Chapter 7
Regional Hospital
Checking the clock on the wall and I see that it is almost 1130, Zalia sent word she would be by to visit just after that, right on cue I here someone walking down the corridor towards my room. I can hear two voices but I can't catch what they are saying then the door opens and Zalia steps through wearing coveralls and carrying a toolbox.
She stops just inside the door and waits for it to close completely, turning back to me she drops the dumb look and grins at me. "Heya Al, seen any good shows lately?"
Looking over her outfit I shoot back with "Low on money Z? Moonlighting because electronic theft just doesn't pay enough?"
"Nah ya know how the lipsticks like a lesbian who knows her way around a tool belt, just practicing for the next girl." She gives me that cheeky grin I love.
"So what's her name?" I ask, she gives me this fake confused look that I can read so well, "Because you need to teach her how to button your shirt when you're done." I say with a smirk.
Catching her quick look down I can see the embarrassment rise as Zalia realizes she is only wearing a t-shirt. Looking slightly pissed she answers me, "How do you do that? Anyone else I could fool but never you." she sounds so exasperated.
"Easy my dear," I say, "while you always have great fashion sense I really don't think that wearing lipstick on the neck is gonna catch on any time soon." I can't contain my laughter when she rushes to the bathroom to check the mirror. With a quiet "motherfucker" and the sound of the taps turning on then off she cleans up and returns back to the room sporting a wry grin.
It takes only a couple of steps for her to reach the bed but before she leans down to give me a hug something catches her eye, "Hey Al where did you get the fancy jewellery? Did you get kinky with some nurse or something?" looking pointedly at the handcuff now gracing my wrist and attached to the bed frame.
"Not funny Z, in so many ways," I respond my mood changing instantly as the anger rises, "You of all people should know that was a fucked up thing to say to me right now."
Zalia is instantly contrite and begins to apologize, "Yeah Al sorry you're right bad taste on my part, I forgot but what the fuck is this?" pointing at my wrist.
"Correctional Services thinks I'm a flight risk being on remand and all, so as soon as I was able to get up to pee these came out. I think they make me look like a bad ass or something, at least Nurse Crazy Happy hasn't been dropping by so much since I got them." I answer as I twist my wrist to show off my new accessory.
"Well I gotta say they have it wrong this time don't they Al?" Zalia smiles sadly, " all you really want is to go back there, right?"
"Yeah, I miss you and the girls but I have some unfinished business back there." I can feel the anger rising trying to escape again but it quiets as Zalia reaches for my hand.
"Well before you run off like an avenging angel lets compare notes and get started with the planning." Clutching her hand like lifeline I nod yes.
Wentworth Prison H1
Back in Maxine's cell Boomer sits on her bed watching Maxine pace back and forth until she can't hold back anymore. "Heya Maxy, is this what all Thinkers do? Pace and mumble to them self because I gotta tell ya its freakin annoying, makes me glad to be the Doer."
"Sorry Booms, I just don't know what to do or think, do we wake the others to tell them? How do we tell Allie? What the fuck CAN we do about it?" Maxine knows she sounds desperate she can't help it, she turns back to Boomer and asks quizzically, "How are you so calm?"
"Well I figure once ya done doing whatever Thinkers do you'll need somebody bashed or something so I'm keeping myself ready for whatever ya need." she answers simply with a small shrug.
Taking a deep cleansing breath asks Maxine quietly, "How did you find out?"
"Member when I disappeared?" Maxine nods yes, "don't get mad but I was wandering around and caught that new deputy going into a closed block. Asked Smiles about it and that's when she took me to the control room and I saw it." shaking her head Boomer says, "It did me head in so she took me to medical, left me there saying something about everything being paid in full"
"Strange it wasn't one of us that paid her, which block did the deputy go into?" Maxine asks her.
"D block, that one that's been closed since the fire, no money to clean it or so the rumors say." Boomer responds, "Maxy I think we need to tell the others, maybe not Dors I don't know Maxy she's been weird ever since her kid was born, don't blame her really I probably would be to."
