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PREVIOUSLY.......................................
Meg: How did your meeting with Walsh go?
Ann: Badly!
Meg: Well Judy has got a proposition for you that may cheer you up.
Ann: I'm sorry Judy but you'll have to speak to somebody else about it.
Judy: But I really need to see the governor.
Ann: As I said, you'll have to speak to somebody else. I'm no longer the governor.
Meg (in shock): What?
Ann: As I said, I'm no longer governor of Wentworth. I've just been fired.....................................
EPISODE 766
Everybody else has gone, and only Meg and Ann remain. Meg passes Ann a drink.
Ann: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break up the party, there was no need for everybody to leave.
Meg: That's alright. Now tell me what happened.
Ann: Well I just lost it Meg. Walsh was accusing me of being an incompetent and I told her what I thought of her and the department.
Meg: And she sacked you for that?
Ann: I did give her a few choice words.
Meg: Well we'll go on strike until they give you your job back. She'll soon back down.
Ann: I don't want my job back Meg.
Meg: You can't be serious?
Ann: I've never been more serious about anything. I never want to set foot in that place again.
On the way to the showers, Roo tells Amanda to find out who put the garbage in her bed. Amanda sees Su and Sheila coming and tells Roo to "Rack off". Su pushes Roo as she walks past her, and then she and Sheila laugh as they walk on. Roo curses them.
Meg signs in and is told by Wendy that Janet Walsh is in the governor's office and wants to see her as soon as she arrives.
Wendy: Where's Mrs. Reynolds?
Meg: I'll explain later. I'd better not keep the old dragon waiting any longer.
Wendy laughs. Meg goes off and Rodney enters.
Wendy: Mr. Adams! I didn't expect to see you back so soon. How are you?
Rodney (bluntly): Fine. It takes more than these bitches to keep me down for long.
Rodney goes off and Wendy mutters: "Good morning to you too Mr. Adams!"
Janet tells Meg that she will be acting governor until a replacement is appointed.
Meg: We had a perfectly good governor.
Janet: Mrs. Reynolds no longer works for the department.
Meg goes to say something but Janet interrupts her...
Janet: She will not be returning. Now, I take it you will be applying for the position.
Meg: Well I don't know. It wouldn't feel right somehow.
Janet: There's no room for sentiment in this job. Either you've got what it takes or you haven't.
Meg: I've got what it takes, I just don't know....
Janet: I'll expect your application in the post.
Janet leaves the room and passes Tristian on the way out, without speaking.
Tristian (to Meg): She's a friendly thing! Who was that?
Meg: That - was Janet Walsh. Head of the department of corrective services!
Tristian (laughs): I'm sure she can't be that bad.
Meg: Oh, believe me she can. She basically ordered me to apply for the governor's job.
Tristian: Well would that be such a bad thing?
Meg: Ann's barely out of the door, and besides - I don't even know if I want the job.
Tristian: If you don't take it then somebody else will. Do you want to be working for another Cynthia Leech?
Meg: Heaven forbid! I've never really seen myself as governor though.
Tristian: You'll make a fantastic governor. I tell you what, come away with me to Sydney on Friday and take a couple of days to think about it.
Meg: Oh I'd love to come, but I can't just take the weekend off now. We're even more short staffed now Ann's gone.
Tristian: Please. I've got something I want to talk to you about.
Meg: Damn the department. Okay, I'll come.
Some of the women are working in the laundry (well they're on Smoko!) when Rodney enters.
Su: Well look who it is girls.
Chrissie: Yeah, the bastard's back.
Rodney: Quiet you lot, and back to work.
Su goes up to Rodney and blows smoke in his face.
Su: Make us!
Rodney: I'm going to find out who stabbed me in the back, and when I do they'll be very sorry - so be warned.
Su: That was almost convincing then Mr. Adams.
Kath: Yeah, have you been going to your acting classes again Rodney?
Rodney: You bitches. Well I've got news for you, Mrs. Reynolds has been sacked - and guess who's in line for the governorship.
Su: Don't make me laugh, they'd never give the job to a little pipsqueak like you.
Rodney: I wouldn't be so sure.
