Work Text
Part 1
Part 1: June 28th
Bea Smith stood in front of the prison. Her brown eyes appraising the sharp vertical lines looming before her. Tall concrete walls that looked like they touched the sky, the grey offset by the cloudless blue sky. Barbed wire lined the metal fences, reminding her of the people inside, treated like caged animals.Wentworth, her new place of employment. Bea had been hired as an intermediate governor, while Vera Bennet was on maternity leave. A long-time friend, Vera had put Bea’s name forward for the job. Apparently, much to the chagrin of the senior officers that were hopeful for the – albeit short lived - promotion.Bea had been a corrections officer coming on 8 years. When starting her double degree in civics and sociology, Bea imaged herself working in the political spheres. Maybe even becoming a social worker. However, her marriage to her ex-husband had put a dent into her plans. One unplanned pregnancy later and she was shafted as a stay-at-home mother. Not that Bea minded, she loved Debbie, and it was her greatest joy in life to watch her daughter grow. Harry, however, never let her put her degree to good use. Instead making her get a TAFE certificate in hairstyling. She did love that job, it allowed her to get out of the house, and have financial freedom – in some respects. But when Debbie turned ten Bea decided to make a change. After years of being under Harry’s thumb, she wanted to do something for herself.He argued, yelled and lashed out at her when she went back to university, finishing her double degree with honours. He was enraged when she decided to go into corrections, claiming that he didn’t want her to be around gangbangers and drug dealers. And it got worse when she took a job at Walford.Bea’s shiny backbone worked wonders for her at Walford. The men, who tried to use their size and gender to terrorise her, were quick to realise that she was not intimidated by them. In fact, they came to respect Bea. She was no-nonsense, firm but fair.Though 3 years ago that changed. When she came home one day, and Harry was drunk. Belligerent. He yelled and screamed at her. The vein in his forehead popping, his neck going a bright red colour as he strained to shout at her. Apparently, she was cheating on him. She was disloyal, worthless. And he showed her how worthless she was. She spent almost two weeks in the hospital, almost beaten to death at the hands of her husband.Harry got 10 years. The judge had thrown the book at him. Past evidence of his transgressions, through hospital records and police reports backed up the picture that he was a disgusting human. He was sent to Walford, and from what Bea heard, the men there were treating him like shit. Bea smoothed down her jacket, the bright yellow crowns on her epaulets catching her eye every time she turned her head. She scanned herself in through the front gate, vaguely remembering the path she needed to take from when Vera had given her a tour two weeks before.She smiled to the receptionists as she signed in for the day, loading her clear carry bag onto the scanner. Once she collected her bag she moved through the doors, finding Will Jackson standing on the other side.“Governor,” He nodded, giving her a curt nod. Will was one of the governor promotion hopefuls. Bea heard that he was pissed at being passed over. After doing some research on him, she imagined she would be pissed too. She was unsure of how their relationship was going to turn out, he was going to be her deputy governor after all.“Just Bea is fine,” She smiled at him, extending her hand and shaking his.Will gave her another tight smile, turning on his heel and walking down the corridor. Despite his stride, Bea fell into step with him. They were quiet, a mutual understanding passing between them. Bea liked him already; he didn’t talk much.“I guess Vera already showed you around,” Will said opening the door to the staff block.Bea smiled, “it’s always good to have a reminder. Don’t want to be getting lost on my first day.”Will chucked at that, and it was the first genuine smile Bea had gotten from the guy. He led her down the hall, making a few turns until they stopped outside of the governor’s office. Will introduced her to her receptionist, a nice woman named Maxine and led her through into the office.“So, this is you,” Will said, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room, his eyes scanning blank grey walls. It was nicer than Bea expected, but it could do with a pop of colour.“Thanks, Will.”“No worries.”There was another lapse of silence. Bea moved to set her bag down on the desk, she pulled out a photo of her and Debbie. It was from their last trip to New Zealand two years ago, they stood huddled together, wrapped up in jackets and scarves, their curls blowing into their faces. Behind them, the skyline of Aukland was illuminated by the sunset. It was the first time Bea had been truly happy since her divorce.Will looked at the framed photograph, a smirk playing on his lips. “Aukland, ay?”Bea smiled, looking up at her deputy governor. “Yeah, it was good to be back home for a while, yknow?”Will chuckled again, “I’m a Wellington boy myself, try to get back every few years.”Bea smiled, feeling the tension leave her body. Maybe her relationship with Will would be better than she initially thought.“Anyway,” Will slipped back into work mode, “the staff briefing is in forty-five in the lounge, and I’ve organised a meeting for you with our Top Dog.”“Any advice?” Bea asked, emptying the contents of her bag onto the desk.“Staff or prisoners?” Will joked.“Staff. I know how to deal with prisoners.” Allie Novak sat outside on the table, her arms outstretched behind her, her neck extended so her face could feel the warming rays of the sun. It was rare to see the sun these days, as Melbourne seemed to be a magnet to constant rain. Women surrounded her, asking her questions and being politely told to fuck off by Boomer and Franky.“Can’t they just give us five minutes peace?” Boomer grunted, folding her arms over her chest. Allie chuckled lightly to herself.“Aw Booms,” Franky ruffled her hair, sliding into the seat next to her. She rested her head on the larger woman’s shoulder. “The only piece they want is of Allie’s ass.”Allie laughed at that, sitting up from her position and looking down at the skinny brunette. “Shut up, would you?”Franky gave her a cheshire grin, “that’s what it means to be Top Dog blondie. Trust me I know all about it.”Allie flipped Franky the finger. “Shut up, lezzo.”“Make me, fag.”They burst out laughing at that. Allie and Franky had a symbiotic relationship. With Allie being the more level-headed of the two. Franky, though an ex-Top Dog, still liked to partake in the politics of the prison. Most of the time, she enjoyed being Allie’s muscle when need be.Allie had become Top Dog only a few months before hand, after murdering the crooked officer Brody. She hated that slimy bastard and was happy when she pulled the trigger. And though she liked the respect that came from the act of violence, it didn’t stop her from seeing his greasy smile every time she closed her eyes at night.Her Top Dog status was also a representation of the relationships she lost. After her fallout with Ruby and the disaster that ended her relationship with Marie, Allie felt a hole in her heart. She had felt it in the past. Loneliness. Constantly filling it with drugs in her formative years, and in prison she filled it with women. It was easier than facing the reality that she didn’t want to share her true self with anyone. It was easier to allow herself to fall in love or even be manipulated by someone who claimed to love her. At least she still had Kaz, Franky and Boomer.Now, Allie swore off relationships. Given the fact that she had yet to be formally charged with the murder of officer Brody, she knew that she was looking at a much longer prison term. Potentially life. Gone went her idea that she would be out before she was forty. Now Allie was sure she was going to die in Wentworth.“Novak!”Allie turned toward the voice, finding Mr. Jackson striding towards her, hands in his pockets.“Yeah, Mr. J?”“You’ve got a meeting. Governor’s orders.”“Can’t you see I’m busy?” Allie questioned, opening her arms to prove her point.Mr. Jackson scoffed, looking down at her, a smile playing on his lips. “It’s the new Governor.”“Oooooh!” Boomer clapped, “is he hot?”“She’s a woman,” Mr. Jackon replied, his eyes never leaving the Top Dog. “You coming or what?”Allie felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. A woman. They hadn’t been given any information on the new governor. And to say Allie’s interest was piqued would be an understatement.Mr. Jackson turned on his heel, indicating for Allie to follow.“Go easy on her, Blondie!” Franky called as Allie walked behind the officer.Allie could picture the smirk playing on her friend’s lips. Mr. Jackson knocked on the door, allowing Allie to give a small smile to Maxine, who typed away happily on her keyboard.“Gov? Allie Novak to see you.”Allie heard a raspy voice reply. She stalked in behind the deputy governor, her hands lazily slipping into the pockets of her teal sweats. She squared her shoulders and schooled her face with the most neutral expression she could muster.Mr. Jackson stepped aside, gesturing to the chair that stood in front of the Governor’s desk. But Allie couldn’t move. She stared at the woman behind the desk, her eyes sweeping over the red head’s body with a twitch of a perfectly plucked brow.She was gorgeous. At most a decade older than Allie. Her wild red dyed curls pulled into a bun at the top of her head. Allie could tell that she had tried to tame them, the curls straining out from the hair tie that held them in place. She had a sharp jaw and high cheekbones that framed her deep brown eyes. And her brow was pinched, deep lines in her forehead showing years of practice in scowling.Allie could see a glint in the way the governor watched her, her brown eyes appraising the blonde. Not in a critical way. Not at all. But with almost an appreciation for the woman before her. Allie didn’t feel like she was being checked out, but more like she was being sized up. That the Governor was looking for the qualities that made Allie the Top Dog. And, by God, Allie hoped she could see them.“Please, take a seat,” The Governor rasped, hints of a kiwi accent tugging on her words. Allie nodded, sliding into the chair with ease. Hoping that the nonchalant farce she had put on was still evident in her features.Mr. Jackson was dismissed, closing the door behind him. Leaving the two women alone in the room. Watching each other.“Allie Novak.”Allie loved the way she said her name. How her eyes looked down at the files before her. The Governor’s long slim fingers playing with the edges of the paper.“That’s me.” Allie willed herself to speak, leaning back in the chair. Flicking her hair over her shoulder. The Governor’s eyes met Allie’s, blue on brown. A small smirk played on the corner of her lips.“I’m Bea Smith, the new Governor for Wentworth.”Bea Smith. Allie wished she could roll her name on her tongue. Feel the vowels on her lips.“So, I’ve heard.”Ms. Smith smiled again. Allie didn’t want to seem too eager, to let her old ways of flirting with a very attractive woman take over. She fought the urge to let a teasing smile play on her lips, her need to widen her eyes and flutter her lashes. Allie swallowed it.“So, Allie… Top Dog,” Ms. Smith started again, “Tell me about yourself.”“Why don’t you tell me about yourself?” Allie countered. Losing her inner battle and letting a smile play on her lips. She was fucked.“Okay,” Ms. Smith leaned back in her chair, folding her fingers together over her stomach. Her jacked straining over her chest. It took all of Allie’s willpower to not let her eyes flicker down the redhead’s body.“Well,” Ms. Smith paused, shaking her head slightly and pursing her lips. Allie’s eyes were drawn to the action, slowly raking up the older woman’s face to the slight furrow in her brow. “I’ve been in corrections for eight years. I was first stationed in Walford. Spent three years there, I had to move because of... reasons. I worked with corrections in anti-recidivism, implementing programs to help prisoners focus on their mental health and working through addictions. I worked as intermediate governor over at Tarrengower last year. And now I’m here.”Allie’s smile broadened. She tilted her head, watching the Governor who watched her back. She glanced down at the desk, seeing the picture frame that proudly showed off Ms. Smith and a young woman, who looked like a miniature version of her.“You have a daughter?”Ms. Smith stiffened at that. Allie sat up slightly, trying to silently alleviate the tension that was now obviously taking a hold of the older woman. “She just looks exactly like you, I mean…. You must be proud.”Ms. Smith relaxed again. Her eyes now on the picture, “yeah, I am.”Allie let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.“Now, Allie.” The Governor said with enough authority that told Allie that it was time for a change in topic. “It’s your turn.”Allie shrugged, “you should have seen my file by now, right? Everything you need to know is in there.”“Well, I want to hear it from you,” Ms. Smith leaned forward, placing her hands firmly on the desk. Allie tried to not let the image of them tracing her skin flood her consciousness. “Writing in a report isn’t going to tell me what type of person you are. It also isn’t going to tell me why the women respect you enough to make you their Top Dog.”Allie was silent for a moment. She weighed up her options. 1. Being a snarky bitch. Or 2. Giving in.She went with the latter option.“I got kicked out at fifteen for being a lesbian. Got into drugs, prostitution. Fell into the wrong crowd and landed in here for beating the shit out of a rapist.”Ms. Smith’s eyebrow twitched. A micro-action that Allie knew that the Governor was interested. The older woman rasped, “you also murdered an officer.”Allie slowly nodded.“Between you and me,” Ms. Smith’s voice dropped. “It sounded like he deserved it.”A bubble of laughter rang up through Allie’s chest, echoing off the slate grey walls. She nodded, “Yeah, that fucker had it coming.”The red head chuckled, dipping her head and looking down at her hands. Allie felt the laughter die in her chest, leaving her lips parted as her eyes watched Ms. Smith. She still couldn’t get over that jaw.“Well,” Ms. Smith cleared her throat, sitting ramrod straight and shuffling her papers. Allie thought she could see a slight blush rising on the older women’s face. “Let’s get on with business.”Allie nodded, now noticing the buzzed underside of the Governor’s hair. Well, that’s gay, Allie thought to herself. Internally smirking.“I would like to foster a strong relationship between us,” Bea said.“Relationship, huh?”The Governor rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. I know the women respect you and it would be great for the women to see that we are united front. Just until Ms. Bennet returns from her maternity leave.”Allie knew that the Governor would be used to the flirting by now. Working in Tarrengower, Ms. Smith was bound to have plenty of experience when it came to women trying to get into her pants.“Well, as long as you have the women’s best interest at heart, you don’t have anything to worry about,” Allie replied. There was an ease in the way the Governor looked at her now. Her shoulders visibly relaxing, a more natural smile gracing her features. Allie felt a warmth rise in her chest. Hoping, silently, that she had shown the Governor that she was a more than capable Top Dog.Ms. Smith nodded once, and to Allie, it seemed that she was happy with the outcome of the conversation. The blonde obviously didn’t know anything about her past experiences, but she was sure that other Top Dogs were probably not as personable as she was.Ms. Smith replied, “You don’t have to worry about that. I want to make sure that they are all safe and being looked after, and I know with your help we can make sure that these women feel supported.”Allie smiled back. She liked the sound of that, working with the Governor. One on one.Soon enough, Mr. Jackson came back in, indicating to Allie that it was time to leave. The blonde stood from her chair, once again slinking her hands into her pockets. She walked to the doorway.“Allie.” The voice stilling her. She turned toward the Governor, their eyes meeting once again. “Thank you for your time.”Allie smirked, giving Ms. Smith one last wink before dropping her voice, “no… thank you.”
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July 12th
Bea had been at Wentworth for all of two weeks. And from what she had seen so far, there were lapses in the women’s autonomy. Sure, they had their free time and could go outside when not on work duty. But there was much lacking in potential opportunities and more tactile activities. Bea understood that the prison had gone through some turbulent times, and that this crackdown was a result of too many people taking advantage of the women’s activities. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t least try to give the women a chance to enjoy themselves.Bea learned that in the past, Vera had set up a variety of programs for the women to partake in. However, due to some evident officer corruption and the risk of drug smuggling, these programs were shut down. Bea knew that this was the next step she was willing to take if she wanted to get the women on her side. Or at least leave the prison in better condition to when she came in.Her meetings with the Top Dog were helpful enough. Allie would swing by her office every now and then, filling Bea in on the politics of the prison. Thankfully, with Bea’s experience in women’s corrections, she had a good idea of what to expect. Though, Allie was able to shed some light onto the quirks that the women in Wentworth had.Bea had never had a prison that held ‘kangaroo court’. Nor had she ever seen any other women’s prison, so hell bent in ensuring there was a democratic vote for Top Dog. Usually, the leader of the pack was chosen through violence, but Bea was pleasantly surprised to know that each women had a voice.Another surprise was Allie herself. Bea found her diplomatic, friendly. And – a quality Bea would never divulge to anyone else – she found the Top dog charming. The blonde was noble in her pursuit of the no tolerance policy on drugs or violence of any kind. Really, the only one that was allowed to exact revenge was the Top Dog herself. And from what Bea gathered from the other officers, Allie’s weapon of choice was the steam press in the laundry. At least it was clean and efficient.Bea respected the job that Allie had to do. Sure, it had its ugly sides, but all jobs did. Bea had some pretty tough decisions to make in her time, and though she never came close to physically hurting a prisoner, the thought did cross her mind. Allie however, rarely had to resort to violence. She was a natural at keeping the peace. From all of this, the Governor had come to admire the Top Dog. Bea walked through the grey slate corridors, her heels clicking against the finished concrete floors. It was a cold day. July had come with a chill and Bea had woken to frost forming on her windows. The crunch of the grass beneath her feet as she walked to her car had told her it was only going to get colder. She needed to get some firewood.In the prison, the heating systems were running overtime to make sure the women didn’t freeze in their sleep. Bea was doing her best to make sure all the inmates had enough blankets to keep warm and used her own money to buy extra tea bags and sugar for the women’s common rooms. It was the least she could do.Bea scanned through a door, allowing some prisoners to flit between the cell blocks. They gave her fleeting smiles. She was aware of how the women stared at her, how they were scrutinising her. Bea understood it was apart of the job, they needed to see if she had the balls to deal with them. The women needed to know that they had someone on their side. The Governor returned their smiles and gave a slight nod. She knew that earning their trust was going to be a long process.Bea spotted the woman she was looking for. She stood down the corridor, clipboard in hand. Her mousy blonde hair pulled up from her face and her kind eyes watching the prisoner in front of her. Bea had yet to become fully acquainted with the prison psychologist. Her and Bridget had had some passing conversations, but never really went past work formalities.“Doctor Westfall,” Bea called, coming to a halt next to the psychologist. She flashed the prisoner a tight smile, subtly indicating that her conversation with the doctor was over.Bridget reached out and placed a soothing hand on the woman’s arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. Once the woman had made herself scarce, the blonde turned to face the Governor.“Good morning, Bea,” Bridget smiled, her white teeth glinting under the florescence.“Hi, Bridget,” Bea started, she tilted her head, indicating to her that she wanted to walk and talk. Bridget fell into step beside her. “I was hoping to talk to you about more opportunities for the women. Maybe some activities that would help them take an interest in the betterment of their mental health.”“Bea, I think that’s a great idea.” Bridget responded, her tone light. “Though, I’m probably not the person you’d want to ask. Sure, I would have a few ideas but there is another knowledge base that you could just as easily tap into.”Bea stopped walking, turning to the psychologist. She mentally kicked herself for not thinking about it sooner. “The prisoners?”Bridget nodded, clasping the clipboard closer to her chest. “The thing the women want most is to be heard. They loved Vera because she was kind, she listened to them. If you did the same, I’m sure you’ll have them on your side.”Bea paused, thinking about the other woman’s words. She looked around seeing the inmates chat as they moved toward their allocated breakfast time. Bea knew that it was her best option.“Alright,” Bea nodded once. She locked eyes with the doctor. “Maybe you could help me get the word around? I know the women trust you.”“I’ll see what I can do,” Bridget patted her arm gently. Bea did her best not to flinch at the contact, but something in the way Bridget retracted her hand made Bea think she wasn’t as subtle as she hoped. Bea found herself walking toward H-block, knowing that there was a chance that the woman she was looking for would be in there.She walked through the entryway, the metal bars pulled back from their latch. At the table sat who Bea had become to know as Boomer and the older peer worker, Liz. They were both nursing cups of tea, with blankets wrapped around their shoulders. A plate of Monte Carlos sat before them. Bea could tell Boomer had taken the lion share, if the crumbs around her mouth were anything to go by.“Good morning, ladies,” Bea greeted, standing awkwardly in the centre of the room.“Good morning, Ms. Smith,” Liz greeted, her warm eyes meeting Bea’s. “I just wanted to say thank you for the blankets and tea. The women were very grateful.”“That’s good to hear,” Bea nodded. Cursing herself internally for being shit with small talk. She wished she had the same talents as Vera, who was so easily able to slip into conversation. She made it feel like you were being heard, even with the most mundane things.“Is Novak around?” Bea questioned, eager to move the conversation along.“Nah, yeah, she’s just in her room.” Boomer responded, pointing to the door on Bea’s right.Bea smiled, before turning toward the door and opening it. She stopped dead in her tracks, finding the blonde facing away from her. Allie’s naked back was visible, a light dusting of freckles and moles dotting her skin. She was lithe and strong, her muscles moving as she tugged her shirt over her head.