Trust (RCS #8) Part Four - COMPLETE.
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The CBB -> Ste Therese's House
#1: Trust (RCS #8) Part Four - COMPLETE. Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:33 pm
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Links to previous parts:



part 1
Part 2
Part 3

~pim~[/color]

Previous part will be getting archived soon so started next bit! Laughing

The information Pat Francis had to impart was extremely worrying; Geri Shaw was not surprised her friend had attempted to get in touch while Geri was still on leave. Most of the tasks Geri had set herself to complete on the Sunday evening remained uncompleted as she and Pat Francis stayed up well into the early hours discussing all that happened in the short time the Senior Officer had been away. Pat had even spent the night, what was left of it, sleeping on Geri’s sofa.

It was therefore a rather tired and very concerned Senior Officer that arrived for work Monday morning. She noticed a change before she’d even parked her car - the car park was almost full and she barely recognised half the vehicles. Pat had told her there were a large number of new staff but she hadn’t really appreciated it until now. Entering the Main Gates was another surprise - she didn’t recognise any of the Gate Guards - and they didn’t recognise her - forcing her to have to show her ID pass. The Guard that took the Pass seemed to take a long time before he finally, reluctantly, acknowledged that she was entitled to be there. After being issued with her keys Geri moved across to the Wing where another surprise awaited her in the shape of her Office no longer being there - oh the room was there, but it was being used as a General Officer for the Staff while the one they had previously used - in fact one of the cells - had been converted back to being a cell and was already occupied.

The Senior Officer walked across to the Admin block and discovered, without a great deal of surprise, that the room next to the Governor’s Office now had a label SENIOR OFFICER upon it. She had just opened the room and walked inside when Will Masters appeared,

“Ah, Geri, good to see you,” Masters reached forward to shake hands, “did you have a good leave?”

“Very good, thanks,” Geri replied, “I was surprised at the number of staff changes that have occurred in the last week,“

“I’ve been bringing in a few of the people that have been with me before,” Masters said smoothly, “I’ve also been looking at moving people around, making sure that everyone experiences time in all roles, rather than just remain in one area - it doe neither officers nor inmates good to have men and women in a position where they become bored or blasé, that’s when mistakes are made,”

Geri nodded, Masters’ words purely reflected her own thoughts, however, “I didn’t expect it to be quite so wholesale though,” she said, thinking back on Pat Francis’ ideas about her transfer to the kitchen.

“Oh I expect |I’ve ruffled a few feathers,“ Masters said with a wry smile, “but I thought I’d make a start, there was so much that needed changing…oh, nothing to do with your own work,” he added hastily, seeing Shaw’s expression, “just things that Doreen Knight didn’t embrace,”

Shaw nodded, “Doreen admitted herself that she was rather ‘old school’ about things,” she said, “perhaps some changes do need to be made. However I didn’t expect this,” she indicated her office.

“Moving it from the wing, you mean,” Masters smiled, “well, you are management, after all, you shouldn’t be there, and, in any case, we’ve got to fit in a number of new inmates. Another twenty for now but I aim to increase that - eventually our capacity will be 480.”

Shaw frowned, “Increasing by half as much again? But how? We have four main wings, each with forty twin room. There isn’t enough space for a third bunk in each room. The only other areas with space are the Health Department - but the cells assigned there are always considered supernumerary, and the Solitary Wing surely, is inviolate?”

“No, but there’s also the Education block,” Masters said quickly, he glanced across to see Shaw’s reaction.

Shaw shook her head, “There are only ten cells there, and they are holding cells, they have only basic facilities.”

“But the entire building is more than large enough to house another one hundred and sixty inmates,” Masters said, “think about it, a large, two storey building that’s only used for a couple of hours a day - and let’s face it, most of the inmates are never going to learn anything worthwhile.”

“Prison Service policy…” Geri began,

“Geri, the Prison Service are crying out for more prison places, they’ve had a number of prisons close or be condemned in Victoria in the past decade and the female population is growing fast. The Education Block can be put to better use - it already has kitchens there and it would take a good team of builders only a few months to convert it.”

Geri shook her head, “No, the Prison Service would never be able to advance the money, they have a moratorium on all construction work.”

Masters took Geri’s arm, “That’s why I’ve decided not to ask them for the funds,” he said with a smile, “come into my office, Geri, I want to introduce you to some local businessmen, they have all decided to fund the project.”

About ninety minutes later saw the Senior Officer go on her rounds of the prison, she had a lot to think about. The news about the Education Block was disappointing, however the Governor had promised that there would be provision for education and teaching of life skills within the new wings. He also agreed to consider Geri’s request for funding for a Drug Rehabilitation Scheme and provision of a Psychiatrist. The eight businessmen gathered in Masters’ office all seemed to be very keen and appeared to be prepared to put a great deal of money into the prison. Shaw frowned at that, it just didn’t make sense, why would they want to do that? Geri was under no illusions, she knew that the public at large were not interested in funding prisons, all they wanted was that the criminals were locked up. Normally these businessmen would be funding hospitals or schools, things that would earn them and their company ‘brownie points’ - why had they chosen to fund her prison?

Geri let herself out of East Wing and wandered over to South, she nodded at a couple of officers busy supervising lunch, recognised only one of them.

“Miss Shaw? Miss Shaw can I speak to you?”

Geri looked round, “Hello Richards,” she said smiling, “what’s the matter?”

Before Richards could reply another figure interrupted, “Richards? Back in line, you do not interrupt the Senior Officer,” the prison officer, a tall, thin man, was one of the new people recently transferred in.

As Richards turned away Shaw reached out a hand, “Wait!” she turned to the other officer, read his name from the name badge on his uniform, “Mr Robertson, my policy is that any inmate may speak to me during my round, perhaps you were not aware of that?”

“But the Governor…”

“My policy, Mr Robertson, has not changed. Do you understand?”

Robertson stared resentfully at the woman for some seconds before nodding his head reluctantly, “I understand,” he said, he looked over at Richards, “hurry up Richards!”

Shaw looked over at the young inmate, “What did you want to say, Richards?”

Mel Richards gulped slightly, “Only that I had my parole hearing last week,” she said with a smile, “they’ve confirmed my release date - the twenty-first of January - only just over a month to go.”

Miss Shaw smiled, “Excellent,” she said, “I’m really pleased for you.”

“Thanks Miss Shaw,” Richards grinned before returning to the queue for lunch.

Last edited by Lesley on Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:00 pm; edited 11 times in total
#2:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 5:57 pm
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Geri is lovely, but I have a feeling things are NOT going to be easy for her in the forseeable future! I REALLY don't like Masters!

Thanks Lesley!
#3:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 7:40 pm
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I do not like the sound of this at all! Imagine him trying to take away the Ed block as if it didn't matter!
#4:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 8:23 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. I'm sorry that Masters has more or less taken away the Education Block. I'm glad that Richards will get her chance to be released soon.
#5:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:11 pm
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Why do I get the feeling that Robertson is about to try and put a spoke in Richards release?

Hope Geri and Butcher can sort it all out.
#6:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:14 am
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I get that feeling, too. Also the feeling that all the good work Geri has done is about to go down the tubes.

Let's start an anti-Masters society. Ghastly man.
#7:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:41 am
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Nasty nasty Masters. I wonder what he's up to.

Thanks Lesley
#8:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:58 am
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This is worrying.....
#9:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:33 am
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Wow, just caught up on loads and what a rollercoaster. Hope Geri stays safe and manages to put a stop to Masters' plans...

Thank you Lesley.
#10:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 10:51 am
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Lesley, it's too hot for so much wibbling. I just want to see Hilda and Nell put Masters in his place.
#11:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 12:06 pm
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Well done, Geri, for standing your ground. But you must be wondering what on earth has hit the place in such a short time! Crying or Very sad

Do I spy the cavalry in the distance, in the shape of Nell and Hilda - or is that too much of a pipe dream? After all, they can't do anything about how the prison is run - can they?

Thanks, Lesley
#12:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 5:46 pm
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The Senior Officer continued her round; as the midday meal was being served she took the opportunity to speak with the Catering Officers, including Mrs Francis, and also to check on the standard of the meal. After going into each of the Wings she then went along to the Solitary section. To her surprise she found that most of the cells were full, it was unusual for there to be so many women on punishment at the same time. She wondered if some of the new staff were rather inexperienced and were giving out Solitary terms indiscriminately. The Staff in Solitary couldn’t help – both of them were new; however Shaw was pleased to note that, when opening the cell doors to allow lunch to be served the Officers remained polite and approachable. Most of the women seemed subdued and tired but, when Shaw spoke with them, had no complaints.

In the Health Department Miss Shaw came upon Katya Mareck with a complaint about having been moved away from the wing. Shaw felt the prison officer had a point – anyone less able to look after sick and unwell prisoners could not be imagined – yet Miss Mareck was excellent as a Wing Officer. She resolved to speak with the Governor – it was all very well saying that all Staff should be rotated – but it didn’t take into account those Staff who were so perfectly suited to one area.

As she finished her rounds the bell rang signalling the end of the lunch break and start of the afternoon work. The Senior Officer watched as Staff appeared with inmates, escorting them to the work areas. As those inmates destined for the workshops appeared Shaw saw that Butcher was among them.

“Hello Butcher,”

Butcher looked across, “Miss Shaw,” she said, her voice expressionless.

“A word, please,” Butcher moved across to stand in front of the other woman, “I notice there have been a number of changes during my week away, are there any problems or concerns among the inmates?”

Butcher’s face was just as expressionless, at least it was until you looked into her eyes, they were dark and angry, “No problems, but why ask me? You’ve not been happy to take my word for anything in the past, have you?”

Shaw sighed, “I explained about that, Butcher,”

“Yeah I know, you needed proof,”

“Yes,”

There was a break, then, “Can I go now, Miss Shaw? Only I wouldn’t want to be late for work, don’t want to break any rules, do I?”

“Yes, you can go, Butcher,” Shaw said, disappointment in her tone, Butcher turned to leave but stopped as Shaw spoke again, “Butcher? If there were any problems, any difficulties, you know you can tell me, don’t you?”

