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PREVIOUSLY.....
Edwina is in her hospital bed asleep, when a mystery hand picks up a pillow and puts it over her face.
Marty returns to the flat with some cans of beer and a takeaway. Stu is sat on the sofa and tells Marty that his girlfriend is in the kitchen and can't wait to meet him.
Stu (shouts): Mags, could you come here a minute please.
Stu's girlfriend enters the room as he introduces them: "Mags this is Marty." Marty's eyes meet with hers and they both look shocked. It is Spike Marsh!
Janet opens Meg's locker while Meg, Ann and Cynthia are stood there. Cynthia is looking smug. Janet produces a wad of money and a bottle, which Janet opens and smells.
Janet: Alcohol. Can you explain this please Mrs. Morris.
Meg: No. I've never seen it before in my life.
Janet: OK there will have to be an investigation. In the meantime you are suspended from duty Mrs. Morris. Cynthia, you can take over as deputy governor.
Ann and Meg look at each other in despair..........
Episode 754
At the hospital, the doctor and one of the nurses are talking in the corridor.
Doctor: Do you realise, nightshift would be totally unbearable if I didn't have you to look at, Sharon.
Nurse (Sharon): Oh please, don't you ever give up?
Doctor: Not until you say you'll go out with me.
Sharon: It won't happen. You've got more chance with that Edwina woman in ward 3.
Doctor: Urrgh. I think I'll pass on that one thanks. She looks like she'd eat me alive. Speaking of which, I'd better go and check on her. I'll speak to you later.
Sharon: Yeah. I can barely wait.
The doctor goes up to Edwina'a ward and sees a woman in her mid 30's holding a pillow over Edwina's face. She sees him, he shouts, and she runs out knocking him over in the process. He raises the alarm. Sharon comes running in and he tells her to stay with Edwina while he goes after the woman.
He chases her down the stairs but she has made it outside. He spots her and goes after her. Then a police car arrives and an officer gets out and catches her as she tries to run past him.
Police officer: Well well, if it isn't Sheila Blake. You just can't stay out of trouble can you? Right you're under arrest.
Ann, Cynthia and Janet are in the governor's office.
Ann: I don't believe for one minute that Meg's been dealing with the women. I've known her far too long.
Cynthia: Obviously you didn't know her as well as you thought, governor.
Ann: I know her extremely well thank you, and I think you had something to do with this.
Janet: That will be enough. I won't have accusations made against officers when there's no proof, thank you Mrs. Reynolds.
Ann: Well if it's proof you want, that's what I intend to get.
Janet: Well until you do, just keep your accusations to yourself please.
Cynthia stands there smirking.
Janet: Mrs. Morris will have every chance to defend herself. In the meantime I want every prisoner interviewed.
Ann: Every prisoner?! What will that achieve?
Janet: I'd have thought that was obvious. If Mrs. Morris was selling them contraband then I'm sure one of them will talk.
It's next morning, and Marty gets up to find Stu eating breakfast.
Marty: Morning Stu.
Stu doesn't respond.
Marty: Look, I'm sorry about last night.
Stu: You're sorry?! Is that all you can say? I bring my girlfriend home to meet you and all you can do is go straight to bed. Why?
Marty: I wasn't feeling well. It was nothing, honestly.
Stu: Oh come on, she was acting pretty strange too. Have you had her or something?
Marty: No. Oh ok I'll tell you. We went to school together, that was all.
Stu: Oh come on, there must be more to it than that. You were really off with her.
Marty: Look, I'll explain later. I've really got to go to work now.
Marty goes out, and Stu shouts after him that he can always move out if he doesn't like his birds.
Ann is talking to Joyce in her office, and she asks Joyce how Meg is. Joyce tells Ann that she's naturally upset but she's going to come in today to try to clear things up.
Ann: Well I've got to start interviewing the women this morning. For all the good it will do! Could you start bringing them to me after breakfast please Mrs. Pringle?
Joyce: Yes. Mrs. Reynolds. (goes to leave). Oh. Have you heard anything about my transfer yet?
Ann: Oh yes. I'm sorry Joyce but Helmslough's under quarantine at the moment. Some sort of virus I think. I'm afraid you'll have to wait until that's lifted, that's if you still want to go. Perhaps you could try talking to Mervin again.