“Oh, fuck,” Bea mumbled, her heart rattling in her ribcage. “Sorry.”Allie turned, a teasing smile on her lips. “Didn’t hear you come in, Gov.”“I’ll just-“ Bea gestured to leave. She could feel her face burning, the familiar sensation of the blush rushing up her neck and singing the tips of her ears.“No, no, it’s fine,” Allie smiled, she plopped herself on her bed sitting cross legged. She watched Bea, her cool blue eyes boring into her skin.“To what do I owe the pleasure?” Allie smirked, gesturing to the chair that sat in the corner of her room. Bea stayed firmly planted, making it obvious that she wasn’t here for chit chat.“I wanted to see you.” Bea said, not thinking about the words until they left her mouth. Allie’s eyes widened, as well as her smile. Bea mentally kicked herself.“You sure know how to sweet talk a girl, Ms. Smith.” Allie said teasingly, her voice light.Bea scoffed, rolling her eyes and tilting her head. She was used to this. Flirting. Hell, if she could have a dollar every time, she was propositioned at Tarrengower, Bea would’ve paid off her mortgage by now. But the way in which Allie’s eyebrow arched suggestively, her straight white teeth digging into the flesh of her bottom lip. How Bea’s eyes were immediately drawn to the beauty spot above the blonde’s full lips. Bea had to reboot herself. She blamed it on the shock of almost seeing Allie naked.“I came to see you about the programs,” Bea moved the conversation along, hoping that Allie couldn’t see the blush that was now raging across her skin.“Yeah, what about them?”“Well,” Bea started, she shifted on her feet, before making the split-second decision to sit down on the chair that was previously offered to her. She locked eyes with the Top Dog, “I was wondering which ones in particular the women responded best to?”Allie’s eyes lit up at her words. Bea knew that she took great pleasure in planning these activities for the women. It meant less work for Allie in the long run. And Bea too. But it was much more than that. Bea could see that the blonde had a keen interest in making life better for the women, or at least the days bearable.“I know they loved the arts and crafts,” Allie started, tapping her pointer finger to her chin. A habit, Bea noticed, that Allie did when she was thinking. “Though, I would recommend making sure the prisoners have limited access to scissors, I know we ended up with a shortage of those last time.”“Noted,” Bea responded, pulling out her notepad from her breast pocket and clicking her pen twice. She scribbled words down as Allie listed the activities out to her.“They also loved the yoga,” Allie added when she was finished. Her face scrunched up almost comically, “but I couldn’t stand all the namaste bullshit.”Bea chuckled, writing the word ‘yoga’ and underlining it three times.“Thank you, Allie.” Bea said, looking up to the blonde.“No worries,” Allie responded, tilting her head just so. Bea felt a breath rise in her chest as if she was going to say something, but the words died on her lips.The blonde spoke again, softer this time, “is there anything else you need from me?”Bea shook her head, standing from the chair and smoothing down her jacket. “No, that will be all.”Bea moved to the door, before turning to give Allie one last thank you. “You know where to find me,” the blonde responded with a wink. Allie had just finished her shift in the laundry, happy that she had no need to steam press anyone’s hand today. It was happening less and less, the need to ensure that the women were following the rules. The prison seemed like a lighter place, she could hear more laughter in the halls, less fighting.When Mr. Jackson had told Allie that visits to medical were at an all-time low, she was chuffed. She knew that the women were responding well to her style of leadership, and that instead of seeing her as weak, they were starting to understand that she was on their side.“Oi!”Allie turned, finding Franky behind her, gracing her with a signature smile.“Hey, Franky,” Allie greeted warmly, allowing the brunette to sling an arm around her shoulders. “You coming to play cards? Boomer says she wants to play strip poker.”Franky laughed, throwing her head back. “Nah, I’ve got an appointment.”“Who with?”“Y’know that psych? Dr. West-something,” Franky replied, her tone not as strong or confident as it had been a moment beforehand.Allie stopped walking, turning to her friend. She placed her hands on Franky’s shoulders gently squeezing them. “Franks, that’s amazing,” Allie said with as much authenticity she could muster. The brunette shrugged, looking away from Allie. The blonde could tell she was embarrassed. Feelings weren’t her thing. But Allie had seen the dark places her friend had gone to over the years. How she fought and drank and fucked until she didn’t have to face whatever was in her head. Allie could see how loving and caring Franky was deep down, in little moments they shared. Like when Franky helped her get clean, stood up for her against Marie, and put her forward as Top Dog.“No, seriously,” Allie said a little more forcefully, her tone making Franky meet her gaze. Allie could see the nerves bubbling under her skin, how her eyes looked vacant. Expecting the worse to happen. Allie continued, “I think you’re making the right choice for yourself.”“Thanks, Goldilocks,” Franky smiled, before letting Allie pull her into a hug. Allie pretended not to notice the slight waver in her friend’s voice, or how her body shuddered under their hug.They pulled apart, now letting the moment pass. Franky immediately let her arrogant mask slip back into place, and Allie pretended like the last minute never happened. They continued walking back to H1, nudging each other with their shoulders as they joked.The pair had had a long friendship. It started when Allie first came to Wentworth four years ago. To say their relationship started off rocky would be an understatement. Kaz had tried to undermine Franky at every turn, and – as much as she hated to admit it – Allie was complicit in the idiotic plans. But when Allie slipped up and got back on the gear, it was Franky who stepped up to care for her. Leading to Allie now calling H1 her home and Franky family. Though she still looked to Kaz as her mother figure, Allie felt it was best to keep some distance between them.“Shit, what time is it?” Franky asked, interrupting Allie mid conversation.“I dunno,” Allie shook her head.“Fuck!” Franky looked around hoping to see a clock on the wall but there wasn’t any in this part of the prison.As Franky was frantically looking around, Allie spotted her. Ms. Smith rounded the corner, her face blank. The blonde felt her heart rate pick up at the sight.“Ms. Smith!” Allie called, stopping the Governor in her tracks. “Do you have the time?”The red head looked down at her watch. Allie watched the movements, how her slender fingers encircled her wrist, turning the face of the watch so she could read it. Her skin was tanned, freckled. Allie noticed that she had a blush pink nail polish on.“It’s twelve fifty-five, Novak.”“Shit!” Franky shouted, running off in the other direction. Allie heard another officer shout at Franky as she rounded the corner.Allie chuckled as she looked over her shoulder. She turned back to the Governor, who was gazing at her now. She could see a question playing on the older woman’s lips.“We see each other two times in one day, you stalking me or something?” Allie joked, secretly loving the way Ms. Smith would immediately clam up.The red head scoffed after a moment, shaking her head slightly. A mannerism that Allie had come to associate with the older woman. The blonde watched as her red curls bounced around her head. She had her hair up in a ponytail today, showing off her sharp features and undercut. Allie couldn’t keep her eyes off her.“So, you and Doyle?” The Governor said after a moment.“Yeah?”“Are you two…”Allie paused, letting the silence settle between them before realising what Ms. Smith was actually saying. She let out a loud cackle, “Me and Franky? God, no!”“Oh,” The Governor fumbled, “I just thought…”“Yeah, nah, I get it,” Allie chuckled, feeling tears rise in her eyes. She hadn’t laughed that hard in a long time. “Were both gay and really hot. But Franky’s family.”Ms. Smith nodded once. She twined her hands together in front of her. “Anyway, I should be going.”She went to move past Allie, but the blonde reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Wait.”Ms. Smith stopped, meeting her eyes. Allie continued, “I talked to the women about the activities. They’re all super keen for it, no one has stepped up to lead the yoga class yet, so we’ll have to figure that one out.”“That’s great,” the red head rasped, smiling at Allie. She turned back to the blonde fully now. “I also had another idea… maybe a hair dressing class? I know the women would appreciate some pampering.”“Yeah?” Allie smiled, “I just don’t know anyone who knows how to style hair.”“Oh,” Ms. Smith paused. Allie watched her think, knowing that when her bow pinched, and her eyes narrowed that she was turning something over in her head. “Well, I guess I could help. I was a hairdresser for a few years.”“Really?” Allie shot back. Surprise evident in her tone. She could see it, Ms. Smith flitting around a salon, applying colour and foils to old ladies’ hair. “Would you do mine?”Ms. Smith chuckled now, wide brown eyes gazing fully at Allie. She reached out and twirled a strand of Allie’s hair around her finger. “Yeah, I reckon you could do with a cut and colour.”Allie beamed. The moment felt intimate, like a secret shared between them. And as fast as the moment started, it ended. Ms. Smith retracted her hand, her expression giving away that she thought she had stepped over the line.Allie chased the moment, trying to hold onto it for dear life. Was she really that touch starved, that a small bit of attention from a hot and powerful woman was sending her into a tailspin? “Can I make a booking?” Allie asked, keeping her tone light.Ms. Smith let her smile creep back in, before she turned on her heel and said over her shoulder, “I’ll have to check my schedule.” H Block had been called for dinner, and Allie and her crew sat around the table chatting. Boomer and Franky were joking around, trying to sneakily throw food at each other like a couple of teenagers.Allie smiled at the interaction, stabbing her dinner with her fork, and shoving it in her mouth. When a pea hit Boomer in the eye and she let out a yelp, Allie knew it was time to intervene.“Cut it out you two,” Allie snapped playfully.Franky flashed her a smile, taking a bite of a carrot, before saying, “whatever you say mum.”“Oi, that hurt, ay?” Boomer said, blinking rapidly. Allie stifled a laugh, the sight of Boomer squinting through her pea induced pain was not something she had on the cards for the night. “Do you reckon I could go blind or somethin’?”“Aw, you’ll survive,” Franky shot back, winking at Allie. “Unless…”“Shut up, Franky,” Allie shoved the brunette, earning a laugh.“Unless what?” Boomer asked, now alarmed at Franky’s joking. “What does she mean?”Liz and Ruby laughed, watching the scene unfold before them. Boomer kept at Franky until she admitted that she was making it up. Allie loved dinner, watching her friends fuck around with each other. It made her sentence bearable. That she had these women to fall back on if she needed anything.Sure, she had her issues with some of them in the past. Especially when she was being a pain in the ass to Franky and Boomer almost bashed her once or twice. Also, the fact that she and Ruby had a short-lived relationship. Even though Ruby was the one to initiate the breakup, Allie was sure that Ruby still had a thing for her. Liz, however, was always a gentle and kind presence in Allie’s life, as she was for all the women in the prison.Allie’s thought processes were interrupted by the opening of the dining room doors. She saw Ms. Smith walk in with Mr. Jackson trailing in behind her. She looked happy, Allie noted, like she finally had something to show for her time at Wentworth. The blonde was eager to hear what she had to say.“Evenin’ ladies,” Mr. Jackon said, nodding to the room full of women. “The Governor has an announcement to make.”Allie felt a hand nudge her; she looked over to Boomer who leaned into whisper, “she seems a bit like a tight ass, hey?”Allie shot her a glare, tilting her head toward the Governor. The blonde felt a sense of annoyance wash over her. Sure, Ms. Smith hadn’t really talked to the women much, but she had done a lot for the prison already. She brought them blankets and tea when it was cold. She made sure to do at least two rounds of the prison every day to see how the women were going, and Allie heard that she spent an hour a day checking in on the women in the slot. Making sure that they were fed properly, and they had the opportunity to shower and brush their teeth.There were also their visits. The ease in which Ms. Smith talked to her. Though a little guarded, the Governor was open and honest about her plans for the women. And her candour in wanting Allie’s help with the programs deserved a huge amount of respect. That was just Allie’s opinion anyway.Ms. Smith cleared her throat, appraising the room with a quick glance. Her eyes caught on Allie for a brief second before moving on. Allie was almost disappointed that she didn’t linger.“Good evening,” Ms. Smith said, her raspy voice strong, commanding. “I know I haven’t been here long, and I understand you might be cautious with me. And trust me… I know I have very big shoes to fill after Ms. Bennet. I don’t necessarily share the same people skills as her. But I still have your best interests at heart.”Ms. Smith paused, now fully meeting Allie’s eyes. The blonde felt her pulse quicken. Loving the feeling of the red head’s eyes on her.“And considering all of that, I think the best plan to move forward is to reinstate the programs that Ms. Bennet introduced.”The room erupted with cheers. Ms. Smith let them settle down, a small smile playing on her lips, her eyes glinting under the florescent lights.“Though, I’m not the person to thank, your Top Dog, Allie Novak, has taken a great interest in getting these programs up and running.”Allie smiled, feeling Boomer’s large hand clap her on the shoulder. The blonde laughed, giving a little wave to the women who were whooping and hollering at her in thanks. Though, she couldn’t keep her eyes off the Governor, who seemed to watch her with the same intensity.“Novak has also agreed to lead the yoga group. So, get in quick,” Ms. Smith announced quickly, taking Allie by surprise. The blonde let her mouth fall open, ignoring the commotion in the room. Ms. Smith sent her a smirk, giving her a slight shrug.Allie stood from her chair. Quieting down the women, “I would like to say thank you to Ms. Smith, you’re doing a great job so far. And I would also like to thank you for volunteering to head the hairdressing class. Your experience will be invaluable.”Allie’s eyes met Bea’s, who now reflected the shock that Allie felt moments ago. All Allie did in return was give her a teasing smile, before shrugging her shoulders teasingly.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
July 20th
Bea should’ve known that Allie was going to get back at her for saying that she was going to lead the yoga class. But the opportunity was there, and she just took it. Bea didn’t understand why she enjoyed teasing the blonde, the warmth she felt when she saw Allie’s bemused expression.Now she had an eleven o’clock class, teaching hair dressing to the women. Bea had decided to bring in a change of clothes for the day, knowing that it could be messy work. Especially if they were going to be near colouring products.Maxine was kind enough to offer her expertise in makeup. Something that Bea had never been very good at. In the past, when Debbie was old enough, she would apply Bea’s makeup for her. They would talk and laugh, and it was always Bea’s favourite time of the day. Even in the time Harry was around, it was something they had for themselves, a moment where they could just talk and not worry about him looming over them.“Do you really think this is a good idea?” Will questioned, standing in Bea’s office. He wore a concerned look on his face, his eyes wide and lips downturned.“Yes, I really do,” Bea replied confidently. Even though it wasn’t her idea and Allie had sprung it on her, the more Bea though about it, the more she came to realise that this was a great opportunity for the women to see that she was really there to help.“Anyway, I already agreed to it, so I can’t back out now,” Bea continued. She had changed into what she would’ve usually worn in the salon, a loose black t-shirt, and black jeans.“I just don’t see how this can bring the women on your side, Gov,” Will kept at it. Bea knew he was apprehensive; he had been talking about it all week. How unsafe it was for her to be in there. “Also, the fact you’re not wearing a uniform… it could make you look weak.”“Or it could make me look human,” Bea shot back, pulling her hair out of its restrictive bun. She let her fingers massage her scalp for a moment. She turned to the deputy governor, hands on her hips. “I get that you’re worried, and that a million things could go wrong, but let me just see this through, okay?”Will nodded, his arms crossing over his broad chest. He looked away from her. “Just…” He started, the sentence dying on his lips, he cleared his throat to continue, “if anything, I mean anything goes wrong today, the whole thing is canned.”“Deal.” Bea had set up the room. Moving tables and chairs in a way that mimicked a real salon. She had even brought in her old hairdressing kit in with her. She had had it since she was an apprentice at TAFE. She unpacked the bag, laying out all her implements like a surgeon. Her brushes and scissors lined up neatly. She glanced up at the clock, seeing that it was almost time for the women to come in for their class.A knock at the door stilled her actions, Maxine stood at the door, her makeup kit in her hands.“Hi, Bea,” Maxine said softly, a gentle smile on her lips. “The place looks great! Almost like a real salon.”Bea smiled, her eyes skirting around the room. “Yeah… that’s what I was going for.”Maxine moved to the table adjacent, laying her makeup box down and unpacking it, just as Bea did.“Y’know,” Maxine said after a moment, “I think this is a great idea.”“Yeah?”Maxine nodded, now watching Bea. “They’re gonnna love it.”There was another knock at the door and Linda Miles raised a questioning brow at Bea, who nodded in return. The officer stepped back to let a flood of women enter the room.Bea watched as they looked around the place, chatting to each other. Their excitement was palpable. She felt vindicated, knowing that she was doing the right thing.“Wow, look at you, Red,” Franky said to her with a lazy smile, swaggering into the room. “Those jeans are doing things to me.”“Shut it, Doyle,” Bea said, her smile still breaking across her lips. “You looking for a cut?”“Nah,” Franky shook her head, “I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”Bea rolled her eyes, turning back to the door. She found Allie standing there. Her blue eyes wide as she scanned the room. The red head ignored the warmth rushing up in her chest, the way her heart thumped. She shook her head and looked down, trying to appear busy.“Hey, Gov,” The Top Dog walked over casually, her hands shoved into the pockets of her hoodie. “Nice place you’ve got here.”Bea looked up to find Allie watching her intently, her brow raised and a smirk playing on her full lips.“Thanks, Novak,” She responded, her voice raspy. Bea stood up straighter, willing herself to have an announce of control over her body. “Can I do anything for you?”“I’ll have a cut and colour, thanks,” the blonde replied, tilting her head just so. Bea gestured to the chair, letting Allie sit down in front of her. She grabbed the apron, pulling it over the blonde’s body and securing it around her neck. Bea pulled the strands of hair from the collar, running her fingers through it for a moment.She stepped back, centring herself, before turning back to her tools. Bea had felt the shock of her fingers as they grazed the skin of Allie’s neck. How warm she was, how smooth she felt. Even with the slightest touch.“Now,” Bea cleared her throat. “Any ideas?”“I was thinking that I’d leave that up to the expert.”Bea scoffed. She turned towards the blonde, who faced away from her, happy that that her blue eyes weren’t following her every move. Bea raised her hands slowly, pausing before letting her fingers run through the blonde strands again.Allie’s hair was short, long enough to reach her shoulders. It had been bleached, and whoever had done it damaged the fuck out of it. Her roots were showing, the much darker blonde contrasting against the bleached strands.“Who did your hair?” Bea questioned, feeling the damaged strands beneath her fingertips.Allie chuckled, “Boomer.”Bea left it at that, feeling a bubble of laughter rise in her chest.She got to work, testing a strand of Allie’s hair before fully colouring it. They talked, like Bea would’ve done with her past clients, light, and easy conversation. Allie was funny though, making Bea laugh so much that she had to still her movements when cutting her hair. She told stupid stories, of how her and Franky almost got into a fist fight about missing undies. How the Monte Carlos had gone missing, and they found five packets in Boomer’s cell.Bea couldn’t recall a time that someone, besides Debbie, had made her laugh so much.At one point, Allie was quiet. Bea stood in front of her, trimming the hair around Allie’s face. The blonde studied her, her eyes moving from Bea’s face to her arms as they worked.“Franky was right.”“Hmm?”“About the jeans, they really are doing something.”“Hush,” Bea smiled, stilling her movements, “I wouldn’t be saying that to a woman who is holding a pair of scissors.”“Ouch, Ms. Smith,” Allie dramatically flinched, “way to break a girl’s heart.”Once she was finished, Bea let her fingers grace over Allie’s neck again. This time lingering on the sensation of smooth skin under her fingertips. She unclasped the collar, slowly pulling the apron off Allie.“How do I look?” Allie questioned teasingly, batting her eyelids in a comical manner.Bea grabbed the mirror and handed it to the Top Dog. Watching her as she appraised herself in the mirror.“Holy fuck,” Allie murmured, tilting her head as she looked at herself.“I didn’t fuck it up, did I?” Bea joked, secretly dying on the inside. The moment stretched out, as the Top Dog examined herself. She tilted her head, watching the way her hair now fell just short of her shoulders, the honey blonde strands framing her face.Bea was sure that Allie hated it. Anxiety crawling up her skin, leaving a lump in her throat. Each second passed and Bea held her breath. Unsure as to why she was having such a visceral reaction to Allie’s approval.“God, no,” Allie responded with a wide smile, her blue eyes now meeting Bea’s. “It looks amazing.”Bea shrugged, her anxiety flushing away at Allie’s words. She felt her shoulders relax and let herself return the blonde’s smile.Allie looked beautiful. Less intimidating. But beautiful. Bea thought it made her look softer. The redhead had to avert her gaze.“I wonder what else you can do with those fingers,” Allie joked, her eyes boring into Bea’s skin.Bea laughed, looking down to hide the blush on her cheeks. Suddenly uncomfortable with the teasing.“But really,” Allie stood from her seat taking a step towards Bea, making her meet the younger woman’s gaze again. “Thank you.”“You’re welcome.”