Butcher remained silent for some time, then, “Do I?” She walked off before the Senior Officer could respond.
#13:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 7:13 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. I'm sorry that things haven't changed between Shaw and Butcher.
#14:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:40 pm
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I think that they need to sort their relationship out very quickly indeed. I know Butcher was hurt but Geri needing proof, but I think she's going to need Geri before long.
#15:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 20, 2006 8:48 pm
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Or is Geri going to need Butcher?

Everyone, methinks, will soon be wondering who to trust...

Thanks, Lesley.
#16:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:14 am
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It's quite an alarming scenario; everything is the same, but different....
#17:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:21 am
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And the staff who've been moved to totally unsuitable areas must feel very vulnerable - and angry.

Oh Butcher, stop hanging onto your hurt, there are serious issues at stake here, you and Geri are going to neeed each other's support.
#18:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 12:39 pm
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Back in her new office the Senior Officer attempted to put Butcher’s attitude to the back of her mind. She pulled out all the files on the new members of Staff and also all the changes in an attempt to familiarise herself with them. After an hour or so there was a tap on her door,

“Geri? Can I come in?”

“Of course, Alex, take a seat,” Miss Shaw looked across at Alex Wood, the officer was probably the most experienced of all the officers at the prison, excepting only herself, of course. He looked worried. “What can I do for you?”

The man sighed, “Going to have to make it official, Geri,” he said reluctantly,

“Union?”

Alex nodded, he was the Union Rep for the prison.

“Very well,” Geri wasn’t totally surprised, having gauged some of the mood from Pat Francis the night before.

“People are very unhappy about all the moves,” Wood continued, “the idea behind’s not bad - some of the Officers need experience in different areas, I know that. But the speed at which it was done, the fact there was no consultation, no discussion…”

“He’s newly been made Governor, Alex,” Shaw attempted to explain, “it’s his prerogative,”

“I know that,” Alex returned somewhat impatiently, “and if that were all I think everyone would accept it, albeit with a little grumbling - you know how people are.”

Geri nodded, “But there’s more?”

“Much more,” Alex agreed, “he’s brought in a load of new Staff and given them all the key jobs, his people are now the ones in charge of all the wings, they are covering both the Gatehouse and Solitary. Suddenly this isn’t our prison any longer - and a number of the staff, myself included, are feeling vulnerable.”

“How vulnerable? Are we talking of industrial action?”

Alex considered, “No, not yet. But I know of a umber who are contemplating asking for transfers come the New Year if it’s not resolved. This has always been a good place to work, Geri, but this last week - it’s as though we are strangers in the place. The inmates are picking up on it as well, there’s an atmosphere I don’t like - more than just the problem with Butcher.”

“I see,” Geri said solemnly, “well. Thanks for letting me know, Alex, it’s never good to hear that people are so unhappy at work.”

“They’ve suddenly lost stability, Geri, that’s never good,” Alex replied as he rose and headed for the door, “And I don’t think your job is too secure either,”

“What do you mean?”

“You know Robertson? Fellow in charge of South Wing now Pat‘s been moved?”

Geri nodded, “I’ve met him,”

“Well he was Senior Officer for Masters at their last nick - the Young Offenders place. He’s taken a step down to come here - makes you wonder why, doesn’t it?”

After Wood left Miss Shaw attempted to return to her previous task, looking through all the files of those Staff that had transferred in over the last week. She was somewhat surprised at the sheer numbers - over thirty staff had transferred in - it was obvious that the Governor had been planning the changes for sometime to have that many people ready to move so quickly. The files gave her only sketchy information - it was obvious that these staff were ones that Will Masters had mentored and worked with for some time, in fact some, like Robertson, appeared to have followed him everywhere he went. Geri thought about that, a certain amount of nepotism was to be expected, she acknowledged, after all if you had worked with someone, knew their worth, then you would want to have them with you. Geri could think of at least a dozen officers that she would want with her should she ever be promoted and transferred to another prison., but more than thirty? It seemed rather excessive!

She moved on to the records for discipline for the week she was away, looking particularly at the inmates that had been given Solitary - still puzzled as to why there should be so many in Solitary at one time. To her surprise she discovered that, of the seven inmates currently inhabiting the Solitary cells, four of them were Trustees, not only that, but none of them had ever been in trouble before. Also, none had more than about six months to serve. Shaw frowned when she noted that all of them had been sentenced by new staff transferred in just the week before.

“There’s something wrong here…” she began before being interrupted by another knock on her door,

“Ah Geri, I’m going across to the Mess for some Tea, join me?” It was Masters.

“Yes of course, Will,” Miss Shaw rose still frowning, Masters caught the frown and asked her what the problem was, on being told he thought for a moment,

“Hmmm, looks like some of my people are being a little too literal in their interpretation of the law, I’ll have a word with them, Geri. Anything else you’ve dug up?”

Over the Tea Break Geri related a little about her concerns, in particular about how the recent changes had affected the original staff. The Governor listened carefully and agreed that, perhaps he had been a little over enthusiastic about replacing everyone,

“But I’m sure it will work out,” he ended, “let’s see how it pans out for the next few weeks. If there’s still a problem come the New Year we’ll try and sort things, alright?”

With that the Senior Officer had to be content, at least for now. She returned to her office and continued looking through the files of those recently sentenced to Solitary. About to place them to one side something caught her eye on the last two, curious she flicked through the other five, finding the same thing in all seven files. Her expression darkened, something was wrong, something was very wrong. But what?
#19:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 5:22 pm
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Thanks Lesley
#20:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 6:09 pm
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hmmmm...
wonder what Geri has spotted?
*ponders*
#21:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 12:01 am
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What? What? What?

They've all not got long to serve ... so ... oh, I can't do this! Leave it to Lesley!
#22:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 1:46 am
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I think I might have an idea, but will stay quiet....

Thanks Lesley - he's plausible isn't he?
#23:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:56 am
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Shaw kept returning to the question for the rest of her shift; it was still there the following day and she kept looking over the files again in between the rest of her duties. She also took the time to notice that the newly transferred officers were not even attempting to ‘gel’ with the rest of the staff, instead remaining apart, separate from them, as though not wanting to become a part of the team. The Senior Officer attempted to make Masters see the problem but he seemed to dismiss it, saying that everything would settle down. Geri wasn’t so sure, she had received two requests for transfers on her desk that morning. She expected more.

It wasn’t until late afternoon, just before she was about to go off-shift that a chance remark by one of the office staff suddenly gave her a possible answer to her question. At first she tried to dismiss it as being far too fanciful, but the idea kept returning. Eventually, more to prove herself wrong than anything else, she decided to investigate…

…

Night shift at the prison was always a quiet affair; at least, that was the hope. All prison officers working the night shift hoped that their shift, which started at ten pm and finished at six am would be quiet. After all the inmates were all locked in their cells from eight pm until seven am, if it were a quiet night all that was necessary was the mandatory bed counts every two hours. But the two prison officers on South Wing were as aware as all officers on nights of what might happen, they had all been on nights where there had been trouble, anything from prisoners being ill, sometimes seriously ill, to fights between cell mates; they had heard of different attempts at escape, anything from theft of keys to tunnelling. Assaults on prison officers were a big risk - especially if the inmate could fool the officer into thinking that they were sick - even hostage dramas had been known. However neither of the prison officers were prepared for where the trouble came from on this occasion, neither was prepared, when they heard the external door to the wing being unlocked, that trouble could come from someone other than the inmates.

Before they even had a chance to react a figure was there, “Good evening, gentlemen, I trust everything is going well?”

“Miss Shaw? Didn’t know you were covering the night shift tonight,” the older of the two men sat in the office looked across, attempted a smile but stopped when he saw the Senior Officer’s expression, “is there something wrong, Miss Shaw?”

The woman took a deep breath, visibly attempting to calm down, it didn’t appear to have worked, the other two officers could see that she was almost incandescent with rage, eventually she spoke, “Yes, there is something wrong, but nothing that need concern you,” she said, “I need to speak to one of your inmates,” as she said this she then spun back out of the office and stalked across to a cell. The two men watched as she walked over to a cell and flicked the switch that would bring the overhead lights on inside, she opened the cell and walked in.

Inside the cell the lights going on jerked the only inmate awake; on hearing the cell door being unlocked she swiftly rose and prepared…

“Are you going to use that, Butcher?”

Shaw stood in the doorway, looking across at Butcher who was standing to one side of the door holding above her head the kettle.

Butcher shrugged, “Maybe,” she said, “mind telling me what you’re doing here? It’s after one in the morning, after all,” as she spoke she walked over to the table and placed the kettle on it, turned to face the officer.

Shaw moved a little further into the cell, pushed the door closed; she stared at the inmate for some seconds then shook her head, “I really thought that you cared, you know, cared about the other women in here. You’ve really fooled me, Butcher.”

Butcher looked puzzled, “What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about the Solitary Wing, about what’s going on there - don’t trouble to deny it, I know damn well that they wouldn’t be doing that without your say-so,”

Butcher smiled slightly, “I told him you’d figure it out, he said you wouldn’t. Pretty impressed you only took a couple of days…”

“Not that difficult to figure out, Butcher, seven women in Solitary all in prison because of prostitution, staff in Solitary all new, all transferred in - and local ‘businessmen’ all prepared to put vast amounts of money into the prison for no good reason.”

“So then, the girls are all getting paid, everyone’s happy, what’s your problem?”

Shaw tensed, “My problem? You don’t give a damn about those women do you? To force them into doing…”

“I didn’t force anyone, Shaw,” Butcher interrupted, “they’re all volunteers, they all wanted the job,”

“You’re lying! Why would they want to do that?”

It was Butcher’s turn to tense, “I don’t lie,” she said quietly, “I know you don’t believe that, but it’s true. They volunteered, they wanted the chance.”

“You’ve destroyed any chance they might have had, Butcher, any chance that they might have broken the cycle, got away from the street,”

“They had no chance of that happening anyway,” Butcher shot back, “think it’s all going to be as easy as it was for Elliott? No way, marks like Annersley are few and far between. You think anyone else will help them once they get out?”