Joyce: There's nothing left to say. No I can wait a few more days. What about Mullins? She was meant to be going there today wasn't she?
Ann: Yes, well she'll be coming back here this morning, along with another new arrival - Sheila Blake. We're going to have to keep an eye on her and Simpson. I don't want any more trouble.
Pat is talking to Wendy in reception when Lisa and Sheila are brought in. Pat inducts them both and takes them to their showers. While they are showering Sheila starts talking to Lisa.
Sheila: Do you get to see the workmen at all?
Lisa: Are you kidding, I'm pregnant by one of them.
Sheila: Oh good. Perhaps you could help me then.
Lisa: I'm not getting in no more strife. I've only got a couple of weeks left to serve.
Sheila: Fine, I'll do it without you then.
Pat: Oh come on you two. Hurry up with those showers will you?
The other women are in the laundry with Amanda on the press. Cynthia brings Kath back from solitary.
Cynthia: Here's another one for you. Give her something to do Spencer.
Merle: Kath!!
Amanda: OK you can fold the sheets.
Kath: I'm not taking orders from you. I'm top dog.
Amanda: Not any more, ask Miss Leach.
Cynthia: You heard her Maxwell, start folding. Now! Or are you going to disobey the deputy governor?
The women gasp.
Kath: What? Where's Mrs. Morris?
Cynthia: She was stupid Maxwell, just like you. She under-estimated me.
Cynthia leaves the laundry.
Kath: OK Spencer. Off the press now.
Merle: Yeah. Kath always does that job don't you Kath?
Kath: That's right Merle.
Amanda: You'll have to take it up with Miss Leach.
Kath: OK ladies. We'll have to force her off.
Kath turns round and all the women pretend to get back to work.
Kath: Brumby?
Brumby: Sorry Kath.
Kath: Jacko?
Jacko looks away.
Kath: I see. So she's got you all running scared has she?
Brumby: Oh it's not that. it's the pills she's promised to get.
Kath: Drugs?!
Amanda: That's right. It's what the women want.
Kath: You stupid fools. You're prepared to throw away everything we've achieved for a few lousy pills. You all make me sick.
Kath runs out of the laundry and Merle follows her.
Ann speaks to Lisa in her office and tells her that she wants no repercussions with Cindy when she gets out of solitary tomorrow. She would put her in isolation but there will be building work going on there for the next few days. Ann also tells her that she understands her position but it could ruin her release if she is caught with Roy. Lisa assures her that she just wants to keep her nose clean and get out of the place for good.
Merle catches up with Kath in the corridor and asks if she's ok.
Kath: I'm sorry Merle, but I need to be left alone for a bit. I need time to think.
Merle: But Kath, I'm your friend.
Kath: Yes I know Merle, but please can you go back to the laundry.
Wally comes along and asks Merle if he can speak to her.
Merle: Am I in trouble again?
Wally: No of course not, the opposite in fact. How would you feel about being released?
Kath: Released? But she's got ages to serve yet.
Merle: Anyway, I wanna stay here with Kath.
Wally: You don't want to get out?
Merle: Not unless Kath does too. Then I can go and live with her.
Kath: You really think you can get her an early release?
Wally: I'm working on it. I've already spoken to the press and they're going to print a story on her, we need all the public support we can get.
Kath: Well it sounds wonderful. Merle, you have to want to get out of here.
Merle: Nah. Not unless you can come too.
Wally: I'm afraid that's hoping for a bit too much Merle.
Merle: Well I won't go.
Merle goes running off in a state.
Wally: It's my fault I should have asked her first.
Kath: No you did the right thing Wally. Don't worry, I'm sure I can talk her round. Wally goes off.
Lisa and Sheila walk down the corridor with Pat Slattery.
Kath: Lisa, are you alright? How's the baby?
Lisa: The baby's fine. No thanks to that bitch Simpson.
Pat: OK Mullins. You know what the governor said, there's to be no repercussions.
Lisa: Yeah yeah. Don't worry, I won't lay a finger on her.
Pat: Well see that you don't, and Maxwell shouldn't you be in the laundry?
Kath: Just going to the loo Mrs. Slattery.