"Ok agreed, but I need to speak with Liz, can you go wake her quietly please."
"Sure Maxy," says Boomer getting up from the bed, "I'll get her and be right back." She exits the room as Maxine resumes her pacing.
"Oh Bea I wish you were here darling." she whispers not noticing the tears falling down her cheeks.
Regional Hospital
Just as Zalia and I started talking we are interrupted by the sound of more footsteps coming down the hall, Zalia gets up and hands me something "Shhhh, just keep quiet, take this and make a bit of noise to cover me." she then moves behind the door out of sight, listening we can hear a male saying that Novak's lawyer needs to see her immediately so he brought her over as he was coming to give the other guard his lunch break anyway. The voice sounds vaguely familiar as he goes on to tell the guy not to take longer then the hour as he has to get back to the prison.
This time it is only one set of footsteps walking away, Zalia looks at me and mouths the question 'Are you expecting a visitor?', I continue to make small noises but shake my head no. Bracing herself Zalia sees the door open and the fake lawyer steps through, just as she walks forward Zalia pounces on the person dragging her back then grins while announcing my visitor, "Francesca Doyle, what ya doing here Babe? I said to call me not follow me." just as the last word leave Zalia's mouth a massive hand reaches through the closing door grabbing the back of Zalia's coveralls lifting her up.
Letting go of Franky she twists to gape at the huge man holding her up one handed showing no sign of effort, "What the fuck, what steroid vat did you crawl out of?"
Silenced with shock I could only stare as Zalia reads the guards name tag then looks into the his face, Zalia chuckles while still hanging in midair, "You don't look like a Fletcher big boy, yeah," she grins at the guard, "you look more like a Jackson, a Will Jackson in fact. Tell me what ya doing hanging with a parolee after curfew Mr. Jackson?"
With a smirk Jackson lets Zalia down, turns to Franky and says, "Sorry Franky, no coffee tables around but considering the mouth on this one I will be happy to do it the next time there is one. Ok ladies," he checks his watch, "You have 57 minutes left then we have to clear out, knock if there's a problem."
"What the hell is going on? Franky what're you doing here with Jackson of all people and pretending to be my lawyer?" I demand switching my gaze between the two women, "you two have 30 second to tell me what's going on or I'm going to kick both your asses."
"Hate to break this to you girl but you look pretty attached to that bed," Franky nods at the handcuffs, "I think we're safe for the moment," she says just as I flip my wrist and the handcuff falls off.
"How the hell did ya do that?" asks a shocked Franky.
"An old friend taught me," with a quick glance at Zalia, "It's been that way since about 2 minutes after they put them on. Now you guys have 20 seconds left." I say as I swing my legs over the side of the bed.
"That all depends on your friend Blondie," Franky gives me a cheeky grin while I glare at her over that stupid name, turning to Zalia she whispers, "Do you know about her? Are you here to tell Allie?"
"Jesus Franky you know what's at stake here," she whispers I can see her eyes pleading with Franky, quickly glancing back to me she sees my anger growing over the whispering, "please follow my lead here."
"Can't do that, I've got an overdue debt to repay and so does Jackson, now either help or get out of our way, I won't lie to her about this," Franky's voice is louder now so I don't have to strain to hear, her voice goes very cold, "Don't make me do something I will regret, it's been fun and games up to now but if I have to hurt you to tell her the truth then I will no matter what."
Seeing the dead certainty in those hazel eyes I wonder how Zalia could take so long to think about her demand. She finally says, to me, "Hey girl let me have that back, Franky grab another chair so we can sit and chat for a bit."
I hand the screwdriver over, Franky brings over another chair and both women sit facing me, my inner clock goes off, "ok times up, one of you start talking."
I watch Zalia's head turn to stare at the wall and I know from experience she's trying to figure out how much she can hold back. Franky coughs drawing my eyes back to her, "What were you told about what happened between Bea and the Freak?"
