Divas Prison Ch29
Paige's complaints about her injuries and Michelle's part in their cause continued to fall on deaf ears on her block as Paige knew that the only thing that she could do by this point was to try and take it further. The problem was that if the guards weren't willing to listen to her, there was no chance of them letting her make the same complaint to their superiors, especially when Paige knew she was right.
For whatever reason, it was what seemed like weeks before the block got a visit from the Head Guard of the prison. Paige was convinced that she must have kept missing him through being away working, but there was no way to prove that and it didn't matter when she didn't see him. What mattered was when she did.
The appearance of 'Sting', as the prisoners knew him, took only a matter of seconds to resonate with Paige. She had to make something happen while he was here or who knows how long it may take for another chance. Sting went straight to the guards area with Wyatt and the two of them were in conversation with a lot of paperwork that they were going through together, their manner showed it was something that they did every so often. Paige cleared her throat to attract attention and both men turned and looked at her.
"I'm sorry, may I speak with you please, Sir?" Paige had kept her gaze on Sting but it was Wyatt who rose and walked close to Paige, whispering his answer.
"Move away, this man has an important place in this system, and I cannot allow it to be ruined by interaction with lost souls."
"It's important, information that he would need to know."
"I know what you wish, I knew you couldn't be trusted to learn your place in my world. Move away now, or be cast into solitude."
Paige knew what that meant, and retreated for the time being, getting sent to The Lock wasn't any kind of real fix for her problem. She took a seat facing the desk and didn't take her eyes off of of them for as long as was necessary. Summer came and sat with her for a while, but Paige wasn't exactly chatty. Summer understood, knowing what Paige was trying to do, but stayed with her for company, and because sitting with anyone else usually didn't work out to well for her either.
Once Sting had finished his business with Wyatt, he went and spoke to other guards briefly, before finishing with a conversation with Lana. They were walking and talking, looking into a couple of cells, not actually entering, but a close enough look that if there was anything there that shouldn't be they'd have spotted it. They got closer and closer to Paige's table, and closer to the main door. Paige knew that she had to try again now. She was too close to them to stare now, it's be too obvious and could have the wrong effect. So she listened.
"So no problems with the adjustment so far?"
"No sir, very simple. American women are much easier to control than Russian."
"Good to hear it, surprising though. I hope you're not bored."
"Oh no, not bored, just ready, you never know when inmates need reminding of their place." The increased volume and tone of this said to Paige that Lana was talking about her. She spun round with an angry look on her face. This wasn't good as Sting picked up on it.
"You better lose that attitude before you open your mouth, inmate, I won't take disrespect." Sting immediately ordered. Paige complied immediately, having to ignore the smirk that Lana got from watching her get reprimanded.
"Yes sir, I'm sorry, I've just had issues that need help and I've received none."
"Why do I have trouble believing you? Guard Perry, has this prisoner made her issues clear to you?"
"Yes sir, and they have been dismissed as fabricated." Lana was getting very stern, not happy at Paige's actions.
"Please sir, look at this bruise, that's not fake is it." Sting leaned in and took a look at the bruise above Paige's eye, the most recent of them all and the most colourful of the ones she had.
"So you've been fighting. Are you asking me to issue you a punishment? You haven't been the friendliest prisoner from my memory so you probably deserved it. Stop wasting my time." Sting turned back to Lana "Thank you for your help, I have a meeting with the Warden and political visitors soon so please excuse me."
Paige was desperate now. "Your visitors wouldn't think much of your running of this block, drug problems wouldn't look good would it!" Sting turned and stared at her in anger. Paige knew straight away that was a mistake. Sting walked up to her and got in her face. Paige was intimidated by him and went to sit down.
"You stay standing. Nobody here move!" Not everybody adhered to this request and the guards found themselves having to move quickly to try and enforce the order that was given by their superior officer. Several prisoners had run into their cells and there was the sound of flushing coming from several places around the block. Sting again ordered that nobody moved and rushed to assist with this. "Wyatt, why are you not in control of your block? This is unacceptable." Wyatt then seemed to increase his efforts, which was echoed by Strowman. They became much more heavy handed with the women, dragging them out of their cells, throwing them to the ground.