July 24th
Allie was dreading her yoga instruction. Ever since Ms. Smith had thrown her under the bus, Allie had been frantically looking up yoga poses in the library. Thankfully, the prison had a wide selection of books on all types of namaste bullshit. Allie thought that they stocked the books in the hopes that some inmates would learn to chill the fuck out.She practised in her cell all week, memorising the names of the poses and how long she needed to hold them for. Breathwork was apparently important, and if Allie wanted to look the expert, she had to act like one. She held her breath, took deep inhales expanding her lungs until they constricted against her ribs. Only to slowly exhale, feeling her body deflate all its oxygen. It was calming and Allie felt her mind clear at the exercise. Perhaps Yoga wasn’t too bad after all.The women in her unit were amused at the sight. Most of them were looking forward to the instruction. At one point, Ruby questioned why she was even doing it, but Allie didn’t want to disappoint the women. Besides she needed to prove a point. To the Governor.The Governor. Allie’s mind had been on the redhead all week. When she wasn’t fretting over contorting her body into a pretzel or dealing with business. The image of Ms. Smith would swim in and out of her consciousness. Her eyes, her smile, her cheekbones, and jaw. How she would wear her hair up in a way that revealed the buzzed underside of her head. It would make her look sharper. Her cheeks hollower. It made her lips pout with more authority and her brow furrow with that much more focus. Allie had trouble focusing on the simplest of tasks.Then there was the feeling of her fingertips on Allie’s skin. She revelled in how Ms. Smith touched her. The fleeting the sensation of her fingers sliding over Allie’s neck. How it left tendrils of shock emanating through her spine. The memory made the hair on Allie’s body stand on end, goosebumps rippled across her skin, and she was dazed at the thought. Then there was the actual haircut itself. Ms. Smith had tugged on the roots of her hair lightly, skilled hands working on muscle memory as she appraised Allie’s hair. Her fingers rubbing gentle but firm circles into the blonde’s scalp, leaving Allie using all her willpower to not let a moan escape her throat. She was focused, like an artist with a hammer and chisel, chipping away at a piece of marble. Allie loved how her eyes hardened with focus, her fingers moved with confidence. Snipping and brushing.These moments of pure daydreaming bliss had started to become a hazard for the Top Dog. She was distracted. She almost sandwiched her own hand in the steam press during her shift in the laundry, mind off elsewhere. Thankfully, no one noticed, as Franky was putting on random bras and flicking women with underwear she found in the delicates pile.Allie had to snap herself back into focus. It was bad if the Top Dog was distracted. And the blonde knew that she had to try and keep these thoughts to herself. Preferably at night. In her cell.Alone. The Top Dog stood at the front of a room full of women. Some had even gone as far to bring in their towels as makeshift yoga mats. Though, most women opted to do their poses on the grubby carpet. That’s what Allie was planning on doing anyway.“Okay, ladies,” Allie hushed the room, hands on her hips. She did her best to exude confidence, it had gotten her this far with Top Dog, yoga should be easy. “We’re gonna stretch all the stress out of ya’s.”“You can stretch me any way you’d like, blondie,” Franky called from the back. The room erupted in laughter and Allie flipped Franky off before turning around and modelling a pose.“Now, we’re gonna reach up with our feet firmly planted…” Allie started, raising her own arms above her head, feeling the muscles in her back strain with the effort. It felt good, the tension in her back slightly easing with the stretch of her muscles. She inhaled deeply; the familiar sensation of her lungs filling eased any nerves she was feeling.She moved her arms down her body, before leaning down and planting her hands firmly on the floor. The women followed, groaning and more swearing, obviously not liking the burn. Allie let the women know that they were in a forward bend position, pretending that she didn’t have only limited knowledge of yoga.Allie let out a breathy laugh, knowing that this was going to be an interesting session.“Use your hands to walk out from your body and hold yourself there. This is the downward dog.”“Fuck me!”There was a crash and Allie snapped up from her pose, finding Boomer on the floor. Franky let out a cackle at the sight, falling from her position and rolling on her back. Allie couldn’t stop the smile on her lips as she walked to Boomer and helped the older woman up.“You right, Booms?”“Yeah, nah, yeah,” Boomer nodded, before glaring at Franky who was still on the floor. Her face was aflame, embarrassment creeping into her tone. “Shut up before I punch your tits in!”Allie managed to calm Boomer down, giving Franky a look that told her to knock it off. Thankfully, Franky took the hint and returned to her spot, shooting Allie a wink.The Top Dog returned to the front of the room. She opened her mouth to speak but was stopped by the opening of the door behind her. She turned to find Ms. Smith looking at her. Allie’s mind was filled with those images again. Her jaw. Her eyes. Her mouth. Allie had to regain composure if she was going to get through the instruction.“Looks like we got some company,” Allie said, finding her voice confident and cool. Her eyes met the Governor’s, they appraised her cooly. The deep brown of her irises was glowed under florescent lights, holding Allie in place. The redhead’s eyebrow twitched, and she pursed her lips.“I just wanted to see how the class was going, Novak,” Ms. Smith replied, eyes now scanning the room. “We feeling relaxed yet ladies?”“Nuh!” Boomer said, rubbing the elbow that she landed on.Ms. Smith concealed a smile before moving to the back of the room. Leaning herself against the wall and sliding her hands into her pockets. Now she let a small smirk play on her lips, her eyes lighting up as she gazed at Allie. The Top Dog felt her heart constrict.“Continue, Novak.” The Governor barked, but there was no edge to her voice. She looked relaxed. Happy even. Allie had a nagging feeling that the Governor was chuffed to see Allie leading the yoga instruction. It was her idea after all.Allie smiled before telling the women to resume their poses. She let them through the positions with ease, finally letting her body settle into the hot stretch of her muscles. She shook her head slightly, letting her hair fall from her face, allowing her to look to the room. The blonde called out some reassuring words to the women, complimenting their form and encouraging them to keep their poses.Allie smiled, feeling a rush of blood to her head. She was actually enjoying this. The women were enjoying themselves too. Some were really trying, letting their bodies relax into the pose, while others were trying to sabotage their mates. The silence of the room was broken up with the occasional groan or laugh, but that was to be expected.But Ms. Smith’s gaze stayed on Allie. Ignoring everyone else in the room. And Allie noticed. She felt the Governor’s watchful gaze on her body, focusing on the blonde’s back muscles as they moved with the stretch. Allie felt a heat start to burn deep in her core, slowly moving through her limbs. It engulfed her.Allie stood from her pose, filled with a new rush. She locked eyes with Ms. Smith before moving into another pose, instructing the women to follow. The blonde bent her body, her skin becoming slick. Trying to ignore the Governor’s eyes. They left burning trails on the blonde’s skin. Watching her every move.After putting the women through what Allie thought was a relatively smooth session, the women were puffed. Their t-shirts were stuck to their skin with sweat. Boomer looked like she had just walked out of the shower. And Franky looked like she was having a blast, not a speck of exertion on her face or a drop of sweat to be seen.“Not hard enough for you, Doyle?” Allie shot at her friend, getting a cheeky grin in return.“Trust me, Novak,” Franky replied, “I’ve had plenty of practice bending my body, mainly around other chicks.”Allie rolled her eyes. She shook her head and wiped away at the dampness on her forehead. She was certainly warm, and it wasn’t from the yoga. Ms. Smith’s presence in the room wasn’t doing Allie any favours, and she could feel a familiar pressure building in her bones. Prickling her skin. She was getting frustrated.Suddenly, a thought popped into Allie’s mind. She smirked at the Governor before letting the women know that she had one more pose for them. And she added that it might be helpful for their next conjugal.Allie got down on her knees before leaning forward and resting her elbows on the ground. She arched her back downward, her ass now in the air. It was a position that she had done many times before. Usually, for her customers. Occasionally for her lovers.“You like that, ladies?” Allie said, wiggling her ass a little, letting a laugh bubble in her chest. She was encouraged by the guffaws and cat calls of the women. The rush of the position and the feeling of the Governor’s eyes on her spurred Allie forward.She pushed further into the pose. Not hearing the laughter and cheering in the room. Her mind filling with white noise. Heart thumping in her ears. Allie’s abdominal muscles strained as she took a sharp inhale breath. The stretch doing little to quell the frustration building in her core.Allie locked eyes with Ms. Smith, who watched her with hooded eyes. She was still leaning against the wall, her chest rising and falling with every breath. Allie raked her eyes up the redhead’s body, appreciating how the uniform hugged her figure.Ms. Smith met her gaze. Holding Allie in place.“Time’s up, Novak,” The Governor said, snapping Allie out of her daze. Without much thought, the blonde slowly pulled herself up from her position on the floor. She felt like she was on autopilot. Thoughts escaping her. Had she gone too far?Now standing, Allie grabbed her towel, wiping away the fine sheen of sweat that covered her chest.The Governor walked forward; her arms now crossed over her chest. She stopped in front of the blonde, face upturned toward Allie. The blonde’s heart hammed against her chest, it felt like everyone could see. How her body reacted, how her breath hitched and her breathing shallowed. The closeness of the redhead was dizzying.“I think that went very well, don’t you?” Ms. Smith said, her voice low. Her accent deliciously tugging on her words.“Like what you see?” Allie smirked. Her voice didn’t betray the wildness of her body’s reaction. It was smooth, teasing even. Her eyes dropped to the older woman’s lips.The redhead paused. Regarding Allie with a stare that almost felt like a game. Who was going to give up first? Who was going to break the building tension? The Governor finally rolled her eyes and turned on her heel, “I said times up ladies! Pack it in.”With that, the Governor was gone, and Allie was dazed. She stood watching the door. Her chest rising and falling with each breath that was an effort to get out.“That was hot, blondie!” Franky chuckled, throwing her arm over Allie’s shoulders. The blonde was shaken from her thoughts, her mind betraying her again. “I reckon you’ll have a line of chicks waiting outside your door tonight.”Allie chuckled. Still trying to quell the burning frustration that was coursing through her veins. Allie sat in her cell, freshly showered. She held a small bottle of nail polish precariously while she painted her toenails. The deep red was the only colour she could find. And she was only slightly annoyed that it was her only choice.“Hey,” Franky stood at the frame of Allie’s door. Her shoulder resting on the frame, she watched the blonde with a soft expression, her head tilted slightly. “Need a hand?”Allie nodded, holding the bottle out to her friend. “Yeah, I keep fucking up.”“Lucky for you I have magic fingers,” Franky’s eyebrows wiggled as she swiped the bottle from Allie’s hand, settling on the floor of Allie’s room. She gestured for the blonde to reposition herself and started painting Allie’s nails.The women sat quietly for a while, letting Franky focus on the task at hand. Allie leaned back against the cool wall of her cell, her head falling back, and her eyes closed. Her mind was clear for the first time in days. No thoughts turned over; no fleeting images crossed her consciousness. It was relaxing.“What was that all about today?” Franky asked quietly. Her eyes not breaking concentration.“What?”“You know what I’m talking about.” Franky replied firmly, shooting Allie a glance from her position. “Who were you trying to impress?”Allie scoffed and shook her head, refusing to meet Franky’s eyes. “No one.”“Allie.”The blonde now met her friend’s eyes. Franky knew her too well. They had been through so much together; the brunette could read her like a book. And Allie could read Franky in the same way.“You’ll think I’m stupid,” Allie groaned, covering her face with her hands. Her cheeks burned with the realisation that she was probably going to tell Franky about her crush. Allie felt like a teenager again. Her heart fluttering in her chest at the mere thought of the Governor.“Try me,” Franky chuckled, securing the cap on the nail polish before setting it down. She moved up onto the bed with Allie, crossing her legs and facing the blonde.“Fuck,” Allie breathed, she screwed her eyes shut and let her chin drop to her chest. How could she verbalise the thoughts she had been having? Would Franky understand the heightened emotions that were coursing through Allie’s veins at the mere thought of the Governor? Then there was explaining her fingers, jaw, cheekbones, hair. Allie had been attracted to women for as long as she could remember, but this was something else. The Top Dog steeled herself. Understanding that the depths of her infatuation with the Governor was not yet something she wanted to explore. Or at least, not yet speak into the universe. These thoughts were secure in her mind, a secret that belonged to Allie and Allie alone.“Iwannafuckthegovernor.”“What?”“UGH,” Allie slid off the wall and fell back on the bed, covering her face with her hands once again. She let out a low groan. “I said… I want to fuck… the Governor.”“WHAT?” Franky squealed; she threw a pillow at the blonde. “Novak, you sly dog.”“Fuck off,” Allie chuckled, swiping at Franky, happy that her hand connected with the brunette’s knee.They fell into silence for a moment. Allie catching her breath. Knowing that her confession was going to be fuel for Franky’s endless taunting and teasing.“Red’s pretty hot, isn’t she?” Franky posed her statement as a question. Allie sat up, leaning against the wall, letting Franky follow suit.Allie felt a nudge on her shoulder, she looked to Franky who was smiling fully at her now. The brunette wiggled her eyebrows, “aw shit, blondie, you’ve got it…bad.”Allie sighed, feeling the weight of her confession lift off her chest. She chuckled leaning her head on Franky’s shoulder. “Yeah… I do.” July 27th Bea sat in her office, typing furiously at her keyboard. It had been a busy week, with the programs finally up and running with few mishaps, her involvement in the hairdressing class and the minister wanting continuous updates on her progress with the women, Bea was up to her eyeballs in work.Not to mention the fact that there were copious amounts of paperwork that Bea had to look over regarding an inmate who had been in prolonged isolation. Bea had heard the woman’s name before, Vera had mentioned it when she gave Bea a tour of the prison. Vera’s tone had shifted slightly when talking about the inmate, her expression icy and her shoulders rigid. Bea knew that this prisoner was not someone to be fucked with.“Bea?”The Governor looked up from her desk, the nervous tapping of her pen now stopped. Maxine stood in the doorway, her kind smile pulling Bea from her focus.“Hey Maxine,” The redhead greeted warmly. She liked her secretary. Maxine was gentle, sweet. Such a contrast to the grey walls and dark corridors of Wentworth. That was probably why the women liked her. She exuded warmth and a tenderness that was hard to come by in this place. Bea could hear the muffled conversations that Maxine would have with the women while they waited outside of Bea’s office. The upturn of their voices as they chatted mundanely to the secretary, like they were speaking to an old friend. They were always happy to see her.“I was just about to head home, anything else you need from me?”Bea shook her head. “Nah, I’m fine Maxine. Get home safe, yeah?”Maxine nodded, before pausing. “Also, you have a visitor.”Bea perked up at this, letting her pen clatter to the desk. Maxine stepped aside to let Bridget enter the room. The brunette said one final goodbye before leaving.“Bridget,” Bea greeted, leaning back in her chair.“Hey, Gov,” the blonde greeted, she sat across from Bea. Her warm eyes appraising the Governor. “How you going?”“Fine,” Bea responded. She wasn’t fine. She was stressed. There was too much to do. Not that Bea had anyone to blame but herself. She had always done this. Took on too much, tried to start too many projects at once, only for her to end up exhausted and burnt out.Bridget’s eyebrow twitched and she gave Bea a knowing smile. “Come on, Bea. It looks like you’ve barely slept. Don’t you have night shifts coming up soon?”Bea nodded, letting her tired eyes fall to the desk. Bridget was right. Of course she was. She wouldn’t be a psychologist if she wasn’t good at reading people.“I’ve just got a lot to do. It’s not like I have anyone to come home to, Debbie’s off to uni.”Bridget nodded now, still fixing Bea with a kind look. “Want a night off?”Bea looked up, smiling slightly at the suggestion. She turned the thought over in her head. It was Friday. Somehow, Bridget had managed to get Vera to join them. Now they sat in a restaurant looking out over the Yarra River, the glinting lights of the city reflecting off the rippling water. The rooftop bar was abuzz with chatter. People still in their work clothes, chatting over classes of wine and/or beer. It was lively, and Bea mentally kicked herself for depriving herself of the simple pleasure of enjoying a cool evening.Both Bridget and Bea had glasses of wine in front of them. Vera had a glass of water, her swollen belly peaking out over the table. The conversation had been flowing easily, with Vera taking the brunt of it with talk about her baby. It was a girl. And though, Bea saw a flash of apprehension in Vera’s wide eyes, it was outshone by her eagerness to be a good mother. She was glowing, radiant in her expectant motherhood. And Bea was thrilled for her friend.“Bridget’s been telling me that you’re taking too much on, Bea,” Vera said, giving Bea a pointed look.The redhead sunk in her chair, feeling like a child being scolded by her mother.“I just want to get the women back to normal,” Bea shrugged, fiddling with the stem of her wineglass. “You did such a good job with them Vera, I want to do the same.”“It’s a hard job, Bea. I tried my best, but it didn’t always go the way I wanted.” Vera reached out and stopped Bea’s anxious hands from moving, her skin was warm. “You’re doing great… besides Bridget told me you’re already forming relationships with the women.”Bea’s ears singed. She took a slow sip of her wine, letting the fruity cool alcohol slide down her throat.Vera continued, oblivious to Bea’s sudden change in mood, “Novak is a fantastic top dog and having her on your side is the best thing you can do. I’m so glad to hear that you two have hit it off.”Bea nodded, studying the wood grain in the table. What was this? This anxiety over the mention of Allie’s name? Bea only saw their relationship as strictly professional. Both of them wanting to do what was best for the women. That’s all it was? Wasn’t it?If that yoga lesson way anything to go by, Bea really had to take a step back. Ever since that day, she had realised that she thought of the Top Dog too much. Anytime the Governor had a lapse in her day, a moment when her thoughts were clear and not focused on the task at hand, her mind drifted off. She thought of Allie. Sitting in Bea’s office, smiling, relaxed. The sharp features of her face, the softness of her eyes. Her flirtatious smile as she teased Bea. How Allie would sit in the yard, head back, eyes closed as the sun warmed her. Her honey-coloured hair fanned out over her shoulders or swept back from her face. How she laughed, her cheek bones so full and her white teeth flashing. The arch of her brows when she smirked, how she would blink slowly when Bea was talking to her.In the yoga session. How the blonde positioned herself with ease, the sheen of sweat clinging to her skin, how strands of her freshly coloured hair clung to her forehead. The rise and fall of her chest as she looked at Bea.Then that last position. The thought of which would make Bea’s skin feel hot, like she had to tear layers of herself off just to feel some reprieve. How Allie’s back arched. How her hair fell into her face, her electric blue eyes still meeting Bea’s.It had been days, and the redhead couldn’t shake the sight that was burned into the backs of her eyelids.Bridget was watching Bea carefully, and the redhead noticed. She shifted in her seat uncomfortably, before taking another sip of wine and clearing her throat. “Well, you know…” Bea rasped, trying to push the thoughts from her mind. “It’s just a part of the job. And Novak is more than happy to work with me on the programs.”Vera nodded cheerfully, popping an olive into her mouth, and biting down on it. Bea called the waiter over and ordered another glass of wine, before deciding against it and ordering a whole bottle. She needed to unwind, to clear her thoughts. Wine seemed like the best way to do it.By the end of the night, both Bea and Bridget were slurring their words. Vera was giggling along with them, stroking her belly lovingly. Bea had decided that she liked Bridget, she was funny and outside of the professional setting, she was someone Bea knew she could trust.They managed to stumble out of the bar, and when Bea blearily checked her watch, she realised it was only ten thirty. God she was getting old. Vera offered to dropped both women home, happy to help them get into their respective houses.When Bea finally settled down for the night, changed into fresh pjs and teeth brushed, she lay in bed. Staring at the ceiling. As she drifted off, eyes fluttering close, her mind started to wander back to the Top Dog.
