Part One Hundred and Sixty Three
On the other side of the phone from Ken, Karen had been doing some last minute revision on the details of prison inspections. She had had experience over the years at different levels of what the nuts and bolts were, but never in the driving seat. It was Sylvia and Neil who had had that experience which was ironical in terms of where fate had taken both her and them.
Her gut root reaction to Grayling's tip-off was that how on earth could they justify this visit as a 'follow up' to the disastrous inspection four years back, especially as Larkhall had changed out of recognition, both in terms of style and personnel. There was simply nothing to compare it to and the inspectors were in a false position from day one. Nevertheless, she knew enough to suppose cynically enough that they would finagle their way through that one. She had bitten the bullet and had religiously done her research. Looking through their eyes, she would say that in their rough and ready fashion, they should come out pretty well. She tapped in the following notes from the way she conceived of their perceptions of their role.
The way prisoners are treated The quality of the regime including opportunities for prisoners to work or receive education How the prison prepares prisoners for release The morale of prisoners and staff The quality of health care How the prison is managed and whether it is good value for money The physical conditions of the buildings
She had to admit that Larkhall prison was basically a 'souped up' and continually patched up Victorian prison, and it would never get any gold stars for its architecture. Whether it was 'good value for money' was something that she was not greatly concerned with, as she wasn't a bloody chartered accountant, only someone, who had learned on the job to work her way round a balance sheet. Where Larkhall ought to score high was the way it treated both staff and inmates. Nikki's education projects should fit the bill of "purposeful activities." She had to admit that a number of the red band jobs wouldn't exactly lead to formal professional qualifications. She could imagine the look of incredulity on Julie Saunders face if she was told she would become a 'professional bog cleaner and cook' with letters after her name On the other hand, she knew that the Personal Officer system worked fine, not so much because it was formally advertised but because the prison officers had credibility with the prisoners. She knew very well that it hadn't always been that way. The same could be said about primary healthcare, when she compared the very caring and conscientious Dr Waugh with the lazy, incompetent and uncaring Dr Nicholson, or Dr No No as he was rightly known amongst the prisoners. She had to admit that the 'simple induction booklet' could do with updating but she was conscious that the spoken word covered far more grounds than vague mission statements.
If she was pressed on the question, was there an 'anti bullying strategy or coordinator' she would have to frankly admit that there wasn't anything written down on paper. It was just that there was an ingrained readiness on all sides to not let it happen in the first place, and a willingness to intervene quickly should it start.
What made her weary was the language in which the reports were phrased. Her head hurt when she read that "the education department should promote diversity and equal opportunities through visual displays, learning materials and other coursework…..that management information systems should be improved to ensure that individual progress is monitored, and to assist with a needs assessment for education and training across the establishment……." When she struggled hard enough, she could get the drift of what they were on about, but she was sure that the same sense could be put over in simpler language. All in all, she was ready to let them all come when a rather nervous Ken finally phoned through to her.
"Come in," she greeted them pleasantly enough, although one swift glance told them that they were not coming in a spirit of friendship. "Do you want a cup of tea?"
After the polite preliminaries, the older of the two men, Eric Simpson took charge and revealed his hand with his take on brutal honesty.
"As your prison has been lying low for a bit, we thought that we ought to look it over, Karen"
"Well, I have no problem with that although you might find your visit rather dull"
"You don't mind if we explore the prison thoroughly and go through all your records. We've got a lot of work to do in a short space of time"
"I know that my prison officers are flexible enough to deal with any demands on their time," came Karen's smooth as syrup reply with her broadest smile. Instantly, it jumped into her mind that this rush job was rather suspicious. However, she wasn't going to let them think that they had rattled her. "……so long as you have time enough to finish the job. I assume that this is a follow up visit to the main inspection four years ago and you will find that times have changed"
"We'll start with the gatehouse and the security on the gatehouse. You've had a track record of prisoners walking or driving out of the gate, so we might as well start there first," came the stern answer just as Nikki slid into the room. She suppressed a wry smile as she remembered that, once, she was just such a prisoner but only a very select few were aware of the fact.
"Excuse me, Karen, but there's a car parked outside with all the lights left on. It's a silver grey Audi which none of us drive. We weren't sure if some perfect strangers came and dumped it"
The prison inspector inwardly cursed his over-eagerness and stomped out of the room leaving his colleague feeling out of place.
