‘It’s a pun on the word “incubus”, which is spelt with a C. An incubus is a mythological demon who has sex with sleeping women.’

‘Sounds charming!’ laughed Bailey.

‘I’ve even designed a logo of a naughty little demon,’ said Poppy. She paused and swallowed. ‘But the thing is, I’m really bad with numbers. I’ve always been good at art, shit at maths. I need someone to help me on the business side. You told me you used to be an accountant, right?’

‘Yeah, that’s right.’

‘And when you get out of here you want to go straight, right?’

‘Sure. I just want to go straight. No more trouble.’

‘So you could help me out with my shop. I could do the tattoos and you could do the numbers. I know you must be good at it if you managed to embezzle all that money.’ And then she added with a laugh, ‘although I’d obviously prefer it if you didn’t get up to that kind of thing in our business.’ She paused, serious once more. ‘How does that sound?’

Now it made sense why Poppy had shown so much interest in the accounting aspects of her cover story. She’d seen long-term potential in their relationship.

‘I’m really touched that you’re asking,’ said Bailey. ‘I’d love to help you out.’

For once, Bailey wasn’t lying. Although she found it unlikely that she would actually go into business with Poppy, she was certain that once they were both out of this place she could find a way to lend her some sort of assistance with her business without ever needing to reveal that she was a policewoman. After all, she did possess the requisite skills.

‘That would make me really happy,’ said Poppy. ‘I get out in six months. Good behaviour and all that. I know you’re in here for a bit longer, but I can come and visit you and we can work on the business plan together. And who knows, maybe you’ll get out early with good behaviour as well.’

Bailey frowned. ‘But what about the ABC?’

‘What about them?’

‘It’s blood out, right? Even when you’re outside prison, you’re still a member, aren’t you?’

‘Sure, there’s stuff you’re expected to do for them now and then. But it’s not going to stop me from opening my tattoo shop. And it doesn’t have to interfere with your plans for going straight either. I reckon we can probably get out of doing anything too serious.’

‘I guess that sounds fine,’ said Bailey. ‘I admire your determination and I’m looking forward to helping you.’ She paused a moment. ‘But we’re just doing this as friends, right?’

‘Sure,’ said Poppy. ‘Friends.’

Chapter 82

The ringing bell jolted through Bailey’s head and woke her from her nightmares. She lay there breathing heavily, relieved to be awake. Leaning over, she reached to switch off her alarm clock. And then she remembered that she didn’t have an alarm clock. And then she realised that the ringing was way too loud to be from an alarm clock anyway.