July 31st
Bea walked into the staff quarters. Monday morning had come, and she was feeling well rested. Besides her hangover on Saturday morning, her weekend was relaxing. Debbie even had time to call, chatting with her mother about her course and the classes she was taking that semester. Bea was immeasurably proud of her daughter, who like Bea, wanted to work in the social justice circles, majoring in law.It was the first weekend in a long time that loneliness hadn’t crept into her being. That Bea didn’t feel weighted down by the crushing absence of someone. She read a book, took a walk, did her grocery shopping without anxiety bubbling in her chest and taking a hold of her. It was nice.The Governor made herself a coffee before prepping her notes for the briefing. Watching as the rest of the staff filtered in, talking about their weekends. The stress of the job already had a hold of them. The ease of the weekend was rubbing off and the rigidity of Wentworth now settling on their shoulders. Bea could feel it too. She knew she was going to have another big week.Once the staff was settled around the table, Bea stood at the head. She nodded to Will before clearing her throat. “Due to pressure from her lawyer and an apparent breach of her human rights, Marie Winter will be released from the slot.”“When will this happen?” Miles spoke up, a disgruntled look taking a hold of her already sour features.“We’re trying to hold off as long as we can,” Will spoke up, he stood ramrod straight, his arms folding in front of his chest. Bea admired the commanding power of her deputy, he was a silent force that emanated authority. “But with her lawyer breathing down our necks it could be as early as next week.”A collective groan rose up from the table. Bea paused, letting the staff have their moment before continuing. “I understand that I have never had the pleasure to meet Winter myself, but rest assured, Will and I will be keeping a close eye on her.”The staff seemed to relax at her words. But Bea could see their apprehension, the clench in their jaws, how their eyes were narrowed. Will shot her a look that Bea couldn’t quiet decipher. He looked more concerned than usual, his eyebrows knitted together, his forehead wrinkling.Bea continued, keeping her voice even, “Will has filled me in on all her dealings in the prison. Her drug smuggling and relationship with Brody. Her attempts to kill Ruby Mitchell. The hostage situation. We all need to keep an eye out for her.”The staff were quiet now. Put out by the harsh news. Winter had done a number on the prison, and the Governor was worried about what she was dealing with. Bea adjourned the meeting, understanding that the news needed time to settle, that the officers were better at their job when not on edge.As Bea turned to leave, she felt Will’s hand on her arm. She fought the urge to freeze at the contact. To rip her arm out of his hold and look away. But she stayed put, shoving the instinct to the back of her mind. Will eyes searched Bea’s for a moment, before he said quietly, “you need to tell Novak, she needs to know.”This gave Bea pause. She watched Will, before nodding once and leaving. Allie sat before Bea, her blue eyes light, her full lips pulled into a smile. She looked relaxed, smug almost. She lounged like it was her own private living space, reclined back in the chair with one leg crossed over the other. Bea would’ve enjoyed the sight if it weren’t for the news she was about to dump on the Top Dog. But it was her job. Both of their jobs really. To be prepared, to have to deal with uncomfortable if not enraging news.“Wanting a private yoga instruction, Gov?”Bea shook her head. Usually, she would laugh at Allie’s flirtatious attempts at conversation. But now the light of Allie’s tone did nothing to break the heavy weight on Bea’s chest. Her light eyes dimmed, and her brows knit together. Allie senses that Bea was not in the teasing mood, causing her to shift from her lounging to a more upright position.“No, Allie… I need to tell you something.”“What is it?”Bea paused, filling her lungs with a sharp inhale. The thought of disappointing Allie was one that left a stabbing pain in the redhead’s chest. And it shocked her. The thought Allie might look at Bea differently, that she couldn’t always deliver good news to the blonde. The Governor was used to letting people down, used to delivering hard news. But the anxiety prickling her skin and zapping her brain was something that was completely unexpected.“Marie Winter is being released back into general.”“What?” Allie whispered. Her eyes wide, her face drained of its usually rosy rouge. Bea just nodded. The blonde was still, her eyes wide.Allie suddenly stood from her seat and paced the room, a hand coming up to grab at the roots of her hair. The blonde let out a loud forced chuckle before shaking her head. She stopped in front of the windows of Bea’s office, sliding her hands into her pockets. The scene stilled Bea, the nervous energy radiating from the Top Dog. All Bea had ever seen from her was a cool indifference, a flirtatious undertone to her movements. But now she had transformed in front of Bea.Allie stared out at the trees that gently moved with the breeze. Magpies flying to and from the branches, their song just muffled by the think pane of glass. The paper bark was peeling from the trunks of the trees. The stark white of the hidden bark now peeled back, exposed to the world. If it wasn’t from a prison window, it would be a beautiful view. “Allie.” Bea said softly. The Top Dog didn’t move. Bea stood from her seat, moving around the desk. Still keeping her distance from the other woman. “I’m not too familiar with Winter’s history, but I’ve read plenty to know the pain she’s caused.”Allie shook, her arms wrapping around herself. Bea could see her shaking. The blonde spat through gritted teeth, “she’s a monster.”The blonde turned now, anger flashing in her eyes. “You have no idea what she’s done!”It took everything in Bea not to flinch at Allie’s raised voice. She looked away from her heated gaze.The redhead still had moments like this, the overwhelming desire to fold in on herself. To hide away from any negative emotion. Working in corrections, Bea had learned to control that urge, building up impenetrable walls that even the most agitated prisoner couldn’t break. But when she was touched or confined in a room, Bea could feel the anxiety seizing her chest. Itching her skin. The fear clawing its way out of her subconsciousness.“I know.” Bea said evenly. Surprised at how she was holding herself together. She took a step toward Allie, raising her hand hesitantly, before placing it on the blonde’s arm. “I’ll make sure that she’s watched… carefully.”Allie eyes softened, now meeting Bea’s.The Governor let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding.“I promise.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Ruby walked gingerly into H5, finding the unit empty. She moved to the door and knocked gently, hearing the voice respond. She pulled open the door to find Kaz, who was lounging on her bed reading a book.The conversation she had eavesdropped on was playing on Ruby’s mind. Though, she had only overheard bits and pieces, it was enough for her to start fretting. Allie and Franky were talking and giggling like teenagers, and Ruby, wanting to know what the fuss was about stumbled upon their conversation. She didn’t mean to pry, honestly, but hearing Allie talk about her crush on another woman gave her pause. Ruby knew she didn’t have a right to be angry, but she was allowed to be concerned. Wasn’t she?Kaz was the only other person that Ruby thought she could talk to. Meddling in Allie’s business probably wasn’t the best idea, but someone needed to look out for the Top Dog. Any form of weakness from Allie was bound to set a target on her back, and anyone with a grudge would be willing to exploit that weakness a heartbeat. Ruby wanted to make sure that Allie was looked after. That’s all.“Ruby,” Kaz greeted warmly. She set her book down, but not before dog-earing the page she was on. She patted the spot next to her, shimmying up the bed to make space for Ruby.“Hey Kaz,” Ruby smiled back, taking a seat. She folded her hands in on each other, resting them in her lap. The words of that she was about to say stopping short in her chest, like the breath had been ripped from her lungs. What if she was wrong?“What’s up?” Kaz questioned, her tone now shifting. Ruby could hear her concern before she could see it. Kaz was fiercely protective, and anyone tied to Allie was under Kaz’s protection, regardless of if Allie was Top Dog or not.“I just…” Ruby started, now looking up at the ceiling, the light grey paint clinging to the concrete box they sat in. “I know that I broke it off with her… and I have no right to be even the slightest bit jealous but…”“But what?” Kaz’s voice was soft, and Ruby felt a gentle hand rest on her shoulder. It felt like she was telling on Allie, running to her mum, and divulging all her secrets, like she was some reckless teenager.“I think Allie’s seeing someone.” Ruby replied, her voice wavering. Kaz was silent, obviously drinking in the information. Ruby continued, “after we broke up, I wanted to try and fix things, but Allie said that she didn’t want another relationship. She wanted to do things by herself.”“Hmm,” Kaz nodded. Ruby met the older woman’s eyes; the piercing blue was almost hard to look at. “How do you know?”“I overheard her talking with Franky. I didn’t get most of the conversation but… I’m just concerned that it could be another Marie situation, y’know,” Ruby lifted a shoulder in a half-hearted shrug.Kaz was still, her gaze frozen on Ruby’s face. The cogs in her mind turning. “Look, Ruby, I understand where you’re coming from, but Allie’s a big girl.”“I know! I know… I just…” Ruby buried her face in her hands, before running her fingers through her hair. Ruby was just worried. Allie didn’t deserve to be hurt or controlled again. She didn’t need anyone. That’s what she’d told Ruby anyway.“I’ll have a chat with her alright?” Kaz said.Ruby nodded. Feeling lighter now that Kaz had listened to her concerns. Bea sat in her office. Like she did every morning. Coffee steaming in her mug. Paperwork sat on her desk, taunting her. The sun was out today, but the chill in the air still bit at the skin. Turning the tip of Bea’s nose pink as she walked from her car into the prison. Winter had hit Melbourne hard. But the heating was up and running again, and the women still enjoyed their extra tea and blankets. But there was always the fact that Bea felt that she couldn’t get warm, despite the layers of blankets she wrapped around herself, nor the thick woollen jumpers and socks she wore around the house, looking closer to retirement age than she would like.Today though, the cold had crept into Bea’s being, settling deep into her bones. Froze her extremities and made her feel stiff. No matter how much she paced or dressed to fight the cold, Bea couldn’t warm. And it wasn’t from the chill of the wind. It was the conversation that was looming over the Governor. Bea needed to speak to Allie. To understand her relationship with Marie. Why she reacted the way she did at the news of Winter’s release. Bea had read Winter’s file. Ex-pimp - or Madam as Winter claimed to be. She was convicted on human trafficking charges and drug offences. From what Bea read, Marie was the lowest of the low. Bringing in vulnerable young women and turning them into sex objects for men. Ruining their lives by feeding them drugs and making them dependent on her.Winter had made a splash at Wentworth when she arrived. Her notoriety had followed her, and more than a few women had been manipulated by her in the past. Apparently, she was assaulted on a few different occasions, but always managed to get out with little more than a scratch. Winter had been sent to the slot on more than a few occasions due to petty fights, but mainly left her dirty work to her lackeys. And what shocked Bea most of all was that she was Top Dog for some time.Winter was at the top of her game when she started bringing heavy drugs into the prison and used officer Brody as her henchman. Bea didn’t know what she had over the officer or if he was rotten to begin with. Regardless, Brody helped Marie carry out her plans, bringing in the gear by any means possible. From the influx of speed, ice and heroin, Marie had the women eating out of the palm of her hand. Making them dependant, scaring them into submission, just like she did before Wentworth.But it all fell apart, however, when Marie confronted Brody over a bad batch that he had brought into the prison. Marie’s little drug scheme killed five inmates in one day, and Brody wasn’t happy about being blamed. In the report, Bea saw that Will had somehow found out and confronted Brody about his transgressions, which resulted in the guard taking a prisoner hostage. He threatened to shoot if he wasn’t allowed out of the prison. Brody shot and killed another four women. Bringing the total body count to nine.The report was vague on the rest of the details, but Bea read that somehow Allie had got Brody’s gun and shot him at point blank range in the face. He died instantly.Bea understood that Allie had unresolved trauma and that it was a horrible thing to go through, but her reaction to Marie’s release seemed deeper than all of it. Deeper than the hostage situation, deeper than the drug peddling. Deeper than the murder.To Allie it was personal. And Bea wanted to know why. “Novak, for you Governor.” Will nodded, stepping aside, and letting the Top Dog walk into the room. Her gait was rigid. Shoulders squared and expression cold. So different to the warmth that usually radiated from her. It made Bea shiver.The Governor sat behind her desk, watching the Top Dog. She sat across from Bea, not meeting her eyes. Her arms crossed over her chest defensively. Bea felt her chest tighten at the sight. She didn’t like this version of Allie. Withdrawn, helpless. It was so different to what she was used to. Bea felt useless, like there was nothing she could do to ease Allie’s pain.“Allie,” Bea said softly. The blonde now meeting her eyes, her expression vacant. Like her mind had receded into the depths of her conscious. She was a sickly white pallor, her cheeks hollow. Her eyes were sunken in, rimmed red and dark circles had formed underneath them. The blue of her irises had all but lost their colour, looking pale and lifeless.The blonde watched her. Her mouth set into a thin line.“I wanted to speak to you about our conversation the other day.” Bea said as gently as possible. Her hands fiddled together, fingers twisting and pulling.“What about it?” Allie said indifferently.“I just…” Bea paused. She just what? What was she going to say? That Allie’s reaction scared her? That she was worried about her? That she hated seeing her like this, that she felt utterly and hopelessly powerless against the turmoil that Allie was going through. That Bea wanted more than anything to ease the chaos in her mind and comfort her.Bea didn’t finish her sentence. She just looked down at her desk. Allie stayed silent. But Bea could feel her gaze.“I’m worried about you.” Bea said quietly. Her shoulders shook with the confession. Those words, though they could’ve been construed as Bea being a concerned Governor, were charged with so much emotion. So much weight. She felt the fear in her bones and desperately wanted to show Allie that she was there to help. To look after her.“You’re worried about me?” Allie questioned. Bea couldn’t place her tone. It wasn’t accusatory nor was it soft. She met her shining blue eyes. They were lit by the sun, the light blue irises reflecting emotion that Bea couldn’t read. It dazzled the Governor in a way that she had yet to experience.Bea nodded. Silence engulfed them again. The clocked ticked lazily in the background, like it was purposefully drawing out every second just to get on Bea’s nerves. The magpies still sang outside the window, oblivious to the overwrought emotion that was crashing into Bea. Like waves pushing and pulling against her chest. The swell consuming her.Allie bit her bottom lip. A mannerism that told Bea that she was thinking. Her arms uncrossed, now limp in her lap. She picked at the teal of her sweatpants, fingers fiddling. Bea watched the action, knowing that the anxiousness that radiated through her body was coursing through Allie too.“I want to know everything,” Bea said softly, “about Marie.” The mention of the other prisoner’s name made Allie pause for a split second, her hand stilling, her mouth ridged. “The more I know, the more I can help you.”Allie chuckled mirthlessly at that. It chilled Bea to her core. The cynicism in Allie’s eyes told her that she felt that she was beyond help. “Good luck with that. Marie… she’s a snake.”“Well,” Bea cleared her throat, steeling herself. “I want to do anything in my power to make sure that you feel secure. That you know that you have my support.”The Top Dog was quiet again and it killed Bea. This back and made the tide in her chest surge ferociously. Sloshing and turning.“Okay.” Allie responded quietly, with a small nod of her head. “Okay. I’ll tell you.”Bea let her shoulders relax. She leant back in her chair, trying to best convey that she was not there to interrogate Allie. That she was open, willing to listen to what she had to say. “Marie she…” Allie stared, her voice wavering. The way the Governor looked at her so earnestly made the knot in her stomach loosen. Ms. Smith’s eyes were wide, inviting. The warm brown hue did wonders to Allie’s mood. Just feeling them on her, watching them watch her. It made Allie’s chest pull in on itself, constricting into a knot that didn’t want to be untangled. Allie cleared her throat, feeling what felt like a rush of confidence. “I knew Marie before Wentworth.”The Governor’s eyebrows raised slightly at her words, but her expression stayed neutral. Inviting the blonde to keep talking. To keep telling her secrets.“I’d been homeless for a while when she found me. After my parents kicked me out I had nowhere to go. I guess having a dead daughter was better than a sinning lezzo… then I was on the streets, selling myself for cash. I had to pay rent somehow, feed myself. And I found it easy, flirting with guys. It was fucking disgusting though, how they would use me.“Then… Marie took me in, gave me a home, fed me. Made me feel loved. And then she…” Allie’s lip quivered, she wrung her hands together, willing the lump in her throat to go away. Willing the old memories to stop stinging her. “She got me hooked on gear, pimped me out. Told me I was her best seller. I felt amazing. I had so much confidence. I felt… powerful. But now… I realise it was the ice talking. Making me feel things about myself that weren’t true. I hated myself for it. But I loved Marie.”Bea was silent. Her eyes had never left Allie. But her body was still. That usual nervous energy that the Governor carried with her was gone. Replaced with a statuesque stillness. Allie wished she could read her thoughts, to know what she was thinking. Did she view her differently, now she wasn’t confident? Now she didn’t wear the arrogant mask that came with being Top Dog?“We had been fighting for a while. I was too far gone, stealing money, jewellery, trying to get my fix. One night, I went to see a client, he was one of Marie’s top buyers. When we were alone… he tried to do things to me, and I just… couldn’t. And so, I ran. I managed to score and shot up as soon as I had the chance, just to get the feeling of the guy off me. Marie found me. I was overdosing and she…” Allie inhaled, a sharp pain stabbing through her heart, “and she left me. Left me on the street because I disappointed her. Because I didn’t satisfy her customer”. Allie shivered, remembering the amber glow of the streetlights above her. The darkness of the night creeping into her vision. The rush of the gear was gone, and she was left feeling hollow. A chasm in her chest ripping open. The chill of the night air had taken her. Froze her to the hard concrete. She had tried to call for Marie, but she was gone. The words that were spit at her still pinged in her mind. Useless, Marie had called her. Worthless. Venomous and filled with spite.“But then Kaz found me. Took me to the shelter, looked after me. I finally felt wanted, loved. A maternal love that I never thought I’d have. Kaz never expected anything from me, just that she wanted me to get better. And I did. After a few months Marie came looking, begging for me to come back, but I told her I was done. Done being used, manipulated for her little games. But…”“You ended up in here,” Ms. Smith finished for Allie. Her voice was soft, warm. Allie met her eyes. They were shining.Allie nodded, gulping down a breath. Forcing the thickness in her voice to smooth, she swallowed the tears that threatened to fall.“When Marie got to Wentworth, I tried to stay away, I reminded myself of her games. But somehow, she… she got her claws in me again and… I caved.”Ms. Smith nodded. Alle let her words hang in the air between them. Let the heaviness of the room suffocate her. Maybe she could die right here, let her confession take hold and slowly extract all the air from her lungs.“You’re not with her anymore,” Ms. Smith said. Her tone lifting, like she was asking Allie a question.The blonde shook her head. Leaning back, she pulled her hoodie tighter over her chest, wanting to fold in on herself. God she was weak. Throwing herself at any woman that had given her a certain look. She craved the attention. Craved the feeling of being looked after.“I think I finally saw her for what she was,” Allie offered, her voice small. “Even after she left me to die. After she made me do all those… horrible things. Somehow, I still couldn’t let her go. But after what she’d done to Ruby, how she almost had Kaz killed, I just couldn’t look at her the same way.”Ms. Smith was silent. But the slight pout of her lips told Allie that she was surprised by something she said.“Thank you, Allie,” Ms. Smith said after a moment. She was soft again, the Governor’s shoulders relaxing. Then she stood, moving around the desk, standing awkwardly in front of the Top Dog. Allie watched her, as she moved slightly from one foot to the other. The nervous energy was back. The sight calmed the blonde.Ms. Smith laid a hand on Allie’s shoulder, her long slender fingers sliding against the teal fabric. Allie was still. Feeling the heat of the redhead’s palm penetrate the layers of clothing. It warmed Allie to her core. There was a tenderness to the way the Governor looked at the blonde. How her brow relaxed, her eyes widened.Allie felt Ms. Smith’s fingers flex gently, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. She looked up, meeting her eyes. The rigidness that had taken a hold of her had started to thaw. And Allie’s body slowly started to ease. Her arms and legs now laden with a weight that was completely new to her. Rushing through her and pulling her deeper into the chair.“Allie…” Ms. Smith whispered, “I meant what I said before… that’d I do anything to support you. I promise.” Bea paced in her office. Charged with a nervousness that she hadn’t experienced in years. Usually, this restlessness came before a beating from Harry. When she knew from a glint in his eyes, the flexing of his jaw, that his fist was soon to follow.But now, Bea just thought of the Top Dog. Allie and her beautiful smile. Her laugh and teasing. Eclipsed by a darkness that Bea had no understanding of. Well, she did, in a way.“Bea.”“Hmm?”She found Bridget standing before her, a concerned look etched into her features. Bea thought she must look mad. Untamed.“Are you alright?”Bea nodded, as if trying not only to convince Bridget of her sanity, but herself too. But then her head began to shake, and she abandoned any possibility of holding herself together.“What’s going on?” Bridget took a step forward, now holding Bea by her shoulders and craning her neck to meet her eyes.“I-“ Bea couldn’t find her words. What was she going to say? I have deep feelings for a woman that is not only completely out of reach but also a convicted criminal.Wait. The thought dawned on Bea. Slamming into her with a force that knocked the breath from her lungs. Feelings. Was that what it was? This energy, the warmth, the looks. The worry.Allie. Bea liked her. More than liked her. She had feelings for her. Feelings that gripped at her core like a vice. That crept into her subconscious and made her relinquish any control she had over her body. A deep care that rattled her bones and made her teeth ache. “Bea, you’re starting to worry me,” Bridget guided her to her chair, gently sitting her down before resting herself on the desk. She appraised Bea gently, her eyes searching for an answer that Bea might not be willing to give up.“I have a friend,” Bea said simply, trying to skirt around her sudden epiphany. She cleared her throat, now focusing on her gaze on a spot over the psychologist’s shoulder. Hoping, just maybe, that she couldn’t read her mind. “And I…”Bridget nodded, her eyes lighting up at Bea’s words.“She’s going through something at the moment… and I feel...”Bridget watched Bea flounder for words. Before she once again rested a calming hand on her shoulder. “You feel helpless?”Bea nodded.“Do you care about this friend?”“Yes.” Bea breathed. A confession to Bridget, as much as it was to herself. “I do.”Bridget paused, her eyes flitting between Bea’s. “Sometimes, when we care about people, we want to shoulder their burdens. It feels like we’re helping them, alleviating them from whatever pain they’re going through. But most times it just ends up making things harder.”Bea opened her mouth to object, but no words came.“Bea…” She said softly, “do you have feelings for this woman?”“I’m not like that.” Bea said quickly. Though she sounded unconvincing. It was a rushed defence. Pushed out of her by an insecurity that lingered in the back of her mind.“I’m not saying you are.” She offered, smiling kindly at Bea. “But sometimes when you’re trying to help someone, to look after them, it’s harder to sort through your own feelings. Maybe it’s best to evaluate whatever you’re… experiencing and then help your friend.”Bea nodded. She turned Bridget’s words over in her head. She could help Allie. She could make sure she was safe. And she could care for her at the same time. Bea just needed to be sure.“Thanks, Bridget.”“No problem, Bea.” Bridget responded with a dazzling smile, pulling away from the Governor. She tilted her head, obviously happy with the mini dose of therapy that she had prescribed Bea. “Now, want a cuppa?” Allie paced the halls. Her hackles were up, and she was thrumming with an energy she needed to burn. There was such a conflict of emotions coursing through her that Allie didn’t know how to describe how she was feeling. Angry? Sad? Confused?The Top Dog knew this feeling all too well, the pure rage at the thought of having to see Marie again. It was familiar after years of relentless torture at the hands of the ex-madam. And then there was the overwhelming sadness that permeated through her core, knowing that Allie willingly let Marie control her. She let herself be used, taken advantage of. And for what? A little bit of praise?Then there was the confusion. An emotion that didn’t relate to Allie’s ex-lover. An emotion that was brought on by the soft touches and gentle words from the Governor. She was worried about Allie. Concerned to the point that the Top Dog thought she could see unwept tears swimming behind her wide brown eyes. She was so tender, so patient with her. It was an interaction that the blonde had never encountered before.Sure, Allie had had relationships where her friends or partner were concerned about her. And they showed it. But the way in which the redhead listened to her. Validated her feelings and promised to do anything to protect her. The whole situation had put her mind into a blender and hit the pulse button.