"Enough!" Sting shouted, making his way back over to Paige. Paige didn't want to meet his eyes, but in trying to avoid him, she realised that every single woman in the block was staring at her as well. The looks that they were giving were not friendly. They were angry, threatening, arguably dangerous in intent. Paige knew that when this was over, she was at risk from a lot more than just her cellmate now.
"Well, maybe you aren't wasting my time. Lana, did that seem fabricated to you?"
"No sir, that reaction cannot be ignored." Lana too directed a look of hatred at Paige, who by this point, just wanted to crawl into a crack in the ground.
Sting removed his bat from his belt. "You are correct. Now listen up! All prisoners stand by your cells in count position! There is going to be a complete shakedown of this block and you will not move until it has completed to my satisfaction. Anybody who is not in position in 30 seconds or who dares to move until I say otherwise will get a personal encounter with my friend here, and a one way trip to The Lock. Move into position now!"
Paige, along with everybody else, began to move, only she was encouraged with a couple of pushes in the middle of her back, which felt like they must have come from the bat. "I think I'm going to conduct the search of your cell personally. Hurry up." Sting said, continuing the pushes all the way to the cell door. Michelle was already there.
"Right, stay right there." Sting said, as he and Lana went inside. Within seconds everything from inside the cell was being thrown out, with little or no care for what it was or who it belonged to. All their bedding, spare clothes, both of their possessions were flying out at speed, with nothing either of them could do to stop them. Paige was trying to ignore it by looking anywhere else but at it. The same thing was happening in several other cells in the same manner. All the other women were still staring at her, and with good reason. They all hated this practice, and it was her fault it was happening now. However this ended, Paige knew she was going to have to watch her back for many days to come.
"I'm almost disappointed." Sting said as he walked out with Lana. "I almost hoped you'd turn out to be our culprit. I'd have had fun dragging you out of here, but you're all clear. Stay put." Sting and Lana then continued on to the next cell.
With only three teams working the whole block, it took a long time to complete the whole block. When Harper confirmed that the last cell was clear. Paige's eyes widened as Sting made his way over with Wyatt just behind him..
"Nothing! Are you out to make enemies out of everyone you see? You see what we've done here? You think you've got one over on me, on us? Forget it. The entire block is going to be tested, right away. Wyatt, begin making the arrangements. I'm going to medical to assist with the setup, the doctor isn't going to be impressed."
Sting quickly made his way out and Wyatt immediately called for the block to be locked down. Everybody collected their belongings from the floor and took them back inside before they were all locked up.
Paige started sorting things out, spear ting what was hers and what was Michelle's, feeling that it was her best shot to avoid any violence with her at that point. She never really got started before their door was opened. Wyatt was standing there.
"You two will be among the first to be tested. Move, now." Both women stepped out of the cell and saw there were four others ready to go as well. The only one Paige recognised was Alexa, from her laundry job. They were all escorted down to the medical block by Wyatt and Harper, which may have been the only thing that stopped a mugging taking place. But didn't stop all the whispered comments and Paige heard every last one.
"You think you're something special, you're a goddamn snitch and we're going to get you."
"Those bruises are going to feel like playtime by the time I'm done with you"
"Watch your back bitch, we coming for you."
Not the most imaginative things, but Paige certainly felt like they meant them. Wondering how much worse things could get, she quickly got her answer when they were forced provide a urine sample in front of the doctor and the guards. Paige complied, knowing it was not the time to rock the boat any more. She tried to tune everything out, thinking this could well be the low point of her sentence, possibly her life.
When the group was done, they were taken back to the block and locked up. Continuing to clean up seemed to be enough to keep Michelle happy, or subdued, or whatever, as long as she was calm, the rest didn't matter.
