‘It’s not just Anna who calls her top dog,’ said Louise. ‘A lot of the other prisoners are saying it, too.’

Again Shazza stared across at Adele, her eyes lingering for longer this time. ‘We’ll have to fuckin’ see about that, won’t we, girls?’ she said.

For a few seconds nobody spoke. Then Shazza said, ‘Anyway, girls, I’m off to the gym. Thanks for giving me the heads-up.’

Once she had walked away, Denise turned to Louise. ‘Why don’t you learn to keep your fuckin’ trap shut?’ she said.

‘What do you mean?’ asked Louise.

‘Adele this, Adele that, Adele the fuckin’ other. Anyone would think you were in love with her or summat. Don’t forget what she did to me!’

‘I haven’t. I was just trying to warn Shazza, that’s all.’

‘Yeah, well, Shazza knows what she’s dealing with now, doesn’t she?’ Then a smirk played across Denise’s lips before she spoke again. ‘Let’s see how fuckin’ tough Robinson is when Shazza’s finished with her.’

Chapter 11

Adele glanced nervously across at the group of women who were standing on the other side of the recreation area. So, that was what Shazza looked like! Adele took in her height and frame, and suppressed a shudder. The woman was big, and mean-looking. She noticed Shazza glaring at her and quickly looked away.

‘What do you think’s going on over there?’ she asked Caroline.

‘Dunno, but whatever it is, you can be sure they’re up to no good.’

‘She keeps giving me evils,’ said Adele.

‘Try not to worry about it. Shazza nearly always wears a scowl anyway. Don’t look at her.’

‘They seem to get on,’ Adele persisted.

‘Yeah, they did last time she was in here. Denise isn’t stupid. She knows it’s best to stay on the right side of Shazza. Denise might be tough but she wouldn’t dare take on a nutcase like Shazza so she stays well in with her. On their own they’re trouble but the two of them together are a force to be reckoned with.’

Adele’s eyes opened wide in alarm.

Caroline covered her hand with her own. ‘Like I say, try not to worry,’ she said. Then she sighed before continuing, ‘It’s as well to be prepared, though, just in case she tries anything on.’

Shazza then walked away from Denise and Louise and headed in their direction. But before she reached them she stopped and spoke to Anna, who was halfway across the room. It was obvious from Anna’s body language that she was on her guard and had been keeping her head down, hoping Shazza wouldn’t notice her.