‘She’s welcome to the “top dog” title. I don’t want it.’

Anna stayed silent for several seconds, observing Adele with a puzzled expression on her face.

‘Look, as long as she doesn’t bother me, I won’t bother her,’ said Adele, but when Anna continued to stare she asked, ‘What?’

Anna shrugged. ‘That’s not the way Shazza works.’

It was Adele’s turn to look puzzled until Anna added, ‘If she’s got it in for someone, she’s got it in for them. I just hope nobody tells her that you’re the number one.’

‘I’m not!’ snapped Adele. ‘Where on earth did you get that idea?’

Anna shrugged again. ‘It’s what everyone’s saying.’

‘Well, do me a favour, Anna, and put them straight, will you?’

‘Sure, I’ll try. After all, you wouldn’t want Shazza for an enemy.’

‘OK, thanks,’ said Adele, but Anna wasn’t finished.

‘She’s in for GBH this time, y’know. Can’t say I’m surprised. Not after she bit someone’s ear off last time she was in here.’

‘You’re joking!’ said Adele, raising her eyebrows in shock.

‘Wish I fuckin’ was,’ said Anna.

Adele stared at Anna, noting her facial expression. It was one of fear. Adele knew that look only too well. She had seen it on the faces of her family when she was a child. It happened whenever her father came back from the pub in one of his rages. And, just as it had when she was a child, that fear sparked a feeling of dread that tore through her insides like a razor blade.

Chapter 10

Caroline was ready for Adele when she walked into her cell. ‘You’ve heard the news then?’ she asked.

‘Yes,’ said Adele, glancing over at Caroline’s cellmate, Cheryl, who was tidying the top of her small bedside cabinet.

Cheryl took the hint and left the cell while the two of them talked.

‘Is it true what Anna tells me: that Shazza bit someone’s ear off last time she was in here?’

‘So they say,’ said Caroline. ‘I didn’t see the incident myself, but it wouldn’t surprise me.’

‘Is she really that bad?’

‘Oh, yeah. Like I told you before, she’s ruthless. I’ve never known anyone as bad as her.’

Adele gulped. ‘Anna seems to think she’ll challenge me,’ she said.

Caroline had a look of resignation. ‘She might well do. It depends whether word gets back to her about you.’

‘I’ve told Anna to set the record straight. I don’t want her to think I’m in competition with her. I’d rather just serve my time quietly.’ Adele rushed her words, becoming anxious.

‘Unfortunately, that might not be an option,’ Caroline sighed. ‘Don’t forget about your fight with Denise. Like I told you before, that might not be forgotten and there were plenty of people who knew about it.’