Rodney leaves and the women look stunned.
Sheila: They wouldn't really give the job to him would they?
Kath: Oh wake up, he's the last person they's consider for the job.
Chrissie: Meg Morris will probably get the job. So long as they don't give it to Ol' Vinegar Tits at Barnhurst.
Sheila: I can't believe old Reno's gone. She was okay really.
Kath: Yes, she always played fair by us. Perhaps Rodney was just stirring.
Su: I don't think so. He really sounded like he thought he was getting that governor's job.
Kath: God can you imagine?
Su: It'd be quite funny really. We'd break him in a week.
Chrissie: Yeah. Well I hope he does get it then.
Suddenly Meg enters the laundry, accompanied by a non-speaking officer.
Chrissie: 'Ere Mrs. Morris, is it true Mrs. Reynolds has left?
Meg: Well - word soon spreads around here doesn't it.
Sheila: Mr. Adams couldn't wait to tell us.
Su: Yeah, apparantly he's already as good as got the job.
Meg: Has he indeed?
Sheila: According to him it's a mere formality.
Meg: OK ladies you've had your fun, now back to work please.
Meg and the officer leave.
Kath: Even Mrs. Morris thought it was a joke, Rodney getting the governorship.
Sheila: If she gets the governor's job though, they'll have to appoint a deputy. Perhaps he'll get that.
Kath: There's no way Mrs. Morris would ever let that happen.
Su: Well we'll just have to make sure of it, won't we.
Amanda is on skip duty when she bumps into Rodney in the corridor.
Amanda: Hello Mr. Adams.
Rodney: Hurry up will you Spencer.
Amanda: Oh that's no way to speak to someone who can be of use to you.
Rodney: What possible use could you be to me?
Grandma is stood behind the door of a nearby cell, listening.
Amanda: I hear you're after promotion. I could help you with that.
Rodney: I doubt that.
Amanda: I hear things remember, and it could make you look very good with the department.
Rodney: And what do you get out of it?
Amanda: I want a transfer out of this dump. Say, Barnhurst for example.
Rodney: Barnhurst?
Amanda: It's easier to escape from there.
Rodney thinks for a minute. Grandma is still listening.
Rodney: Alright. If you help me then I'll help you.
Amanda: How do I know you'll keep your word?
Rodney: You'll just have to trust me.
Amanda: That's not good enough. I want a deposit.
Rodney: A what?
Amanda: You give me two thousand bucks, and you get it back on my transfer.
Rodney: Forget it. I can't afford that.
Amanda: You could get a bank loan - I know who stabbed you, and I know what the women are planning.
Rodney: If you tell me I promise I'll get the money to you.
Amanda: Sorry, but no money no information.
The women are still working in the laundry. Marty enters and tells Chrissie she's got a visitor.
Chrissie: A visitor? Me? I wonder who it could be. 'Ere perhaps it's Elizabeth.
Marty: It's not your daughter, it's a man. Now hurry up I haven't got all day.
Chrissie: It must be Derek. Okay I'm ready.
As they are walking down the corridor:
Chrissie: I know it must be hard on you, me being in here I mean.
Marty: Just keep moving Latham.
Chrissie: I am sorry you know, about your dad. I was a right evil bitch back then, but I'm not that person anymore.
Marty: As far as I'm concerned you're just another prisoner Latham.
Chrissie: I just want you to.......
Chrissie stops in amazement as she enters the visiting room, for sat there is her old flame - Mick O'Brien!
Chrissie: Mick!
She flings her arms around him.
Marty: No physical contact.
Chrissie: I can't believe it's really you.
Mick: Hello Chrissie.
Meg is in the governor's office, doing paperwork, when there is a knock at the door.
Meg: Come in.
Judy walks in with Charlotte behind her.
Meg: Judy, sit down. Hello Charlotte. Well what can I do for you two. Hang on a minute, I'll arrange for some tea.
Meg gets on the phone and asks for some tea to be sent.
Meg: Right, what can I do for you both?
Judy: This was originally a proposition for Mrs. Reynolds, but as you'll be the new governor.....
Meg: I haven't got the job yet.