Pat: Well get on with it then. OK you two, you're both in here. Get your beds made and I'll be back later to check.
Pat leaves them in their cell.
Lisa: Strewth. Nothing changes around here. Thank God I'm getting out in a couple of weeks.
Sheila: Do you know where the men are working?
Lisa: Yeah, Mrs. Reynolds said they were in the isolation block.
Sheila: Is that far from here?
Lisa: Not really. I wouldn't bother though, there's not much worth looking at - apart from Roy, and he's mine!
Sheila: I'm not after anything like that. My brother's working here, but you're not to tell anyone ok? If the screws find out we're related then they'll put two and two together and he'll be in real strife.
Lisa: Bloody hell, I've just realised who you are. Trigger said he had a sister called Sheila, and he said you knew Edwina Steele when you were inside before.
Sheila: We called her 'steel claw'. Right old bitch she was, she used to really pick on me, and it was my mate Charlene who she nearly killed. That's why she's inside.
Lisa: So that's why you tried to kill her. How did you know she was in hospital though?
Sheila: My brother told me.
Lisa: Oh my God, it was him wasn't it? Bloody hell, no wonder you don't want them to know he's your brother.
Sheila: You won't tell anyone will you?
Lisa: I'm not getting involved in nothing these next two weeks. Besides, I don't blame you for trying to kill her. Shame you didn't succeed.
Sheila: I'll just have to wait until she comes back here.
Lisa: You don't think they'll put you two anywhere near each other do you? She'll be transferred for sure. No you've had your chance and you've blown it.
Sheila: Damn. I've got to get her. Otherwise I'll probably end up in here for months, even years, for nothing.
Janet is with Ann in her office.
Ann: All the women have been interviewed and it's as I expected.
Janet: What's that?
Ann: Nothing! It's obviously a set up, and it's obvious who's behind it too. Cynthia Leach.
Janet: That's enough. I won't have you making unfounded accusations against a highly regarded member of staff. I've known Cynthia for many years and there's no way she'd be involved in anything corrupt.
Ann: Then you obviously don't know her very well.
Janet: I will not tolerate these continued insolent remarks from you Mrs. Reynolds. Your attitude had better improve greatly as a whole, or I'll have no other option but to have you replaced with somebody who can do the job.
Ann: Like Cynthia Leach?!
Janet: Yes. Like Cynthia Leach.
There is a knock on the door and Meg enters.
Ann: Meg. I'm afraid you're a little early I haven't......
Janet: She means she hasn't managed to talk me round yet, and I can assure you it isn't that simple. You may have been able to get up to what you like here in the past between you both, but things will be different from now on.
Ann: Now just a minute.
Meg: That is untrue and unfair. Mrs. Reynolds has done an excellent job here as governor.
Janet: OK I won't beat around the bush. Wentworth is about to become a maximum security prison, and for that I need a strong management team. Mrs. Morris, I'm prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt as there's no real proof at the moment. But be warned, if I get any firm evidence that you've been abusing your position then you'll be sacked on the spot. Do you understand?
Meg: Perfectly.
Ann: I'll call Miss Leach, and tell her you're back as deputy.
Janet: Hold your horses. I said I wanted a strong management team here, and I think that means keeping Miss Leach as deputy.
Ann: You can't be serious. That woman....
Janet: That woman is a damn fine officer, and she happens to be just what this place needs to toughen it up a bit.
Meg: So I'm being demoted then?
Janet: Yes. Although there's a vacancy at Barnhurst for a deputy governor. You could apply for that, as it's only a low security prison.
Meg: Which means I'll have to sell up and move. No thank you.
Janet: Very well. You may remain here in senior officer rank. As for you Mrs. Reynolds....
Ann (gets up): If you're demoting me too then I'll resign here and now.
Janet: No. I'm prepared to give you another chance as governor, but I want the Blackmoor security measures to take effect straight away.
Ann and Meg look at each other in horror.
Ann: Blackmoor? You're not serious.
Janet: I thought you would have realised by now Mrs. Reynolds. I never joke about prison matters. I want armed guards on the fences at all times, all security gates are to be locked at all times, recreation time will be spent in cells, lights out will be an hour earlier, and officers will carry batons at all times. That will do for starters.
