‘Everyone knows I’m not gay, you silly cow!’ said Adele. ‘I was trying to comfort her, that’s all.’ Then she rounded on Louise, saying, ‘But I won’t fuckin’ bother in future if that’s all the thanks I get.’

She stormed out of the cell, leaving Louise to do the rest of the explaining to her girlfriend. A small crowd had gathered at the cell door: prisoners who had just returned from visiting. On the outer periphery of the crowd Adele could see two prison officers. One of them was Prison Officer Fox, otherwise known by the inmates as Sly.

Nobody liked Sly because of her attitude towards the prisoners, which was hostile and condescending. Sly was middle-aged, overweight and had a matronly bearing. She had plain features and her hair was short and brushed back from her face in a style that was more practical than fashionable. Sly had been married for thirty years and her sex life, or lack of it, was a constant source of speculation and amusement amongst the women.

‘What’s going on here?’ Sly demanded as she approached the crowd.

The women began to disperse and Adele quickly pushed her way through them and strode up the corridor. A confrontation with Sly was the last thing she needed. As she walked away she could hear Prison Officer Fox quizzing the prisoners around her. After a few paces Adele felt a tug on her arm and she swung round, ready to defend herself again. But it wasn’t Denise or Louise. It was her friend Caroline.

‘Adele, stop!’ Caroline said.

Adele turned to face her, her complexion now ruddy and her palms sweaty.

‘You alright?’ Caroline asked.

‘Yes, just a misunderstanding,’ snarled Adele. ‘I’m sure Denise will realise that once Louise has explained herself.’

‘Do you want talk about it?’

Adele looked into her friend’s face, and noticed how the soft folds of her features had settled into a frown. Seeing Caroline’s motherly concern, Adele couldn’t stay angry for long.

‘OK,’ she said. ‘I think I could do with a chat after that carry-on.’

They entered Caroline’s cell, where she poured them both coffee from a flask.

‘Get that down you,’ she said, smiling at Adele.

Adele forced a smile in return.

‘What was it about?’ asked Caroline.

‘She was upset because her mother hadn’t showed up again. I was just trying to comfort her, that’s all.’

‘Ah, right. And Denise got the wrong end of the stick?’

‘As far as I was concerned, yes, but she may have spotted Louise trying to kiss me.’

‘You’re joking!’ said Caroline, stifling a giggle.

‘I know. Hilarious, isn’t it?’ Adele responded, joining in Caroline’s laughter.

‘It amazes me how she could try it on even though everyone knows you’re not that way inclined. Not to mention the fact that she’s already in a relationship with Denise.’