Judy: Oh you'll get it, you've been here longer than most of the inmates.
Meg (smiling): Thanks for reminding me.
Judy: I'll let Charlotte explain.
Charlotte: It's like this Mrs. Morris.
Back in the interview room:
Chrissie: Where have you been all this time. You only got three and a half years. It's been over six.
Mick: Officially yeah, but those bastards were determined to make me pay for escaping. I had hell of a time in there Chrissie, they set me up on a manslaughter charge. I only got out last week, and I didn't know where to find you. Then I traced your brother and he said you were back in here.
Chrissie: I'm surprised this weren't the first place you looked.
Mick: I thought you'd have been living happily with Elizabeth by now.
Chrissie: What with my luck? You must be joking. Still, I'm sure it would have helped if her father had been around.
Mick: I'm sorry Chrissie. I'll do anything to make it up to you.
Chrissie: Well for starters you can get Elizabeth away from that bitch Brenda.
Mick: Who's Brenda?
Chrissie: That bloody sister-in-law of mine.
In the laundry, the women suddenly stop working when a news report comes on the radio saying that Cynthia's burnt out body has been found in an old disused warehouse. They all start cheering except Su, who just looks solemn. The bell then goes and the women file out. Sheila pulls Su behind.
Sheila: What's up with you then? You should be pleased someone's got the bitch at last.
Su: It was me.
Sheila (shocked): What?
Su: I killed Cynthia.
Sheila: But you can't have, you've been here the whole time.
Su: I broke out for a few hours. Joyce helped me.
Sheila can hardly believe her ears.
Sheila: Joyce? But she's as straight as they come.
Su: I caught her when she wasn't thinking straight. She was so cut up about Mervin, I reckon she'd have agreed to anything. The trouble is, she got cold feet and nearly owned up to it.
Sheila: But they'd have her for accessory, not to mention aiding an escape.
Su: Don't worry I talked her out of it. You're the only other person who knows so you'd better keep quiet about it.
Sheila: Don't worry I won't tell a soul.
As they walk out of the laundry they don't notice Amanda come out from behind one of the driers. She smirks.
Back in the governor's office:
Charlotte: Judy and I are both interested in helping ex-prisoners to stay out of jail, and we can give them both a job and somewhere to live - at least temporarily.
Judy: That's right. You see I made quite a nice sum from the music business, and along with some savings Charlotte had, we've invested it into a block of flats.
Meg: I'm liking the sound of this already.
Charlotte: We'd like to rent them out to ex-prisoners, just until they get on their feet. It would help them to get used to managing a place of their own.
Meg: That's a marvellous idea.
Judy: It's sort of like the half-way house, but they would have more privacy. Obviously they may have to double up if the flats fill up too quickly. That would help them with the rent and other bills too.
Meg: This is excellent. I'm sure the department would be behind you too.
Charlotte: Well that's not all. I've run my own recruitment agency for a few years now, and I've approached some of the firms on my books. A couple of them are willing to use ex-prisoners, this could lead to permanent employment if they prove to be good workers. It's only menial factory and shop work, but it's a start.
Judy: Well Mrs. Morris, what do you think?
Meg: I think it's the best idea I've ever heard. Well done you two.
Judy: Would it be alright to speak to the women about it, see how they feel about the idea?
Meg: I don't see why not. I'll get Officer Raymond to take you.
Charlotte: Are there any women due for release soon, who could benefit from our scheme?
Meg: Lorna Young is being released next week. She's just done a twelve year stretch for armed robbery.
Judy: Great, could we speak to her too then please?
Meg: Sure.
Amanda catches Rodney in the corridor. He pulls her into a nearby cell.
Rodney: I want to know who stabbed me.
Amanda: Forget it. I want the money up front.
Rodney gets some money out of his pocket.
Amanda: What's this? I don't think there's two thousand there.
Rodney: There's five hundred here. I'll give you the rest after you've given me some information.
Amanda: Alright, but I'm not telling you who stabbed you until I get the rest. I can tell you who killed Cynthia though.
Rodney: Who?
Amanda: I also want 2 miniature bottles of brandy.