Meg: For starters?! The women just won't stand for it.
Ann: They certainly won't.
Janet: The women will have no say in the matter. These security measures should ensure there's no further trouble. Oh and I want that ridiculous paper stopped as well.
Ann: But the women have worked hard on that.
Janet: I can see what they've worked hard on from the last issue. That's all I've got to say on the matter.
Meg: So you're not even prepared to listen to anything we say?
Ann: Meg.
Meg: No I'm sorry Ann but this has gone far enough. I'm not having all your good work destroyed by.....
Janet: Careful what you say Mrs. Morris. You should be grateful you even have a job at the moment, but you can always resign if you don't like the way things are.
Meg: OK then I resign.
Meg goes out, slamming the door behind her.
Sheila is at the isolation block with Lisa keeping nit in the corridor.
Lisa: For God sake get on with it, I'm not doing extra time for you.
Sheila goes into the cell and finds Trigger there with Roy.
Trigger: Sheila. I heard you were in here. How could you be so stupid? You'll get years for this. Sheila looks at Roy.
Trigger: Oh he's ok, he knows.
Roy: Yeah and I wish I didn't.
Sheila: I was doing it partly for you, so she didn't talk. But I owed that bitch too.
Trigger: She wouldn't have identified me, she didn't see who attacked her.
Sheila: Well I hope they send the bitch back here.
Trigger: You be careful Sheila, don't go doing anything stupid.
Sheila: It's a bit late for that. Look I've got to go, I'll speak to you later, and please don't tell anyone else about you being my brother.
Trigger: Just don't you tell anyone.
Sheila: Well I have told my cellmate Lisa Mullins, but she's ok.
Roy: Lisa's in here?
Sheila: Are you her fella? Yeah she's waiting for me in the corridor.
Roy goes rushing out to see Lisa.
Roy: Lisa! I thought they were transferring you.
Lisa: They were, but there's some quarantine or something at Helmslough so they sent me back here. I can't be seen talking to you though or they'll stop my release.
Roy: Well you'd better go back. Gee it is good to see you but.
They hug, and Lisa calls Sheila, and they both go back.
They get to the next security gate and realise it has been locked.
Lisa: They've locked the bloody security gates. What the hell are we going to do now?
The women are in the dining room when Cynthia comes in, speaks to Pat, and then announces that they are all to go straight to their cells after tea. Their are cries of "What have we done now?" and Cynthia tells them to shut up and move out.
In the corridor, Cynthia pulls Amanda to one side and tells her that security has been tightened, but she'll supervise her visit tomorrow so there will be no problem getting the drugs in. Amanda nods and walks off. Cynthia and Pat check and lock the cells, and then Pat notices that Lisa and Sheila are missing. Cynthia reacts by sounding the escape alarm. The women want to know what's going on but are told to shut up.
Cynthia barges into Ann's office without knocking and tells her that Mullins and Blake are missing.
Ann: What?!
Cynthia: I'd say they've escaped. It hasn't been your day has it governor?
Ann: They won't have escaped. Mullins only had 2 weeks to serve, they must still be in the prison somewhere. Are the men still here?
Cynthia: Yes, but they've been in isolation all day, and the security gates are locked. They couldn't get to them without an officer.
Ann: Well I want a full search of the prison.
Cynthia: Yes governor.
Lisa and Sheila are eventually found by Cynthia and taken to the governor. Ann decides to just revoke their visiting priveliges for the next week. She lets them go and Cynthia turns on Ann.
Cynthia: That's ridiculous governor, they should have been sent to solitary at least.
Ann: My decision is final Miss Leach. I am still governor here, whether you like it or not.
Cynthia: Well enjoy it while you can governor (emphathises word), because you're certainly on your way out of here.
Ann (stands up): If it's my job you want then be warned, I am prepared to fight you all the way.
Cynthia: There's more than one way to skin a cat governor.
Cynthia leaves the office and Ann looks thoughtful.
Marty arrives home and Spike is there with Stu. He gets her alone and tells her they have to tell Stu the truth about where they met. She refuses and Marty tells her he still likes her a lot. Spike tells him that there's nothing between them and there never was. They decide to try and get along as friends for Stu's sake.