Dinner was served through the door, which wasn't a surprise, other women were still being chaperoned back and forth by guards. What was a surprise was when breakfast, and lunch the next day were also served the same way. There was no real indication of why, looking out the small window in the door told Paige nothing. There seemed to be nobody out there at all.
Michelle was getting worked up through the day, but she was taking a lot of it out on the door, as were several other women around the block as the noise was constant and loud. Paige wasn't having much luck in drowning it out, as the only other thing in her head was exactly what was going to happen when they did open the doors and she was forced to mix with everyone else, she was probably public enemy number one, and forcing them to be locked down for 24 hours wasn't going to help.
When the locks eventually released,Michelle, and probably everyone else were out of the doors quickly. Paige knew staying,put did her no favours so followed her out but slowly. What she saw was unexpected. There were more guards around than usual, she recognised Beth Phoenix from her old block and one other by face only but the rest were unknown to her. Michelle was being handcuffed by two guards, resisting them with no success. A couple of others were also in the same position but without struggle. Sting then came into view from behind Michelle and her guards, who were now dragging her to the door.
"You're coming to the Wardens office, right now." Sting said, in a much calmer and straighter tone than he'd been showing before.
"What's going on? Why does the Warden want me?" Paige asked, as she placed her hands behind her, knowing that she had to be handcuffed too.
"I think you know what's going on. You caused all of it after all." Sting finished putting the cuffs on Paige and took her by the arm and out of the block. All the way to the offices Paige continued asking questions but the only response that she got was "We are not going to go through this twice inmate, keep quiet till we reach the Wardens office." Paige did so and soon they had arrived. It was later on in the day so Charlotte wasn't in the admin area, which Paige had hoped for just to see her, despite knowing it wasn't going to happen. Sting knocked on the door and was immediately invited in, taking Paige with him. He recuffed Paige in front and sat her down, taking a seat opposite her next to Warden Flair and surprisingly, Dr. Martinez.
"You seem to have a habit of putting yourself in the middle of issues that end up on my radar. Why is that exactly?" Paige didn't know how to answer that, but it didn't matter as Flair wasn't looking for one before continuing.
"You're here because your comments have sparked a wide spread drug investigation in my prison and the results have been very unpleasant."
"Sir, I am not on any drugs. If anyone is saying any different..." Paige tried to defend herself but was cut off by Sting.
"Do not interrupt the Warden! I'm sorry sir, please continue."
"It's ok, it's an understandable reaction. No, you tested negative for everything, but your tests are not the problem we have found. Despite the loud allegations that you made, every inmate from C Block tested negative across the board."
"That's not what I meant when I said that there was a drug problem." Paige again jumped in, but the look she received convinced her to bite her tongue again for the moment.
"I know full well what you meant thank you. When I say negative, I meant for everything. Several prisoners tested negative despite being on various prescriptions from Dr Martinez. The last 24 hours have been an investigation into this, which have lead to the suspension of several guards, many of whom I doubt will ever work in the Department Of Corrections again by the time it is all done. Failing our duty of care to the women we guard will not be tolerated in any way. And that includes you. The reports and statements that have been made indicate you were the only one to bring this to anyone's attention. Who did you speak to exactly?"
"I spoke about my injuries to Guard Wyatt, Guard Perry, and to the Doctor." Paige answered, curious as to what use her answers would be. "All three told me that the culprit could not have done it due to medication."
"Yes, statements from two of the three you mention confirm this." Flair said, looking over many pieces of paper.
"I'd like to offer an apology for my part in this to you Paige." Dr Martinez said, getting looks from the other two for addressing Paige by name. "I dispensed the drugs correctly and had to reason to believe any problems existed. I was wrong and, as the Warden knows, I will accept whatever punishment he, or the department judge fair."
"Sir, please don't let anything happen to , she's been good to me, even when not believing me."
"Dr. Martinez's fate is no concern of yours, although I have recommended no further action based on the evidence. What is your concern is the injuries you have suffered, the complaints that went unresolved, the issues that have been uncovered, and ensuring that none of this ever happens again." Flair then brought out some new papers.