"Might I ask you where you're visiting first?"
"Ask my boss when he's back, came the sheepish answer.
"Nikki, you carry on and do what you're supposed to be doing. When there are any developments, I'll phone you in the PO's room"
Karen had to hand it to Nikki as she made a discreet exit. Her entrance was as quiet, low-key and discreet as any diplomat.
"What do you reckon to them, Nikki?"
"Complete bastards"
Frances grinned at the other woman's frankness but the expression rapidly faded. The next few hours could decide a lot for their future no matter how good you were and how benign the inspectors appeared.
"Where do you think they'll strike first"
"Am I starting to get paranoid, Frances, when a little voice inside me tells me that I'm first on the list after Karen and that isn't out of favouritism"
"What the hell have we done to have them down on our necks"
"Just by being here."
Karen sighed to herself as they moved off, and zeroed in on Ken. She worried for him and hoped that he'd stand up to the questioning. She carried on with her work for a little while, but neither her mind nor her heart was in the job. Idly, she looked for distraction from it, and turned to the blurb about staff inspections. Instantly, the line jumped into Karen's mind that 'prisoners and detainees can speak to inspectors in confidence." The question was, which prisoners? They had said nothing about this but that didn't mean that this wasn't on their agenda. She made her way towards G Wing very fast.
At the same time, precisely the same thought occurred to Nikki as she spotted the inspectors making their way towards her, just as the prisoners were coming down the staircases for breakfast. All of a sudden, the reality behind the Julies suspicions hit Nikki like a ton of bricks. This was their only serious weakness, and it was that sly bitch Natalie Buxton. She was out there on the front table, her blond hair curled at the edges, her complexion somehow tanned and dressed in her low cut top, smiling invitingly at the older inspector. All this time, Nikki had kept her brand of malicious vengefulness contained. This was her chance to get payback on her.
Julie Saunders took one look at the expression on Nikki's face, and came to the rescue.
"Bangers and mash for the gents with fried eggs, sunny side up. You just got to have a taste of home cooking if you're going to inspect this prison proper. Eat like the girls have to eat, mister"
"Yeah, try our cooking.' Echoed Julie Johnson.
"I can definitely assure you that the Julies' cooking is not to be missed. Not as good as the Ivey but it won't make so much of a hole in your pocket. Plain, wholesome food. You can't beat it." Nikki chimed in cheerily, noticing out of the corner of her eye, the flash of irritation on Natalie's face. Karen smiled at Nikki's hard sell, and sensed that whatever Nikki was up to, was something she should leave in her capable hands.
"Well, we hadn't quite planned on this."
"Oh, but you must." Julie Saunders urged at her most childlike.
They could not gainsay the background sounds of urging voices and the Julies winning ways. They found themselves sat at a table, complete with freshly washed serviette and the Julies presented the meal with as much ceremonial flourishes as they could summon up. The inspectors looked dubiously at the meal set out in front of them, and wondered at the cholesterol level but gingerly started to pick at the meal. It turned out to be surprisingly tasty in a basic, exotic working-class fashion.
"Cup of tea, sir. Two sugars." Julie Saunders commented rather than asked.
"No, no. No sugar for me."
"You ain't slimming, are you?" Julie Johnson asked in a motherly fashion.
There was a general explosion of light-hearted laugh at Julie's rather misplaced maternal instinct coming out in this setting. The prison officers and especially Karen and Nikki had to work hard to suppress their natural inclination to let a huge grin split their faces from ear to ear, especially because of the build up of tension.
"We have much enjoyed this excellent meal," Mr. Simpson proclaimed, "and as a reward, we would like to interview one of you to give in confidence, her honest views of the running of this prison. Can we have one volunteer to put up her hand"
Denny sat on the side and she could see how tense Nikki was becoming as the inspector was speaking. Wing governor though she might be, she looked more imprisoned by the system than when she was a con. They exchanged glances.
"Can we make that two, sir?" Denny called out as she raised her arm just after Natalie Buxton.
"And us, sir. Oh go on." The Julies called out as a split second later, they followed suit.
"I'm glad that there are women here that are not backward at coming forward."