“Hey, Bubba.”Allie turned, finding Kaz catching up with her. She placed a hand on Allie’s arm, slowing her down from her nervous pacing.“You, okay?” Kaz asked, concern lacing her words. Allie nodded. Though it didn’t seem to convince her surrogate mother. “Hey, tell me what’s going on. The girls said that you’ve been acting weird lately.”Allie scoffed. It was easier this way, feigning ignorance at the worried glances that she was getting from the women. It was hard hiding the news from everybody, and the weight of Marie’s release was obviously taking a toll on her. Allie knew that it was probably best that she spread the word about Marie being released back into general. But Allie needed time to process it. Process the shit storm that was coming her way.“Yeah, I’m fine.” Allie responded, her voice wavering slightly.“C’mere,” Kaz tilted her head, pulling Allie aside. They stood near the phone bank. Women lining up to take their calls. Smiles was standing around, her arms crossed over her chest and a disinterested pout on her face. Allie stepped aside with Kaz, looking down at her concerned expression. She should’ve known that Kaz would’ve seen right through her. Allie was never one to hide anything from her surrogate mother.“Tell me what’s going on with you,” Kaz said with a sternness that was familiar to Allie. She nudged the Top Dog gently, trying and failing to come off as unbothered.The Top Dog stayed quiet. Mulling it over. Kaz was bound to find out about Marie soon enough. And it was probably for the best that she was as prepared as Allie. The Top Dog knew that Kaz still had sway with the women, and standing together as a united front was the best way to face the situation.“You’re not using, are you?’Kaz’s words slapped Allie in the face. She balked for a moment, the air rushing from her chest. Then the shock hit her, like a bullet in the chest. She felt winded. “What the fuck, Kaz?”“Bubba,” Kaz said softer this time, grabbing a hold of Allie’s arm once more. “I’m just trying to look out for you.”Allie looked at her in disbelief. Her mouth opened and closed as she struggled to find the words to bite back. Kaz thought she was back on the gear. Unbelievable.“You seeing someone then?”“Wait.” Allie held her hand up, momentarily closing her eyes. Hoping for a split second that she just imagined Kaz’s words. She opened her eyes again, “First you think I’m moody cause I’m smoking crack and now you think I’m fucking someone?”“Well… yeah.” Kaz shrugged, her ice blue eyes searching Allie’s. “It would explain a lot of things.”“Are you serious?” Allie felt a rush of anger prickle her skin. She wrenched her arm out of Kaz’s grasp and took a step back. “Do you think I’m that desperate? That I need to get high or fuck someone just to feel a rush?”Kaz had no idea. No idea how close she was to the truth. But it still hurt Allie. It still hurt that she was so easily read.“Allie.”“No, Kaz, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”“Who is it, Allie?”“No one!” The Top Dog practically yelled, now feeling the eyes of the women on her. The hallway was quiet, the chatter had stopped. Some women even begun hanging up their phone calls.Kaz spared them a glace before stepping closer. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Is it Marie?”Allie snapped. She grabbed Kaz by her hoodie and pinned her up against the wall, slamming her a little too forcefully. Allie could feel her blood thrumming through her, beating loudly in her ears.“What the fuck did you just say?” She seethed, her breaths coming out in short bursts. She spat her next works, spittle flying into Kaz’s face, “how dare you.”“Allie.” Kaz grasped at her hands. “I-I’m sorry.”“Novak! Let her go or it’s the slot!” Smiles yelled. Allie could barely hear the officer. The din in her ears getting louder by the second. She had too much shit to deal with. Too many people expecting something from her. The last thing she needed was Kaz accusing her of being on the gear. Of going back to Marie. Of falling for her again.“Allie.”The Top Dog blinked, feeling her grip loosen on Kaz. Like a switch flipped in her brain and her body started shut down. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Gently pulling her back.“Allie, take a step back for me.” She listened to the voice. Fully releasing her grip on the hoodie, she stepped back. “Good. Now Kaz, are you okay? Do you need to go to medical?”Kaz shook her head. Not taking her eyes off Allie. “No, Ms. Smith. I-I’m fine.”Allie turned to the Governor, feeling the burn of her gaze. She looked worried, seeing the blonde unravel before her. The sight of the redhead sent a soothing warmth through Allie, relaxing her muscles, silencing the thrumming in her ears.The Top Dog didn’t register the exchange of words between Kaz and the Governor. Nor did she register the stares that were being sent her way. It was rare for Allie to lose her composure, to not be put together in front of the women. They eyed her apprehensively, continuing with their day.“Hey,” Ms. Smith rasped gently, stepping into Allie’s line of vision. She looked up at the blonde with an expression that Allie couldn’t quite decipher. What was going through her mind? “Are you okay?”Allie bobbed her head dumbly. She ran a hand through her hair, centring herself. Her breathing was back to normal and the ringing in her ears had subsided.“If you need to talk, please come see me, okay?” Ms. Smith rasped quietly. All Allie could do was nod. “Do you need me to walk you back to H1?”“No.” Allie found her voice. She took a step back from the redhead, needing to distance herself from the situation. It was all too much at the moment. And seeing the Governor was not helping at all.With that Allie turned on her heel and walked away. As the week passed by, Allie grew more agitated. It was dangerous for her to be in this position, feeling cornered. Like a caged animal, pacing their enclosure. In the past she would find sweet release by shooting up. Escaping into the warm pool that would envelop her body and ease her mind. Floating through what felt like heaven. But she couldn’t do that, not anymore. The Top Dog had too many people relying on her. Too many people to let down if she chose to go down that path again.Funnily enough, the thought of the Governor seemed to soothe Allie’s nerves. The thought of her raspy voice and warm brown eyes gave the same effect of the gear, pulling her into a stupor that she found it hard to escape from. Though, days had passed since her altercation with Kaz, and she had not seen the redhead since. But Allie could still feel her touch, how she brought Allie back. The strength and warmth that radiated through their brief contact.Kaz was right and Allie hated to admit it. Her outburst probably told Kaz more about her state of mind than she wanted to let on. Allie was in deep. Chasing that feeling all over again. But it was different this time. Instead of the rush, she felt stable. Like her mind was clear and she could see everything for what it was. Everything made sense.It still hit a nerve though. Knowing that Kaz could see right through her. But the feeling of betrayal nagged at her. How could Kaz think she was back with Marie? That she would willingly throw herself into that situation again, after everything Marie had done? Did Allie seem that weak? Did the other women view her in the same way?Allie knew that questioning herself was bound to lead to a downward spiral. Letting herself ruminate was a sure way of losing grip on reality. So, she thought of the Governor. Wrapped herself in her daydreams.And as much as Allie wanted to stay in her trance, in her Ms. Smith induced haze. The Top Dog needed to make a game plan. To prepare for the absolute worst.Marie had been in the slot for close to four months. One of the longest stints in Wentworth history. The chaos that she had left behind had only just returned to order, much to Allie’s hard work. And Marie, as Allie knew, didn’t like to be confined. She knew that Marie would have been sitting there brooding, stewing in her thoughts. Thinking of all the ways she could be on top again, to regain control and have all the women at her mercy.Taking on the role of Top Dog after the hostage take over was a challenge. It wasn’t something Allie was open to when she was first approached with the position. Given the fear that Marie had instilled in the women and their previous relationship, Allie was met with suspicion at every corner. But she now knew, that finally, the women were on her side. With some thanks to the Governor.However, there were still whispers that Allie heard. Rumours that said she was still under Marie’s thumb, that she was still being controlled like a puppet attached to invisible strings. It also didn’t help that Kaz’s worry over the Top Dog was evident, and most women were picking up on the tension that was coursing through her. People were bound to talk. If there was a rumour that Allie was seeing someone, she could understand why Marie was at the forefront of people’s minds. Allie could admit that she was, at one point in her life, at the full mercy of Marie. That she would’ve done anything to please her. But it was different now. The Top Dog had matured, she had become a leader, a voice for the women. She had outgrown Marie.With all these thoughts pinging through her mind, Allie knew that she had to do something drastic. To show that she was Top Dog after all. Allie sat with Franky and Boomer in H1. Their voices low and jaded. The blonde could see Boomer practically fuming at the news of Marie’s release, her barely contained rage spilling over, turning her face bright red.“Nah, nah, Allie, I’m gonna kill her,” Boomer spat, clenching her fists so tight that Allie thought she was going to pop a blood vessel.“Boomer, no,” Allie shook her head calmly, the last thing she needed was someone to go off on Marie. To pounce on her before Allie had the chance.“Blondie’s right, Booms,” Franky said, patting the larger woman on the shoulder. Boomer relaxed under her touch, taking a deep breath in.“At least let me shiv her or sumfin’,” Boomer offered weakly. Allie chuckled, shaking her head as a smile broke across her face. Through all the stress, all the thoughts that were crashing through her consciousness, Allie knew that she at least had Boomer to rely on.“Thank you, Boomer, but I can handle it myself.”“Handle what yourself?”Allie glanced to Ruby, who stood at the doorway of her cell.“It’s nothing.” Allie responded lightly. She knew hiding things from Kaz and now Ruby was wrong. They deserved to know. But Allie could only handle so much emotion right now. Ruby looked miffed. Obviously hating that she was being left out of the conversation.There was a time when Allie would tell Ruby anything. When they would slink away into one of their cells and cuddle up together. The blonde would divulge all her secrets, tell her lover everything on her mind. But recently the tether between them had all but disappeared, and Ruby was just another member of Allie’s crew. Of course, she still trusted her, but that bond was gone.“Alright,” Ruby nodded. She walked into the lounge and plopped herself onto the couch, ruffling Boomer’s hair.Allie stood then, rubbing her hands over her eyes and yawning. “I’ll be in my cell.”She left the group behind her, taking a deep breath. The yoga class seemed to be working, much to Allie’s chagrin. The breath work had made her feel calmer, made her not want to punch a hole in the wall and break all her fingers in the process.“Hey, blondie,” Franky said softly behind her, glancing over her shoulder to see if the others were watching before she followed Allie into the cramped cell. “You alright?”Allie slumped onto the bed, feeling little resistance from the foam mattress. She groaned into the cotton sheets, feeling the hot air of her frustration warming her cheeks.“No.”Allie heard Franky close the door, before feeling the mattress shift under her friend’s weight.“What happened with Kaz?”Allie sighed, turning over so she faced the ceiling. She rested her hands over her stomach, lifting her head to meet Franky’s eyes. “First she thought I was back on the gear… but now she thinks I’m back with Marie.”“Shit…. Why?”“I dunno,” Allie shrugged, her head flopping back onto the bed. “She says I’ve got that thing about me… like I always do when I’m throwing myself at another woman.”“Huh.” Was Franky’s reply. Always short but sweet when she was thinking. Allie could basically hear the thoughts churning in Franky’s mind. “Allie.”“Yeah?”“Why didn’t you tell her?”“I wanted to… I just…” Allie dug the heels of her hands into her eyes. Seeing staticky stars burst across her vision, fuzzing around the edges.“Nah, I get it.” Franky rested a soft hand on Allie’s leg. Giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It’s a lot to think about.”Allie paused. Releasing her eyes from their fuzzy prison, she blinked back against the light of the room. Franky already knew about Allie’s infatuation. But it was something more than that. A deep ache that clawed at her. From when she woke up to when she went to bed. An ache that was only satiated when she was around Ms. Smith.“It isn’t just about Marie…” Allie trailed off, scrounging up the confidence to look her friend in the eye.“Really?” Franky tilted her head, a questioning smirk playing on her lips. God, she knew Allie too well.“You know what I told you… the other day?”“How you want to fuck the Governor senseless?” The brunette’s eyebrows wiggled, her smile breaking across her face, showing off the deep ridges of her dimples.Allie chuckled, nodding. “Yeah that.”“What is it then? Spill.” Franky shoved her, making Allie roll her eyes. Pulling herself up so she sat cross legged. Her head dipped, suddenly self-conscious.“I think… I think it’s more than me wanting to fuck her.”“More than… oh. Oh!” Franky’s realisation hit her. “You like her. Like have proper feelings for the bird?”Allie nodded.“Fuuuuck,” Franky’s hands came up to run her fingers through her hair. She grabbed at the roots, stilling her movements. “So, you like love her, yeah?”“No!” Allie said quickly. Self-doubt rushed in and before she could bite back at her words she sighed. She picked at the fraying edge of her bed sheets; the blonde suddenly felt sheepish. She shrugged. “I just…”Franky didn’t respond. She just observed Allie with wide watchful eyes and a playful smirk. Allie wanted her to say something, to tell her she was an idiot and that all it was, was a stupid infatuation. That Allie would get over it soon. Find someone else to fuck. But Franky stayed silent. Leaving Allie to stew in the residual awkwardness of her confession.“Well.” Franky said after a while. “I guess this explains things.”“What things?” Allie snapped.“The mood. You’ve been on cloud nine for weeks, I thought you were back on the gear.”“Franky…” Allie sighed, dropping her face into her hands. “Ugh, first Kaz now you. You know I would never-““I know, I know.” The brunette responded simply. “This is heaps better.” Allie stood beside Franky as she made a phone call. The hall was busy with women who just finished their work shifts, and Allie’s arm was tired from using the steam press. She had spent the last few days distracting herself from the constant thoughts in the back of her mind. Franky was helpful enough, filling their time with endless conversations that were not about Marie’s release nor Allie’s apparent and unreciprocated attraction to the Governor. And Allie for that was grateful. Franky never pushed things. She understood the Top Dog.As Franky talked into the receiver Allie watched the flurry of activity around her. She thought about how it was all bound to change soon, that Marie’s presence in the halls was guaranteed to put many women on edge. Allie had seen their thirst for blood many times before, and having to keep the women from exacting their revenge against Marie was going to be a challenge. Not to mention controlling her own bloodlust.“Hey, Allie,” Dr. Westfall walked into Allie’s line of sight, her kind eyes meeting the Top Dog’s. She held a clipboard and held herself with an air of authority that Allie appreciated. She liked Dr. Westfall, respected her. “Do you mind if we have a quick chat?”“Yeah, sure,” Allie shrugged, shooting Franky a quick glance before pushing off the wall. The doctor led her away, obviously hoping to gain some semblance of privacy for their conversation. “What’s up?”Dr. Westfall fixed Allie with a kind expression, her smile gracing her features and her eyes gazing intently into the Top Dog’s. Allie felt like the doctor was peering into her soul, that Dr. Westfall’s years of psychological training told her everything she needed to know with just one look. It was unnerving. But the way she looked at the blonde, without an ounce of pity made Allie relax.“I was talking to the Governor, and she’s quite concerned about you.”Allie paused. She knew that Ms. Smith was worried about her as the redhead had said it right to her face. But the fact that she was talking about it with someone else made Allie’s heart swell. The Governor wasn’t just comforting Allie to make her feel better, nor was she saying it to look like the good guy. Ms. Smith must have been thinking about her, well thinking about her enough to talk to the psychologist about her metal state.Still, Allie pushed the thought out of her mind and focused on the main thing. That Ms. Smith had been thinking about her.“I see.” Allie nodded, trying to bottle the elation that was rising through her.“I was wondering – and you can say no – if you wanted to have a chat with me sometime, about how you’re doing?” Dr. Westfall asked, her tone light and unintrusive.Allie watched the psychologist carefully. She didn’t like psychs. In the past all they did was dredge up her past and made her feel worse about herself. But something told Allie that the doctor was doing this out of the goodness of her heart. Or as a favour to Ms. Smith.“Yeah… yeah, I’ll come have a chat,” Allie responded. She told herself that this was for Ms. Smith, that she was helping Dr. Westfall fulfill her favour.The psychologist grinned, pencilling something down onto her clipboard. Out of the corner of her eye Allie noticed Franky glance over at them. She had hung up the phone now and watched them with an intensity that Allie couldn’t place.When their eyes met, Franky wandered over to Allie, sliding up to the women with her signature smile.“Hey, doc,” Frany said smoothly, Allie watched as her friend’s gaze swept up the doctor’s body before meeting her eyes. “Here to check me out?”“Hello, Franky,” Dr. Westfall replied, chuckling lightly at the brunette’s antics. “Sorry, but I have an appointment to get to. Allie, please feel free to come see me any time, I’ll be sure to make room for you.”The women watched the doctor walk away. Franky with a pout and Allie with a smirk. She nudged her friend in the ribs, receiving a playful punch in return.“Hey, you already have your sights set on a hot older woman, at least let me have this one,” Franky groaned, her head falling back.“Hey,” Allie put her hands up in mock protest before slinging an arm over Franky’s shoulder, “she’s the one who came onto me.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kaz sat in her quiet cell block, enjoying the silence that was rare to come by. She laid the playing cards out before her, mindlessly occupying herself.“Hey, Kaz.”The older woman paused, reminding herself not to snap at the voice. All she wanted was some time alone. Kaz loved being a maternal figure to the women, hell, she knew that it was necessary sometimes. But she needed these moments. The peace. The quiet.She turned, setting the cards down. She let a smile grace her features, “Hey, Ruby.”The young indigenous girl stood nervously, fiddling with the hem of her hoodie. Kaz noticed that she looked anxious, her eyes wide, her mouth set into a thin line.“How are you?”“I’m alright, all things considered.”Ruby nodded.Kaz waved her over, inviting her to sit down. Ruby sat across from her, careful not to disturb the game of solitaire that was laid out before Kaz.“What’s going on, mouse?” Kaz asked gently, using her nickname to try and alleviate the tension in her body. She understood why Ruby was concerned. She and Allie had a whirlwind relationship, and Ruby obviously still had feelings for the Top Dog. Kaz knew that Allie was a catch, she was strong, determined, and extremely kind. Allie had a softness to her that could suck someone in, make them feel special, loved.“Allie’s been…” Ruby trailed off quietly, like she didn’t want to be heard. Kaz knew that desperation was dangerous in prison. Even if it was just over an ex. If the women even caught a whiff of it, it could mean trouble. Kaz didn’t want Ruby to get caught in anyone’s crosshairs, especially if she was acting forlorn over the Top Dog. “I know, kiddo,” Kaz sighed, rubbing the back of her head where it slammed the wall. It didn’t hurt, Allie’s sudden attack. Kaz felt more shocked than anything. The look in the Top Dog’s eyes. They were wide and scared. Revealing how manic she was. How she was holding onto something. Hiding it. But Kaz could also see the look of betrayal that flashed across her features. And she knew she crossed a line. Kaz had kept her distance ever since. She never should have mentioned Marie, the thought should have never entered her head. She had hurt Allie, cut her deeper than any shiv could’ve.“So… what do you think?” Ruby asked, staring down at her hands that were grasped firmly over the table.“What?”“Is she seeing someone or-““Ruby,” Kaz sighed, her head falling back. She ran her hands down her face, frustration bubbling under her skin.“Kaz, please.”“Look, I don’t know, okay? She wasn’t exactly happy when I questioned her about it.” Kaz snapped. Ruby sunk back in her chair, her eyes not meeting the older woman’s. Kaz felt immediately guilty. She was stressed and of course it didn’t help to lash out. But Ruby was pushing too hard.“I’m sorry, Kaz… I-““If you’re really concerned, mouse, you could always talk to her.”“I don’t think that’s the best idea.”“Well,” Kaz shrugged, slowly exhaling. “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, hmm?” Bea had been keeping a watchful eye on the Top Dog. Well, it was her job as Governor to do so. That’s what the redhead had been telling herself anyway. After witnessing Allie’s show of aggression with Kaz, Bea thought it would be best to ensure that she was getting help. Luckily, Bridget had stepped in, and Allie was willingly having sessions with the doctor. Bridget couldn’t divulge the nature of their conversations for obvious patient confidentiality reasons, but from what Bea heard Allie had been progressing nicely.And since then, the young woman seemed lighter. Her smile was back on her face, the spark back in her eyes. Like the thought of Marie’s release was no longer looming over her like a thunder cloud, following the blonde wherever she went. Allie was unaffected.What Bea didn’t expect from the whole therapy situation was that Allie’s blatant flirting was back. And then some. She would dazzle the Governor with a smile whenever they crossed paths, always stopping for a brief chat. Whether it was about how Bea’s morning was going or the weather, the Top Dog always stopped for her.The redhead also noticed that Allie would find a way to touch the Governor, lightly brushing her hand over her shoulder or twirling a curl between her fingers. Bea detected that Allie only did this when no one was watching. Like she was sharing a secret with the redhead. She was keeping something that was just for them.It didn’t help that Allie would bat her eyes and tilt her head in a way that made the redhead’s stomach twist. How she would look down at her and wear a smirk on her full lips. It affected Bea. Her body was betraying her in ways she didn’t even know was possible. Her skin would prickle or become hot from a blush. She stuttered her words and found it increasingly hard to look into Allie’s infuriatingly blue eyes. It made Bea feel small, but not in a bad way.After her previous conversation with Bridget, Bea obviously came to the conclusion that she had ‘feelings’ for Allie. But Bea wasn’t gay. She had never been attracted to women. Sure, she had admired women from afar and could see that they were beautiful. But that didn’t mean she wanted to fuck them or kiss them or feel their skin under her fingertips. Bea wasn’t gay. “Hey, Guv.”Bea turned to the voice, finding the Top Dog jogging up to her. The wired fence stood between them, the women in the yard chattering loudly behind the blonde. The sun was blazing, and the prisoners were soaking in as much warmth as they could.The Governor noticed the fine sheen of sweat that coated Allie’s skin, her exertion from the basketball game bloomed across her cheeks in a light blush. She looked beautifully messy, unkempt but happy.“Novak,” Bea greeted, lifting her chin to meet the blonde’s gaze. “How’s things?”“Not bad,” Allie smiled, her hands came to the fence, long fingers finding a hold on the cool metal. Bea tried not to look at them. Allie cocked her head in her usual teasing way, her eyes alight with mischief as she appraised the Governor. Bea watched as the blonde sunk her teeth into her bottom lip, pulling the plump flesh into her mouth with a grin. “View’s pretty good from over here.”Bea scoffed, rolling her eyes, and averting her gaze. That damned flirting. God, Allie could turn up the charm when she wanted. It made Bea hot all over, a wave of heat starting from the crown of her head and rolling down her body to the tips of her toes. The flush on the redhead’s cheeks was sure to match her hair colour. But Bea decided she could pretend it was just some light sunburn - if she could kid herself enough.“Do you need something?” Bea asked skirting around her obvious discomfort at the attention. She willed her professional mask to slip back into place.“Nah, I just wanted to say hi,” Allie winked, she leaned up against the fence now, her eyes sweeping over Bea’s body sending a shiver in their wake.“Well, hi,” Bea bit back, her tone light and playful. She felt like an idiot, going along Allie’s flirtatious jibes. But it wasn’t hurting anyone, was it? She was just letting the Top Dog feel good, especially after the news of Marie. Her voiced dropped into what was almost a whisper, the raspiness catching on her words, “how are you really?”Allie’s eyes softened for a moment, her playful smirk dropping from her face. She glanced over her shoulder back to the yard. The women were too preoccupied to even notice the exchange between the Top Dog and Governor. And if they did, it most likely looked like business as usual. The blonde turned back to Bea; she tilted her head thoughtfully.“I’m better,” Allie said with a firmness that told Bea that she was telling the truth. The sincerity in her eyes made Bea fill with relief. She shrugged, her voice faltering, “the thought of Marie coming back, I just-“Bea held her hand up to stop Allie, shaking her head lightly. “You don’t have to explain yourself to me.”The blonde smiled fully now. It stretched across her face, causing her cheekbones to plump. Her dimples were in full force, framing her pink full lips. Allie glanced down in a scarce moment of shyness, which took the air from Bea’s lungs. It was a rare sight to see the Top Doing being coy. It made the Governor’s heart melt a little.