Vera was having a great day. Mrs Davidson was personally escorting Birdsworth to visit her dying brother and as Deputy Governor, she would automatically be in charge until they returned. She put on her uniform and her hair in the usual bun but today was far from normal. The women and staff were going to know who was in charge. She allowed herself a wry smile in the mirror. Life was wonderful.

In addition to this, she had the added pleasure of knowing that the Visiting Justice would be calling today. Obviously, Mrs Davidson had overlooked this detail when promising Birdsworth a special favour. Hardly surprising, mused Vera, for a someone who spent more time pandering to the women than performing her actual governing duties. Never mind, she thought, she would see to it and do a better job. Hopefully the VJ would be Mr Goodwin again rather than his more lenient counterpart. She had requested for some pastries and tea for their meeting later, hoping that these might assist her efforts to climb the leadership ladder.

Unfortunately, the rest of the staff were still present today. Gregg, Jean and Meg were all outside laughing as usual. They were always making her feel left out, whispering together and arranging things after work. Well, there would be none of that today. She was the boss now, at least until this afternoon.

Jean Vernon apprehended her at reception with a new proposal. She was never very interested in what this newly qualified do-gooder had to say. Some of the privileges that the prisoners were privy to at the moment were laughable. No wonder they were always coming back. Jean explained that she was looking to improve the literacy skills of some of the inmates and thought they could perform some clerical work in the office, under her guidance. Small things at first, she said, like writing menus or addresses on envelopes. Obviously, nothing confidential but enough to give them a sense of responsibility and achievement. Bettering their chances on the outside

Naturally Vera thought it was a waste of time but agreed for now. These schemes usually lasted a day or two and ended in a riot, or worse. Let them have enough rope to hang themselves, even if only figuratively, she thought.