butcher herself who broke the deadlock, “Don’t worry about it,” she said while at the same time slowly dropping to her knees, “I never expect the filth to be logical about anything,” she laid down on the floor, spreading her arms and legs. One of the police officers moved forwards and quickly searched her before cuffing her hands behind her back.

“Geri, you’re hurt?” Pat Francis stepped forwards.

“It’s not serious,” Geri replied, “what are you doing here, Pat? You were in Adelaide.”

“Hilda rang me this morning, the Swat Team had suddenly realised they had no way of identifying whether the prison officers were Masters’ or not. I caught an early flight back to help out.”

“Nell?”

At the quiet word Nell looked over quickly, she smiled and walked forward, “Hilda, everything alright then?”

“It all went well, despite the change in plans, are you alright?”

“Fine,” Nell reached across with her hand, squeezed Hilda’s hand, “knew you’d persuade them.”

At that moment one of the Police Officers called out, “Excuse me, ladies,” and pushed past, dragging Butcher by the collar, Shaw looked across,

“Where are you taking her?”

“Back to the Wing, Miss Shaw,” he replied, “all prisoners are now under lock down,”

“Then the cuffs are not necessary are they? This is a prison, after all, prisoners only wear cuffs in Solitary or if leaving the prison.”

“Er, right, OK…” before the Police Officer could say anything further a nudge from his prisoner,

“Key’s in your top right pocket, copper,” Butcher grinned. She stood patiently while the man released the cuffs then prepared to follow him back to the wing.

“Wait!” Shaw stepped forward, “One minute, before you take her,” she looked over at Butcher, “Thank you Butcher, for what you did,”

“Yes thanks Butcher,” this from Nell, she grinned, “even though you nearly dislocated my arm at one point,”

Butcher smiled, “No worries,” she looked over at Hilda quickly, “was good to see you again, Annersley,” she stopped, looked down at the floor for some seconds, “if I filled in a Visitors Pass…”

“I’ll be there,” Hilda said firmly.

“Thanks,” Butcher said quietly, the Police Officer motioned with his rifle for Butcher to move toward the Wings, Butcher did so reluctantly, she then turned back, “bring Wilson along too, would you?”

“I will, Butcher.”

…

With the prison now on ‘lock down’ the disruption caused by the Police invasion could be properly assessed and resolved. In the Gatehouse Geri Shaw found Alex Wood standing with Niall O’Rourke checking the damage done to the Main Gates,

“Nothing major, the integrity of the Gate hasn’t been breached,” the Prison Officer was saying, “basically we were lucky that all those manning the Gatehouse were such bad officers.”

Agreed,” the Commander replied, “the security was very lax, we shouldn’t have been able to get through the first gate before being challenged. So can the damage be fixed then?”

“Oh I think so…Geri!” Alex had just spotted Geri Shaw and rushed across to hug her, stopping when he saw the bandage on her arm, “are you alright?”

“I’ll be fine, Alex,” Geri smiled, “I understand that everything is under control?”

“It is,” Alex replied, “place is on lock down so the fact we’ve lost so many Staff isn’t a problem,”

“Those Staff recruited by Masters?”

“Yes, Niall’s officers have arrested some of them, the rest have been sent home. I think, once this whole mess has been cleared up that most will be lucky if they just get thrown out of the Service.”

“Good, what of Masters?”

“He’s under arrest,” Niall replied, “there are definite charges against him, they’ll be bringing him out very soon. Scene of Crime Officers are on their way to process Robertson’s body. Murder was it?”

“No, self-defence,” Geri replied, “Nell Wilson and I were both witnesses,”

“Good, that should clear things up,” Niall took a breath then asked, “so, how long do you want us to stick around?”

Geri raised an eyebrow, “Personally I want you and all your people out of here now,” she said, “no offence, Commander, but the presence of so many heavily armed police officers is hardly conducive to a happy prison.”

Niall grinned, “No offence taken, I’ll arrange for my team to withdraw within the next hour,” he nodded to both of them than walked away, calling orders into a radio as he went.

Geri looked across at the man opposite, “Staffing levels?”

“Low at the moment,”

“What about the early shift? Have they all gone home?”

”Yes, should we call them back?”

“Yes, we want to get back to full complement as quickly as possibly. I’ve no doubt we’ll have some new staff transferred in over the next week or so but, until then we’ll have to manage.”

“What about keeping the ‘lock down’ on, just for today?”

Geri shook her head, “No, we should be aiming to release it as soon as possible, the women will be traumatised by recent events, we should allow everything to get back to normal as…” Geri’s voice faded away and she shook her head.

