‘Nice, these biscuits, aren’t they?’ asked Anna. ‘Don’t let anyone see them, though,’ she added cradling hers in her hand so it wouldn’t be visible to anyone entering their cell.

‘What is it, Anna?’ Adele asked.

‘What d’you mean?’ Anna responded, defensively.

‘There’s something on your mind, isn’t there?’ Adele thought it might be something to do with Shazza picking on her.

‘No, course there isn’t,’ said Anna.

‘Well, why are you so restless then?’

‘Dunno. That’s just me, I suppose.’

They ate and drank in silence for a few minutes until Anna said, ‘There is kind of something.’

‘Oh, yeah?’ said Adele, raising her eyebrows.

‘It’s Shazza.’

‘Go on,’ said Adele, half expecting Anna to confide in her about how Shazza had been bullying her.

Anna spoke hesitantly. ‘Well… you know she was the number one last time she was in here, don’t you?’

‘Yes, I believe so,’ said Adele.

‘Only, she doesn’t like anyone treading on her toes, y’know.’

‘Yes, I got that impression,’ said Adele.

‘Well, don’t say I’ve said owt,’ Anna continued, and Adele detected a tremble in her voice. ‘But she’ll stop anyone who gets in her way.’

‘OK, I think I gathered that as well.’

‘Yeah, but what I’m trying to say is… well… she thinks you’re the one to stop.’

‘Why?’ asked Adele. ‘I told her I don’t want any trouble. If she wants to be the number one then she’s welcome to it.’

‘Yeah, but…’

‘Go on,’ Adele urged when Anna paused.

‘Well, it’s just that Shazza doesn’t work like that,’ said Anna, who then rushed to defend her words. ‘Don’t get me wrong, she’s a mate and all that. We get on, y’know… we do each other favours… so don’t think I’m calling her. I wouldn’t do that.’

Adele noticed a slight twitch of Anna’s lip when she stopped speaking. She nodded for her to continue. ‘But the trouble is,’ Anna said, ‘other people are telling her you’re top dog, and it’s pissing her off. You need to be careful, Adele, that’s all I’m saying… oh, but I didn’t tell you that, OK?’

‘Don’t worry, Anna,’ said Adele. ‘It won’t go any further.’ Although she spoke confidently to Anna, the adrenalin was pumping. Shazza was trouble and she wanted to bring her down.

Adele stared into Anna’s eyes and asked, ‘You’re frightened of her, aren’t you?’

‘No. Course not,’ Anna replied hastily. ‘I told you, she’s a mate. And I’m not calling her. Don’t tell anyone I was calling her.’