“I’ve been meaning to thank you,” Allie said softly, meeting Bea’s eyes once again. “Stopping me with the whole Kaz thing and talking to Dr. Westfall…. you’ve been a massive help.”“No need to thank me,” Bea replied, she stepped forward slightly. If the fence wasn’t in their way Bea could reach out and touch her. Feel her soft skin. But all she could do now was count the freckles that sprinkled her nose. The redhead’s voice was steady, “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”“Well, thank you anyway,” Allie chirped. She now had her whole weight against the fence, like she was hoping that somehow, she would melt through it just to get closer. “You’ll have to let me make it up to you.”Bea laughed at that. She took a step back, putting only a few centimetres distance to where she was just standing. It made all the difference though; their proximity was making her brain fuzzy.“I’ll hold you to that,” Bea replied. Allie let out a loud laugh and Bea realised what she had just agreed to. Of course, the Top Dog’s offer was a loaded one and the Governor had walked right into it. Bea bit back the smile that was threatening to break across her face and she looked away with a dramatic eyeroll. “Now rack off, Novak. I have work to do.”“Sure thing, Guv,” Allie winked with a salute, pulling back from the fence, and walking back to the crowd of women in the yard. Allie felt great. Her mind was calm for the first time since the news of Marie. She should thank Dr. Westfall for their sessions, Allie thought. She didn’t realise the amount of trauma she was holding onto, and surprise, surprise, talking about it made her feel like a tonne of weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She was having what the psychologist called a ‘breakthrough’.Now she had strategies to deal with the shit she was going through, Allie found that she had more time to focus her attention on other things. Or one thing in particular. The Governor.Allie couldn’t describe the feeling she got when she saw Ms. Smith smile. How her cheeks would pink at Allie’s jokes or how her brown eyes would look away with a shyness that made the blonde’s heart swell. It was addicting. Just being near the redhead caused the same reaction. Just hearing her raspiness of her voice or seeing the way her brow pinched in concentration. The serious and professional expression she had when dealing with other prisoners. And the look of utter boredom the Governor had when Franky was trying to seduce her. It made Allie buzz. She would revel in the prickling of her skin and the itch in her bones.The Top Dog was feeling it right now, containing it just barely. She sat in her usual spot in the dining room, moving the food around on her lunch tray. Ms. Smith stood in the observation room and Allie watched her move behind the glass. She was monitoring the CCTV feed with a look of pure concentration, to which Allie found incredibly endearing.“Oi, earth to Allie,” Franky’s hand waved in her face. Allie snapped out of her focus and shoved a piece of chicken into her mouth. “Where’d you go?”Allie just shook her head and chews thoroughly, noticing the stares she got from her cell mates.“Not thinking about the bird, are ya?” Franky jested, shoving the blonde playfully. Allie rolled her eyes and stuck her middle finger up at the tattooed brunette, earning a laugh in response.Allie noticed the way Ruby stiffened at Franky’s words and looked down at her half-eaten lunch. They had broken up months ago, and though Allie understood why her ex-lover might be a bit jealous at the thought of another woman, but she just had assumed that Ruby would have moved on by now. Hopefully, it wasn’t going to be a problem.The door to the observation room opened and Ms. Smith stepped out, immediately gaining Allie’s attention again.“She’s looking extra fuckable today, blondie,” Franky whispered with a wiggle of her eyebrows, which earned her a shove. She frowned at Allie in mock hurt and rubbed her arm. “Ow… teasing you has become dangerous.”Lunch passed with little more distraction. Ms. Smith had left the dining hall much to Allie’s annoyance, but she busied herself with small talk. Ruby and Boomer were talking about their boxing practice, with the larger of the two women keen to work on her ‘mean right hook’. Liz mentioned that she wanted to get some new yarn to crochet a new blanket, but she was finding it hard to order the materials. Allie decided to have a quick word with the Governor about that.Franky, though, stayed uncharacteristically quiet. Her mind bringing her somewhere that Allie wished to know. She didn’t look forlorn nor angry, the brunette just smiled to herself as she picked at a bread roll. Allie had half a mind to tease her friend, to exact revenge for her previous digs. But she let Franky be. Sometimes it was nice to escape for a few minutes, even if it was just in her head.Lunch ended and they deposited their trays onto the rack. Filing out of the dining room, Allie held back from her cell mates. She, like Franky, wanted to enjoy some time in her thoughts. The blonde walked at an almost leisurely pace with her hands shoved into the pockets of her hoodie.“Novak.”Ms. Smith stood at the end of the corridor; she tilted her head as a way of gesturing Allie to follow. The blonde did what she was told.“Ms. Smith, miss me already?” Allie smiled radiantly, internally delighted at the blush that was now a permanent fixture on the Governor’s face. At least when the Top Dog was around.“I need to tell you something,” Ms. Smith’s voice was low as she craned her neck to see if any of the other women were watching. She turned back to Allie now, her eyes wide but serious. “There’s going to be a cell toss.”“Oh, shit,” Allie replied.The Governor nodded, “Yeah, we suspect that someone is bringing drugs in again. We think we’ve got them early this time.”“Anything I can do to help?” Allie asked, crossing her arms over her chest. The thought of someone trying to run drugs under her nose made Allie’s blood run cold. She had to find out and put a stop to it.“No,” Ms. Smith breathed. And without a second thought she laid her hand gently on Allie’s folded arms. The redhead’s fingers encircled her wrist, delicately wrapping around her pulse point. The blonde stilled at the contact. She was sure that Ms. Smith could feel her heartbeat hammering under her fingers, her pulse thrumming from the blood that was rushing through her system.“I don’t want you to be in the shit.” Ms. Smith continued. Apparently unperturbed by the contact.“Okay.” Allie breathed, unsure whether she could maintain control of her voice at the second. The Top Dog centred herself, pulling all her nerves together and focusing on the feeling of the Governor’s skin on hers. And as quickly as the moment began, it ended as Ms. Smith withdrew her hand from Allie’s arm.The blonde tried to hide her disappointment at the loss of contact. She steeled herself before asking. “Do you know who it might be?”Ms. Smith glanced around again before stepping closer and whispering, “no names yet, but it’s coming through the kitchen deliveries.”Allie nodded. They maintained their watchful gazes. Ms. Smith’s deep brown eyes were hard to look away from.“I should go,” Allie whispered, and all Ms. Smith did was nod in response. Allie turned to walk away but stopped. The Governor watched her expectantly, her expression telling Allie that she was ready for any teasing comment that came her way. “Just one more thing.”“Yes?”“Liz needs more yarn to make a blanket.”A smile broke across Ms. Smith’s face, and she let out a light chuckle. “I’ll see what I can do.” “Right, ladies!” Mr. Jackson bellowed, walking into H1 with Smiles trailing behind him. Allie and the other women stood by their doors, ready for the cell toss. The Top Dog had warned her cell mates as soon as she had gotten back after her conversation with the Governor, saying that it was Smiles who had tipped her off.As obvious as it was that the Top Dog and Governor had a lucrative relationship for the prison, Allie was still cautious. It was hard to know how the others would perceive her if they thought that she and Ms. Smith’s relationship was anything more than professional. Also, the fact that any whiff of a deeper bond between the pair could put a shining red target on both of their backs. Besides, it always looked better if they thought she was bribing the guards to keep the women safe.The officers entered the rooms, ripping off the blankets and tossing the mattresses on the floor. Mr. Jackson took Franky’s room, and Allie heard him start rifling through her stuff.“Watch the vibrator Mr. J, it’s fragile,” Franky shot into the room, earning a laugh from the other women. The brunette beamed as she received an inaudible reply from the officer, turning to Allie, she sent her a wink and leaned lazily against the door.Smiles finished with Liz’s room and turned to Allie, “your turn, Novak.”“I got this one, Ms. Miles.”Alle saw the Governor standing at the entrance of the unit, snapping a pair of rubber gloves onto her hands. Smiles stepped back, instead turning to Boomer’s cell.“Not hiding anything, Novak?” Ms. Smith questioned as she walked over to the blonde, her eyes blazing. She looked Allie up and down with a sweep of her gaze, which caused the Top Dog to become rooted to her spot.Seeing Ms. Smith in her element made Allie’s mouth go dry. The Governor exuded a confidence and arrogance that Allie rarely got to see in their more intimate moments. She stood straighter and had a glint in her eyes that told the prisoners not to fuck with her. But to Allie, it made her hot all over. Seeing her in command. In control.“Not from you, Guv,” Allie smirked as the redhead entered her room. She noticed that Ms. Smith was being much gentler with her things. Sure, she pulled off Allie’s blankets and tossed her mattress, but Ms. Smith had a deliberateness to her actions. She would pause at certain things, like Allie’s books, reading the titles and flipping through the pages slowly. She placed them back on the shelves where she found them, rather than throwing them on the floor.Ms. Smith then turned to Allie’s photos, taking them off the wall with care to see if she had carved out the brick to hide something behind them. The Governor gazed at the pictures of the Top Dog, pausing at the one of Allie in a sundress as she sat at the beach. Allie remembered that day like it was yesterday, how the sun was blazing with summer heat and she and Kaz had taken advantage of the weather. She could still smell the salt in the air and the coconutty scent of their sunscreen. Allie’s dress had slipped down her shoulders, revealing the sky-blue bikini top underneath. She had gotten really badly sunburnt that day and she could barely move for the week following.There was a ghost of a smile on Ms. Smith’s lips as she pinned the picture back on the wall, stepping back and finishing her cell toss.“Find anything?”“You’re clean, Novak.” Ms. Smith replied, removing her gloves, and stepping through the doorway. She sized Allie up, crossing her arms over her chest and pursing her lips in the exact way that made Allie’s knees weak. Even in the florescent over head lights, the angle of Ms. Smith’s jaw and fullness of her cheekbones were striking.“All good here, Guv,” Mr. Jackson called as he exited Ruby’s cell. Ms. Smith turned to her second in command and gave him a curt nod.“Did you find the drugs?” Allie asked quietly.Ms. Smith regarded Allie with a look that made her instantly understand. Yes, they had found the drugs, and the perpetrator had been slotted. And Allie wanted to know who.“Who was it?”The Governor sighed, turning to see that the rest of the H1 inmates had gone back into their cells to clean up after the officers. She looked back to Allie, “Kim Chang had a load of gear in her cell, enough to supply the prison for at least a month.”Allie’s nostrils flared as she let out a deep exhale. She clenched her jaw, looking past Ms. Smith’s shoulders as she mulled the information over. It couldn’t be Kim. She didn’t have the guts to run a smuggling operation. She would have been holding for someone else.“It’s not Chang.” Allie said quietly.“I gathered as much.”“Do you think you could find out?” The Governor asked.“I’m not lagging,” Allie snapped, instantly regretting it as she saw Ms. Smith draw away slightly.“I wasn’t asking you to,” She replied cooly, “but if you happen to find out who it was, my best advice is to deal with it.”Allie paused, before letting a smile bloom across her features. Ms. Smith understood the job she had to do, and she was giving her permission to do it.“I will.” Allie rounded the corner into the cell block with Franky, Ruby, and Boomer hot on her tail. They were buzzing with the expectation of a fight, Boomer basically jumping out of her skin at the prospect of punching someone’s tits in. When they had heard about the drug bust one name entered their minds, Tina Mercado.Tina and her crew lazily hung around their block. There were five of them, including Tina. Though they were outnumbered by one, Allie still liked her chances.Since Allie had taken on Top Dog her relationship with the ex-drug king pin had been tumultuous at best. Tina had approached Allie with a deal, that she would bring drugs in, and Allie would get a cut of the earnings. It was a common arrangement between Top Dogs and the main drug suppliers in the prison, if the Top Dog wasn’t the peddler herself. Allie had vehemently refused the offer, upholding her stance against drugs. Tina wasn’t happy, but there wasn’t much she could do about it at the time.But now, Tina had to cross the line. She just had to go behind Allie’s back and stir shit up. Allie would not have another Marie situation; she would not let another five prisoners die over a shitty batch of gear. She had to stop Tina. Allie already had killed Officer Brody; she couldn’t handle any more blood on her hands.“Tina,” Allie barked. The women sat up, a look of surprise evident on their features. “Ahh, Top Dog,” Tina said with a laziness to her voice. Allie could still hear the hitch in Tina’s tone at the sight of her. She stood from the couch and walked to Allie, standing toe to toe. She was much shorter than the Top Dog, leaving her to crane her neck jut to meet her eyes.Allie stared her down, “I heard that Kim is having a little visit to the slot. Know anything about that?”Tina shrugged, her eyes not leaving Allie’s. She crossed her arms over her chest in a display of defiance, lifting one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug, “nothing to do with me.”Allie stepped closer, peering down at the shorter woman. She was intimidated. Allie could tell. The way her eyes widened, how she breathed haphazardly through her nostrils. The Top Dog’s blood surged at the sight.“Yeah, Tina, I think you do,” Allie said softly, reaching up and twirling a strand of Tina’s brittle hair between her fingertips. “I think you and I both know that Kim doesn’t have the balls to bring in gear.”“I said I-““Uh, uh, uh,” Allie whispered, now grabbing a fistful of Tina’s hair, pulling on the roots hard enough to feel strands of hair ripping from her scalp. Tina gasped, her hands immediately coming up and grabbing Allie’s. She twisted her fist slightly, causing another moan to escape Tina. “I know it was you, Tina.”“Fuck you,” Tina replied through gritted teeth, before spitting into Allie’s face.The Top Dog didn’t move, instead she used her other hand to reach up and wipe the saliva from her cheek. “Now, that wasn’t very nice.”Allie tightened her hold, fully twisting her fist now. She felt the strain on her hands before feeling the follicles rip from skin. Pulling her hand away, she held a chunk of Tina’s hair.“You stupid bitch!” Tina went to grab at Allie, but the blonde punched her square in the jaw. A loud crack ricocheted throughout the room. It was deafeningly quiet as Tina fell to the floor, her muffled sobs breaking the silence. She held her jaw gently as blood drizzled from her mouth. Her face had already started to swell, colour tinting her skin as the blood rushed to the area. She was going to have a nasty bruise.Allie stood over her writhing form, feeling the adrenaline thrumming through her veins. Of course, she liked to deal with things in a more diplomatic way. But seeing Tina so weak before her, completely at her mercy, made the Top Dog’s skin prickle. An electricity was coursing through her now, causing her chest to heave with every breath. Allie stalked forward, kicking the smaller woman hard in the ribs, feeling a crunch under the contact.From her periphery Allie saw Tina’s crew start toward her, but Boomer managed to get two in a headlock and both Franky and Ruby had grabbed another woman each. The Top Dog looked up to see the scene before her, her girls looked stoic, eyes unreadable. Maybe except for Boomer who was quite obviously enjoying the show. It made her think about how she must look, blood on her hands, red spatter on her face. Wild, maybe, feral. She felt it. Like there was something ripping at her chest desperate to get out.Franky watched Allie with an impenetrable stare. The brunette was telling her to do what she had to do.Allie pulled her leg back again, kicking Tina over and over. Before reaching down and grabbing the nape of her neck, pulling her head back and punching her multiple times in the face. With each hit her knuckles stung, skin splitting with the contact. The shock ricocheted through her arm, twinging at her elbow as she pulled her arm back and struck again. Every blow was met with another agonising moan from Tina, her wails the only sound filling the otherwise quiet cell block. Allie bared her teeth and spit flew from her mouth as she sneered, eyes wide and focused. No thoughts went through her mind, her body fully taking over.“Allie,” Franky called out over the din. She didn’t know how many punches she landed; she didn’t know how long her assault on Tina lasted. The Top Dog took a step back, wiping her forehead of the beads of sweat that had formed. She shook out her right hand, flexing it to alleviate the cramp. She looked to her best friend, finding her expression hard. But her eyes were shining, telling Allie that it was enough. Allie let herself breathe, allowing the adrenaline to leave her system fully. The pain in her hand was throbbing now, sending shockwaves up her arm. It brought her back to reality, grounding her in the moment.She took a step closer to Tina, crouching before her. She grabbed Tina’s jaw and yanked her face, so they were eye to eye. The raven-haired woman winced, another moan escaping her. Allie appraised her injuries, turning Tina’s face side to side. Her face was swollen, her right eye had started to swell shut already. They were bloodshot from the force. Tina’s face was a crisscross of cuts, small streams of blood trailing down her features. Some of that blood had stained Allie’s knuckles a deep red, mixing in with the purple hues of her bruises.“Stop bringing gear in,” Allie said softly, her tone even, unwavering with a jaded edge. Tina’s left eye flickered between hers, large and alarmed. They were doe like. “Do it again and I will kill you.”Tina nodded quickly, and Allie let her face go, leaving her limp body to try scramble away.Allie nodded to her girls, leaving them to release Tina’s crew and allow them to tend to her. Franky gave the blonde a pointed look that asked, are you okay? Allie just nodded.“Take her to medical,” The Top Dog said before walking out of the unit. “When I said take care of it, I didn’t know you were going to do this far!” The Governor paced before Allie, one hand on her hip, the other hand rubbing at her temple. The blonde wondered if she had a headache.The Governor’s office had been locked down. The windows to the secretary’s office had been covered by the blinds, leaving no chance of anyone seeing in. Ms. Smith had been taking precautions, Allie mused. Minimising the possibility of anyone knowing about their more private conversations. It didn’t take much for someone to assume the Top Dog was lagging and then spread it around the prison, regardless of if they were an officer or not.“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Allie shrugged innocently, linking her hands behind her back, and rocking on her toes.“Don’t bullshit me, Allie,” Ms. Smith pointed at her, her eyes lit up with a fire that Allie had never seen before. She was angry, no, enraged, at Allie’s actions. And all the Top Dog could feel was a warmth pooling between her thighs.Allie tried her best to remain unphased by the scene before her. The Governor was watching her with an expectant gleam in her eyes, but when the Top Dog didn’t respond all Ms. Smith could do was let out a low groan.“Tina Mercado is in medical with three cracked ribs and a fractured cheekbone, not to mention that it looks like her face was put in a blender!” Ms. Smith said brusquely, now stopping in front of the blonde, leaning up against her desk. “And you’re telling me you have no idea how that happened?”Allie had done exactly what the Governor had asked. She did her job as the leader of the women and stood by her no gear policy. She could bite back, get angry at the redhead for questioning her decisions, but something gave Allie pause.“I did what needed to be done,” Allie said in a low voice, careful not to agitate the woman in front of her. “I understand that it looks bad, but it’s the only way to send a message in here.”The Governor couldn’t look at Allie, she just stood with her arms crossed over her chest, chewing anxiously on her bottom lip. Allie’s eyes involuntarily swept down to the action.The Top Dog cleared her throat, averting her gaze. “How long will Tina be in there?”“At least another week,” Ms. Smith sighed, dropping her arms to now grip the edge of the desk behind her. “Look Allie… thank you for handling it. It’s just-“The Governor struggled to articulate her words and Allie watched as she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She was mulling something over, fighting with herself.“You could’ve been seriously hurt.”The softness in which the Governor now looked at her was such a stark difference to the hot rage from before, it gave Allie whiplash.“But I wasn’t.” Was all she could respond, her usual charm failing her.To her surprise Ms. Smith stepped forward and looked at Allie with a hard glare, before reaching down and grabbing her right hand. She pulled it up between them, turning it over in her own and smoothing her thumb over Allie’s bruised knuckles. The blonde felt the sting from the contact, the ache of her fingers as they splayed out in the Governor’s hand. But the action soothed the pain, she could feel it seeping out under the warmth radiating from the redhead’s fingers.“Bullshit,” The Governor said softly, now looking down at their hands. Allie’s heart thumped wildly in her chest, unable to form a coherent thought as Ms. Smith silently stroked her fingers over the swollen and split skin. It looked worse than it felt, sure Allie struggled holding a mug or putting her bra on, but most of the time she ignored it. Besides, it was good for the women to see the injury, it was a sign of power. Dominance.But to Ms. Smith, Allie now realised, it was a sign of danger. Of potential hurt.“I’m fine, really,” Allie tried to reason, the Governor didn’t look up at her. She kept her eyes on their joined hands, “Ms. Smith.”The resolve in the Governor’s eyes as she met hers told Allie that she didn’t believe her.“My hand is fine, I’m fine,” Allie said with more sincerity, she wiggled her fingers still within the redhead’s grasp and smiled, “plus, it makes me look kinda badass, don’t you think?”Ms. Smith scoffed, rolling her eyes, and fighting the smile that was now on her lips. She still held onto Allie though, not letting go of the tether that connected them. It was the longest time that they held contact, and Allie’s brain was trying desperately not to turn into a puddle at the thought.“You’re an asshole, you know that?”“I’ve been called worse.” Allie winked, relieved to see the Governor loosen up at her cheeriness.“I just don’t want to put you in that position again,” Ms. Smith said her voice small, “I feel responsible.”“Don’t,” Allie shook her head, catching the redhead’s eyes. She squeezed her hand gently, feeling the skin on her knuckles stretched at the action. “Don’t do that.”“Allie,” Ms. Smith’s voice cracked. And the sound of her name on the redhead’s lips made the blonde’s heart constrict. She stayed quiet, knowing that it wasn’t a good time to let her charm take hold of the conversation. “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you because of me.”“Nothing’s going to happen,” Allie smiled, “I’m a big girl.”“I know, I know,” Ms. Smith sighed, “it’s just…everyone I care about ends up getting hurt.”Allie froze. The words ricocheting in her mind. “You care about me?” Bea stood wide eyed at the woman in front of her. Did she just say that? From the way Allie was looking at her now, the Governor knew that the words flew out of her mouth before she even had time to stop them.Allie stared at her. Electric blue eyes ablaze, mouth slightly hanging open. She looked stunned.“You care about me?” Was all the blonde said, her usual teasing tone now gone, replaced with a seriousness that Bea hadn’t seen in her before.Bea dropped their hands, flexing her fingers and leaning back onto her desk. Suddenly the room felt too small. So, she gazed out the window instead, hoping that the world could swallow her whole.“I think you should go back for the count.”Allie stepped forward now, her demeanour calm. The blonde stood between Bea’s legs, causing her to back up further into the desk so she was basically sitting on it. Her eyes searching Bea’s with a heat that made the Governor shiver. The blonde took her hand again, smoothing them between her own. Mirroring her actions from before.“You’re shaking.” Allie said softly, dipping her head to meet Bea’s gaze.“It’s cold.”“No, it’s not.”Bea watched as Allie leaned in, feeling her hot breath on her lips. And then she kissed her. Soft lips pressing against her own. She felt her mouth move at the contact, opening and letting Allie’s lips slide with her own. Bea’s eyes fluttered shut, and she felt Allie’s hand come up to her side, gently tracing her hip. A completely new sensation consumed Bea. It felt warm and heavy, flooding through her. A want that she had never felt before. It was something that she had been desperately craving, something she never knew she needed.Allie’s solid body held her into place as they continued kissing. Her soft breathy moans filling the silence of the office, her hands steadying Bea. Like she knew that she had to anchor the Governor down so she didn’t float off with the tide that was coursing through her.The blonde pulled back, causing Bea to subconsciously chase after her lips. When she opened her eyes, she found bright brilliant blue staring back at her.“I guess I can go back for the count.”But she made no move to leave. They remained close, Allie’s fingers still tracing lazy shaped onto Bea’s hip.“That was-“ Bea started.“Ms. Smith, you don’t have to say anything.”Bea just stared at Allie. Mesmerised by everything about her. Her eyes, her beauty spot, her hair. And now her lips. So pink and full. Stretched into a smile over her white teeth, sinking into the bottom lip that Bea just had between her own.“Bea.” The Governor rasped, squeezing the Top Dog’s hand gently. “Call me Bea.”
