Disclaimer: I do not own nor claim to own the Wentworth series (wish I did! Wish I was an actor in the series... So much fun right there!).
Double The Trouble -
Chapter one:
Mummy loves you to the moon and back...
Twelve weeks in the slot.
Twelve cold, lonely weeks contemplating what she would do next.
Bea Smith had nothing let to live for, her only lifeline to the outside world murdered.
It had taken her four weeks in there to come to terms with the fact that Debbie wasn't coming back.
Before that she'd taken drastic measures.
She'd taken Jacqueline Holt's life.
And as much as she didn't want to admit it, it felt good.
She still had eight more weeks to go in solitary, and it was becoming harder to while away the time.
She snapped to attention as she heard footsteps; guards coming to check on her, to shake their heads and walk away; she was a lost cause. She paid no heed to them until they stopped at her door, unlocking it.
"Miss Davidson," said Bea softly.
"Bea. You've been very well behaved in the slot; more so than most others. For that good behaviour, we would like to return you to H Block eight weeks early," said Erica gently.
"You serious?" Asked Bea incredulously.
"Of course I am. Ms Bennett and Mr Jackson will be in tomorrow morning to return you to the compound. I expect you won't cause any trouble when you return," said Erica sternly.
"Of course not Miss Davidson. No trouble at all," assured Bea.
"Congratulations. Tomorrow, nine o'clock, Ms Bennett and Mr Jackson will take you across." Erica stepped out of the tiny cell, allowing the officer with her to close the door again, locking it tight. She walked down the hall, through two more checkpoints before arriving at the office part of the complex. Vera was waiting in her office, looking jittery.
"You're returning Bea early," remarked Vera.
"She's been well behaved..." Started Erica
"She killed Jacs! Murdered her. How can you return her to the compound? She's a danger to all the other women," complained Vera.
"She's shown no signs of aggression, the psych consult cleared her, she's fine to return to the compound, and Mr Channing signed off. We can't have Franky running the prison like she is now, and between Bea and Franky, they'll keep each other in line," said Erica wearily. She rubbed her hand across her temple, feeling a blinder of a headache starting.
"But..."
"That's enough Vera. Your concerns have been noted. We need this transition to be as smooth as possible, otherwise the women will be unsettled. H2 will need to be monitored," said Erica, shifting through paperwork.
"You haven't done the duty rosters for this month. Did you want me to, or...?" Started Vera.
"Shit. I was supposed to do that..." Erica shifted through the papers, knocking a small stack to the floor.
"I thought Miriam was doing it," replied Vera.
"Miriam was until she upped and left. All of a sudden I find myself without an assistant and a stack of paperwork I don't know how to complete," said Erica, frustrated.
"I'll do the duty roster, Fletch can handle supervision today, and you go talk to HR about a new secretary," said Vera.
"Oh, and there's a double intake today. Do you want me to get Linda to deal with it, or would you like to handle it?" Asked Erica.
"I'll deal with it. You're no use to use like this, so go talk to HR about a new secretary," said Vera, shooing Erica out the door. She watched her superior leave, then took the intake papers off of Erica's desk.
The duty roster could wait until later today...
"Will, we've got a double intake coming in. Could you grab Linda to help out?" Asked Vera. Will pulled out his radio.
"Sure. Zero-three to zero-seven, we need you in processing. Over," said Will.
"Acknowledged zero-three, on my way." Will tucked his radio back in his pocket.
"Who have we got this time?" Asked Will. Vera passed him a copy of the paperwork.
"Twins?" Asked Will.
"Emily and Charlie Wilson. Life is definitely going to get interesting in here," commented Vera, flipping through the files.
"Why is that?" Asked Linda as she appeared behind them.
"Twins," replied Vera.
"So how are we supposed to tell them apart?" Asked Linda, snapping on a pair of latex gloves, ready process the two new additions.
"They're not identical; whilst they look similar, Charlie has brown hair, and Emily has blonde," said Vera.
