It seemed clear to her that prisoner Robinson had a temper, which had obviously landed her in here in the first place. It was a pity that it should spoil her because, from what she had seen of Robinson, she seemed to be an otherwise sensible, intelligent woman.

Governor Jones mulled over matters while scanning the files of the two prisoners involved. She would have to have a good think before deciding what form of punishment was appropriate for each of them.

*

It wasn’t long after lunch before Sly and another prison officer came into Adele’s cell ready to accompany her to see the governor. As Adele walked along the prison corridors, led by Sly, she could feel her heart beating erratically. She was dreading finding out what her punishment would be. The last thing she needed was to have time added onto her sentence. It was bad enough as it was.

When they arrived outside the governor’s office, Shazza was being led away by another two guards. She glared at Adele as she passed and then hissed. Adele quickly broke eye contact, not wishing to be pinned down by the intense gaze of Shazza’s vivid turquoise eyes.

‘Wait here!’ ordered Sly, leaving Adele with the other guard as she stepped up to the office door and knocked on it in an exaggerated, officious manner.

When the governor shouted for her to enter, Sly grabbed hold of Adele’s arm tightly and dragged her towards the door. ‘Right, come on!’ she ordered.

Once inside the governor’s office, Sly and the other guard took their place at either side of Adele in the centre of the room. Sly surveyed her while the governor peered above her glasses. Her eyes switched from the file on her desk to Adele and back again, as they had during the previous meeting.

For several seconds Adele felt exposed under the scrutiny of both the governor and the prison officers. She could feel her knees shaking and her face was flushed.

‘Now then,’ said the governor. ‘I’m afraid I’m very disappointed in you, prisoner Robinson. I was surprised when my officers told me you had been involved in a fight. It’s difficult to believe that you’re the same young lady that wanted to study in order to make good use of your time here.’

‘I’m sorry, but it was self-defence,’ said Adele. ‘I was—’

‘Yes, I’m aware of what happened,’ said the governor. ‘My officers have given me a full account.’

Adele saw Sly puff out her chest and raise herself to her full height, obviously overjoyed that Adele was getting a telling-off. Adele wasn’t sure whether the governor wanted a response, and she stood awkwardly for several seconds, as the governor studiously examined her.