End of Part I
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Part II
Marie Winter sat hunched over. Elbows resting on her knees. Head bent, eyes staring unfocused at the floor. It had been weeks of fighting to get where she was today. Her lawyer taking on the board to secure her release back into general. Now the day was here, and Marie couldn’t shake the dread that was weighing heavily on her shoulders.She had been completely cut off by the officers. Usually, Smiles would be more than willing to share information for a few hundred dollars, but after the hostage situation she was tight lipped. All Marie knew now was that Ms. Bennet had gone on maternity leave and there was a new Governor in charge. She didn’t even know who the current Top Dog was.Marie met Ms. Smith the first week she had arrived. She didn’t know what to make of the Governor. She was hard to read. Stoic, with a glare that was cold as ice. Marie could see that she had been through some shit, that she was unaffected by the charm that Marie was usually able to win people over with. Sure, Ms. Smith would’ve read Marie’s file and known about her dealings within the prison as Top Dog, so it was easy to assume she was being cautious. But the way in which the Governor looked at her with a cold indifference, completely impenetrable, gave Marie pause.The handle on the door clanked heavily as the keys were slotted into the locks. Marie kept her head down, unmoving. The hinges squeaked with the weight of the metal and a throat cleared.She finally looked up. Her gaze meeting the Governor’s.“Time for your release, Winter.”
1 Day Earlier
The prison was dark. Pitch blackness crept into the corners of Bea’s vision as she walked the corridor. The beam of light from her torch briefly illuminating the floor and walls she it swept back and forth. Footsteps echoing off the concrete, ringing in her ears.Bea was on her third over night of the week. She checked her watch and saw 2:14am flash up on the little screen. She was tired and restless. The mountain of paperwork that sat on her desk taunted her, requiring scrutinizing eyes to gloss over the words and a signature from Bea to show that she was doing her job properly.These late-night walks around the prison had helped her clear her mind. To stop the buzzing at the base of her skull. Loneliness didn’t seem to catch up with her here, as it did at home. Being alone in an empty house always led Bea to a dark place. Her thoughts consumed of memories that would be compartmentalised in the light of day. With Debbie gone to university in Sydney, Bea had ample time to stew in her thoughts. Their conversations used to ward away her troubled memories, the sound of Debbie’s laugh and the sight of her smile would put Bea at ease.But she was alone now. Most nights had her watching the television in a dark room, with her dinner on her lap and a glass of wine in her hand. Hoping that her phone screen would light up and the incessant buzzing would tell her that her daughter was calling.Night shift at the prison, however, took away the opportunity for rumination. Bea could enjoy the silence but could keep her mind occupied on the job she had to do. Plus, the extra money she earned always helped.She wandered past the cell blocks, shining her torch into the communal areas locked behind heavy metal gates. They were empty of course; the prison was asleep. Recharging for another day of activity. Bea wondered what they had in store once the sun was up. Would there be any stabbings? Drug deals? Bashings?Bea entered H-block, stopping outside of H1, peering into the empty communal lounge. There were mugs on the table that needed to be washed. Blankets were haphazardly thrown over the couches. It looked lived in, as homey as one could feel in a prison.She grasped the gate that separated her from the communal area. The cool metal leeching the warmth from her hand. Bea hesitated; her eyes glued to one door in particular.Allie. She wondered if the Top Dog was sleeping. Or if she was lying awake thinking of the Governor, like Bea thought about her. Was she staring at the ceiling, trying to desperately remember the feeling of their lips pressed together? Could she still feel the warmth of her tongue, or how she felt under her fingertips? Could she hear the faint gasps and breathy moans that were shared between them?Bea shook her head of the thoughts. Pushing gently against the gate, leaving it slightly ajar. If Allie wasn’t there in fifteen minutes, she would close the gate again.She stalked back down the corridor. Stopping outside of H3, sweeping the beam of her torch over the space before moving on. Bea came to a utility closet, pulling out her swipe card and glancing up and down the hallway, regardless of the fact that she was the only officer in this part of the prison.She opened the door, closing it softly behind her. She checked her watch. 2:22am. Allie had eight minutes. Bea waited, pressing her back against the door, letting her head fall against it, eyes closed. She breathed deeply, the scent of cleaning products in the air. The closet was dim, the light shining blearily above her.The minutes ticked on, with Bea growing more and more anxious. She didn’t know if Allie would show. There was a possibility that she was still asleep. And being alone in the confined space gave her too much time to think. The irony of the situation that Bea was currently in was not lost on her. She was hiding in a closet, hiding her feelings for another woman from the world. She chuckled to herself, feeling like she was slowly going insane. 2:26am. Bea’s watch flashed back at her. She let out an impatient sigh and rubbed her eyes. Just as she turned to leave, there was a soft sound. Quiet enough that Bea had to strain just to hear it again.A gentle knock at the door.Bea opened it slowly, before feeling the weight of the door fall against her. Hands grabbed at her jacket and pulled her into a solid body. Allie’s lips pressed against Bea’s hungrily. The Governor’s back was up against the door again, only this time being held in place by Allie’s thigh. Pressed between her legs, putting pressure on her core.“Fuck, I’ve missed you,” came Allie’s husky whisper, resonating through Bea’s skin as she pressed her lips into her neck.Bea chuckled, running her hands up the blonde’s strong back. “Me too. I thought you weren’t gonna come.” “And miss this?” Allie replied, pulling back and finally looking Bea in the eye. She tucked a stray curl behind the redhead’s ear and held her cheek gently. Suddenly Allie was all tenderness, her bright eyes softening as she locked eyes with Bea. “You’re all I can think about.”Bea’s heart stuttered. And once again, Allie Novak had her at a loss for words. So instead of trying to force herself reply, she just grabbed the blonde’s hoodie and crushed their lips together again. Immediately opening her mouth to allow Allie’s tongue to sweep into her.They had been meeting like this for the past few nights. With Bea on nightshift, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for some alone time. It was Allie’s suggestion at first, the way she batted her eyes at the Governor made it hard to say no. And the anticipation Bea felt coming up to her first night shift was thrilling. The idea that she and Allie were going to be properly alone, for the first time since they had met, made Bea buzz with electricity. Sure, the women had their meetings in the Governor’s office, but the possibility of someone walking in on them was extremely high.At first Bea was apprehensive at the suggestion. Allie had asked so innocently that she instantly agreed to it. But when she saw where Allie had in mind, Bea started to worry. The blonde was the one to suggest the utility closet, pointing out how it was not only in a blind spot, but there were no cameras inside either.That first night Bea was wracked with nerves as she stood in the confined space of the closet. When Allie had finally arrived, they had to stand so close that their noses were almost touching. When it came to a point that Bea started freaking out that she didn’t know what to do with her hands, Allie just took them in her own and soothed her nerves. She was so gentle, so patient.Allie pulled back from the searing kiss, holding Bea’s face and trailing her thumbs over the older woman’s cheekbones.Bea just looked at her. Absorbed as much of Allie as she could. Even under the dim lighting she looked fantastic, tired but full of energy. Her hair was messy, and her cheeks flushed. And she was looking at Bea in such a way that she thought she would melt.“I missed you,” Bea said quietly, leaving into Allie’s palm, closing her eyes and inhaling her scent.“I missed you too,” Allie breathed. “It sucks not having you here during the day.”“Then we wouldn’t get to do this,” Bea kissed Allie’s thumb that was tracing her lips.“Then stay all the time, day, night. I want you always.”Bea chuckled giving her a playful shove. Allie took it in her stride, leaning closer to let their lips brush.“You have no idea what you do to me, Bea,” Allie breathed. Playfulness gone. “I meant it when I said I can’t stop thinking about you.”Bea’s skin had started to burn. A warmth spreading through her like wildfire, settling between her legs. She had realised that she only felt this with Allie. This burning need for her. Bea knew it was lust, arousal. Horniness to put it bluntly. Bea had never felt horny in her entire life and to have it coursing through her now, the need to have Allie all over her. Inside her. Was daunting to say the least.“Do you think about me?” Allie asked, voice low, gravelly. Like she had just woken up.“Yes.” Bea breathed, feeling the tip of Allie’s tongue tracing up her neck, leaving a shiver in its wake. She craned her neck further, hoping to give the blonde better access.“I think about you when I’m alone, in my cell, and I’m-“ Allie nipped at Bea’s skin, causing her to let out a whimper. “Touching myself.”Her eyes involuntarily rolled back in her head at Allie’s words. Imagining her writhing from her own touch, thinking about Bea was almost too much.Allie’s hand had come up now, tracing the underside of Bea’s breast. Before gently cupping it and squeezing the mound gently.“Is this, okay?” She asked Bea gently. The redhead nodded quickly, letting her head fall back against the door. Allie massaged Bea further, leaving kisses along her jaw and lips. The Governor was coming undone, experiencing a bliss that left her head swimming in a cloud. “Do you touch yourself?”Bea snapped out of her haze. Her head raising off the door and her throat constricting. Allie sensed her sudden shift and stepped back from their embrace, letting her hand fall from Bea’s chest.The Governor sputtered for a moment before shaking her head profusely, pressing her hands to her forehead. “I’m sorry…I-““Please, don’t apologise,” Allie gently took a hold of her wrists and brought her hands down between them. “I’m sorry I got too carried away.”“No! You didn’t… it’s just… I’ve never…”The Top Dog stared at the Governor for a moment before realisation dawned on her features. “You mean you’ve never… masturbated?”Bea’s cheeks started to flame. She looked down, ashamed of her not so confession.“Hey,” Allie said lightly, “hey, Bea. It’s okay.”Bea shrugged, still not being able to meet Allie’s eyes. “I just don’t want you to think I’m a prude.”“I don’t!” Allie said, squeezing Bea’s wrists. The redhead looked up at her questioningly. “I honestly don’t, Bea. I just want you to feel good, and touching yourself is a great way to get to know your body… and to enjoy yourself.”“I’ve never really enjoyed masturbation… or sex.”“It’s always good to practice… and once you know your body, you can show me what you like.”Bea tilted her head, mulling Allie’s words over. She was right in a sense. But the thought of it still scared her shitless. She stayed quiet, not wanting to further fuck up their limited time together before she had to go finish her rounds.“You just have to remember,” Allie said softly, bringing her hand up and tapping Bea’s temple with her pointer finger. “Good sex is up here too.”Bea nodded feeling the tension in her body dissipate. Allie stepped forward and enveloped her in a hug, wrapping her strong arms around Bea’s slight frame. They stayed like that for a while, not speaking. Just breathing each other in. At one point Bea closed her eyes and laid her head on Allie’s chest, listening to her heartbeat.Their embrace was broken by the buzzing on Bea’s wrist, signifying that their time was up.Allie swore under her breath, stepping back from the redhead. She leant down and gave Bea was last sweet kiss before saying her goodbyes. The Governor watched her lover step quietly out the door and sighed. She waited the usual two minutes and let herself out, happy to see that the darkness of the corridor was undisturbed by another officer.Bea continued on with her rounds. Thinking of Allie for the rest of her shift. Allie lounged on her bench in the yard, watching the women mill about, enjoying their allocated time outdoors. She was alone for once, not having her usual crowd around her. She appreciated the moment of being alone in her thoughts. Allowing Allie to daydream about her rendezvous with the Governor the day before. She would be back on day shift today, adequately rested after her three-night shifts.The Top Dog was concerned for the Governor. She could see that Bea was pushing herself hard, ensuring that the prison was running smoothly. And there was also the fact that Bea now had Allie to think about. Not that Allie was worried, they had been extremely careful so far and from what she could see, no one suspected a thing.But the Top Dog knew the Governor. She felt as if she could read her thoughts. Watching the cogs turn in her mind as she was thinking. Allie could read every one of Bea’s emotions and assumed that she probably knew what the redhead was feeling before she did herself. Regardless of how much Allie told Bea not to worry, she still would, and the least she could do was to try and alleviate her anxious thoughts. Be it with words, touches, or kisses.“Oi, Allie!” Franky’s voice bounced off the concrete walls of the yard, pulling her out of her daydream.“What?”“Marie’s being released.”Allie sat up straight, “Now?”“Yup, Smiles told me that the Gov is bringing her back into general right now.”“Shit.”Franky nodded. She stepped closer to Allie now, letting her voice drop, “Don’t worry, blondie. I’m sure your little redhead will intimidate the shit out of Marie.”Allie punched the brunette hard in the arm. She knew Franky was joking, of course she was. But there was a little voice at the back of her mind, nagging, that Franky knew more than she was letting on.“Fuck off,” Allie rolled her eyes, trying her best not to let her composure slip.Franky chuckled grabbing Allie around the shoulders and pulling her into her side. “Plus, you’ve got Booms and I to do your dirty work.”Allie went to give Franky a witty retort when the words died in her mouth. She watched as Bea walked through the courtyard gate, her gait rigid, jaw set. The Governor looked terrifying. Behind her trailed Marie, carrying a basket with a fresh set of clothes. She looked small, hunched over and shuffling her feet. Like she was hoping to look like prey, rather than the predator she was. Allie could see right through her façade. She could see how Marie’s eyes skirted the yard, quickly appraising her surroundings and sizing the other inmates up.Women in the yard started yelling and jeering at Marie. But Allie stayed frozen in her spot. Franky had released her from her vice like grip and now stood still, her expression stony as her eyes followed Marie and Bea.“Do something, Allie!” A voice shouted from the mob of women that had formed.“Bash her!”Allie didn’t reply. She just stepped toward the front of the group and crossed her arms over her chest. Marie and Bea had stopped just before the entrance into H-block. Marie and Allie’s gazes met, and for a moment the Top Dog could see her mask slip. She was the same woman that Allie had met all those years ago. Selfish, cruel, evil.“I’m sure you don’t want to bash me, Allie, don’t you?” Marie asked in a sickeningly sweet voice. She didn’t know. Allie realised. Marie didn’t know who the new Top Dog was. She didn’t know that Allie was Top Dog.“I don’t know about that,” Bea answered Marie before a response could even form in Allie’s mind. The Governor held Allie’s gaze. The sight of her deep brown eyes was comforting. Telling her that she was okay. “She is your Top Dog after all.” Franky watched Allie as she stood with the handle of the steam press in her hand. She pushed it, causing a loud sizzle to fill the room as the sheet was flattened. Steam rose up around the blonde, flushing her face. A slight sheen of sweat glistened on her skin from the heat permeating from the vapor.Franky watched Allie as she seemed to go about her tasks without the nervous energy the brunette expected from her friend. She noticed that the Top Dog had seemed too calm since Marie’s re-entry, in fact she seemed wholly unbothered by the situation. Instead, Allie busied herself with work duty, still joking around with Ruby and Boomer as they sorted through underwear and bras. Franky just stood back and watched their interactions. Put off by Allie’s blase attitude.The doors of the laundry room swung open and in came Kaz and her girls. She flashed Franky a large smile and walked over to Allie, leaning in to have a conversation, their voices shielded by the whirring of the washing machines. Franky strained to listen, she was Allie’s second in command after all, and she deserved to know what was being said. But sometimes, Allie and Kaz liked to keep things between themselves.Franky’s thought process, however, was broken when Kaz nodded at her to come over. She set down the messily folded sheet and waltzed over to the pair, slipping into her typical nonchalant self.“What’s up?” Franky asked, leaning against a table with her hands tucked into her pockets. She looked between the women, wondering who was going to speak first. Kaz, she noticed, was staring at Allie with a look Franky couldn’t quite place. Whereas Allie just continued about her work, stamping down a sheet and letting the steam rise around her.“I was just saying to, Allie,” Kaz started, elbowing the Top Dog gently, forcing her to stop what she was doing. Allie turned to them now, casually crossing her arms over her chest. “That now Marie is back, something needs to happen. The women want justice.”Franky raised her eyebrows and let a grin stretch across her features. “You know I love a little pay back.”“I was also saying,” Kaz continued, “that Allie was the one who needs to do it.”“I agree,” Franky nodded. Violence wasn’t always the answer in prison. But for a person like Marie, she deserved the worst punishment they could administer and then some.“Well, our Top Dog here,” Kaz dropped her voice. Franky stepped closer, knowing that the next words out of Kaz’s mouth was sure to set off someone if they heard. “She’s not too sure if it is necessary.”Franky’s eyebrows shot up her forehead and she turned to Allie, suddenly feeling anger flare up her skin. “Are you serious? Allie… she’s a fuckin snake.”“I know,” Allie said cooly, fixing Kaz with a hard stare. “But I thought pretending she doesn’t exist would be easier.”“Fuck that!” Franky threw her hands up, “You need to show her whose boss now, blondie.”“That’s what I said.” Kaz smiled, obviously happy that the Top Dog’s right-hand woman agreed with her.Allie let out a groan pinching the bridge of her nose and screwing her eyes shut. Franky watched her think for a while, knowing that the blonde liked to take the least violent route as often as possible. The same couldn’t be said for Tina Mercado, who still flinched anytime she saw Allie walk by.“Look, fine,” Allie said through her teeth, before pointing between Kaz and Franky, “but after, no one speaks to her, okay? No one even breathes in her direction, or they’ll have me to deal with.”“You got it, princess,” Franky smiled, ruffling Allie’s hair playfully. Allie sat outside in the yard once again, watching the women mill around. Their anxiety was palpable, no laughing or joking. No game of basketball was being played. The gym sat empty; weights not being lifted. The women’s minds were too preoccupied. They were waiting for Marie to make an appearance. Whispers of revenge were on everyone’s lips and all inmates wanted to get in on the action.Marie had hurt a lot of people. Officers and prisoners alike. The drugs that she was bringing in had turned the prison into a madhouse. When Marie was in charge, women were fighting more than ever, visits to medical were at an all time high. The number of women who had to go to hospital for rehab were far too many to count. By that point, most of the sober women had enough and a full revolt was bound to take place. But that last batch, the one that killed five women, was the final nail in the coffin for Marie. Even before the hostage situation, the tide had turned and the women wanted her out of the position.Franky and Boomer made sure to stick close to Allie, talking in low tones as they walked around the table. Ruby sat across from her, nervously fiddling with her hands. She talked aimlessly about boxing and her sister, and Allie pretended to listen. Everyone was on edge. But surprisingly, Allie felt no tension in her body.She would love to admit that she was planning her revenge on Marie. She would love to know how she was going to make her suffer. But the Top Dog didn’t. Instead, her mind was filled with thoughts of Bea. How strong she looked when she brought Marie into the yard the day before. How the Governor was in command, showing off her strength and resolve. It made Allie dissolve into a puddle. She could barely think of anything else. All the blonde wanted to do was sit and daydream about her redhead, or even better, feel her lips against her own.