“Social Services would have…”

“Social would have got them a crap job, one that paid minimum wage for twelve hours hard labour, because that’s the only type that will take on ex-cons. If they’re lucky enough to get their kids back it’ll be to a poky one bedroom flat in the worst district in town - because that’s all she can afford. How long do you think she’ll keep on with that back breaking work, seeing her kids go without until she decides to earn money an easier way? At least here she’s earning money so she can afford somewhere decent for her kids to live, can pay off her debts.”

“And what you’ve done is so much better? Pushed them back into the same action that got them put in here in the first place? Dammit Butcher, I know you’ve done many things, but I never realised you were a pimp too.”

Butcher shook her head, “Knew you’d not understand,” she said, “call me what you like Shaw, at least I was trying to help the girls, you’d have done nothing, would have been prepared to just let ‘em serve their time then go, secure in the knowledge they’d be back. Revolving door prison, right?”

“Wrong, Butcher, I’d have tried to help and I’d have stayed within the Law to do so,”

“That your answer to everything then, Shaw, must follow ‘The Law‘? Even when ‘The Law’ is wrong?”

“It’s certainly better that your way, Butcher, which is to ignore any law that inconveniences you,”

“At least I care about the women in here, at least I’m prepared to give them a chance at sorting their lives. All you’re interested in is keeping the status quo; you’re not interested in us - Hell you don’t trust anything we say, don’t believe anything we do. At least I’m prepared to help these women.”

At the words Shaw seemed to see red, reaching forward she raised a hand, swept it across to impact against Butcher’s right cheekbone,

“This is not about you, Butcher,” she said angrily, “this is about the seven wom…”

The rest of Shaw’s speech was curtailed as Butcher reacted, grabbing hold of a wrist and twisting it behind the Senior Officer’s back she propelled the woman round, placed an arm around Shaw’s neck, squeezed.

“Did you forget just who you were talking to, Shaw?” Butcher’s voice hissed, “very stupid mistake to make, could be your last,”

Shaw attempted to struggle but Butcher’s greater strength held her fast, she strained to breathe against the constriction across her windpipe, felt herself start to lose consciousness…

“Miss Shaw? Miss Shaw, the Governor’s here, I’m coming in,” it was one of the two officers on night duty on South Wing. As he spoke there was a rattle of keys in the lock.

Butcher suddenly released the pressure on Shaw’s neck, released her. Shaw turned, “Seems the cavalry have arrived just in time,” Butcher said, still in that soft, dangerous tone, “we’ll have to complete this later.”

Butcher raised her hand to the livid bruise across her right cheekbone, “Word of warning, Shaw,” she continued, her eyes stony, “don’t ever turn your back on me.”
#24:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 12:00 pm
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Oh dear! What a pair! Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes
#25:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 12:23 pm
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Thanks, Lesley. I am worried about the way things are going, but I hope that things will work out right in the end.
#26:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 2:14 pm
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Oh dear, what a terrible thing to have happen. I just hope Butcher is doing this because she's collecting the proof against Masters and his administration.
#27:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 7:27 pm
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Phew!!! Shocked Shocked Shocked

I can't believe either what Butcher's been doing, or the attack on Geri! It had never entered my head that Butcher would let the women ... But , just when I'm realising that her morality isn't mine, she always puts forward an alternative way of looking at it that actually makes a lot of sense, on the 'it shouldn't be true, but it is' level!

I'm also hoping she's going along with it to collect evidence, and having to be super-convincing. How did the Governor know there was gtrouble? Is Butcher under surveillance?

Goodness me, Lesley, you don't half put the boot in sometimes! May I hide somewhere?
#28:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:27 pm
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I couldn't have put it better myself, Tara. Is she or isn't she? Whichever it is, Geri has certainly lost all Butcher's trust, hasn't she? Crying or Very sad Trust she had worked so hard to earn.

A frightening scene, Lesley, when we know it could have been so different. Thank you.
#29:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:07 pm
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Thanks Lesley!

(can you make everything right soon please?)
#30:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:09 pm
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Vikki wrote:
Thanks Lesley!

(can you make everything right soon please?)


Well she can! Whether she will or not is another matter! Twisted Evil
#31:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 11:36 pm
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Shocked Shocked Shocked
Thanks (I think!) Lesley
#32:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 12:34 am
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I was right - she'd spotted the link between them was what they were convicted for. I don't often manage to be right about things like this....

Oh this is worrying - and yes I can see the reasoning behind Butcher's words. And she's still so hurt and angry about Geri's previous behaviour - and we know that was a set up anyway, but they don't.....

Oh dear.

Thanks Lesley
#33:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 4:20 am
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Very scary. Shocked
#34:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:45 pm
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The Senior Officer didn’t reply as, at that moment, the cell door opened and the Governor looked in,

“Miss Shaw? I understand that you have been across to the Solitary Wing? I imagine that you wish to discuss your findings?”

Shaw looked across at the man, “You could say that,” she said coldly,

“Then come along, I think this is serious enough to warrant immediate attention,” Masters moved to one side to allow Miss Shaw to exit the cell, as she did Masters looked across at the inmate, “No need for you to remain awake, Butcher, get back to sleep now,”

“Yes Governor,” Butcher’s voice was still angry,

Masters moved to exit the cell then stopped, “How’d you hurt your face, Butcher?”

“Walked into a door, Mr Masters,”

“Ah,” Masters looked from Butcher to Shaw but said nothing, “alright, back to bed now, Butcher!” He stepped out of the cell and waited while one of the two officers on night duty swiftly locked the cell door and switched off the lights.

The journey to the Admin block was made in silence, neither Masters nor Shaw saying anything until there were in the Governor’s office. Once there Masters sat behind his desk, pointed Geri Shaw to the chair in front of the desk. They looked at each other for a few seconds before Masters broke the silence,

“I was contacted at home by one of the officers covering the Solitary,” he said, “concerned because an intruder had been spotted,”

“You’re not going to attempt to deny that you knew what has been happening, are you?” Geri Shaw’s voice was controlled now, her breathing had returned to normal.

Masters gave a short laugh, “Deny it? Of course not, it was my idea, a good way to get cash, don’t you think?”

“How dare you…” Shaw began but was interrupted,

“I dare because I’m Governor, Miss Shaw,” Masters’ voice had suddenly become more menacing, “and you would do well to remember, Senior Officer or not.”

“And how long will you remain Governor, Mr Masters?” Shaw replied, “When it’s discovered that you allowed your prison to be used as a brothel?”

Masters shook his head, a slight smile on his face, “Geri, Geri, I’m shocked, a brothel? Nothing of the sort, I’m just instigating a new policy with regard to conjugal visits. The women concerned assure me that the men that visit are their boyfriends,” Masters shrugged before continuing, “who am I to judge if they happen to have more than the one? We are in a new century after all.”

“There’s no way people will believe that,”

“Oh, but they will, Geri, you see, I’m regarded very highly by the Prison Authorities, I get things done. My last prison was a great success and I intend to make this one an even bigger success,”

“I’ll be taking this further, Masters, those same Authorities will hear of this,” Geri warned.

Masters shook his head, “Now that would be a really silly thing for you to do,” he said, he rose from his chair and walked round to stand next to the woman, placed an arm around her shoulders, “Now you’re a little overwrought, you need a break. Why don’t you take the next couple of days off, you’re working all over Christmas, aren’t you? Well, I’ll see you again on Friday, after you’ve had some time to think,”

Geri Shaw stood, wrenching herself out of the man’s grasp, “I don’t need time to think,” she said quickly, “I know what I’m going to do.”

“That would not be advisable, Geri, it would be far better for you to join me,”

Geri moved across to the door, opened it and prepared to step outside, “I don’t think so,” she said, then left.

A few seconds later another officer appeared and joined Masters. The Governor related all that had happened,

“She’s trouble, Will, I said so from the start,” Officer Robertson stated.

Masters nodded, “I know, I didn’t think I’d be able to persuade her. Oh well, plan B then.”

“I’ll make a start straight away,” Robertson nodded.

“You have a suitable candidate?”

“Oh yes, no problems finding her, I don’t think there’ll be any difficulty persuading her.”

…

Telephone conversation the following morning…

“Oh good grief, Geri, I had no idea!”

“I know that, Pat, don’t worry, and I know that none of the rest of the original staff would have participated. It was only because I happened to be looking through all the files and heard someone in the Admin Team talk about licensed brothels in Tasmania – where her sister lives, that it occurred to me.”

“But surely they can’t continue? Not now that you’ve found out?”

“Well the Governor seemed to think he could, he didn’t think I’d get anywhere speaking with the Authorities, I’ll have to see,”

“Would you like me to come with you, Geri?”

“No, you stay out of it, you can’t afford to lose your job – and that’s what I think is at stake here,”

“Neither can you,”

“It’s not going to come to that, I’ll speak with you tonight,”
#35:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:54 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I really hope that Geri doesn't lose her job.
#36:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:20 pm
    —
Everything will be all right. Repaet after me, 'Everything will be all right.'
#37:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:36 pm
    —
Come on ,Butcher, help her out here, before something really dreadful happens. Crying or Very sad

Sinister and power-hungry doesn't begin to cover it, does it, where Masters is concerned? He clearly has all the right people in his pockets.....

But what have you got up your sleeve, Lesley?
#38:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:12 pm
    —
Lesley? Pretty please may We have the next post soon?
#39:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:17 pm
    —
Vikki wrote:
Lesley? Pretty please may We have the next post soon?


Can't, haven't written it yet.
#40:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:21 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
Vikki wrote:
Lesley? Pretty please may We have the next post soon?


Can't, haven't written it yet.


Well, you'd best get writing then hadn't you missy? Wink

*hides from Lesley*
#41:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:24 pm
    —
Sheer procrastination! Rolling Eyes Twisted Evil
#42:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:25 pm
    —
Shocked Shocked

What's Butcher playing at? I know she's cross with Geri but still...

*repeats Jennie's mantra*

Thanks Lesley. Might have known I'd end up on a cliff like that when I caught up!! Laughing
#43:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:09 am
    —
What I'm wibbling about is Plan B. Have a nasty feeling there'll be tears before bedtime. Poor Geri. Sad
#44:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 12:34 am
    —
The mere mention of Plan B has me worried; this is one very skilful operator with a lot of contacts.

Oh help!
#45:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:27 pm
    —
All rather concerning...