"I'm not sure I'm following you sir. Now this has been uncovered, what more is there?" Paige asked, relieved that things should get better for her now.
"For starters, this could have been unpleasant for the state, the department, and for me. Your part in uncovering this issue was invaluable. I want to show thanks and offer some kind of compensation for your avoidable suffering." Paige was intrigued by Flairs words. Her first thought was the same as the Warden, who all but put it down completely.
"Now, you must understand that I have no authority over your sentence, you will remain incarcerated as the courts dictated, but details will be available to the parole board when, or if you are considered for early release." Paige nodded, adjusting her wrists in the handcuffs, which felt more obvious to her with mention of words like sentence and incarcerated.
"Now in terms of what we can do, I have looked over your records and saw that you were recently transferred to C block, which is when all the trouble started. I feel it necessary to move you out of that block immediately. Dr. Martinez has told us your recent visit to her hospital resulted in you asking to see another prisoner who was there and has suggested that you could be a help to her recovery." Paige tried not to get her hopes up, but things might have been about to get a lot better for her.
Flair then continued. "However, my head guard has suggested that this may be a foolish move as you had been a regular rule breaker on that block, and fully untrustworthy. Therefore I have decided on a compromise. If you will clear the DOC of liability in this case, you will be transferred back to A block, tonight, but to a different cell than before, with a guarantee of work, and max privileges guaranteed for 90 days. They will remain after the 90 days expires, as long as no reason to withdraw them exists. Do we have an agreement?"
Paige couldn't believe this could be real. The chance to be near Becky, and the others again was what she wanted most in this situation, short of her freedom, and even that was second place to the girl who never left her thoughts. However, it seemed that they thought this was enough and wondered what they might be holding back. "What if I didn't take that and chose to sue?"
"You might, and I stress that word, get a payout you couldn't use inside these walls, our funding would be cut to pay for it, and your life would be made worse still, but this time it'll be within the rules." Sting was aggressive in tone again, but was stopped by the Warden before Paige responded.
"I want to go back to my old cell, with my old cellmate, with no attempts to change that until one of us is released from prison for good." Flair and Sting shared a look, then looked back and nodded their agreement, reluctant as it was.
"And, there is a bullying issue in C block, Summer Rae is getting a lot of abuse. I want your word that it will be wiped out."
"Done. So do we have a deal?"
"We have a deal." Paige said. Flair produced a document for Paige to sign, which she checked over and signed. Sting then stood her up.
"Let's go then." He said. She was overjoyed. There was no certainty that she'd have sued successfully, and looking after herself as best she could on the inside was most important, and now she could do that. The closer she got the A block, the more nervous she got.
Becky didn't even acknowledge all the banging and rattling,that was going on around the door. She'd spent a lot of time blocking out as much noise as possible, even voices. So when the guard said "Looks like she's getting company again, guess our watch is over" not one word was heard. Despite this, she was still relieved when it all went away. Becky looked up and saw that Paige was standing by the now closed door. Without acknowledging her, Becky laid her head back down for several seconds before she fully comprehended what she had seen. Her eyes went wide at this moment, scared to look up again, in case what she had seen was just her mind, or her eyes playing tricks on her. It wouldn't be the first time that had happened.
She looked up again and this time there was a long moment as the two of them looked at each other, nobody saying a word. Paige stayed in the doorway, not wanting to rush Becky's reaction, unsure of her state.
Becky dropped down from her bunk, her face still a picture of disbelief and confusion. She took a step forward, which Paige copied, leaving only one step left between them, which Paige waited for Becky to take. To Paige, it felt like an eternity passed before she took it.
Finally face to face again, Becky's face still hadn't altered. The reality of what was happening wasn't sinking in for her. The silence in the room was getting deafening for Paige, even though she was terrified to break it. Paige could feel her eyes filling and her voice cracking as she finally managed to get just a couple of words out.
"Hi baby."
