‘Not really, but I’ve only just started them and I was rubbish at English and Maths at school,’ said Cheryl.

‘Well, a lot can depend on the teacher,’ added Caroline. ‘And it’s different when you’re at school, too. A lot of people go on to study after they’ve left school, and they find they get along a lot better when they’re a bit more mature. Just keep trying and you never know what it might lead to.’

‘Thanks,’ said Cheryl, a radiant smile lighting up her pretty features.

Adele was glad Caroline had stepped in. She hadn’t been sure what to say to Cheryl but Caroline had a way of speaking to people that spurred them on without sounding too patronising.

‘You stopping for a cuppa?’ Caroline asked Adele.

Adele raised her eyes and drew her lips back. ‘I shouldn’t really. I’ve left Anna on her own.’

‘We’ll only be a few minutes,’ said Caroline. ‘Anyway, Shazza takes from her whether we’re there or not. I think you’re the one we need to protect more than Anna.’

‘Thanks. Cheer me up, why don’t you?’ laughed Adele. ‘Still, I think it’s best to keep an eye on things. I don’t trust Shazza with her.’

‘Sorry, I was being a bit insensitive,’ said Caroline. ‘I know what you mean. It’s just so bloody restrictive having to keep an eye out all the time, isn’t it? Anyway, do you fancy that cuppa?’

When Adele hesitated, Caroline persisted: ‘Go on, just a quick one.’

‘Oh, alright then,’ said Adele. ‘You’ve twisted my arm. We can make it a celebratory one now I’ve received my course booklets.’

Once they got chatting, the time soon passed and it was another twenty minutes before Adele headed back to her own cell.

‘Wait a minute,’ said Caroline. ‘I’ll walk back with you.’ She turned to Cheryl. ‘You’ll be OK for a minute, won’t you?’

Cheryl nodded but Adele noticed the way her eyes darted nervously from Caroline to her, then back again.

‘You sure?’ Caroline asked.

‘Yeah, course I am,’ said Cheryl.

As soon as they were outside the cell Caroline whispered to Adele, ‘I won’t leave her long but I needed to have a quick word with you.’

‘OK,’ said Adele, raising her eyebrows inquisitively.

As Caroline walked along the corridor with Adele, she continued, ‘I think Shazza might have got to Cheryl, too. Apart from the black eye, she’s been a bit troubled lately. I’ve tried raising the subject but she denies there’s a problem.’

‘Um, not much you can do if she won’t talk about it,’ said Adele.

‘I know, but I think we’re best to keep an eye on her, even so.’

‘Yeah, sure,’ Adele replied.