"Just they fought and that the Freak had a weapon that she used it to stab Bea to death."
"Ok, who told you?" she asks, "the acting Governor?"
"No I heard about her death from a friend, the details came from Maxine when she came to visit the first time." I answer completely confused as to where this is heading.
Turning to Zalia she asks hopefully, "Do you want to take it from here?" Zalia shakes her head still staring at the wall.
"Look there is no easy way to break this to you," turning back to me Franky sighs, "in the words of Mark Twain 'the reports of my death are greatly exaggerated'. I just heard tonight from a trusted source that Red isn't dead, we think she's still at Wentworth but I haven't been able to confirm it yet." She falls back into the chair exhaling heavily like a heavy load has been lifted.
Stunned by this, I shake my head repeatedly, "Wait what? No no no that's not right, everyone is telling me she's dead, dead and gone, is this some kind of fucked up joke?" it takes me a moment to continue my eyes move back to my friend seeing how she can't look at me walking over I grab her by the collar and force her to look at me, "you knew didn't ya. How long?"
Franky's head turns to look at Zalia as she finally speaks, "Three days, ok just three days Al."
Letting her go I walk away "Tina," I say with conviction turning back to Zalia, "her special assignment at Wentworth, you must've suspected something that's why you arranged for her to be available, the assignment is Bea isn't? Where are they keeping her hidden?"
Breathing out harshly she answers , "Yeah she's there caring for Smith, they have the D wing locked down completely for her, they spread some bullshit rumor saying the money ran out so it wasn't going to be opened."
"When were you planning on telling me?" seeing how she can't look me in the eye I had my answer, "Never right? Tell me why Z, why would you even think about keeping this from me?"
"At that time I had to make a choice, Smith or Ferguson, you were already planning for Ferguson and Smith was still listed as critical not expected to survive. I didn't want ya distracted, if I told you about Smith I knew the plan for Ferguson would be tossed aside." Turning back to me she stares me in the eye and says, "Tina reported in saying Smith is healing up expected to recover, so I had to re-think. I think we can get both of them but I still feel that Ferguson is the priority."
Getting up I start to pace, "What's got you worried?" at Franky's surprised look I explain, "she must know something important or she wouldn't have set up this meet. So what is it Z, what do you know that's changed your mind?"
"I met with Tina tonight," she nods at my sharp look answering my unasked question about who she was on with earlier, "She overheard the Deputy and the doctor talking, they're planning on moving Smith to another prison," at my raised eyebrow she finishes, "two weeks, they are moving her in two weeks."
Thinking quickly "We have ten days then to plan, set up and execute." I murmur, at the questioning looks from the other women in the room I explain, "as it gets closer to the move date they are going to be on high alert, right now they think no one else knows so they will be more lax," pausing for a moment, "I need to get back to Wentworth asap, can you arrange for it to be tomorrow afternoon?" I ask Zalia.
"Sure Al, I can get in and put the request but why?" Zalia asks.
"I need to speak with Maxine and Liz, they'll know who we can trust among the inmates," I inform them, "I'll need them to create the diversion," turning to Franky I ask, "other than Mr. Jackson who else do you got?"
Stunned Franky answers without thinking, "A retired Wentworth guard named Fletcher and a kid named Shayne basically they're doing my research and interviews."
"Get the two guards together and write down all the emergency procedures for Wentworth, get it to Zalia and she'll get it to me." my mind whirls with the possibilities, turning to Zalia, "Is your cousin still stealing and stripping?" she nods yes, "get in touch I've a job for him. Your warehouse and retreat are still secure?" again she nods, "good prepare it for guests one medical and one prisoner."
"What's going on," turning Franky asks Zalia.
"She's thinking instead of mourning," Zalia replies with a grin, "it's best to stand back and agree to whatever she says."
Franky switches her gaze back to me, I give her a sad smile, "when I am through they won't know what hit them."
Wentworth Prison – H1
MaxIne's cell door opens again and in walks a yawning Liz and anxious Boomer, "What's wrong Booms?" Maxine asks.