“Oi, she’s comin’,” Boomer said under her breath. Ruby stood from her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. Allie stayed put, knowing that showing the slightest bit of unease from the top Dog was sure to make the other women jumpier.Allie glanced up to find Marie strolling across the yard, hands folded in front of her. If one didn’t know the kind of heinous person she was, Marie would look almost docile. Pristine in the spring sun, with her white, blonde hair tied back and her pale blue eyes wide and pleasant. Marie had the type of eyes that made people trust her too easily, they radiated kindness. Her voice was smooth and velvety and would lull anyone into a false sense of security. Everything about her put one at ease, but her mind was a dark twisted thing.“Good morning, Allie,” Marie greeted warmly, stopping a meter or so from the table. She watched her carefully. “I was just coming over to say congratulations on getting Top Dog.”“Fuck off, Marie,” Boomer spat, hovering behind the Top Dog. The older woman ignored her, her eyes staying firmly on Allie.“It’s alright, Boomer,” Allie said, standing from her seat and rounding the table to come face to face with her ex-lover. “We need to have a little chat.”Allie felt as if Marie looked different. It wasn’t in how she sized up the Top Dog or in the way she held herself. Marie looked different because Allie viewed her in a new light. She was no longer this untouchable being who could control and bend anyone to her will. She could see that now. Allie was no longer a scared girl looking for someone to protect her. She was the protector now. She was the one with control.“Honestly, love, I didn’t know you had in in you,” Marie said kindly, her voice laced with a thin veil of poison. This was how she used to talk to her ‘disappointments’, Allie remembered, a dissatisfied mother scolding her young. “I’m proud.”“I’m sure you are,” Allie responded. Her voice was void of any emotion. She could see Marie was searching for anything to latch onto, any ounce of humanity left in Allie that she could manipulate to her advantage. Allie made sure that she couldn’t find it. “The women have made a request.”“And what’s that?”“That you pay for what you’ve done.”Marie cocked her head, her expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity. “You would never hurt me, Allie. Would you?”Allie stepped closer to the older woman, looking down at her. Other prisoners had started to form a circle around them, voiced murmuring to each other. Allie could see them in her periphery. They had been told not to intervene, much to their chagrin. Everyone wanted a piece of Marie, but Allie was the only one who was going to get it.“Don’t be so sure of yourself, Marie.”Allie grabbed the cuff of Marie’s collar, dragging her so her feet struggled to touch the ground. She pulled her so their faces were inches apart. Allie watched Marie’s eyes flicker with something close to fear. She hadn’t expected this, Allie mused, the strength coming from Allie. She used to be so compliant, so pliable. So willing to turn over and let Marie take control. But she had evolved from what Marie had previously known. Not only physically weak, but mentally too.“You’ve hurt so many women, Marie. You’ve killed so many… if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be a murderer. I wouldn’t have blood on my hands.” Allie spat, her voice low, trembling. Her arm started to ache from the fist clenched around Marie’s collar. The same hand that had a dusting of bruises from Tina Mercado’s attack. “You know how it goes…”Marie swallowed, drinking in each of Allie’s words.“I’m going to have to make you pay for what you’ve done.”Allie shoved Marie to the ground, crouching over her. She struggled to get to her feet, but Allie just pushed her back down, forcing her head into the dirt. Marie gasped at the pain, breathing heavily. Spit flying from her mouth.Allie stood, pausing for a moment before kicking Marie a few times in the ribs. Last time she did this, white hot rage was funnelling through her bones. Adrenaline spurring her actions as she pulled back and struck again and again. But now, Allie felt void of anything. Just the sensation of the force reverberating up her leg.She stopped, stepping back. Allie could sense that the women wanted more. They wanted a spectacle, for an example to be made from Marie’s bashing. She wondered how far they wanted her to go, if they wanted Marie dead or if they wanted her to be tortured. But, if she was being honest with herself, Allie didn’t have the energy. Putting that much effort into feeling something toward Marie was something Allie knew she couldn’t do. She had felt all her feelings for her ex-lover. Infatuation, betrayal, grief, anger. She had gone through each torturous stages of emotion, each one hitting her with a new type of pain. Allie decided she wanted out, that she had done what the women had wanted. So, she turned to a gap in the crowd and went to leave, but a sharp sensation yanked her backward. Marie had a hold of her hair and pulled her backwards. She was stunned for a moment, vertigo numbing her senses. But in a moment of clarity, Allie flung her arm behind her, and her fist connected with Marie’s jaw, causing her to release her hold.Allie straightened herself, knowing now that she had to take this further. Marie had pushed her too far, and now she had to finish it. She stalked over to Marie’s hunched figure, she held her jaw, blood seeping onto her lips. Allie grabbed her by the neck and secured Marie in a headlock. Marie struggled to get free, arms flying, legs kicking. But she was trapped.Now laughing, Allie grew ever confident with the cheers from the crowd formed around them. Marie’s struggling had caused a wave of adrenaline to surge through Allie’s veins, loving the feeling of power. Loving the feeling of dominating someone who held so much authority over her in the past.“You want more?” Allie taunted, earning herself a loud cackle of jeers from the women. She leant down, her lips brushing against Marie’s ear, “I think they want more.”Marie shook her head, desperately pleading with Allie to let her go. But the Top Dog tutted, shushing the older woman. She nodded to Boomer who gleefully stepped forward, as Allie released Marie. Boomer took a hold of Marie’s arms, holding them behind her back. Her head bent forward, hair loose from its tie, dirt and blood smearing her face.“Allie, please.”Allie raised her arm and swung her fist into Marie’s stomach, punching her over and over. Marie groaned with each hit, her voice growing hoarser and hoarser. As Allie lifted her arm for one last blow, Marie raised her leg and stamped down on Allie’s ankle, hard. A loud crunch emanated from the impact and Allie let out a yell. She stepped back from her, limping on her left foot.Pain shot up through Allie’s leg and she was sure it was broken. She knew her fight with Marie was over. But as she looked at the smug expression on the other woman’s face, Allie couldn’t help the rage that bubbled beneath her skin. Rage at the years of humiliation she faced at the hands of her ex-lover. She pulled back and landed a punch on the side of Marie’s head, causing her body to go limp in Boomer’s arms. She was dropped unceremoniously to the ground, Boomer stepping over her body, not before spitting down at her. Marie laid on the grass, a crumpled mess. No longer pristine. “How long do you have that on for?”“A couple weeks.” Allie shrugged, looking down at the moonboot on her left leg. Marie had fractured a bone in Allie’s ankle, thankfully nothing was fully broken. But unfortunately, Allie had to lug around the moonboot for at least six weeks, at least it wasn’t a cast. “Does it make my leg look fat?”“Oh, come off it,” Bea scoffed, leaning back in her chair, rolling her eyes. “You’re lucky it’s not worse. What if she had a shiv?”“Well, she didn’t,” Allie responded lightly, flopping down in the chair that sat across from the Governor’s desk. “I think she thought I wasn’t going to touch her. Marie has a habit of underestimating me.”Bea rolled her eyes again, standing and moving around the desk to stand in front of the blonde. She looked down at Allie’s leg, shaking her head slightly.“You really don’t care what happens to you, do you?”Allie shrugged, looking up at the redhead, “Not really. I don’t mind pain… it doesn’t really bother me.”“It bothers me,” the redheads voice was thick as she met Allie’s gaze. Brown eyes misty. “I don’t like seeing you hurt.” Bea further proved her point by brushing her fingers over Allie’s bruised knuckles.The Top Dog softened. Even if it was for completely selfish reasons, Bea wanted Allie to be safe. And she regardless of the fact that Allie being injured could equal less time spent together, the Governor’s concern told Allie that she cared for her more than she let on.Allie leaned forward in the chair, reaching out and grabbing Bea’s hand. She looked at their entwined fingers, “I know… I just had to do something.”“I know,” Bea nodded, running her free hand over her face, “I know, I get it.”“Hey,” Allie said, softly chuckling. She grabbed Bea’s other hand and swung their arms between them. “Come here.”Bea let out a small gasp as Allie swiftly shifted the Governor onto her lap. When she was settled firmly onto Allie’s thighs, the blonde ran a thumb over her unbelievably high cheekbones. Bea’s eyes fluttered shut, and Allie wrapped her other arm around the redhead’s waist, steadying her in place as she planted a soft kiss on her lips.The office blinds had stayed permanently shut since their first kiss. And Allie revelled in their privacy, though she did miss the close quarters of the utility closet.“Promise me that you’ll stay away from Marie,” Bea said softly, pulling away and looking into Allie’s eyes.“You know I can’t.” Allie desperately wanted to. She wanted to do anything and everything Bea asked, but it wasn’t possible. She had a job to do, a role to play. People counted on her. But Bea knew that.Bea nodded, her expression still showing the anguish that was going on in her head. Allie just wanted to soothe her mind, to reach in and stop her thoughts from chewing away at Bea’s beautiful brain. They both knew the precarious position that they were in. They both understood the risks. But God, just being around the Governor made Allie’s head spin. She couldn’t think straight when she was around her. Everything that the Top Dog needed to be concerned about seemed so miniscule when she was with Bea. All her problems with Marie and Tina and keeping the women sane meant nothing to her. She just wanted Bea. She wanted to consume her. Crawl inside her skin and feel Bea all around her.Allie captured Bea’s lips in a soft kiss. They kissed slowly, enjoying the sensation of their touch. It was when Allie let her tongue gently swipe against Bea’s bottom lip that a spark surged between them. Bea reached up and tugged on the hairs at the base of Allie’s neck, causing the blonde to let out a barely controlled moan. Still mindful of the fact that the Governor’s office wasn’t exactly soundproof, Allie swallowed the noise. Focusing all her attention on the woman in front of her.Bea held Allie tighter, causing the blonde to wrap her arms firmer around the other woman. She anchored herself to Bea, if it weren’t for the moonboot weighing her down, Allie would have cleared the Governor’s desk with one fell swoop and taken her right there. But she was a lady. And she liked to savour all of Bea.The urgency in their kisses increased. Though, it had only been two days since their rendezvous during Bea’s night shift, it had felt like Allie had been touch starved for weeks. Malnourished from the lack of intimacy. And the way Bea moved in Allie’s lap, her ass pushing into her thighs, sent a shockwave straight to her clit.Bea pushed her weight against Allie, carefully leaning her back in the chair and kissing down her neck. Allie sighed, letting her head fall back as the redhead continued her exploration of the blonde.Allie’s arms began to explore, tracing up Bea’s waist and running along the undersides of her breasts. Bea took a sharp inhale of breath and Allie dared to go further. She brought her hand up higher, testing Bea’s reaction as she unbuttoned the top button of her uniform, and paused. To Allie’s delight, Bea leaned back and undid the second button, allowing the blonde full view of the plain black bra she wore underneath.The Top Dog sucked in a desperate breath and slid her hand over Bea’s chest. Feeling the hot skin under her fingertips. With a shaky voice, Allie asked, “Do you want me to stop?” Bea shook her head quickly, and Allie gently moved her hand under Bea’s bra. She took the fleshy mound into her hand and gently squeezed it. Bea’s nipple puckered at the contact, straining against the palm of Allie’s hand.“Fuck, Allie.” Bea let out a sound that made Allie’s eyes roll back in her head. Any ounce of self-control she was holding onto was quickly fading. The way Bea was so eager to feel her, so willing to let Allie touch her. She was turning into a hot sticky mess.A sharp knock on the door broke their reprieve and Allie retracted her hand from Bea’s shirt.“Bea!” Dr. Westfall’s voice called from behind the door. “Are you in there?”Both women stared at each other, now realising the state they were in. Bea looked flush, her top undone and her hair a wild mess. Allie assumed she looked much the same. Bea jumped off Allie’s lap and hurriedly tried to button her shirt.“Bea?”“Yes! I… I’m just changing my shirt!” Bea responded with a strangled voice, Allie gave Bea a puzzled look and held back a chuckle as she stood from the chair moving toward the door. Allie was held back by Bea’s hand on her arm. The redhead whispered, “you’re not going out there.”“What?”Bea shoved Allie backward toward a door in the corner of the office. She reached behind the blonde and pulled open the door, revealing a small bathroom. Allie stepped into the cramped space and watched as Bea shot her a look and held her index finger to her lips. Allie winked at Bea as the door closed between them. She looked around the small space, finding a toilet, sink and shower. Perks of being Governor, Allie mused, silently missing having a private bathroom.The sound of the office door opening broke Allie from her thoughts, and she heard Dr. Westfall enter the room. Their muffled voices sounded through the door, and Allie strained to hear what they were talking about.“Quick costume change?” Dr. Westfall asked, her tone light and amused. Allie could practically feel the burn of Bea’s blush through the door.“I spilt coffee on my shirt,” Bea offered, “I always keep a spare.”“Good thinking.” Dr. Westfall responded. Her voice getting fainter. Allie assumed that she was now sitting in the chair that she and Bea had just been making out in. “What are you doing tonight?”“Tonight? Oh… uh no plans. I was just going to stay home and watch Masterchef,” Bea said. Allie smiled, imagining Bea snuggled up on the couch watching reality TV.“Want to come over for dinner? I have the slow cooker on and made way too much,” Dr. Westfall asked. “Besides I have an open bottle of wine that needs polishing off.”“Uhh… maybe, I don’t know,” Bea was a bumbling mess. Obviously still reeling from almost being caught with Allie’s hand down her top. The blonde bit her tongue, trying not to let out a giggle.“Let me know, okay?” Dr. Westfall responded. Allie appreciated her kindness toward Bea. But a pit of jealousy still sat in her stomach, knowing that Dr. Westfall could bring Bea home and wine and dine her.“Sure. Okay.” Was all Bea said.The room was quiet, and Allie heard the office door click shut. There was no movement for a few moments, then suddenly the door opened. Allie almost fell back into the office; her full body weight had been against the door. She steadied herself, careful not to further hurt her moonboot clad leg.“That was close,” Bea huffed, running her hands through her hair.Allie chuckled, stepping closer and taking her hands. “It’s okay! Dr. Westfall is none-the-wiser.”“I don’t know about that.”Allie smiled, wrapping her arms around Bea, and placing a kiss on her head, “I highly doubt she suspected that you were hiding a prisoner in your private bathroom. Which - by the way - I’m angry you didn’t tell me about.”Bea shoved her shoulder playfully, giving Allie a small smile. “Shut up.”“You should go.”“To what?”“Dinner. Enjoy yourself, okay? Let me live vicariously through you for the night.” Allie said, kissing the redhead on the nose. “I would kill for a glass of wine.”Bea rolled her eyes, before reaching up and giving Allie a quick peck on the lips.“Fine.” Franky milled outside of the admin offices, the glass door separating her from the person she needed to see the most. A flash of mousy-blonde hair caught her attention, and she leant out from her hiding spot.“Oi! Gidge!” Franky whisper-yelled, watching as the psychologist whirled around to find the source of the voice. “Over here.”Bridget fixed Franky with a quick smile before walking over to her, looking around to find the corridor was empty of anyone else. “Hi, baby,” Bridget said quietly, reaching out and gently squeezing Franky’s hand. “What’s up?”“I just wanted to see you… I have work duty and I knew I wouldn’t have the time later.”Bridget smiled sweetly, reaching up and planting a kiss on Franky’s cheek. She looked Franky up and down, her brow pinching in the way that Franky loved.“Are you okay?”The brunette shook her head, before huffing and nodding, unable to lie to Bridget. “Marie’s back.”“Ah, yes,” Bridget nodded. She must have heard about the altercation in the yard. As the prison psychologist, Bridget was most likely going to have to provide Marie with sessions in the coming days. “Do you want me to cancel the group session this arvo? We can spend some time together.”“It’s okay,” Franky smiled, gazing into Bridget’s kind eyes. She felt her squeeze her hand again, instantly comforted by the contact. “I just missed you.”“I missed you too…look, I have to go, but I’ll find you later. Okay?”Franky nodded and Bridget breezed past her, allowing the brunette to admire her swaying hips as she walked away. She turned to leave her hiding spot, but something caught her eye. Through the glass doors, Franky could see Allie leaving an office talking animatedly to someone behind her. On instinct the brunette stepped back against the wall as to not be seen, and craned her neck to try and see who her friend was talking to.Allie looked over her shoulder and stepped closer to the other person, reaching down, and grabbing their hand. Just like Bridget had done with Franky moments earlier. Allie was smiling and blushing. Franky was taken aback at the sight. Not once in her years of knowing the blonde had she ever seen her get bashful like that.Franky dared to step out a bit further to see who Allie’s friend was. She froze, her eyes widening at the sight. The Governor had her hand between Allie’s, gazing up at her with a softness that Franky had never seen on her features. She watched Allie with warm eyes, her lips upturned into a smile.Allie looked around again, happy to see that no one was around and planted a quick kiss on the Governor’s cheek. Franky practically threw herself back against the wall when Allie turned in her direction, allowing the Governor to slip back into her office.The glass doors swung open, and Allie rounded the corner, basically charging into Franky.“Oh, fuck!”“Shit!”“What are you doing here?” Allie asked hurriedly, looking around. Franky noticed the blush on her cheeks and the shocked look in her eyes. The Top Dog was caught off guard and Franky was relishing in it.“What are you doing here?” Franky shot back, crossing her arms over her chest, and raising her eyebrows expectantly.“Nothing.” Allie responded hurriedly, pushing past Franky, and making a move toward their cellblock. “I had an appointment.”“With who?” Franky asked, picking up her pace to stay in step with the blonde. “The Governor?”Allie basically skidded to a halt and rounded on Franky. “What?”“What?” Franky smiled.“Did you see anything?”“I don’t know…did I?”Allie grabbed a hold of Franky’s arm and she let out a loud yelp, feeling nails dig into her skin. The blonde pulled them into an alcove, away from prying ears and eyes.“Franky.” Allie said forcefully. “Don’t fuck around.”“I didn’t see anything!” The brunette smiled, making a zipping motion across her lips, “your secret is safe with me.”Allie shot her a glare, which made Franky smile harder. She threw an arm over Allie’s shoulder and led them back into the corridor, bumping her hip into the blonde’s. “Besides, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while now.”