Nikki found her voice at last. With her best appearance of nonchalance that she could summon up, she started to thread her way through the very delicate situation.
"I welcome it as, after all, what have we to fear"
Julie Saunders looked with narrowed eyes in Nikki's direction. She knew Nikki of old, and she was doing a fine job of controlling her feelings.
"Perhaps it would make the best use of your time to see them together as a group." Karen intervened from the back, "……..and it would give you a reasonable cross section of views. I could provide a prison officer as security if you have any fears, unless you feel that it would breach confidentiality."
Both women could sense a flash of irritation in the man's eyes. He was being delicately railroaded into his least favourite option, yet he could not find a reason why he could publicly refuse. Eventually he gave in with bad grace.
"OK, we'll run with that but I think we can dispense with your prison officer. It might inhibit proper expression of the prisoner's views. I'll phone you when we've finished, Miss Betts"
"Just as you say. Nikki, can you escort everyone to the largest interview room." Karen suavely replied. before pitching up her voice to address the wing." Everyone else is on normal activities in ten minutes time, after you've finished your breakfast. I might remind you that the inspectors may be popping in from time to time, depending on their schedule."
Nikki could not remember afterwards how she managed to lead them all to the right room in the rabbit warren, even though she had walked that way plenty of times. She mumbles appropriate civilities at them all before moving off down the corridor. Their future lay in the hands of Denny and the Julies.
"Well, I won't beat about the bush. We want to hear from the bottom up, what makes G Wing tick from you, the prisoners. Just to give some structure to the meeting, I'll write up some key words on the very convenient white board and give you a chance to focus your thoughts"
"It's like being back at school, Ju"
"When I was there, Ju"
They had developed to a fine art, the knack of whispering out of the corners of their mouth unheard by the average screw, much less than some inspector with his back to them. Even Natalie was oblivious to them. They all watched the man write in bold capitals the words.
MUTUAL RESPECT
1. BETWEEN PRISONERS
2. BETWEEN PRISONS AND PRISON OFFICERS
HEALTH CARE
FAIRNESS
Natalie was the first to jump in with both feet, determined to make the most of her chances.
"Well, if there's one thing about this prison, it ain't fair. Not only are us prisoners discriminated against but even some of the prison officers. It all depends on if your face fits. If it does, you're in. If it doesn't, there is nothing you can say to defend yourself"
"You what?" Denny intervened, her forehead corrugated with incredulity. The problem was that she had trouble getting her head round this pack of lies.
"Can there be a demonstration of respect between us, so that no one is interrupted. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name. Please continue"
"Natalie Buxton. Well, I've been definitely frozen out by our Miss Wade and I have a pretty good idea why. I get the feeling that she fancies me even when I've made it clear that I'm not interested. Well, after that, I've not been given a chance to go for classes in book keeping. It's something that I always wanted to do but I get fobbed off by excuses"
"What about the other prison officers, Natalie?" Mr. Simpson asked, his eyes fixed on the cleavage much to the other women's disgust.
"Well, they just follow Miss Wade. They know what's good for them except Miss Barker who didn't fit in. She was given the sack only no one knows exactly why. It's all one big conspiracy."
"You're just a lying nonce, Buxton." Julie Johnson burst out in anger at last, unable to hold down her anger at the twisted lies coming out from such falsely painted lips.
"That's not true. It's just a vicious rumour got up by some of the prisoners who have got it in for me. It just goes to show how bigoted some people can get." Natalie Buxton retorted with a sweet smile.
Julie Saunders' mind was thinking furiously. Best not to rise to the bitch. Her bit of legal training told her to not let her wind her, but just watch out for when to nail her.
"Carry on Natalie"
"Well, all I've ever done here is to stuff envelopes while her favourites get to go on education classes. I've got something to give society and that's all I get"
While the Julies and Denny fumed silently, Mr. Simpson continued to let Natalie Buxton spew her carefully sugared poison in a calculated fashion.
"Excuse me, but don't we get a look in." Julie Saunders eventually enquired. It was the simple choice of speaking or bursting in frustration.
"All in good time"
"Not while she's been telling you a pack of lies, and you've got other places to go. We just want equal time to set the record straight." Julie Saunders retorted in firmer tones.
"When we've finished with Natalie, we'll talk to you." the man glared.