Thank you Lesley.
#46:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:21 pm
    —
I'm going to stop wibbleing. We know the right side always wins, and as soon as Nell is well enough to put her Superman tights on again, she'll be zooming in to sort things out.
#47:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:11 pm
    —
If things deteriorate and Geri loses her job, Butcher could still contact Hilda if necessary for help.
Hilda and Nell together are invincible Wink

What a dreadful situation to occur in the prison. I am still amazed that Butcher fell for it - or did she ? I think she is biding her time, giving people "enough rope to hang themselves"...........

More please !!
#48:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:22 pm
    —
“Geraldine Shaw, to see Mr Isherwood, I have an appointment for four o’clock,”

It was late afternoon on the Wednesday, after great deal of phoning round and being passed from one person to another, the Senior Officer had finally managed to track down the Area Manager for Prisons. It had taken some time but, eventually, she had managed to persuade him that she needed to see him urgently.

The woman sat behind the desk looked across at Miss Shaw, after some time she condescended to reply, “Oh yes, Miss Shaw; Mr Isherwood is rather busy, wait there,” she pointed to a small waiting room. Miss Shaw walked across to the room and sat in one of the hard chairs, after about fifteen minutes she walked back over to the receptionist,

“Could you please contact Mr Isherwood? He is expecting me,”

The woman looked affronted, “I told you, he is rather busy,”

“Yes, but you’ve not contacted him, have you? I’ve been watching,” Miss Shaw’s response was quiet but definite. After a few seconds of glaring at the prison officer the receptionist reluctantly pressed a button on her switchboard,

“Mr Isherwood, sir? There’s a prison warden to see you, I said you were busy but… oh she is your four o’clock appointment? I’ll send her right along,” She looked up at Miss Shaw, “Mr Isherwood will see you now,”

Geri Shaw smiled, “Many thanks,” she moved off. Inside the Area Manager’s office a short man arose, his face wreathed in smiles,

“Geraldine, my dear, so good of you to come, sit down do,”

“It’s Geri, sir,” Miss Shaw replied, sitting in one of the seats opposite the big desk.

“Geri then, and I’m Jason, now, what can I do for you?”

For the next twenty minutes the Area Manager sat and listened while Geri Shaw spoke, she tried to be as objective as possible but the facts themselves seemed to be outrageous, when she finished she sat and waited, hoping that the man appreciated the seriousness of the situation. His first words, however, dashed her hopes,

“Now, now, my dear, this is all a storm in a teacup, it will soon be cleared up,”

“I beg your pardon? Did you just listen to all I’ve related?”

“Well of course, Geri, but I happen to know Will Masters very well, I know he wants only the best for the inmates. He is a very efficient and competent Governor, you know,”

“What I know, Mr Isherwood,” Shaw replied, angered, “is that he is using the prison as a make-shift brothel, to reward those of his friends who have agreed to finance his schemes. And he has enlisted the inmates by tricking them into believing that they will be handsomely paid and will regain some mastery of their own destiny.”

“Oh I’m sure it’s not as bad as you’ve painted it, my dear,” Isherwood’s smile suddenly seemed to Geri to be as false as the veneer on his desk, "Governor Masters is held in very high esteem here in Headquarters, you know. Now, you just need a little break, that’s all, it’s all quite new for you. And it’s probably the wrong ‘time of the month’ I expect…”

Geri Shaw stood quickly, “Don’t patronise me Mr Isherwood,” she said quickly, “and don’t attempt to brush my legitimate concerns to one side. If you refuse to take me seriously I will go above your head,”

“Of course, Miss Shaw, that would be Samantha Haslam - the Regional Manager, her office is just down the corridor.”

…

Later that evening saw Pat Francis joining Geri for a meal in Geri’s flat,

“So was this Samantha Haslam any better then?”

Geri shook her head, “If anything she was worse, practically accused me of trying to undermine Masters so that I could have his job,” she stopped and considered before continuing, “actually there was no practically about it, that’s what she said,”

“What?” Pat exploded, “but she must know that you had first refusal on the job anyway?”

“She didn’t appear to think so, said my approach was too holistic, not business-like enough. Didn’t seem to care that Masters was breaking any number of the Prison Service’s rules and regulations…”

“As well as exploiting the prisoners,” Pat put in,

“Yes well that seemed to be very low on their list of priorities. Both Haslam and Isherwood seemed to think Masters was doing well because he made the prison profitable, nothing more.”

“What are you going to do now?” Pat knew her friend, she knew Geri had not given up.

“If the Prison Authorities won’t act then maybe I’ll take it public,”

“You can’t! They’ll sack you,”

Geri shrugged, “Maybe, but it would stop it happening, wouldn’t it?”

“True, and they wouldn’t dare sack you while there was public interest. Would mean you’d wrecked any chance of promotion though,”

“That doesn’t matter, I signed on to try and help the inmates, I’ll keep doing that for as long as possible,”

“Even if the inmates don’t appreciate it?” Geri looked across a question in her eyes, Pat continued, “I heard from the night staff, about you confronting Butcher,”

“Yes, I owe her an apology, I should never have taken out my anger on her,”

Pat raised an eyebrow, “You be careful, Geri, Butcher was livid, think you’re persona non grata as far as she’s concerned,”

“Regardless, I still owe her the apology.”

Last edited by Lesley on Tue Jul 25, 2006 10:52 pm; edited 1 time in total
#49:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 9:48 pm
    —
She is such a genuine person - and so brave. Presumably if she did go public then Nell and Hilda would get to hear of it, and they have a lot of respect for Geri. But how do you go about putting such things into words in public without sounding vindictive yourself? Crying or Very sad


Thanks, Lesley
#50:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:17 am
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm sorry that Isherwood and Haslam were so unhelpful.
#51:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:15 am
    —
Oh, that is deeply disquieting..... just how far is Isherwood involved in this? AnD what about Haslam?

"Time of the month indeed"!! Patronising pillock!

Thanks Lesley.
#52:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:54 pm
    —
The first week of the Christmas holidays was very busy for those on-site at the Real Chalet School; not so much because of Christmas itself, as the wedding that was to take place the Thursday before Christmas. During the first three days of the week people had been arriving to attend the wedding, they included all the remaining Prefects from the same year as Louise and the others - and there was a great reunion as some of them had not been seen for almost a year. Also arriving were friends of Andrew’s from the UK, including his best man Jason Surman, and most of the members of Oxford’s Rugby Team for 2004-2005.

They had held a wedding rehearsal in the church and ensured that details like the flowers, photographs and cars had been arranged. The Reception was being held in a nearby exclusive hotel - with rooms booked for all the guests for the night - including the bridal suite for the bride and groom. The wedding dress had had its final adjustments - the shop having to take in the dress slightly as Louise had lost a little weight. The three bridesmaid dresses were also ready and hanging up at Hilda and Nell’s cottage - that being the location from which Louise was being married. Even Robbie’s costume was all ready - he was a page boy, although he still wasn’t certain about it. He did cheer up, though when Louse told him that he had the most important job - that of carrying a cushion with the wedding rings on it.

The night before the wedding - Wednesday - saw Louise, Alison and Carol all staying the over. It was not possible for the girls to set up their sleeping bags in the lounge as normal - the Christmas Tree took up a fair amount of room, plus all the dresses for the next day were set out. Instead they managed to set out camp beds in the bedrooms. Hilda and Nell decided to move into one room to leave the other free so there was enough room,

“We’ll set the camp bed up in your room, Hilda,” Nell said, when they were discussing it early Wednesday evening, “mine’s slightly bigger and the girls can use it.”

“No problem, Nell,” Hilda replied quickly, “but you take my bed, I’ll use the camp bed,”

“Hilda!” Nell frowned, “I’m perfectly alright now, I can take the camp bed,”

“You’re not back to full fitness yet, Nell,”

Nell made to protest then stopped, “Well why not leave it to chance, Hilda?” she said with a smile, “I’ve got this coin here, somewhere,” she reached into her pocket and retrieved a coin, “Heads I take the camp bed, tails you do, alright?”

“Alright, Nell,” Hilda smiled, she watched as Nell expertly flipped the coin then slammed in down on to the back of her other hand. Before Nell could look at the coin Hilda placed her hand over the top of Nell’s, “Let’s just say that this one is tails, Nell,” Hilda said softly,

“But it might not be, Hilda,” Nell said quickly, “it might be heads,”

“On this occasion it will be tails, Nell,” Hilda returned, “otherwise I might be moved to investigate just why it is that you’ve won on every single occasion that we’ve ever tossed a coin,”

There was silence for a time, then, “You’ve noticed that, have you?”

“I have,”

“Hmmm,” Nell thought for a time, “oh very well, I’ll take the bed, you can have the camp bed.”

“Thank you Nell,”

After some minutes Nell spoke again, “You know, don’t you?”

Hilda turned a completely innocent face toward her friend, “Know? Know what, Nell?”

Nell gazed into her partner’s eyes before replying, “Damn, it’s not so much fun with you knowing!”

…

The arrangements for sleeping went well and everyone was able to get a reasonably early night - fortified by a few glasses of alcohol! The following morning saw both Hilda and Nell up very early to make a planned visit. After a quick breakfast they said ‘goodbye’ to Carol and Robbie - the only ones awake - and left the cottage and got into their car. A short drive and they arrived at the place just as it was opening. Parking in the car park they walked over to the main building, each carrying some flowers. Inside they checked the book, in flowing Gothic letters there was a small message.

Cornelia Flower
Left us to join her family, a wonderful pupil and friend.
You are missed,
Daisy, Hilda, Joey, Madge, Nell and Robin.

“Con should be there too, really,” Nell said quietly,

“No, she and Jock have gone with Evvy, to Corney’s married name, we really knew her best when she was younger,”

“True,”

They walked out into the grounds of the Remembrance Garden and along to where the plaque with Cornelia’s name was situated. There were two others there already placing a small glass vase holding one long stemmed rose beside the plaque,

“Joey, Madge, we wondered if you would be here,”

Joey walked across to kiss both women, “Of course, and Robin will be along later,”

“And Daisy I expect,” Madge continued, rising from her knees where she had knelt to fix the vase in place, “we just felt that we should do something, to remember,”

The four women stood there for some minutes, reminiscing sadly, eventually, with an eye to the time until the wedding - Joey and Madge had both been invited - they smiled their goodbyes and left.