“Geri?” Alex looked worried, “what is it, your wound?”

“No,” Geri said quietly, she looked over at the Prison Officer, “forgive me, Alex, it’s not my place to give you orders. You are the ranking officer here – I am no longer…”

“Yes you are,” Alex said fiercely, “the Board made a mistake, that’s all,”

“They made their decision, Alex,” Geri said slowly, “I’ve just got to get used to it,”

“They’ll reinstate you, Geri, they must,” Alex said quickly, “especially after what’s happened here, what you did,”

Geri shook her head, “Doubtful, they’d have to admit publicly that they made a mistake. You get on, Alex, you are more than capable – I expect the Board will be happy to make you Governor, or at least Senior Officer. I’d better get home, need to get some sleep.”

---

#426:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:36 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I wonder what Geri is going to decide about her future.

---

#427:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 7:02 pm
    —
Why do I feel hesitant to breathe a sigh of relief?

Thank you, Lesley.

---

#428:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 7:14 pm
    —

MaryR wrote:

Why do I feel hesitant to breathe a sigh of relief? Thank you, Lesley.

Experience Mary?

---

#429:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 10:13 pm
    —
That is great.

Wonder what Lesley has in mind for Geri?

---

#430:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:15 am
    —
That's life isn't it? They do their best to put things right, but of course it can't be as it was.
Loved this line:

Quote:

the presence of so many heavily armed police officers is hardly conducive to a happy prison.

Thank you Lesley.

---

#431:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 10:15 pm
    —
Love the fact Butcher is completely unfazed by the SWAT people!

Thanks, Lesley!

---

#432:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 2:54 am
    —
I do like Butcher in this. *looks forward to the visits*

Rather worried about the Powers that Be, though. Can't trust them critters, especially if it means owning up.

---

#433:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:29 pm
    —
When Geri first left the prison Pat Francis had taken her to a nearby hospital. The wound on her arm had been examined, and the two areas stitched and dressed. After some consultation of her X-rays it was decided that the bullet must have entered her arm, nicked the bone, then exited - she had a hairline fracture to her left humerus and had lost probably 250 millilitres of blood - half a pint. Once they had finished dressing her arm they placed it in a collar and cuff sling and gave her some painkillers and an appointment for the fracture clinic.

Pat had not wanted to leave her on her own but had, eventually, been persuaded to go as she was due to fly back to Adelaide that evening to rejoin her family. Geri being careful to let Pat see nothing of her real feelings. Geri was a very strong character and had recognised that she had been badly affected by the events of the last day or two. She was not, however, going to allow Pat to see that, instead insisting that she was fine, that she would rest, that she would eat properly, sleep well, probably go mad if a certain person didn’t stop nagging her… At which Geri had grinned and Pat had given up, instead gently hugging her and promising that she would be back by the weekend, before getting into the cab that was waiting to take her to the airport.

Once her friend had gone though, Geri’s grin had faded and she re-entered her flat with a great deal of pain marking her face. She closed her front door and entered the kitchen, noting as she did the evidence on the window of how Butcher and Grant had gained entry the night before and making a mental note to have an alarm system fitted to all the doors and windows…she stopped, suddenly realising that she wasn’t even sure whether she would be staying in Melbourne. Trying not to think about it, she managed, one-handed, to make a sandwich and drink for herself before moving into her lounge. She switched her television on and attempted to watch a film, not really able to concentrate. She also couldn’t summon up the strength to eat anything. Instead just dozing in the chair, unable to rouse herself enough even to go to bed. The sound of her front door bell ringing jerked her from the half doze she had fallen into and she got up slowly to answer the door. Outside stood two women,

“Nell? Hilda? What are you doing here?”

Nell dangled a key in front of her, “Returning your jeep, Geri,” she said, “you left it at our place after all, didn’t you?”

Geri took the key, “Oh, thanks,” she said, “though I don’t know whether I can drive at the moment,” she paused for a moment then good manners caught up, “would you like to come in?”

The two women walked into the lounge and sat down.

“Would you like a drink?” Geri asked, switching off the TV.

Both women looked across at her, Hilda was the one that spoke, “Geri we had an ulterior motive in coming here,” she began, “and now that we are here it is obvious that we are needed.”

“What do you mean?” Geri frowned.

“Geri you look terrible,” Nell said bluntly, “we’d have offered that you come back to our cottage but you disappeared from the prison rather quickly. I know you’ve been to the hospital and had your arm treated, but you shouldn’t really be on your own.”

Geri’s frown deepened, “I’m fine,” she protested.

