Adele felt exactly like she had as a child when the local gossips would scrutinise her as she went in the corner shop, displaying their blatant disapproval. She was self-conscious. Ashamed. Inadequate. She was bad. Her family was bad. And she deserved all she got.

Before she could get too carried away in her thoughts, the governor looked up from her file again and, without preamble, she said, ‘Two weeks’ loss of canteen.’

Two weeks without any treats. That was bad. But although Adele was disappointed, she was also relieved. At least the governor hadn’t added any time onto her sentence so the punishment was relatively mild.

‘Thank you, ma’am,’ said Adele, not really sure what words were appropriate under the circumstances.

As Adele spoke, she noticed the expression on Sly’s face, which conveyed her disappointment that Adele hadn’t been punished more severely.

Adele waited for the governor to dismiss her, but instead she said, ‘I’ve received some information about your studies.’ She looked up at Adele. ‘I’ve found a suitable course of study, which can be taken on a distance-learning basis.’

Adele’s face broke into a smile despite her punishment and the hostile look on Sly’s face.

‘It’s fortunate for you that I had already put you forward for the course,’ continued the governor. ‘But before I let you go ahead, I want your assurance that there won’t be a repeat of today’s behaviour.’

‘No, there won’t,’ said Adele. ‘I promise… Oh, and thank you so much, I really appreciate it.’

‘Very well, I’ll send the study materials down to your cell as soon as we receive them.’

‘Thank you,’ Adele gushed. Then she felt Sly grasp her arm tightly and, together with the other guard, they led her out of the office.

Once they were well away from the governor’s office, Sly said to the other guard, ‘It’s OK, I can handle her from here.’

Sly waited till the other guard had walked away, then she said to Adele, ‘Don’t think you’re anything special, Robinson. You’re just like the rest of them in here. Scum!’

Then she grabbed Adele’s arm even tighter and dragged her along the corridors and back to her cell.

Adele didn’t say anything in retaliation. She knew that it would only make matters worse for her. With Shazza and Sly both against her, things were already bad enough.

Chapter 18

When Adele returned to her cell, Anna was lying on her bunk facing the wall with her back to her. Adele noticed Anna roll down her sleeve quickly and hide something in her other hand. She couldn’t tell what the item was as Anna had her fingers clenched tightly around it.

‘Anna, are you alright?’ asked Adele.