Last edited by Lesley on Sat Aug 12, 2006 11:49 am; edited 2 times in total
#53:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:59 pm
    —
What is running around in your mind now Lesley? Why bring that up? Exclamation

There's some ulterior motive behind it!
#54:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:03 pm
    —
crikey - talk about the unexpected! I'm not even going to try and think where this might be headed.
#55:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:06 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I am also wondering why it has been brought up. I am no good at guessing, though!
#56:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 12:01 am
    —
Am disturbed that the corruption at the prison is so widespread. Geri is going to have a really difficult time with so little support. And I thoroughly agree with Cath's 'patronising pillock' remark!

Enjoyed Hilda's unmasking of Nell - she's tried it once too often! Very Happy

Sad memories of Corney. I didn't think of asking why until everyone else did! I just drink it all in from the Lesley-fountain of delights - I can never work it out, anyway! Wink
#57:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:05 am
    —
I was just happy to see Corney remembered, myself. It never occurred to me there might be an ulterior motive. Shocked

Hope Geri can clean house on the prison system. Bad enough Masters has gotten as far as he has, but those higher-ups are appalling! Butcher has a lot more more ethics.
#58:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:10 am
    —
I also didn't see anything awry with visiting the Remembrance Garden on such a day - for a wedding always brings memories to the fore. It was very moving, Lesley.

Loved the wrangling over that coin - and Nell's rueful comment about all the fun having gone out of it. You'll think of something else, Nell! Laughing

Thanks, Lesley
#59:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 12:54 pm
    —
Weddings - a time to look forward, a time to look back....

Loved the interaction with the coin - ok, Nell start thinking!

Thanks Lesley.
#60:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 5:52 pm
    —
Tsk, tsk, all this worrying about their visit to the remembrance garden - didn't any of you remember that Louise arranged her wedding for the same date that Corney died? At the Anniversary of her death what can be more natural than to want to remember? Rolling Eyes

When Hilda and Nell arrived back at their cottage they found it a hive of activity; all the girls were partially dressed, having decided not to put on their dresses until the last minute, Louise was having her hair styled by a hairdresser while Carol and Alison were busy having their makeup applied. Cherry was partly ready and was in the bathroom bathing Robbie, she looked up as the two appeared,

“Thought I’d leave him until last – he’s less likely to get too dirty then!”

“Hello Grandmas,” Robbie beamed over at them, “can we play splashing?”

“Not today, Robbie,” Cherry was quick to intervene, “do you remember? Louise is getting married today and you are the page boy. We don’t have time for splashing. Maybe tomorrow.”

“OK Mummy,” a pause then, “Mummy, what is a page boy?”

Cherry, halfway through washing Robbie’s hair, thought for a moment, “He’s a very special boy,” she said, “he has a very important job, he has to hold the cushion with the rings on, can you do that?”

“I can,” Robbie said importantly, anything more he had to say was drowned out by Cherry switching the shower on to rinse shampoo from his hair. Robbie bore this with patience, holding a flannel over his eyes.

At that moment there was a shout from Alison that it was Cherry’s turn for her hair,

“We’ll take over,” Hilda said quickly, “you go and get ready,”

Cherry smiled gratefully and left Robbie with his Grandmas.

The wedding was booked for midday, with the cars for the bridesmaids and page boy, and the bride and her two companions arriving at twenty minutes to twelve. Between them Hilda and Nell managed firstly to get Robbie dried and dressed in his finery – he wore a scaled-down morning suit with brightly polished shoes and a tie that both women felt would be lucky to last ten minutes. Cherry had already planned for the Reception having shorts, tee-shirt and trainers all packed for him to change into. Once Robbie was ready, with his hair dried and combed, he was sat in front of the television with a new DVD – bought especially for the occasion – and told that he mustn’t move from there without permission.

Both Hilda and Nell then lost no time getting ready themselves, changing into their outfits for the occasion. Just as they both arrived downstairs the photographer arrived and proceeded to take a number of pictures of the bride and bridesmaids, page boy and of Hilda and Nell. By the time he had finished the two cars had appeared. Louise was hugging each of her bridesmaids in turn when a problem manifested itself - suddenly Robbie ran toward Cherry and flung his arms around her,

“Sorry Mummy, sorry Mummy,”

Cherry looked puzzled, “Robbie? What is it, darling, what’s wrong?”

Cherry’s questions were in vain however as the little boy just kept repeating that he was ‘sorry’ all the time, before running out of the room. Cherry followed him to discover he’d gone upstairs to the little camp bed that was his and, as she watched, he got into bed and pulled a sheet up over his head.

“Robbie, tell me what’s the matter,” Cherry said softly, perching on the edge of the bed and stroking her son’s head through the sheet,

“I sorry, Mummy,” was all that Robbie replied.

Cherry looked over at Hilda who had just entered the room, “There’s something wrong,” she said, “but I’ve no idea what it is,”

At that moment Alison called up, “Cherry, we’ve got to go,”

“You go on, Cherry,” Hilda said quickly, “we have a few more minutes before we’re due to leave, I’ll try and discover the problem, Robbie can ride to the church with us,”

Cherry bent to kiss the top of Robbie’s head, all that could be seen of him, “Well OK, you may be able to get him to tell you the problem. See you later Robbie,”

There was no reply except that the little boy curled up into an even tighter ball, Cherry looked over at Hilda, “Maybe I shouldn’t go? He might be ill.”

Hilda put her arm around Cherry, “You go, Cherry, take your mobile just in case – but I think this is mischief, I don’t think he’s ill.”

Cherry nodded and left; a short time later there was the sound of a car starting up as the three bridesmaids were driven to the church. Back in the bedroom Hilda sat on the end of the camp bed,

“Come here, Robbie,” she said softly, for a moment in didn’t seem that he had heard, then, suddenly, he was scrambling out of the bed and onto Hilda’s lap, Hilda placed her arms around him, “now, what’s this all about?”

“Been naughty, Grandma,” was the very contrite reply,

“What have you done?”

Silence, Robbie just buried his head in his Grandma’s shoulder. Hilda looked across as Nell entered the room,

“Whatever he’s done it only took him a couple of minutes,” Nell said, “he’s been as good as gold for the last hour or so, sitting watching his DVD.”

“And then the photographer was here taking her pictures,” Hilda replied, just as perplexed, “And we’ve only got a few minutes until we must leave. Where’s Louise?”

“Out in the garden, she just wanted a little air,” Nell replied, “look, I’ll have a quick check through the cottage, see if there are any clues, you keep trying to get an answer from him!”

Try as she may, Hilda was unable to get any coherent answer from the little boy who just kept repeating that he had been naughty and he was sorry. Hilda cuddled him and waited; after a short time Nell returned with Louise just behind her,

“It’s time to go,” Louise said quickly, “what’s wrong with Robbie?”

“That’s what we’re trying to establish,” Hilda replied, “Nell, anything?”

“One thing, Hilda,” Nell said, “I found this,” she held out a small black velvet cushion.

“That’s the cushion holding our wedding rings, isn’t it?” Louise said puzzled, “but where are the rings?”
#61:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:11 pm
    —
Well I have to say that is Louise's own fault for entrusting the rings to a small child before they even got to the church.
#62:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 7:19 pm
    —
Did she entrust him with them - or did he entrust himself (i.e., find the cushion).

I hope they can get him to tell them where the rings are.

Last edited by Chelsea on Thu Jul 27, 2006 8:27 pm; edited 1 time in total
#63:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 8:20 pm
    —
I hope he didn't swallow them!!!

As for suspicions about the visit to the grave - that was born from experience! The fact that things are never brought in for no purpose in a RCS drabble! And yes, I do know that Hilda would turn in her grave at that sentence construction!
#64:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 8:42 pm
    —
Oh dear! It's when they're quietest that the mischief starts! Shocked

Will curtain rings do? Very Happy

Thanks, Lesley.
#65:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 9:45 pm
    —
*g* wonder what Robbie's done with them?

Thanks Lesley.
#66:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 9:58 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I hope they will be able to find the rings.
#67:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 11:06 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley!

*wonders what's happened to the rings.....*
#68:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 1:24 am
    —
Buried them? Swallowed them? Flushed them down the toilet? The possibilities are legion.....

I loved his instant guilty reaction - when Anne hid/hides under her bed, I get suspicious!
#69:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 9:14 pm
    —
Well done Cath! Laughing


There was a muffled response from Robbie, muffled because he had his face buried into Hilda’s comforting shoulder, Hilda lifted his head and looked down at her grandson,

“What did you say, Robbie?”

There was silence for some seconds then, with his eyes downcast, Robbie replied, “Rings inna toilet, Grandma,” then burst into tears.

Hilda hugged the little boy to her while looking across toward Nell; Nell had already anticipated the request and disappeared, she returned seconds later shaking her head,

“Did you flush the toilet, Robbie,” Nell asked gently,

Robbie nodded miserably, tears flowing down his cheeks.

“But why?” this from Louise.

“Don’t know, Ouise,” Robbie replied, “the picsure man gave me the cushion and took my picsure. Then after I went up and dropped the rings in the toilet and the water flushed dem away,”

Hilda and Nell looked at each other then they both looked over at Louise, worried about how she would take it, they discovered that, rather than being angry, Louise was having difficulty keeping a straight face! Indeed, all three of them were having to bite their lips to stop themselves from smiling. Taking a deep breath Louise remarked quietly,

“I doubt we’ll be able to find them, now, and even if we did, I can’t see either of us wanting to wear them!”

At this Nell turned abruptly away, while Hilda, still cuddling the crying Robbie, coughed quickly before forcing her expression into a more stern one.

“Robbie that was a very naughty thing to do,” she said softly, “those rings were for Louise and Andrew’s wedding, you were trusted to look after them. That’s why you were a page boy,”

“Yes Grandma, I s-sorry,”

Hilda shook her head, “I’m not the one you should say sorry to, it’s Louise’s day,”

Robbie turned to Louise, “Sorry Ouise, sorry you not be marwied,”

“Oh Robbie,” taking no notice of her perfect make-up and hair, Louise knelt beside the little boy and gave him a hug, “Getting married isn’t about rings, it’s about standing in front of your friends and family and confirming that you’ve found the person that you want to spend the rest of your life with. The rings are just showing everyone what has happened. We can get new rings. Do you understand?”