The confrontation was building to the point when Julie Saunders did not know if she could push her luck further. Suddenly, there came salvation from a polite knock on the door and Gina Rossi poked her head round the door. She gave the crowd her dazzling smile, while she took in at a glance just what was going on. It crossed both Karen and Nikki to offer them hospitalities, and to check for whatever was going on behind closed doors.
"Miss Betts was wondering if you would like a cup of tea." Gina started to say, when Julie Saunders interrupted with a flow of pent up emotion.
"Thank Gawd you're here. Buxton, I dare you to say before a straight up honest witness, the lies you've been telling about Nikki. According to her, Nikki's had it in for you because she'd given her the brush off"
Gina laughed long and loud at the rage twisted features beneath her. They may be important persons with power but she couldn't take them seriously for being such suckers.
"Nikki wouldn't touch you with a bargepole not when she's got her Helen. Are there any more porkies that I should hear"
"There's been loads of them, Gina. You should hear them." Denny put in at last.
"The inspection demands prisoner confidentiality. Without it, the results will be tainted."
"By the bleeding truth. Confidentiality be blowed. If we want Gina here, who's complaining, except Buxton? It's obvious she's been taking you for a ride."
"It looks as if I'm not allowed to leave. Mind if I draw up a chair"
"Our pleasure," beamed the Julies in unison.
"Skimpiest top I've seen you wear for ages, Buxton. I wonder why." Gina grinned scornfully. "….and all dolled up, just ready for the visitors."
After Gina fixed up a pot of tea, Natalie refused point blank while Gina shrugged her shoulders. The bitch had gone into a sulk as things hadn't gone her way.
"All the screws, I mean prison officers are straight up, fair and dead honest"
"It sounds like a five star hotel with all the trimmings." Mr. Simpson retorted scornfully. "I find that rather far fetched"
"Prison's prison." Julie Saunders retorted. "I'd sooner be with my son David and Ju here could find her kids but if we have to be here"
Gina sat back while Julie Saunders dominated the room with her force of personality. It was a sight to watch.
"……..If you have to be in prison and be locked up every night and not be able to come and go as you please, then this is as good as it gets. That's because nearly all the girls are nice enough and we look out for each other, with a few exceptions…..." and here, she glared at Natalie. "……and Nikki most of all is as fair and as kind hearted as you can get"
"Especially when……." Denny started to say, when Julie Johnson frowned at her to stop. The kid meant well but surely she could see how they'd steered away talking about when Nikki was here last time. That was an obvious bleeding trap and Denny's just walked into it.
"When what"
"Surely you know that Nikki did time for taking out that rapist of a policeman who was all set to rape her girlfriend. It was a miscarriage of justice and the courts finally said so.
After all, you should know because you're inspectors from the Home Office, ain't you"
There was no holding Julie Saunders back, and the other women made good back up for her. Natalie Buxton was clearly sidelined. The two men were quite frankly out of their depth. They were used to deferential prisoners who were overawed by their position and status or alternatively, were polite to their face. They were not used to bold as brass women who called a spade a spade or alternatively a bloody shovel.
"Prisoner diversity forum?" Kristin repeated with incredulity when Mr. Simpson came to inspect her cell. "Well, I suppose we're diverse enough. It's just that we get along"
"At one time, we had Crystal who's a bible basher and black, Monica who's dead posh but all right, just like Babs, Denny and her partner Shaz, that spiky haired punk, Yvonne who's a mum with kids who's into fellas, while Roison's got kids with her partner Cassie…….prisoner diversity?" Julie Saunders followed on in a reminiscent mood. "The only thing we can't stand is anyone who tries to take us for a ride and bullies anyone weaker. That answer you"
The Julie's cell was definitely like home from home within the claustrophobic constraints of the tiny, whitewashed cell. They made their way to the next port of call, their luck and time running out fast.
Finally, they were relieved at the end to get out and peer round the visitor's room, noting the odd lick of paint that had been overlooked, a sample of the claustrophobic cells, the state of the library and the internal records. They found the minor faults and imperfections as Karen had anticipated but nothing much to get their teeth into. Just what they were going to write up when they got back to the ranch, they did not know what to think as Larkhall was ticking along far too comfortably for Neil Haughton's liking.