Meg goes into reception to let Wendy know that Judy and Charlotte are speaking to the women. Then Marty brings Mick to reception to sign out.
Meg (shocked): Mick! Where did you spring from?
Mick: Hello Mrs. Morris. I've just been to see Chrissie.
Meg: I gathered that. We thought you'd vanished off the face of the earth.
Mick: Not quite. I was set up on a manslaughter charge, I only got out last week. I wasn't sure if Chrissie would want to see me or not.
Meg: Well I think she needs all the support she can get at the moment. She's just got herself another year for assault and attempted escape. She should have been out on parole by now.
Mick: She told me she was set up by a Rodney Adams.
Meg: That's a very serious charge, and one which would be very difficult to prove.
Mick: Mmm, we'll see!
As Mick leaves, Meg says to Marty: "I hope he doesn't go and do something stupid."
Just then Erica arrives, and she and Meg go over to the corner.
Erica: I wanted to apologise for last night Meg. I realise I was totally out of line.
Meg: Well lets just forget it.
Erica: Our friendship is so much more important than some silly squabble, and as we'll be working together again soon, I thought....
Meg: Working together?
Erica: Yes. It must have been fate Mrs. Reynolds resigning when she did. Wentworth has always been my home really.
Meg (getting het up): I thought you'd applied for the Helmslough governorship.
Erica: I withdrew my application as soon as I heard this had come up. It will be just like old times Meg.
Meg (irately): Assuming you get the job.
Erica: Well why wouldn't I? I've got the most experience. Who else is there?
Meg: Thanks very much!
They both start raising their voices now, and Wendy and Marty look over.
Erica: You don't mean you've applied Meg? I thought you were never interested in being governor.
Meg: People can change you know. I've been deputy governor for a number of years now, and I think I deserve the chance to do some good for the prison.
Erica: Oh, and my being in charge wouldn't be good for the prison? Well really Meg, I thought our friendship meant more to you than that.
Meg: How dare you try and use our friendship to get me to withdraw my application.
Erica: I didn't mean it like that. It's just I've lost out on the Helmslough job now, so I'm relying on this.
Meg: Well that was your own fault. I'm sorry Erica but I'm going to fight you on this one.
Meg storms back into the prison, leaving Erica looking furious.
Rodney is in the staffroom on the phone.
Rodney: Hello, Inspector Grace? It's Mr. Adams here from Wentworth. I have some information on the Cynthia Leach murder.
The women are eating dinner in the dining room when Judy and Charlotte enter with an officer (assumedly Officer Raymond!)
Chrissie: I don't believe it, it's Jude.
Judy: Ladies could we have your attention please.
Chrissie: 'Ere, what are you doing back here then Jude?
Judy: Hello Chrissie. OK everybody, this is Charlotte and she would like to talk to you all for a minute.
Charlotte explains the scheme to the women while Judy goes and has a talk with Lorna, at the table where she is sat on her own. Su can't take her eyes off Charlotte, and Charlotte notices this, causing her to mix up her words a little.
Judy (to Lorna): Well what do you think?
Lorna: I dunno. I've got nowhere else to go I suppose.
Judy: Well this way you can have somewhere to live, and temporary work until you find something better. You have a think about it ok.
Lorna: Ok.
Charlotte and Judy say goodbye and leave.
Chrissie: What do you reckon then?
Sheila: Sounds alright. It won't affect me for a while though.
Kath: Think of all the women it will affect though. If it helps keep just one out of jail then I'm all for it.
Chrissie: What do you think Su?
Sheila: She was more interested in that Charlotte bird than what she had to say.
Su: Shut up Sheila.
Sheila: I only said...
Su: I said shut up!
Joyce and Jim are at home when the doorbell rings. Joyce answers it - it is Inspector Grace.
Grace: Mrs. Pringle.
Joyce: What do you want?
Grace: We've recently received some allegations against you.
Jim comes to the door.
Jim: What's going on, can't you see my mother's still grieving for her husband?
Grace: Yes I can see that sir, but we've received certain allegations and they need checking out.
Jim: Well what's she supposed to have done?