"Great. As if things weren't complex enough with Bea and Franky, now we have this to deal with," sighed Linda.
"Ok. Once these two are processed, we will be splitting them. Charlie will be receiving Jacs' old spot in H4, and Emily will be joining H3 now that Tony is in protective custody," decided Vera.
"You want to split siblings?" Asked Linda.
"They'll still get time to see each other, in the exercise yard, mealtimes. We'll keep an eye on the women, and if it's really unsettling them, then we'll address the problem then. For now, that's where we have space, and I hate reshuffling, especially with Bea coming out of the slot," said Vera.
"Wait. Bea is coming out?" Asked Linda.
"Governor approved her return this morning. Keep alert, report anything unusual, and hope to high heavens that this doesn't get any worse than what it is," said Vera. Officer James Manning appeared in the processing room.
"Transport just arrived with the Wilson twins on board," he announced.
"Bring them through. Linda, you and Will take Emily Wilson into P1, James and I will take Charlie into P2." Linda and Vera separated, heading to their respective rooms. Vera watched as Charlie was brought in first, the young woman fighting tooth and nail, snarling at the men who held her tight.
"Charlie, if you don't calm down we'll have to sedate you," said Vera authoritatively. Charlie stopped snarling, but her breathing was still heavy, face flushed. Vera sighed.
Today was going to be a long day.
"Bea's coming back tomorrow," announced Doreen.
"Eight weeks early. Must be for a good reason," commented Liz, flipping through her magazine. She glanced up as Kim left Franky's cell, smiling to herself before heading out to the exercise yard.
"So Red's coming back, aye?" Said Franky, grinning to herself.
"She got rid of Nanna, who else can we get her to top for us?" Asked Boomer, rubbing her hands together with glee.
"Booms, she only topped Jacs because she was pissed off about Debbie. She's going to be in here forever if she's not careful," said Liz blandly.
"So are you. Gonna go get yourself pissed again?" Asked Franky. Liz sighed, ignoring the younger woman.
"It's been quiet since Jacs died," said Doreen.
"Only cause I've been looking out for you guys. You're my family, and I'm not about to let anything happen to you lot. Simmo's had it out for you for weeks, and you had no idea, did you?" Snarled Franky.
"Course not! Listen, Liz and I've got to go; there's two newbies coming in from processing, and Miss Davidson wants us to look after them," said Doreen.
"You two the peer workers for every other unit now, are you?" Asked Franky.
"Just for H Block; Jen was peer worker in H3, but she got put in the wet cells after they found her wandering the yard, high as a kite. Simmo doesn't want the job in H4, and H1 haven't had a peer worker since Sharon topped herself last year," said Liz.
"So who've we got coming in?" Asked Franky curiously, crossing over to the table in their unit and taking a seat.
"Emily and Charlie Wilson," answered Doreen.
"Which unit number have they been assigned to?" Asked Franky.
"Don't know until they've been processed," answered Liz.
"Know anything else?" Asked Franky.
"No more than you know. Can we go now?" Asked Doreen, frustrated.
"Go on, get out," responded Franky. Liz and Doreen headed out of the unit and into the main administration block. Erica met them just outside processing.
"Ah, Liz, Doreen. Emily and Charlie are almost ready, they're just completing a psych consult. Ms Bennett has just given me the unit assignments for both women. Emily will be assigned to H3, and Charlie to H4," said Erica, consulting her notes.
"You really think assigning her to Jacs' old unit is the best idea?" Asked Liz.
"It's the only space we have where we can keep the siblings in the same block. Otherwise they would be split to D and E," said Erica. Vera stepped out out P2, peeling off her latex gloves. A few moments later, Linda stepped out of P1, discarding her gloves in the nearby receptacle.
"They're just getting into their uniforms, and then you two can take over," said Vera wearily. She glanced at Erica before heading towards the officers lounge, Linda not far behind her. James and Will led Emily and Charlie out, and Liz and Doreen gave them the once over before starting introductions.