Robbie nodded slightly.

“Alright then, now, we’ve got to go, we’re already late,”

“What about the rings?”

“We can get new ones while on honeymoon,” Louise said, “as for now," she looked down at her own hands, but the only other ring she wore was her engagement ring.

Nell looked up at the curtains, “They’re no good," she muttered, "they’re all plastic,”

“What about these?” Hilda held up her hand indicating her seal ring, Nell looked at hers, turned to Louise,

“I could fix them into the cushion so that the seals didn’t show,” she said, “all everyone would see would be two gold bands,”

“They’d probably not fit though,” Hilda put in,

Louise shook her head, “Not a problem, I’ll explain to Andrew and the vicar, all we’ve got to do is place them on the finger, don’t have to push them down. If anyone wonders why later we can say that the rings need to be altered,”

“Well that will be true, anyway,” Nell said with a grin, “they’ll need to be altered from our seal rings to your wedding rings.”

The plan was swiftly enacted, while Nell arranged for a way to display the two rings without the seals showing, Hilda took Robbie into the bathroom to wash his face and comb his hair. Louse quickly repaired any damage to her make-up before they all walked out to the car. Robbie sat next to Louise while Hilda and Nell sat opposite - Robbie holding the black velvet cushion, staring at it determinedly. At the church all three of the bridesmaids were outside anxiously watching,

“Where have you been? Andrew’s about to have a heart attack!” this from Alison as the three hastily arranged the order of march,

Louise looked across at where Cherry was cuddling Robbie, “Tell you later,” she said. She turned to face the altar, slipping her arms through those of Hilda and Nell who were standing on either side of her. Behind her were Alison and Carol with Robbie stood behind them, still holding tight to the cushion. Cherry bringing up the rear, keeping a close eye on her son. Louise looked round just as the first strains of the bridal music floated out, “Everyone ready? Here we go then!”
#70:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:53 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm glad that everything has been sorted out over the rings.
#71:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 11:03 pm
    —
Just caught up on this entire RCS - thank you Lesley!!

And I've realised I've forgotten pretty much everything that's ever happened before now, so am going to have to re-read it ALL now....
#72:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 28, 2006 11:46 pm
    —
Gem wrote:
Just caught up on this entire RCS - thank you Lesley!!

And I've realised I've forgotten pretty much everything that's ever happened before now, so am going to have to re-read it ALL now....


Good luck Gem - that's 776,100 words. Wink
#73:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 12:29 am
    —
But what fun you're going to have, Gem. Very Happy

I think Robbie was quite lucky not to be scalped there! Louise always has her priorities absolutely right, doesn't she. Don't think I'd fancy wearing the rings either (!), and there's something rather touching about Hilda and Nell's rings being joined in that way.
#74:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 3:38 am
    —
Heavens, I achieved brilliance accidentally! Very Happy

Lovely update Lesley, and I do like the idea of their rings being used like this.
#75:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 5:47 pm
    —
Lesley wrote:
Gem wrote:
Just caught up on this entire RCS - thank you Lesley!!

And I've realised I've forgotten pretty much everything that's ever happened before now, so am going to have to re-read it ALL now....


Good luck Gem - that's 776,100 words. Wink


*faints* Erm - Lesley, my email ATE RCS 8. May I beg another copy, please? Cos I didn't read the last few parts of it, and I'm beginning to realise I may have missed some important stuff... Embarassed

I'm sat here with a glass of wine, chocolate, MSN and the CBB... for anyone who might have had any doubts, I'm back to visiting the board daily Wink
#76:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 8:37 pm
    —
Brilliant, Hilda. Laughing

Loiuse was so lovely. And I'm jealous that she has Hilda and Nell giving her away. Shocked

Thanks, Lesley
#77:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 8:57 pm
    —
The wedding itself went smoothly; there was the slow walk down the aisle toward where a distinctly worried looking Andrew and his Best Man, Jason, both clad in morning suits, waited. The service went well with everyone remembering their lines - Hilda and Nell both softly saying, ‘We do,’ when the priest asked ‘who giveth this woman to be joined to this man,’ and both Louise and Andrew repeating their vows in loud clear voices. When it came to the vows both Hilda and Nell nodded in approval when Louise promised to ‘love, honour and cherish,’ - neither of them able to conceive that a protégé of theirs would vow to obey another! Before the rings were exchanged the bride had a very hurried conversation with both the groom and the vicar, therefore neither man was surprised when the rings were removed from the cushion. After the signing of the register and the walk back down the aisle the ceremony was complete. After the photographs the entire party moved to the hotel for the reception and it was here that Cherry, holding Robbie’s hand firmly, was finally able to corner Louise,

“Well, what did he do?”

Louise showed Cherry the black cushion with Hilda and Nell’s rings,

“These aren’t yours, what happened?”

“He flushed the rings down the toilet,”

“He did what?”

“Flushed the rings,”

Cherry looked down at her son, “Bed, now!”

Robbie started to cry, “But Mummy, it’s a party for wedding,”

“You should have thought of that before, now come on, we’ve got a room at this hotel,” Cherry turned away but was stopped by Louise’s hand on her arm,

“Wait Cherry, I don’t want either of you to miss the Reception,”

“He doesn’t deserve the treat, Louise,”

“I know, but he did say he was sorry, and he knew he’d been naughty.” Louise said quickly, “Andrew and I can easily get new rings,”

“I’ll pay for them…”

“You will not!” Louise said firmly.

Cherry glared at her friend, “He owes you, that means I owe you,”

“Then you can help out when Louise and I move into our new place,” Andrew put in,

“I’d have done that anyway…” Cherry protested,

“Well help more,” Louise returned, “but we’re not taking any money from you. He’s only four…”

“He knew he was doing wrong,”

“Yes but kids don’t think of consequences, do they?”

Cherry stopped for a moment then sighed, she turned and squatted down beside her son, “You,” she began, “are a very lucky little boy,” she said to him, “that Andrew and Louise are not very angry with you. Alright, you can stay to the Reception - on condition that you are a good boy,”

“Yes Mummy, thank you,”

“And,” Cherry continued, “you are not to have any sweets or chocolate for the next week,” she thought for a moment, “if you are very good I might let you have some on Christmas day, but that’s all,”

“Yes Mummy,” Robbie hung his head.

“Right, now come here,” Cherry opened her arms out wide and Robbie ran into them, Cherry picked him up and hugged him to her, she walked over to Louise, “What do you say, Robbie?”

“Sorry Louise,” Robbie hugged Louise then, when Cherry walked across to Andrew he did the same to Andrew.

…

“Do you understand what you’re being asked to do?” the person asking the question was the Prison Officer Robertson, he looked over at the inmate.

“Sure I do, you want me to help set Shaw up,”

“And do you have a problem with that?” Masters asked.

The woman thought for a moment, “What’s in it for me?”

“We thought the chance to get back at her…”

“Ain’t enough, not on its own. You must want it badly so, what are you prepared to give me?”

“Money,”

“How much?”

Masters mentioned a sum.

The inmate whistled, “You must really want her out of the way,” she remarked, “well it’s a start, but not the only thing I want,”

“What else?”

“Transfer, not just within the State, I want a transfer to another State - New South Wales,”

“Why there?”

The inmate shrugged, “I’ve got friends there, also my record…”

“We can’t change your record,” Masters put in quickly,

“Not the lot, I know that,” the woman said calmly, “but you can take some stuff out, make me look better, so I get a cushy number.”

Masters and Robertson exchanged glances, “Alright,” Masters said eventually, “I’ll make it look as good as possible, now, will you do it?”

There was silence for a time then the woman smiled, “Yeah, I’ll do it,”

“Some would say you owed her…” Robertson began,

“Not me,” the woman returned, “so when?”

“Tomorrow,” Masters replied, “you know it’ll have to look good?”

The inmate shrugged, “I can manage pain, it’ll be worth it,”

“Until tomorrow then,” Masters walked over to the cell door, opened it, Robertson followed him and locked the door behind him.

Inside the cell Sullivan smiled to herself.

Last edited by Lesley on Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:30 am; edited 1 time in total
#78:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 9:12 pm
    —
Sullivan! Oh, no!
But maybe that'll alter Butcher's perspective? Unless, of course, there's already a convoluted plot in which she's already on Geri's side. Confused

Louise is lovely over the rings, and the seal rings were a nice touch.
Still can't figure out the attraction of rings in the toilet, though. Not even for a 4-year old. Rolling Eyes
#79:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sat Jul 29, 2006 11:45 pm
    —
I'm glad Louise chose to cherish rather than obey, too! Lovely wedding, Lesley.

Oops, don't like the sound of the plan to get Geri out of the way AT ALL. Hopefully it'll jolt Butcher into a different frame of mind. Actually, it sort of mirrors what happened to her - very interested to see what happens.
#80:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:49 pm
    —
Now I AM going to start wibbling.
#81:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:13 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I'm wibbling about what Sullivan is going to do to Geri. I'm glad that Cherry has forgiven Robbie, though.
#82:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 1:16 pm
    —
Lesley Rolling Eyes
More twists than a bread roll!
#83:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 3:00 pm
    —
Or wheels within wheels! Laughing

Louise was wonderful - casting her wedding joy on everyone.

But then to contrast that forgiveness and happiness with the malignity of what is happening in prison.... Crying or Very sad

Thanks, Lesley.
#84:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:57 pm
    —
Geri Shaw had not backed down; when attempts to involve the Authorities had failed she had thought hard about her next move. In the end she had decided, with a great many misgivings, to go public. Her interview with a journalist on the Thursday had been satisfactory - at least, as satisfactory as contemplating becoming a ‘whistle-blower’ ever was. Geri was well aware of what happened to those people who decided to report their employer for a breach in legislation or rules. They were never welcomed within their own industry. Indeed most of them never worked in their industry again. She recalled a television programme she’d seen a few months ago - about an engineer who worked for an airline. He had become concerned about the changes that had been made to maintenance schedules for aircraft, how the time between them had been lengthened well over the recommended times, how instructions to replace worn items had been countermanded by managers without any engineering background, about how unsafe practices were continually being observed with passenger aircraft. He had reported the airline to the Authorities - they had started an investigation but it was a slow job. He had been suspended from work and, while on suspension, seen a passenger plane lost with all on board over the ocean. The company, rather than try to correct their mistakes, had blamed him for reporting them. He had never worked in the aircraft industry again. Geri did not want to leave the Prison Service; however she did want Masters stopped and, if that meant that she had to leave, so be it.