Grace: As you may or may not know, Cynthia Leach's body was found yesterday. It's been alleged that you, Mrs. Pringle, helped a prisoner to escape so she could kill her.
Jim: That's outrageous. My mother would never do a thing like that.
Grace: Can't she speak for herself?
Jim: Now just.....
Joyce: It's okay Jim. I'm sorry Inspector but you've been mis-informed. Now unless you have any proof, could you please leave us alone.
Grace: Yes, well I'm sorry to have bothered you. Oh, Mrs. Pringle.
Joyce: Yes?
Grace: Don't go leaving town within the next few days. I may need to speak to you again.
Grace leaves, and Joyce looks at Jim in despair.
Rodney goes into his bank, but is refused a loan for 2000 dollars as he is already overdrawn. He leaves, telling the manager "Thanks for nothing".
Inspector Grace questions Su over Cynthia's death. Su denies knowing anything, and Grace tells her he got as much joy out of Joyce. He leaves, and Su's face turns to thunder as she realises that Sheila was the only person who knew other than Joyce.
Amanda is on cleaning duties, as arranged by Rodney so he can see her on her own. He pulls her to one side.
Rodney: Here's the brandy. Now how about telling me who stabbed me?
Amanda: Oh no. I want the rest of the money first.
Rodney: I can get it to you by tomorrow.
Amanda: Then that's when you'll get your information.
Rodney goes off, muttering to himself, and Amanda slips into Sheila's cell and hides the bottles under her mattress.
Mick goes round to see Elizabeth, but Brenda won't let him in.
Mick: I'm her father I tell you.
Brenda: Well I don't know that do I? And even if you are, you can't just waltz into her life now after all this time. I've brought her up all these years, not you, and not Chrissie.
Mick: Fine - have it your way, but I will be back after I've seen my solicitor.
Brenda: You do that.
Mick goes away and Elizabeth comes to the door.
Elizabeth: Who was that Auntie Brenda?
Brenda: Oh nobody sweetheart. Just some stupid man that's all, and I wish you would call me mummy.
Some of the women are in the recroom. Karen is talking to Chrissie about Rodney.
Karen: You'll just have to wear it love, the same as me.
Chrissie: Well it's all right for you, you haven't got a daughter to get out for have you......Oh I'm sorry love, that was inconsiderate.
Kath: Yes, it was.
Karen: It's alright. I know what Chrissie meant.
Kath: And you needn't worry, Rodney's days are well and truly numbered.
Amanda comes in at this point and starts talking to Kath on her own. Su and Sheila are both absent from the room.
Amanda: I don't know if I should say anything but....
Kath: Go on, I won't say anything.
Amanda: Have you noticed Sheila's been acting a bit odd lately.
Kath: No, why?
Amanda: Well I saw her earlier and I could have sworn she was pissed.
Kath: I doubt it. How would she get grog in here without anybody knowing?
Amanda: Well I didn't want to say anything but...
Kath: Tell me.
Amanda: I saw Rodney pass her something earlier. It looked like bottles of something.
Kath: But why would Rodney be giving out bottles of grog?
Amanda: That's what I wondered. Oh I was probably mistaken, I really shouldn't have said anything.
Kath: I'm glad you did. I'd better tell Su.
Amanda: No don't.
Kath: Why not?
Amanda: Well I don't want her to think I'm just stirring. I don't think she fully trusts me yet.
Kath: Don't worry about it, I'll tell her I saw it myself if you like.
Kath goes out of the room and Roo comes over to Amanda.
Roo: What have you got for me then Spencer?
Amanda: I think Sheila's been lagging to Adams.
Roo: I don't give a stuff about that. I want something against that O'Leary bitch, and I want to know who's been doing the stabbings.
Amanda: I will find out Roo, I just need more time, and the women mustn't see me talking to you.
Amanda (raises her voice): Just rack off Morgan, I don't want to be in your little gang anymore.
Roo slumps back down in front of the TV. Karen looks suspiciously at Amanda.
Su has called Sheila to her cell for a chat.
Sheila: I swear to you I didn't tell a soul.
Su: You were the only person I told.