"I'm Liz, this is Doreen. We're the peer workers for H Block, the block you've been assigned to," said Liz warmly. Charlie snarled at the two women, clearly unhappy at her situation. Emily was the less aggressive of the two, and managed a hint of smile, despite the stunned mullet look she sported.
"Well, let's take you across to the compound, and get you set up. Charlie, you've been assigned to H4, and Emily, you're in H3. Liz and I are in H2, and we're here if you want to talk, or if you're unsure of something," said Doreen.
"Charlie, I'll take you into H4, and Doreen will take Emily into H3, get you acquainted with your unit," said Liz. She led Charlie into H4, where Simmo was waiting.
"This the newbie?" Asked Simmo.
"What does it look like? Of course she's the newbie. She's been assigned Jacs' old cell. Listen Charlie, you need anything, let us know. If Franky asks you to do anything, you do it, no questions asked. That's how you survive in here. Oh, the red duress button?" Said Liz, indicating to the wall. Charlie nodded.
"Don't push it."
Things were going a little more smoothly with Doreen and Emily.
"So here is H3. I'm in H2 if you need anything, and if you're really stuck, Jules here can help you out. She's looked after newbies before," said Doreen.
"Uh. Thanks Doreen," said Emily softly.
"The red button over there? Don't push unless you want to end up like Bea. She's been in the slot for twelve weeks now," said Doreen seriously.
"The slot?" Asked Emily weakly.
"Solitary confinement," replied Doreen.
"Oh." Doreen watched the colour drain from Emily's face, and moved her towards the lounge, worried the young woman would faint.
"Just breathe, it's okay," assured Doreen. Jules came out and joined them.
"No, no, no, this is all wrong," moaned Emily.
"What do you mean?" Asked Doreen.
"I shouldn't be in here. This is all Charlie's fault," she complained.
"How is this Charlie's fault?" Asked Jules. Before Emily could answer, Charlie exploded into H3, seeing red.
"Don't you dare tell, bitch!" She growled.
"I wasn't going to," pleaded Emily.
"You were. You remember what we said. We're here because they're not sure which one of us did it," reminded Charlie. Emily trembled with fear, and nodded to her twin.
"I wasn't going to tell," she whispered.
"Remember that, otherwise mother dearest will be getting a letter about how you didn't survive in here," threatened Charlie. She turned heel and left, and Emily felt her resolve crumble, tears flooding down her cheeks.
"Don't worry. Us girls in H3 will look out for you," assured Jules. Emily nodded, a small smile on her face.
"Come on, you need to meet Franky," said Doreen. She pulled Emily other feet, and dragged her down the corridor to H2.
"Franky," called Doreen. Franky stepped out of her cell, Kim not far behind her.
"You must be new blood," commented Franky. She hesitated as Charlie joined them, Liz trailing after her.
"Double the trouble, aye? Excellent. Listen, you need to pick a side and pick it fast, because Bea Smith comes out tomorrow, and we've got a little welcome-back surprise planned for her," said Franky.
"Yours," said Charlie instantly.
"Right. What about you?" Franky asked Emily.
"Your side," she replied timidly.
"Speak up blondie; you'll never survive in here if you're quiet like that. At least fight to survive!" Exclaimed Franky.
"Your side Franky," said Emily, voice stronger.
"Excellent. Rest up tonight, and Simmo and Jules will fill you in on the plan," said Franky, her smile hinting at her glee. Kim wrapped her arms around Franky.
"She'll love it," said Kim. Emily and Charlie nodded, moving to leave the unit.
"Oi! Don't let the screws hear you talking, or we'll be in trouble for sure," said Franky sternly.
"Yes Franky," chorused the pair. They left, and Franky glanced up to Liz and Doreen.
"What are they like?" She asked.
"Charlie's the strong one. Emily's hiding something, I'm just not sure what," said Doreen.
"Watch Emily, but keep me posted on Charlie. If she's in Jacs' old unit, she might take over. Bit of a power trip," decided Franky.
"It'll all come out tomorrow when Bea comes back," said Liz.