“Well Miss Shaw,” the journalist sat back and placed his notebook on the desk, “if all you are telling me is the truth then this is a great story,”

“A great story?”

“Yes, it’ll rouse a lot of interest, be a good public interest feature,”

“So you think you can publish, then?”

The man considered, “Not at the moment,” he said thoughtfully, “to really grab the public’s attention I’ll need some proof,” he shrugged, “seems the general public don’t trust the media any longer, will need something to prove we’ve not just making it up.”

“What will be considered proof?”

“Pictures,” the journalist replied, “pictures of the cells being used, the women themselves and the men visiting then - if the pictures are good enough to identify the men even better. Can you provide that?”

Geri thought for some time, to obtain that type of picture would mean either taking the pictures herself or allowing a cameraman on-site - either of which was a serious breach in regulations. It would mean she laid herself open for disciplinary charges, regardless of the outcome of the story in the media. She made her decision,

“Yes, I can provide that,” she said quietly, “I’m back at work tomorrow, let me check out if anything has changed, if it hasn’t then early the following morning will be best,”

“Saturday morning? You mean Christmas Eve?” The man nodded, “That’ll be good, will be able to make the lunchtime news, OK - you check out the situation tomorrow, see if everything is still as you’ve described. Meanwhile I’ll write this up into something coherent. If you still want to go ahead contact me tomorrow night and I’ll arrange for a cameraman to meet you early Saturday morning, around five, in the prison car park.”

…

Miss Shaw said nothing to anyone of her plans, not wanting anyone else to be implicated when the news story broke. Strangely Masters didn’t attempt to speak with her, instead keeping to his own office. The Senior Officer made her normal rounds and was able to ascertain that the cells in Solitary remained full and were being used for the same purpose. She contacted the journalist to confirm that the cameraman should be there the next morning. Partway through the afternoon she had the opportunity to speak with Butcher, calling her away from her work. She looked over at the inmate; Butcher’s face was bruised where Shaw had hit her on Tuesday night.

“I wanted to apologise, Butcher,” Miss Shaw quickly, “I had no right to strike you. Some of what you said on Tuesday evening, I can appreciate why you think Masters is helping you, but believe me, he isn’t. All that will happen is that you and the other women will sink deeper into trouble. I can promise you that I will look into the help that’s given to inmates when they are released - you’re right, not enough is done.”

Butcher said nothing for some seconds then she yawned, “That it? Right then, I’ll get back to work then,” she turned to leave. Shaw reached out and placed a hand on Butcher’s arm,

“Wait Butcher, listen please, the relationship that you and I had, I valued it - a great deal - I would like to renew that,”

Butcher looked down at where the Senior Officer held her, then across to lock gazes with Shaw, “Forget it screw,” she said coldly, “we had nothing. And don’t think I’ve forgotten my promise to you Tuesday night. Now, you going to take your hand off my arm?”

The rest of the shift was just as disappointing, Shaw spending time doing a few checks, including a routine check of the grounds shortly before she went off-shift.”

Later that evening on North Wing Sullivan had a couple of visitors to her cell. Once inside Masters turned to the inmate,

“Here you are, your transfer to the woman’s prison in New South Wales has been arranged and this is your record - best I could do,”

Sullivan read through the papers, she smiled, “A model prisoner,” she said, “hardly recognise myself.”

“Is it enough?”

“What about the money?”

“In your bank account - here’s the receipt,”

Sullivan took it, nodded, “Alright then, but how can I trust you?”

“If we don’t keep our word you just spill the beans about what really happened,” Robertson said, “only don’t think you can blackmail us for more because you won’t get it.”

“No need,” Sullivan shook her head, “Oh well, suppose you’d better get it over with then,”

Robertson pulled on a thin pair of leather gloves, while Masters brought out a pair of handcuffs,

“What’s this?” Sullivan looked worried,

“Gloves so Robertson doesn’t leave any of his DNA and the size of his hands is masked.” Masters replied, “And the cuffs? Well, there has to be a reason why Shaw was able to beat you yet not get a scratch on herself, doesn’t there?”

Sullivan thought for a moment then nodded, “Yeah, makes sense, alright, go for it,”

She turned her back so that Masters could cuff her then faced the tall Robertson, “Ready when you are,”

Robertson smiled then moved forward…
#85:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:37 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I am having a major wibble.
#86:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Sun Jul 30, 2006 11:59 pm
    —
Oh no! I CANNOT bear to read the next bit. Sad

Please make it all stop quite quickly!

(Yes, of course I'll read it, Lesley, I couldn't possibly not, but how do you sleep at night??!! Very Happy )
#87:  Author: Cath V-P, Location: Newcastle NSW PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 1:24 am
    —
Found the last two pieces together....the wedding was lovely, but the prison, oh the prison...

Thank you Lesley.
#88:  Author: Identity Hunt, Location: UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:20 am
    —
I am going to cower under my `puter desk till it`s all over.
Shocked Shocked Shocked Crying or Very sad

Scary stuff.
Come on, Butcher, at least try to meet Geri part-way........
#89:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 12:51 pm
    —
One can FEEL the helplessness Geri is feeling - as one can feel the gloating going on in Sullivan. Oh boy! Crying or Very sad

But I have a sense of things about to get a whole lot worse....

Thanks, Lesley.
#90:  Author: Lesley, Location: Allhallows, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:46 pm
    —
Christmas Eve was not a good day for Geri Shaw; she had not slept well the previous night. Concerns about the consequences her actions in involving the journalist would have, caused her mind to be too active. Then, on reaching the prison early to meet the cameraman she discovered that he had not arrived. A telephone call to the journalist at 5.30 brought only one terse sentence from the journalist that, ‘she’d not told the whole story,’ – any attempts to reach him after that had been fruitless, her calls either not being answered of immediately being placed onto voicemail. The Senior Officer therefore entered the prison a little before six am somewhat distracted. So much so that she didn’t notice that her appearance immediately caused one of the Gatehouse Officers to contact someone urgently by telephone.

Inside her own office Miss Shaw sat back, gazing at, but without really seeing, the paperwork on her desk, trying to think about her next move. A knock on her door jolted her to full awareness,

“Come in!”

The door opened and Officer Robertson stood there, “The Governor’s compliments, Miss Shaw, but there was a serious incident overnight, he needs you in the Hospital Wing,”

“Hospital Wing?” Shaw said, standing quickly, “Was someone hurt?”

“Yes, something like that,” Robertson replied.

The two hurried across to the Hospital Wing and into one of the cells; there were a number of people in there – Shaw recognised the Doctor and the Senior Hospital Officer Alan Marsh, to one side stood the Governor. In the bed lay a woman, Shaw didn’t recognise her immediately. Her face was swollen and covered in dark purple bruising, she had a split lip and had lost one or two of her teeth. There was a cut above one eye where the skin had split apart. Shaw’s gaze travelled to the woman’s hands, recognising the wounds around both wrists as those inflicted by handcuffs applied too tightly. It was Sullivan.

“Who did this?” Shaw’s immediate response was to try and discover who had beaten Sullivan so badly, her first thought, that it was Butcher, dismissed immediately – Butcher would have killed her, not beaten her, and not used the handcuffs to prevent her from having a chance to defend herself.

Sullivan opened her eyes and Shaw saw pure hatred in them, “Who did this? You did this, Shaw, you b*tch!”

…

Events moved so quickly following Sullivan’s revelation that Geri Shaw was somewhat shell-shocked. She could see, in her mind’s-eye the reaction on the faces of all those in the room. The shock, disgust and horror on the face of the Doctor, the disbelief on the face of Alan Marsh. The Governor’s face also showed shock and some sadness while Robertson…Robertson showed satisfaction, just for a split-second, before his face too mirrored the shock and horror. Before she had really taken it all in she was sitting in the Governor’s Office, listening to Masters,

“Geri this is too much to ignore. I turned a blind eye to your assault on Butcher the other night but this…”

“You can’t possibly believe I had anything to do with this assault, can you?”

“What else am I to believe, when the victim herself positively identifies you? And in front of witnesses? Perhaps I could do something if it were just in front of our own people, Geri, but this accusation was made in front of an independent professional – Dr Patel was horrified at the injuries inflicted upon Sullivan. Why did you do it, Geri? Was it as repayment for the assaults she made on you earlier this year?”

“I didn’t do it, Masters,” Geri said very slowly, “apart from anything else when would I have had the time?”

“Oh that’s easy,” Robertson put in, “you were seen entering Sullivan’s cell late last night…”

“Seen? Who saw me? I never went near her cell,” Geri Shaw interrupted angrily.

“Oh but Lamb and Barker will swear that they saw you,” Robertson returned smoothly.

Geri paused, looked at both men, “You’ve done this, haven’t you? You’ve arranged all of this, so you can get rid of me,”

Masters smiled, “Why Miss Shaw, how could you think such a thing,” he said, “though I must admit that you speaking to a journalist did rather force our hand a little. Meant we had to work quickly.”

“You can’t do this,” Geri said quickly.

Masters smile widened, “I think you’ll find, Miss Shaw, that I can. Now there seems sufficient circumstantial evidence and a number of witnesses - therefore your actions are considered Gross Misconduct, and as such I am perfectly entitled to suspend you pending a full investigation. And I should add that with the evidence against you the Prison Board, when it convenes, is certain to find you guilty. Your career in the Prison Service is over, Miss Shaw.” He turned to the officer standing by the door, “Officer Robertson? Please escort Miss Shaw from the premises; we wouldn’t want her getting lost on the way out now, would we?”

The tall taciturn officer moved forward and grabbed one of Shaw’s arms, “This way,” he mumbled.