“Oh?” There was a wealth of meaning in the short syllable, when it was accompanied by one raised eyebrow Geri found herself suddenly knowing exactly how Hilda had acquired her reputation. She swallowed quickly,

“Well, I will be,” she amended.

“Only if you take care of yourself,” Hilda replied, “now, Nell, who is a far better cook than I, is going to cook all of us some supper, and while she’s doing that I’m going to help you to have a bath without wetting the bandage on your arm.”

At this Geri looked up, affronted, “I’m no baby..” she began,

“No Geri,” Nell moved across to sit beside her, placed an arm around her shoulders, “but you really do look unwell you know? And we both know that you’ve had quite a few shocks over the last day or two - quite apart from the fact that you were shot!”

Hilda smiled, “Let us help, Geri,” she said, “we’re your friends and we want to help.”

---

#434:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 5:53 pm
    —
Oh, good!

Thank you, Lesley. (and Hilda & Nell)

---

#435:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:06 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope that Geri will let Hilda and Nell help her with other things as well.

---

#436:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:09 pm
    —
Loved the wealth of meaning in Hilda's voice - even if the Middles don't!

Glad Geri realises she has such good friends.

Thanks, Lesley

---

#437:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:45 pm
    —
Well done, ladies!

Poor Geri though

---

#438:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 9:21 pm
    —
Poor Geri. Glad Nell and Hilda realise what she needs.
Thanks Lesley.

---

#439:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:06 pm
    —
It didn’t actually take a great deal of persuasion, Geri had been feeling truly dreadful. While Nell went out into the kitchen to put together a quick meal; Hilda helped Geri up and walked with her to the bathroom. There Hilda quickly ran a warm bath with plenty of bubbles and helped Geri to undress and lower herself into the water. As impersonal as any nurse; Hilda helped Geri wash and made sure that the bandage on her left arm was kept dry. Then she left Geri to relax while retrieving some items from the bedroom.

When she returned Hilda helped Geri out of the bath and threw a large towel around her, Geri sat on the edge of the bath and looked across at her friend, “I’m sorry Hilda, I feel so useless, letting you do everything…”

“You’re not useless, Geri, you just need some looking after - with all you’ve been through it’s not surprising. Now hurry up and get dry, you don’t want to get cold,”

Geri obeyed, drying herself and being helped on with a nightshirt, she couldn’t repress a shiver and looked across, puzzled, “Why is it so cold?” she asked, “it’s nearly thirty degrees outside,”

“I adjusted your air conditioning to its lowest setting,” Hilda replied.

“Why?”

“So that you could wear this,” Hilda replied, holding a pale pink woollen dressing gown in her arms.

“That? But I’ve never worn that, it was an impulse buy that I’ve never needed - it’s never cold enough,”

“Tonight it will be,” Hilda said, helping Geri to thread her injured arm into the dressing gown sleeve, “you’ll be surprised just how comforting it can be having a warm cosy gown in which to relax.”

“It’s even better when you’ve also got a real log fire,” Nell put in, “but I doubt you’ve ever seen the type of winter where that would be necessary.” She smiled then continued, “Just to tell you - dinner is served, hope you like Chinese food, Geri? I’ve done chicken chow mein,”

“Love it,” Geri replied, “but you must have brought the ingredients with you?”

“I did, now hurry up, I’m dishing up now,” Nell turned to go then stopped, “oh, forgot about your arm…”

“Not a problem,” Geri smiled as Hilda wrapped the dressing gown round her - it did feel comforting, “there are some chopsticks in the drawer to the right of the cooker.”

The meal was a success and Geri was surprised at just how hungry she felt, both her friends were intrigued by the chopsticks and insisted on attempting to use them as well - neither of them were very good with them however. Afterward Geri was ordered to the sofa to put her feet up while the other two cleared away. When they came into the lounge a short time later it was to discover that Geri was curled up inside her dressing gown almost asleep,

“You’re quite right,” she said sleepily, “this really is comforting, I’ll have to remember it. Thanks, both of you, for coming over. I must admit I was feeling a little rough,” she gave a large yawn, closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Hilda and Nell looked at each other, “Damn,” Nell said, a rueful expression on her face, “she was supposed to wait until we’d got her in bed,”

“Most annoying,” Hilda agreed, “and I don’t think we’d be able to carry her - the pain from her arm will wake her. Oh well,” she looked over at the other sofa, “if we pull that one round a little we can still have the TV on quietly, it won’t disturb her.”

“Good idea, I’ll adjust the air conditioning again - it’s far too cold!”

A short time later the pair had re-arranged the lounge so that Geri was asleep in one corner, a light quilt covering her, while the other two were ensconced on the other sofa flicking through the channels. Eventually finding a documentary channel showing Earth Story they left it on quietly and sat back.