"Surprised Miss Davidson didn't move her to another unit," commented Franky.
"She's done what she thinks is best," replied Liz. A bell sounded in the distance.
"Come on, lunchtime."
Bea waited patiently at her cell door, shifting from side to side, nerves make her antsy. She had watched the clock positioned on the wall outside the slot she was in, watching as the hands moved closer together, indicating the end of her time in the slot. Heavy footsteps signalled the arrival of the screws, and her door was unlocked.
"Ready to go back Bea?" Asked Will.
"Yes Mr Jackson," she replied. She stepped out of the confining cell, enjoying the freedom of space she suddenly had. Will indicated that she should move forward, and with Will and Vera behind her, Bea headed towards the compound, the place she hadn't seen for ten weeks. Part of her was apprehensive, the other excited. She missed being able to talk to Liz, and Doreen, and being a part of her unit. Solitary was a lone existence, and she hoped never to return. As she walked towards the gate, the women in the yard cheered, most having been under Jacs' thumb for several years.
"Bea! You're back!" Exclaimed Kim. Bea nodded, dropping her head. Ten weeks of very little sound had her feeling overwhelmed at the commotion. She walked a little faster, heading for her unit, trying to block out the noise. She arrived back in her unit, walked straight to her cell and slammed the door. She sat on her bed, breathing heavily. Just as she thought she had herself under control, her cell door was swung open.
"What are you doing hiding in here Red?" Asked Franky.
"Just tired," lied Bea.
"We had a surprise ready for you and everything. Come on," said Franky. Bea was nervous, unsure of what Franky had planned for her. Franky dragged her out to the open living area of their unit, and spread her hands wide. Liz, Boomer, Kim and Doreen stood behind the table, and Bea took in what as on the table for her.
A newly framed photo of Debbie, with a variety of drawings and other pictures that Bea had collected over the years, ones she had left on the outside...
"How did you do this?" Asked Bea, her voice almost failing her.
"We spoke to Harry; they didn't tell him you were in the slot, and Liz spoke to him. He's moving to Brisbane, and was getting rid of a bunch of photos. We managed to convince him to send them to you, and Mr Jackson brought hem down to us a week ago. We decided you needed something to remind you of the good times, and Doreen and Liz ear pretty creative, so they did this. Do you like it?" Asked Franky. Bea was speechless,instead allowing soft tears to course down her cheeks.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"So why did they let you out early?" Asked Boomer.
"Good behaviour I guess. I dunno. I thought I had at least another eight weeks in there, if not more," said Bea.
"Well you're back now! We've got two newbies, one in H4 and the other in H3. Pretty sure you'll love them," said Franky.
"Really?" Replied Bea. She went to say more, but Simmo burst in on them.
"Franky!" She exclaimed.
"For fucks sake knock before you walk in!" Exclaimed Franky, annoyed.
"Sorry Franky, but you gotta see this. Channel eight news, quick!" Babbled Simmo. Liz flicked on the TV, and found a live news coverage playing right outside their prison.
"Is that Miss Davidson in the background? Can hardly recognise her, she looks so untidy," remarked Liz.
"What's Mr Channing saying?" Asked Franky. Doreen grabbed the remote and hiked the volume higher.
"I'd like to thank Erica Davidson for stepping in as interim Governor, and for all the work she has managed to accomplish in the time she has been here. Unfortunately Miss Davidson will be stepping down as Governor of Wentworth as of today to further pursue her law career. We thank her for her contributions and wish her luck in her ventures." The crowd of reporters applauded mildly, before leaning forward to hang onto Derek Channing's every word.
"Erica's leaving?" Whispered Franky. The others continued to stare at the TV.
"In discussions with other Governors, we'd like to introduce the new governor of Wentworth, Ms Joan Ferguson." The inmates looked at each other.
Joan Ferguson had been the Governor at Blackmoor, the male prison.
What was life going to be like with her in charge?
"Booms, let the girls know. Meeting in here in five minutes," ordered Franky.
They were in more trouble than they realised...