"Dor's awake sitting at the table having a cuppa, she gave us a strange look when we came in here." whispers Boomer.
Liz turns to Boomer and says, "Just go out and keep her company, tell her Maxine was asking for me because she wasn't feeling too good." Reaching over she pushes Boomer towards the door, "go now before she tries to come in." watching as Boomer opens the door and walks out.
Turning back to Maxine, she walks over and gently folds the woman into a hug, "Now luv what's so important that it couldn't wait for the morning hmmm?" she asks softly.
"Oh Liz, we have a problem and I seriously can't think of what to do," releasing Liz from the hug she walks over to the bed and sits down, "I saw something tonight that I just cannot wrap my mind around and I need someone other than Boomer to talk to right now."
Joining Maxine on the bed Liz wraps an arm around her in comfort, speaking softly, "Let it out Maxy, I'll try to help of course but I can't if I don't know what is going on."
"Bea's alive and being kept in the D wing, Liz," she looks into the woman's shocked face, "I know what you're thinking and feeling but it's true. Boomer found out and arranged for me to see the proof tonight." shaking her head, "I don't know what we can do to help her, I can't think straight enough to figure out who can be trusted with the information."
Still shocked Liz takes a moment before responding, "Not sure if I should be thanking you for the trust, this is quite the bomb you just dropped into my lap," giving Maxine another squeeze, "but it does explain some things that weren't making sense." she murmurs.
"Like what Liz? How are you processing this so fast, I've had the past hour to adjust and still I can't believe it." demands Maxine.
"Think of it as my superhero ability, as peer worker I have seen some crazy stuff and – " she pauses briefly, "it makes more sense for the Gravediggers being brought here. The whole cover up of a Wentworth employee being involved was just too simple for them, disappearing an inmate now that would be more their style."
"What do we do Liz? We can't just leave her to whatever they're planning." Maxine says.
"Franky, without Bea or Allie here we need Franky, maybe there's something she can do, like use her contacts in the social media to shine a light on this before they can do anything." Liz says.
"Wouldn't that make it worse Liz? They could bury her for real and this ends up being just another conspiracy theory," Maxine's face pales with that thought.
"You're right Maxy," Liz agrees reluctantly, "that leaves us back at square one, I still think Franky is the way to go before we tell anyone else. Well we can't decide anything right away so lets go have a cuppa with Boomer and Dors to divert suspicion that anything is wrong, come morning we try thinking it through and making a plan, ok?"
Maxine nods yes and gets up from the bed, Liz gets up too and gives Maxine another hug, "it'll be fine Maxy, we will find a way to help Bea." Saying that Liz takes a hold of Maxine's hand and leads her out the door.
Regional Hospital
A knock sounds on the door, "Five minute warning ladies," Mr. Jackson.
"Righto, you have the starting points, when I've got more I will deliver it as usual," looking at Zalia, "no more secrets Z, just cause I'm going back in doesn't mean I can't still fuck you up, clear?" she nods her agreement, turning to Franky a new thought hits me and I say, "Z give Franky our communication method it'll cut the lag time on info sharing." to Franky I say, "Don't share it with anyone, it's for her and I and now you, no one else knows about it so we know it's secure."
I look at Z, "Time for you to go," pulling her into a hug I whisper, "I still love you creep." Her arms squeeze tighter as she replies, "I love you more doofus, I'll see you soon."
Picking up the toolbox Zalia exits the room nodding goodbye to Jackson, Franky turns to look at me with an eyebrow raised she asks, "So what don't you want her to hear?"
"Tell me how your first meeting with Zalia went?" I ask, "it's important so spill."
Shrugging her shoulders, "I was climbing out the back of my place, she waited for me in the alley, guess she knew it was gonna happen so she waited there," continuing slowly now, "there was some talk back and forth then I invited her upstairs to my place. Once we really got into it she mentioned you then Ferguson, the last freaked me out so that's when I pulled a knife, a couple seconds later she was pulling me up from the remains of my coffee table. We cleared the air somewhat and she left when my girlfriend arrived, telling me to call her, my girlfriend was so happy when she walked in." the last part said with an exaggerated eye roll.