Ann goes to see Meg, but Joyce tells her she's gone away for a few days and has left her to look after the house. Ann and Joyce end up having a few drinks together and discuss Meg and Cynthia, and Joyce ends up telling Ann that she still loves Mervin but can't trust him again.
Ann arrives at the prison and there are protesters at the main gate saying "Free Merle Jones", and there are reporters everywhere. They pounce on her, but she manages to get through them by saying "No comment", in reception Rodney tells her that Janet is waiting in her office.
Ann enters her affice to find a furious Janet, holding open a paper. Janet starts to read the article on Merle out loud.
Ann: Well I know it's not particularly good publicity for the deaprtment, but if it means Merle is released then surely thats.....
Janet: The woman's dangerous. There's no way she's ready to be released into society.
Ann: Nonsense, she's totally different now compared to how she was when she first came to Wentworth.
Janet: I'm not prepared to argue the point Mrs. Reynolds. I want Mr. Wallace brought to this office as soon as he arrives.
Cindy is back with the others in time for breakfast. She tells Lisa she was lucky that time but not to cross her again, Amanda steps in and tells them there will be no trouble while she's in charge. Lisa sits with Kath and Merle, and tells Kath she'd love to wipe the smug look of Simpson's face. Kath warns her not to get in any more trouble. Brumby asks Amanda when the drugs are coming in, and Amanda replies that they should be arriving this morning.
Wally arrives at reception and is told by Rodney that he is wanted in the governor's office.
Rodney: I wouldn't like to be in your shoes, she didn't sound too happy.
Wally: I think I know why too.
Wally knocks on Ann's door, and is told to enter.
Janet: What is the meaning of this? (passes paper to him)
Wally: It's an article on Merle Jones.
Janet: You do realise that you were totally out of line talking to the press like that?
Wally: No I don't. All I realise is that Merle Jones doesn't belong in here, and I'm damn well going to help get her out.
Ann: I think Mr. Wallace's intentions were good, I'm sure he....
Janet: I'm not particularly interested in your personal feelings Mrs. Reynolds. OK Mr. Wallace, let this be a warning to you. I will not tolerate any of my staff talking to the press. You are only a handyman here after all. Please don't forget that!
Wally: No Miss. Walsh.
Stu tells Marty he's glad him and Maggie are getting on well now. He's arranged a foursome for that night, with a blind date for Marty. Marty refuses at first but is talked into it.
Amanda announces in the laundry that the drugs are now for sale, but not to take them until after lock-up as she doesn't want the screws down on them.
Brumby: About time. I was beginning to think you were bluffing.
Cindy: I'll have some. I need something to help me get through the next year.
Lisa: That's your own fault. You could have been out of here next week.
Cindy: Oh shut up it's your fault I'm stuck in here.
Lisa: Yeah, cos I really asked you to try and kill my baby, which I haven't forgotten by the way. One way or another I'm going to get you back Simpson.
Cindy: You wouldn't dare. You want to get out of here too bad.
Lisa: Don't you believe it Simpson. It might just be worth it.
Kath: Come on Lisa. Forget the bitch, she's not worth it.
Amanda: Anyone else want to buy some instant happiness?
Kath: You sound like you've done this before Spencer.
Amanda: Maybe I have.
Brumby: So that's why you're in here, well you didn't have to lie about it. Most of us here would have been ok about it.
Kath: You're a fool Brumby. She's managed to buy you off and you let her.
Brumby: Give it a rest Maxwell. You're not top dog anymore you know.
Sheila: I'll have some. I haven't got any money till tomorrow though.
Amanda: Sorry no credit.
Sheila: Will you take fags?
Amanda: Yeah ok, this time only though.
Lisa: Sheila, I thought you'd have more sense.
Sheila: I could be spending years in here, you get out in a couple of weeks. I've got to have something to make it worthwhile.
Kath: You'll get a lot longer if you're caught with that stuff.
Sheila: God, quit with the lectures you two will ya?
Cynthia comes to Amanda's cell later to collect her share of the profit, Amanda tries to con her but Cynthia hits her and she gives her the rest. Amanda says it's not fair that she only gets 25% though when she's taking all the risks. Cynthia responds with "Life isn't meant to be fair Spencer".