Sheila: Perhaps Joyce let it slip to somebody.
Su: Perhaps. If I find out you have lagged though Sheila, you're going to pay for it - I can promise you that!
Sheila: I can't believe you'd even think that of me.
Sheila goes storming out of the room, bumping into Kath on the way out.
Kath: What was the matter with her?
Su: I'm not sure.... yet!
Kath: Actually Su, I wanted to talk to you about her.
Su: What is it?
Kath: Have you seen her with alcohol at all?
Su: Alcohol?
Kath: Yes, and I think she may have got it from Rodney. He was seen giving her some bottles.
Su looks furious.
Rodney has got a visitor, and they are talking about a loan.
Rodney: Come on Vic, you know I'll come good.
Vic: You say you want to borrow two grand?
Rodney: Yes, that's right, and I need it now.
Vic: It will have to be a proper loan, with interest.
Rodney: If that's the only way you'll do it.
Vic: OK, I'll have the money for you on saturday, but you know what will happen if you don't keep up the repayments.
Su and Kath are in Sheila's cell, going through her things.
Kath: I'm not sure we should be doing this.
Su: If that bitch has been lagging to Adams I want to know about it.
Su pulls off her mattress and reveals 2 miniature bottles of brandy. Sheila enters at this point.
Sheila: What the hell are you doing?
Su waves the bottles under her nose.
Sheila: I've never seen them before. I swear it, I've been set up.
Su: I'm sorry Sheila, but you're a lagger - and you know what that means.
Su starts bashing Sheila, while Kath keeps a look-out.
Meg and Tristian are now in Sydney, in their hotel room.
Tristian: It's so nice to be away from all the hassles, even if it is only for a couple of days.
Meg: Yes, I certainly won't miss Wentworth.
Tristian: And I want a Wentworth free weekend. Deal?
Meg: Deal.
Tristian: Come on, let's go out and find a nice bar somewhere.
Rodney has got his loan and is counting the money on his kitchen table. There is a knock at the door and Rodney goes to answer it. Two masked men with baseball bats are at the door and they force their way in. Rodney is told to change his story about Chrissie bashing him or else he gets an even worse bashing.
Masked man 1 (Mick): If Chrissie gets it, then so do you.
He sees all the money on the side and picks it up.
Mick: And we'll take that too, as compensation for damages already done to Chrissie's parole.
Rodney: No! I need that money. Please don't take it.
Mick: Shut up, and just remember what I said.
They take the money and leave. Rodney starts going mad.
Meg and Tristian are sat at a table in some dirty little pub.
Meg: I thought you said a nice bar.
Tristian: Yeah sorry about that. It looked alright from the outside. Let's go somewhere else.
Meg: It's alright.
Marty is in reception when Merle Jones enters. Marty is surprised, but pleased to see her.
Merle: Hello Mr. Jackson. Can I see Kath please?
Meg is talking about Wentworth again, and Tristian looks to be getting agitated.
Meg: Perhaps I should just let Erica have the job, but I feel I could really make a difference to those women. Judy's idea is.....
Tristian: Could you be quiet about Wentworth for 2 minutes.
Meg: I'm sorry, but it is a big step for me.
Tristian: This isn't how it was meant to be.
Meg looks over to the bar and her eyes remain in one spot.
Tristian: Meg, will you marry me?
Meg hasn't heard, she is too busy looking at a girl behind the bar, it is none other than Wentworth escapee - Cindy Simpson!.........................................
CAST
Ann Reynolds
Meg Morris
Joyce Pringle
Marty Jackson
Rodney Adams
Su O'Leary
Kath Maxwell
Chrissie Latham
Sheila Blake
Roo Morgan
Amanda Spencer
Cindy Simpson
Grandma Chubb
Karen Miller
Tristian Matthews
Erica Davidson
Judy Bryant
Charlotte Baker
Janet Walsh
Detective Inspector Grace
Jim Barry
Merle Jones
Mick O'Brien
Wendy Scott
Lorna Young
Vic Lester
Brenda Latham
Elizabeth Latham
Bank Manager
News Reporter
© 2006 'Tiggs' for On The Inside
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