Giving Franky a look of sympathy I explain, "Understand this, I do love that girl we've been to hell and back together, which gives her a bit of leeway with me. But it doesn't blind me, most people would've just approached you and asked for a word. That meeting was Zalia taking a shortcut, if she sees one or that a questionable deal can be made to ensure that she wins, she will." I finish explaining.
"So what do you want from me?" asks a confused Franky.
"Keep a close eye on her, if you can arrange for someone you trust to be with her at all times, that would be best. We can probably keep her on course, if not she will do whatever is necessary to get Ferguson." looking away I say, "even if it means sacrificing all of us and Bea."
"Ok I will get the kid Shayne to tag a long with her, what else?" Franky asks.
I look back at her, "Watch your back, I don't know who helped Ferguson get to me in the shower block, or killed Jasper."
Franky grins at me, "I'm pretty sure it's a guard named Stewart just waiting for confirmation but I'm not the person who really needs to watch their back. Heading into the lions den aren't ya, and from where I'm standing they look pretty hungry."
"Yeah, well the handcuffs wasn't the only trick Zalia taught me, the lions better bring back up." I reply, " even then it won't help them."
Another knock on the door and this time Jackson gives the one minute warning just as we both hear foot steps walking down the corridor. I get back into bed and re-attach the handcuffs, Franky walks over and gives me a hug, then grabs the folders and walks out the door. I can hear Jackson drilling the guard about being late then finally the voices fade and I can hear them both start down the corridor
Once their foot steps fade completely, I sit up and release my wrist again, raising my legs I circle them with my arms and drop my head to my knees, letting the memories and tears come.
I remember the day in the cafeteria when Bea told me to keep away from Ferguson, explaining that she was psychopath, I had scoffed at the thought of the woman being dangerous. I remember saying that she was at least 50 years old and injured that our crew could handle her. Too late I now realize that Bea was right about Joanie, I underestimated that woman and of all people I should've known better, it's been happening to me for years.
In my mind I know Zalia is right about priorities and I know Bea would agree with her that getting rid of Ferguson is number one, I won't let Bea down this time I will be strong enough to do what is necessary.
Parking Lot
Franky and Jackson walk towards her car talking, they look over and see Zalia leaning up against it, when they get closer she looks up and ask, "So what didn't she want me to hear?"
Framky replies with a smirk, "Now Zalia, one thing you need to know about me right off, besides being incredibly good lookin I can keep a secret, do you have the contact info I need?"
Handing over a piece of paper, she looks at Jackson then back to Franky,"Memorize it then destroy it completely. So anything else you need?"
"Yeah there's something else, the kid Shayne I want ya to keep him with you, show him stuff get him up to speed about where things are going," Franky says, "I'll tell him he's there to do the heavy lifting for ya but really I want him under your protection. Ferguson probably knows about us but me, Fletch and Jackson we can take care of ourselves while the kid is still pretty green, she don't know about you so if he's with you he won't get on her radar right away."
"Ok so I get a sidekick, awesome maybe I should break out some spandex whaddya think?" seeing both Franky and Jackson rolling their eyes, she grins, "Just kidding, gave that stuff away long time ago. It's a deal but I want something in return." she says.
"Sure if we can do it, what do you want?" asks Franky
"I need to borrow Mr. Jackson here for a visit with someone who might be a little touchy about how the conversation will go. While I know I can handle him it would be nice not to have to, Jackson here could be just the thing to get the co-operation we need without anymore broken tables," she finishes with a smirk.
Looking at Franky then back to Zalia, Jackson shrugs and says, "Ok, when do you want to do this?"
"No time like the present, he should be heading home soon, we can take your car and set up at his place to wait," Jackson walks off chuckling, "What's so funny big man?"