Ann has called Cynthia to her office.
Ann: I've just had a very interesting chat with the governor of Helmslough.
Cynthia: I take it there's some relevance to this, governor.
Ann: Does the name Marcia Kennedy mean anything to you?
Cynthia: Rings a bell, but I meet lots of people in this job. I can't remember everybody.
Ann: Oh I think you'd remember this one, she was murdered at Blackmoor 6 years ago.
Cynthia: Oh yes. I remember now. Very sad. At least they caught the person responsible.
Ann: Did they? I wonder.
Cynthia: What exactly are you getting at governor?
Ann: An ex-prisoner from here has been spreading rumours around Helmslough that you murdered her, and Craven helped you set the other girl up.
Cynthia (gets angry): Who was it? I'll sue her for slander.
Ann: That won't be necessary. I'm inclined to believe the story.
Cynthia: That is a very serious accusation governor. I hope for your sake you've got some evidence to back it up or I'll take you to the cleaners.
Ann: Not yet, but I intend to find the evidence, and believe me when I put my mind to something then I get it done.
Mervin manages to get Joyce alone in the staffroom.
Mervin: Joyce, will you please listen to me.
Joyce: Oh Mervin, can't you just accept that it's over.
Mervin: Joyce, I never had an affair. This woman's.... well she's been stalking me for weeks now.
Joyce: Don't make me laugh Mervin.
Mervin: It's true. I can't get rid of her since....
Joyce: Since what?
Mervin: Well we did kiss once, but that was all. It meant nothing, honest.
Joyce: You kissed her?!
Mervin: Well yes.
Joyce: I knew it Mervin Pringle. That's it then, it's over. I want a divorce.
Joyce goes running out of the staffroom crying. Cynthia enters.
Cynthia: Can you go back to the kitchen Mervin, I need to make an important phone call.
Mervin shakes his head and walks out. Cynthia picks up the phone and dials it.
Cynthia: Sid? It's Cynthia. I need you to return that favour I did for you.
Wendy is in reception with Pat, when Ann comes through.
Ann: Pat, Edwina Steele is being brought back here. She could be here any time now, we're also expecting an old friend from Barnhurst. Can you process them please, I've got to go out for a bit.
Pat: Yes governor, but surely you're not putting Steele back with the others are you?
Ann: I've got no choice I'm afraid. Janet Walsh has insisted that we should be able to cope now that the new security measures are in place, but we'll have to keep a very close eye on that one.
Ann signs out and leaves.
Pat: I get the feeling Ann's not in favour with the department at the moment.
Wendy: I know. That Janet Walsh seems like a right ogre.
Just then Edwina is brought in by a police escort. Behind her is Chrissie Latham. Pat inducts them both.
Cynthia finds Brumby in her cell and asks her if she's been spreading rumours about her.
Brumby: No, of course not. I know what would happen to me if I did.
Cynthia: You'd better believe it Tucker. I know it was you, I've found out that it was Helen Stevens who talked, and you shared a cell with her.
Brumby: Please Miss Leach, I'll do anything you like. Don't hurt me please.
Cynthia: I'm not going to hurt you Tucker.....Yet! But it is coming, and when it does you know that it won't be pleasant don't you Tucker?!
Ann is driving home when she realises she is being followed by a large white van. It starts tooting and flashing so she tries to pull over to let it pass. It ends up forcing her off the road and she loses control and drives off the road. Her car rolls over several times and is badly smashed up. The white van stops for a minute and then drives off..........
CAST
Ann Reynolds
Meg Morris
Joyce Pringle
Marty Jackson
Kath Maxwell
Lisa Mullins
Merle Jones
Brumby Tucker
Cynthia Leach
Rodney Adams
Pat Slattery
Amanda Spencer
Chrissie Latham
Edwina Steele
Cindy Simpson
Sheila Blake
Wally Wallace
Spike Marsh
Stu Robinson
Janet Walsh
Mervin Pringle
Roy Bateman
Trigger
Wendy Scott
Doctor
Sharon (Nurse)
Police officer
police escort
Reporter 1
Reporter 2
Protester 1
Protester 2
© 2004 'Tiggs' for On The Inside
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