Geri shook the arm off, “I know the way,” she hissed, she turned back to the Governor, “it may be a cliché,” she said, “but you won’t get away with this. I’ll ensure that the Prison Authorities know just what’s going on here, what you plan to do to these women, not just the ones I‘ve spoken to so far but right to the top, I‘ll speak to the Government as well.”

“Geri,” Masters shook his head, “how can you be so naïve? The Authorities won’t care, so long as the prisoners are kept locked up, so long as there’s no trouble, that’s all they care about. Prisoners’ Rights? That doesn’t win elections; the public don’t want to hear about it. All they are interested in is keeping the cons inside where they belong. And that’s what I give them – it’s the reason why I’m so popular with them. You’ll be telling them nothing they don’t already suspect and condone.”

“We’ll see,” Geri Shaw said tightly, she then spun on her heel and walked to the door…

“Wait!” The command rang out, Geri turned, “I’ll need your keys, Miss Shaw.”

Geri thought of refusing but realised that, if necessary, the two men could take them by force, she unhooked the chain from her belt, walked across and placed the keys on the desk, “This isn’t the end, Masters,” she said, her voice calm despite the seething anger she felt.

Master just grinned.

The prison grapevine had worked its magic and, before Shaw has walked one hundred yards, there were inmates lining her route. They all watched in silence as she strode past, waited with her when she came to any gates. Robertson, her escort, had thought to make the journey out of the prison that much more humiliating for the ex-Senior Officer – he had hung back, expecting her to have to request that the gate guards open the gate – in exactly the same way that any of the inmates had to. Geri Shaw didn’t say anything, didn’t even look at the guards. Instead she just stood beside the gate, waiting. The guards were, without exception, those brought in by Masters during his reorganisation, but Shaw’s actions intimidated them. More than one found themselves rushing over to open the gate.

After collecting her belongings from the Staff Locker Room, Shaw was escorted to the Gates. Just prior to reaching them she was called,

“Been given the push, Shaw?”

Shaw turned; standing across the other side of the corridor was Butcher. On her arm she wore the armband of a Trustee, on seeing it Shaw’s eyebrow rose, she spoke,

“You can’t condone what he’s doing here, Butcher?”

Butcher smiled lazily, “Sure I can, if it means we get more perks,” she shrugged, “I know he’s a bastard, but he needs us, he needs me. And he’ll see that I’m sweet, otherwise it all falls apart.”

“He’s using you; he’s using all of you,”

“’Course he is, and I’m using him, both of us to get what we want.”

“He’ll drop you as soon as it suits him,” Shaw warned, “You can’t trust him.”

“I don’t,” Butcher shot back, “tried that once, got burnt for my trouble. Now we’ve just got a mutual aid package, as long as he keeps producing the goods, we’ll go along with it. Much safer that way.” There were a few seconds silence then Butcher continued, “I hear you’ve been caught breaking the rules, Shaw, very naughty. Not that I blame you really, Sullivan had it coming. And let‘s face it, I already know that you can be violent,” she rubbed at the bruise on her cheek.

Geri Shaw’s eyes blazed, “You surely don’t believe their lies, do you? I have done nothing wrong, I’ve been set up.”

“Where have I heard that before?” Butcher asked rhetorically, she stepped forward, standing eye to eye with Geri Shaw, she stared into Shaw’s eyes for some seconds, before making a final comment, then turned and walked away, she didn’t look back.

Robertson pointed Geri Shaw to the Main Exit, once through the prison doors slammed shut behind her with an air of finality, Butcher’s final words ringing in her ears,

“Life’s a bitch, ain’t it? When people don’t trust your word. Merry Christmas, Shaw.”

TO BE CONTINUED....

This completes RCS #8 Trust - it might interest you to know that, originally, I intended that this one cover two terms. However I found that I'd too much to write for it all to be contained in one episode. This one has 108,354 words - more than respectable. The story will continue in RCS #9 when I decide to write it.

Many thanks those of you that read the story, and especially those of you who comment - as any writers will tell you, having people comment makes all the difference - and certainly, as far as I'm concerned, gives me new ideas and threads. Until next time....
#91:  Author: nikkie, Location: Cumbria PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:47 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley
So when does the next one start? Wink
#92:  Author: Miriam, Location: Jerusalem, Israel PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:03 pm
    —
Well at least Louise is happily married, and maye the break will be long enough for her to get a new ring.

Enjoy your break Lesley, and I'm sure we'll all enjoy it when you get back to writing.
#93:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:32 pm
    —
Completes? But...but... it can't be complete if there's still this big of a cliff. Shocked

Hope you decide to start the next part soon!

And many, many thanks for all the hard work.

edited for grammar

Last edited by Kathy_S on Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:56 pm; edited 1 time in total
#94:  Author: Chair, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:36 pm
    —
Thanks, Lesley. I also look forward to RCS9. I will continue to wibble about Geri, though. Thank you for all your hard work that has gone into writing this part - I have really enjoyed reading it.
#95:  Author: MaryR, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 8:48 pm
    —
Starting tomorrow, are we, Lesley? Laughing

Poor Geri - she really didn't need you to leave her like this, and on Xmas Day too! Shocked

I'm sure your many fans will call for your scalp if you don't rescue the woman soon. But thank you, in the meantime, Lesley, for all the twists and turns.
#96:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:23 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley. Have a good break, and let the withdrawal symptoms push you back soon! Laughing
#97:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash/Aberystwyth PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:47 pm
    —
Gosh! I caught up in time for it to finish... ah well, that gives me time to re-read the rest for when #9 begins! Looking forward to the next one whenever it begins, Lesley - thank you for a fabulous RCS installment as always Very Happy
#98:  Author: JackieP, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:57 pm
    —
Kathy_S wrote:
Completes? But...but... it can't be complete if there's still this big of a cliff. Shocked


Don't worry Kathy - Lesley's just going to have to change her sig to say she doesn't finish the storyline 'til the next story! Very Happy

Thanks for this Lesley - can't wait for no. 9

JackieP

PS - any chance of nos. 7 & 8 in non yibbling format - so I can re-read the lot?

Thanks
#99:  Author: janem, Location: Ash, Surrey PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 9:59 pm
    —
Lesley I have so enjoyed this. Thank you.

Have also gone back to the very beginning to read it all again. Smile
#100:  Author: Alex, Location: Cambs, UK PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 10:18 pm
    —
I can't believe you would pull a stunt like that Lesley! Talk about trust!!!!!

Shocked

But seriously, have a good break and here's to many more RCS installments.
#101:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 10:57 pm
    —
Ohhh....interesting place to leave it and how typical of you!!!!
Hope it back soon!
#102:  Author: Tara, Location: Malvern, Worcestershire PostPosted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:33 pm
    —
Weeps. Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad Crying or Very sad

Come back, Lesley. I cannot envisage a life without RCS. Sad

Do what you have to do, and we'll keep the trumpets tuned for when you return.

Thanks so much for it all.
#103:  Author: pim, Location: Hemel Hempstead PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:31 am
    —
To the complete neglect of my work this morning I have just caught up (yet again) and Lesssssssssllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeey... Come back with part 9 soon please? *sitting under the desk until Lesley comes back*
#104:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:47 pm
    —
I have just caught up after a week away...and what a place to finish in! Lesley how could you!

Brilliant thought!! Laughing
#105:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 7:00 pm
    —
What a place to leave it!

I've just caught up after over a week away and the prison thread just gets more scary with every post!

I loved Louise's wedding though - and Louise was lovely about the rings. So typical of a four year old Laughing . One of my little dears flushed one earring down once - might as well have flushed the other when you think about it Rolling Eyes

I had remembered that Louise's wedding was on the anniversary of Corney's death so I just accepted the visit as a lovely thing to do - till I read all the wibbles and realised that Lesley is capable of anything.

Thank you for a lovely part 8 which has had me on the edge of my seat, where I will remain till part 9 comes along. Dammit! I like Butcher and I'm really hoping she comes good.
#106:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 7:05 pm
    —
Lesley, the wedding was lovely and and the incident with Robbie was SO cute!
But OHH! Poor Geri! And what a place to leave us! Shocked Shocked

*whinges hopefully for part 9.....*
#107:  Author: BethC, Location: Worcester, UK PostPosted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 9:39 pm
    —
Now that's taking cliffs to a new level... It is a cliff that'll be resolved (if that's what one does with cliffs), isn't it? *pleading smile*
Thanks, though, Lesley - I haven't commented much on RCS 8 as my very brief visits to the CBB have been spent catching up on this and one or two other drabbles, but it's been as good as ever Smile
#108:  Author: Josie, Location: London PostPosted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 1:54 pm
    —
Crikey - that's mean! What a place to stop!

Loved Louise's wedding.

Thanks Lesley. Look forward to the next bit.
#109:  Author: Liane, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 6:27 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley!
Looking forward to the next part.
#110:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:08 pm
    —
Eeek!

thankyou Lesley (I think) Laughing


Please may I have a yibble free copy for the collection


Although goodness knows when I'll have time to read them all Rolling Eyes
#111:  Author: Kat, Location: Abertawe PostPosted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 9:45 pm
    —
Louise's wedding was fab... poor Robbie though! Laughing

Very glad I missed out on all the cliffs you left, but still going to poke you for putting them in in the first place! Wink Laughing

Can't wait for the next one - please let it be soon! Very Happy
#112:  Author: Caroline OSullivan, Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK PostPosted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 9:57 pm
    —
Thanks Lesley
Wedding was fab and Robbie is gorgeous
Wibbling lots about Geri and prision situation
Enjoy the rest before you start posting part nine
#113:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:27 am
    —
Oh Lesley! How mean...will now have to wait impatiently for the next one!

Thank you though for this and yay for the wedding.
#114:  Author: francesn, Location: away with the faeries PostPosted: Sat Aug 12, 2006 12:44 am
    —
Ooooh Lesley! What an evil ending!

Thank you very much for this installment and hope to see RCS 9 soon.

PS: Please may I have the unyibbled version of this one to read please, as I've only read it in chunks.
#115:  Author: Alice, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Aug 27, 2006 12:30 am
    —
Ahhhh, Just caught up on the last few sections of this and, seeing that it was finished made me think that I would have resolution at the end - but nooooooo. Looking forward to the next section.
The CBB -> Ste Therese's House


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