"Didn't bring the car so I hope you like wind in your hair." Approaching his bike he gets on and swipes a hand back to the riding seat, "Get on and hold tight."
Zalia starts to walk over but Franky grabs her arm to turn her back, "Does anyone know this is personal for you, the whole Ferguson deal, does Allie?" she asks.
"What do you mean?" seeing Franky's don't fuck with me look she answers truthfully, "Only one other person knows and she won't say anything, how did ya figure it out?"
"I can add and subtract, the timeline for your Mother's death is around the same time that Ferguson was a guard at Blackmoor, just so ya know Shayne's mum was there to and we are pretty sure her death can be laid at Ferguson's feet as well." Franky looks down, "I know about wanting revenge just don't lose sight of what is important, if you want Allie's or my help make sure you keep Bea as priority, if you can do that I will make sure you get Ferguson."
Franky's Place
Walking in the door Franky can see a lamp was left on, she sends a silent thank you to Gidge for making sure she didn't enter into a completely dark room, with all that is going on her nerves are frayed and dark rooms have become a bit scary lately.
Kicking off her boots she puts her keys and phones on the small table by the door, totally exhausted she remembers the destruction of the coffee table and knows she needs to get it cleaned up. Looking over she sees nothing, the wood and broken coffee mugs are gone, in fact there isn't even a coffee stain on the carpet.
Entering further she looks towards her bed and soft sigh escapes her, she was hoping Gidge had stayed to wait for her but it's only Lola on the bed. Taking off her clothes and letting them drop to the floor Franky walks over to the bed and crawls in laying down beside the doll.
Turning to Lola she says, "Guess it's just you and me kid," reaching out she wraps an arm around the doll who with a small pop begins to deflate, "Outstanding, the ultimate rejection."
Across Town
Pulling up to a house off the main strip Jackson parks the bike where Zalia points, they dismount and Jackson turns to the girl and asks, "So why are we at Jake Stewarts house?"
Looking at the dark house, Zalia replies, "Jakey boy has been dancing to the tune of some questionable masters lately, " at Jackson's quizzical look she continues, "by day he is a correctional officer at Wentworth, by night he is a go between for a major drug supplier that goes by the name of Turk and an inmate at the prison."
"That doesn't make sense, why would he take the risk." asks Jackson.
Turning back she explains, "Check out the house and car he drives, do you really think a guard on the job for 2 years could afford this? You at least had a dual income when you bought yours with your wife," ignoring the dark look thrown her way she goes on, "It's been pretty lucrative for Jakey until recently, he ran into a cash flow problem and failed to deliver ninety thousand to Turk. Which as you can figure pissed the guy off there was a hit planned for Jake then all of a sudden the money was there, Turk was settled and Jakey gained a new master, guess who."
"Ferguson," Jackson lets a long breath out, then asks, "how do you know all this?"
"Let's just say a girl has bills and to pay them I do some freelance computer work for various underworld figures, Turk just being one of many," she pauses, "It has it's benefits, keeps others off my back while I take care of the network Allie and I created to help women."
Nodding Jackson connects some dots, "So you are part of the Red Right Hand, makes sense now."
"Not really, the RRH was Kaz's deal and way too high profile for me, yeah I helped them sometimes but the network was never a part of it. There's no name for it, only a phone number given to women who are in danger, they have a choice to use it or not. If they do we help them get out, disappear if need be but names can be traced so we don't use one." Looking back at the house. "back to Jakey, I was suspicious about the windfall so I traced it back to the originator and found a law firm. Their firewalls were shit so it didn't take me long to find the info, the funds came from an account that belonged to Joan Ferguson and I have a good idea what he did for it."
"So now what, do we just go up and knock." asks Jackson
"Nope he isn't home," checking her phone she starts across the street, "but he is on his way so we need to get inside now." Jackson runs to catch up, Zalia checks the lock on the front door then scans the edge of the door, "Well that's depressing." pulling out a bump key she inserts it into the lock, "no alarm and a pretty basic lock, ya would think a prison guard would be more safety conscious." with one hit and twist of the key the lock releases and she opens the door.