Becky's breathing started to get faster and a little panicked, which Paige spotted right away. Becky was trying to respond to her words, so Paige stayed silent and allowed her as much time as she needed to talk, all the while not breaking the eye contact they shared.
"But...but..." Becky was tripping over herself, trying hard to find the words to say.
"But...you...you left me."
Hearing that was hard for Paige. The guilty over it all surfaced. "No, baby, no. I never left you. They took me. They forced us apart. But it's all ok now. I'm back. I'm back for good."
Paige hoped this would break through the barrier that she felt Becky was hiding behind. The lack of change to her expression squashed this. Becky's confusion didn't let up, she was shaking a little.
"You left me." Becky repeated, suddenly making fists and striking Paige in the upper arm and shoulder. There was no force behind it, Paige felt no pain. Becky kept repeating herself as she continued to pound on Paige, months of frustration being let out as Becky got more upset and her words got less and less understandable. Paige let her do this for a while before she grabbed Becky's wrists and moved her hands so that she has holding both of Becky's hands tight.
Becky didn't, or couldn't fight Paige too much. She looked at her hands being held and then back into Paige's eyes. "Pai..." Was all she could get out before crumbling into tears. She buried her face into Paige's shoulder, sobbing loudly, although muffled. Paige held her as tight as she ever had and felt Becky grip her shirt with both hands as she continued to cry.
"Shhh, no more tears baby, it's all ok now." Paige whispered in Becky's ear as she stroked her hair in an attempt to calm her down. It was a rare moment for Paige to be the calm one of the two, really she was on the verge of breaking down herself, but she knew how much Becky needed her to be strong at that moment.
Eventually the muffled sounds died down. Becky really had run out of energy and tears by that point. But she was still shaking. Paige began to relax her grip, wanting to see if she had calmed down. What she then heard made her feel a little more worried but at the same time, her heart jumped with happiness.
"Don't let go."
Paige hugged as tight as she could again. Everything she'd been through over the last few months was melting away. She just needed to look at her again to help make everything right. And if she could, maybe steal a quick kiss, something she'd missed more than anything else. But as she went to move back she heard it again.
"Don't let go!"
Said with her voice cracking, almost pleading with her. Paige couldn't help but smile. She even let out a little laugh as she grabbed Becky as hard as she could for a few seconds before whispering in her ear.
"I'm never letting you go again, but come lay down. Before our legs give out on us." Paige sat down on the end of her bunk, guiding Becky's head so she was laying down fully, using Paige's thigh as a pillow. Paige stroked Becky's forehead in the way they had done to each other before, hoping it would have the same calming effect that it always had done. It certainly seemed to work as Becky began to make herself comfortable and eventually she stopped shaking completely and her breathing relaxed. Paige realised Becky was on the edge of sleep, so leaned over and gave her a kiss on the side of her head.
"I love you." Paige whispered into Becky's ear. Becky mumbled something back. Paige had no idea what but Becky wrapped an arm around her leg as she said it, which was enough to make Paige happy. Seconds later Becky was fast asleep. Paige watched her for a while, trying to get comfortable without moving. It wasn't long before the stress and emotion took its toll on her too and she drifted off too.
A/N: Thanks for reading.
Sorry this has taken so long. Getting back to work has taken its toll and finding the time to write hasn't been easy. I will try and do better, time wise.
This chapter is dedicated to everyone, and there have been quite a few of you, who have told me, in reviews, or in messages, that you love the Paige/Becky pairing. There was always a plan for them to see each other again but the feedback made it happen a lot sooner, plus I love it too! Don't think I don't care about all the others, all of you are why I keep going.
So it's Wrestlemania week! If you're going, I hope you have a great time and know how jealous I am of you. Unsurprisingly, I will be rooting for Becky in the triple threat and Team Brie in the tag match. Both because of Paige being on that team, and I hope Brie can go out in style. If she truly is retiring after the event, all the best to her. It's great to see Emma on Team Lana, but I really hope they get an ass whooping!
