‘What? Just because I do kickboxing?’

‘No,’ Caroline sighed. ‘A few of the hard nuts have found out what happened between you and Anna.’

Adele cringed with embarrassment.

‘No, not that,’ Caroline quickly continued. ‘She won’t have told them what she did to you. She’d be too ashamed of that. But, you know what Anna’s like for being dramatic. Apparently, word is going around that you’re a bit of a lunatic when you’re riled.’

Adele laughed. ‘Really?’

‘Yeah. In fact, some are saying you’re the new number one. Since Shazza was released nobody has taken her place. There are a few who would like to but they’re all biding their time. Denise is one of them, and since you took Denise on as well as Anna, your name is now right up there.’

‘You’re joking!’ grinned Adele.

‘No, I’m not. But don’t take it as a compliment. You need to tread carefully. Once you’re seen as the number one, there are plenty of people who want to bring you down and take your place.’

Adele’s grin was quickly replaced by a frown. ‘Shit! I didn’t realise. I was just trying to defend myself.’

Her brother’s warning words to her before she went inside rang in her head. Whatever you do, don’t show any sign of weakness or they’ll fuckin’ have you. She’d taken his advice but was beginning to wonder whether that was a mistake. She didn’t realise it would elevate her to top-dog status, and the last thing she needed was a bunch of hard cases having a go at her. Looking at some of the women around the gym, with their muscular physiques and hardened expressions, it made Adele wonder about the former ‘number one’.

‘What was she like, this Shazza?’ she asked.

‘Shush,’ whispered Caroline. ‘She’s still got plenty of friends in here.’ Caroline checked to make sure no one was watching before dropping her voice and continuing, ‘Not very nice. Ruthless, in fact. A lot of us were relieved to see the back of her. But, of course, there were those that sucked up to her. Can’t say I blame them. It’s all about self-preservation in here.’

‘I’m glad I wasn’t around to meet her then,’ said Adele. ‘Come on, let’s go back to the cells. I think I’ve had enough for one day.’

Caroline waited for Adele while she showered and got changed, then they made their way back to the wing together. When they reached Caroline’s cell, Adele turned down her offer of a coffee. ‘No, thanks, I’ve just remembered that I’m due to pay the governor a visit,’ she said.

‘Oh, yeah?’ said Caroline, raising her eyebrows inquisitively.

‘Yeah, nothing bad,’ said Adele. ‘I’ll tell you about it later but I need to dash now.’

Chapter 8