Walking in Zalia looks back at Jackson, "Coming?" continuing further into the tastefully decorated house she hears Jackson enter and close the door relocking it. "Expensive tastes don't ya think? Check every drawer and closet for any weapons, I would like to leave here with the same number of holes in my body as when I walked in." Walking into the kitchen she looks around seeing a pantry she goes over and opens it, "well well well, not much of a baker are we Jakey, " raising her voice, "Mr. Jackson can ya come here a moment?"
"Yeah coming," he enters the room and stops instantly shock covering his face, "who the fuck is this guy?" as his eyes scan the automatic rifle and handguns lining the shelves in the pantry.
"Well he's not Jamie Oliver that's for sure, get over here and help me unload these," reaching for a rifle there's a ding from her phone, "Crap that's the alert he's almost here," closing the door she walks past Jackson into the living room, taking a seat in a armchair facing the front door, "just stand behind the door so he only sees me, just go with whatever I say."
As Jackson takes his position against the wall they can hear a car pull into the driveway, the engine shuts off and the door opens and shuts, quick footsteps walk up the pathway approaching the door, the jingle of keys and we can hear the lock turning and the front door opens and in steps a slightly drunk Jake Stewart, stopping abruptly as he catches sight of Zalia in the chair, "Who the fuck are you?"
"Really Jake, I'm so surprised that Turk hasn't mentioned me to you, the person who watches his books, protects the money, makes sure things are untraceable. I got pretty suspicious when you came up with that ninety grand so quickly, so I did my job and traced where it came from before your account." a smirk appears on her face, "Guess what I found?
Closing the front door Jake's trademark makes an appearance at the mention of Turk, trying to deflect the question, "Well since you've made yourself at home, how about I get us some drinks and we can talk about this."
Zalia nods to Jackson, he steps forward and grabs Jake by the neck and shoulder forcing him to his knees crashing his face into the coffee table, uncrossing her legs Zalia leans her elbows on her knees studying his face, "Jakey Jakey, seriously do you think I came here alone and that we didn't check the house out. You do have a nice collection in the kitchen, I don't suppose you kept murder weapon, eh? Nah didn't think so, you're smart enough to get rid of it but I suspect too lazy to go far so my guess is the pond a kilometer north of here." nodding at Jake's surprised look, she finishes, "thought so."
"What do you want?" he asks between clenched teeth.
"Glad you asked, see Jake the thing is Nils Jasper didn't belong to Ferguson only, his other employer is quite pissed she ordered the hit and you carried it out without his authority, so one of you has to pay. Since I was available I offered to take care of it and guess who I can get to the easiest?" seeing the fear in Jake's eyes she makes a humming noise and continues "see Will I told you he was smart, so we are going to make you an offer you can't refuse, understand it's either you or Ferguson."
Zalia can see in his eyes the decision to cooperate for now, "What do I have to do?" he asks.
"Let him up so he can hear this clearly," Jackson backs off and Jake pushes up off the table, getting up he sits gingerly on the sofa, with a smirk Zalia continues, "Your promotion and transfer to Blackmoor has hit a snafu, the paperwork is currently lost somewhere so you will be staying on at Wentworth for the time being. You'll volunteer to remain assigned to the isolation unit guarding Ferguson." throwing a phone into his lap, "keep this close and I will be in touch with instructions."
Getting up Zalia walks towards the front door, Jackson anticipating the move has already opened it, they begin to walk out when Zalia turns back with one last comment. "don't do anything stupid or tag your it and Ferguson gets the free ride." the door closes gently and they walk towards the bike.
Jackson gets on but turns back to Zalia, "Weird that he didn't recognize me, you said my name and everything but he didn't once look at me, why?"
"Easy, no one looks at the muscle," she muses, "I was the threat and seriously fear has a tendency to focus ones gaze at the threat. You might only bash him, me he could see in my eyes that I wanted to kill him."