“Think she’ll be alright?” Nell asked, nodding toward where Geri slept.

“I think so,” Hilda replied, “she’s a very strong lady. My only concern is what she plans to do with her life now.”

“I said we could find her an Admin post,” Nell said, a little dubiously, “not sure whether it would actually be suitable,”

“No,” Hilda shook her head, “I’m not sure that any post in Administration would make up for losing her career in the Prison Service,”

Nell glanced across at her friend, “I don’t think there’s anything we can do,” she said quickly.

Hilda smiled, “Neither do I. On this occasion it wouldn’t help - Geri would not appreciate someone interfering in that way. No one likes to feel they have been coerced into doing something. Jim Grange appears to be a decent man, if a little naïve, perhaps he will have some ideas.”

There was silence for some time, eventually Hilda looked across at Nell, seeing that she had gone rather pale, “Is something wrong, Nell?”

Nell looked across at Hilda quickly before sighing, “Hilda, I think I owe you an apology,” she said quietly.

Hilda smiled, “I’m sure that you do, Nell,” she agreed, “but perhaps you could explain exactly why you’re apologising? Or is it simply a generic apology to cover all possible scenarios?”

Nell smiled very faintly at this but shook her head, “This is something specific - you talking about the fact that no one likes being coerced reminded me,” she said. She reached over to place her arm around her friend’s shoulders, “How does it feel, truthfully, when I stop you from doing something? When I overpower you physically?”

Hilda shrugged as much as she could, “It’s not something I’ve thought of for many years, Nell,” she said, “as long as we’ve known each other it’s something that you have always done,”

“But you can remember how it makes you feel, can’t you?” Nell’s serious expression must have communicated itself to her friend because Hilda thought deeply before she replied,

“Well, since you ask,” she began, “on occasion it can be annoying, especially when you stop me from completing a task for example. As though I were a child and unable to take responsibility for my own actions.”

“Oh, I…” Nell didn’t seem to know quite what to say, Hilda interrupted,

“But I know that you do it with the very best of intentions. That you are trying to protect me and ensure that I look after myself. And I’ll admit, there are occasions when it is necessary.” She paused then added, “What’s this all about, Nell?”

Nell looked down at her friend, her face troubled, she took a deep breath before replying, “In the prison today, you heard about what happened?”

Hilda nodded.

“Well Butcher did to me what I’ve done to you on countless occasions. Forced me to walk – I had no choice in the matter - and I hated it. Made me suddenly realise just how you must have been feeling all these years.”

Hilda looked into her friend’s troubled eyes, “No,” she said, surprisingly, “the way that you felt would not be the same. You have, for all of your life, been accustomed to being strong, being able to win any physical argument.”

“But I’ve had people that are stronger than I am before,” Nell protested.

“You have had men who are stronger, Nell,” Hilda replied, “and as a general rule men are stronger than women. That would not be unexpected. However it would come as a significant shock to you to discover that another woman was able to best you. Even though that woman is at least ten years younger and an expert in a number of different fighting styles.”

Nell considered for a while then shrugged, “Perhaps you’re right, Hilda,” she said eventually, “but, knowing how it made me feel - well I’m sorry, that’s all.”

Hilda leant across to kiss Nell’s cheek, “Apology accepted,” she said softly.

---

#440:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:23 pm
    —
I love the relationship that these two have. Thanks Lesley.

---

#441:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 10:36 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. It's always great to hear these conversations between Hilda and Nell.

---

#442:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 1:36 am
    —
Thanks Lesley - lovely to see Geri being looked after

---

#443:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 9:06 am
    —
Trust Hilda and Nell to go where they are needed. And how interesting to see Nell's concern about how Hilda might feel about Nell using physical strength against her.

---

#444:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2006 9:14 pm
    —
A peaceful interlude, with Hilda dispensing warm comfort, and Nell finding she needs to apologise.

Thank you, Lesley.

---

#445:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 6:18 am
    —
Away tonight due to work - will return to this tomorrow! Will be starting part two then as this one is getting close to the 25 pages.

---

#446:  Author: Kat, Location: Kingston Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 6:23 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley!

Hope work is fun

---

#447:  Author: Josie, Location: London Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 12:16 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley. Finally caught upo again. A lovely conversation there. Fab as ever.

---

#448:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:16 pm
    —
Am starting part two of this - St Therese Mod please archive this one. Thanks.

Lesley

---

#449:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 9:17 pm
    —
So where is it Lesley?

---

---

---

The CBB -> Ste Therese's House

output generated using printer-friendly topic mod. All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Page 1 of 1

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group