Bea sat on a bench with her arms crossed, her back against the wall as she watched her crew attempt to play basketball. None of them followed any kind of rules or structure. Maxine constantly travelled, Boomer consistently knocked everyone down, Liz always threw the ball either over or next to the hoop, while Sonia strolled throughout the court, refusing to run, unnecessarily ducking, and dribbling the ball as if it were the most disgusting thing in the world. Bea snickered as she observed her ragtag group of friends, before standing up and walking over towards them, making everyone stop in their tracks, as they couldn't remember the last time Bea had actually participated in any activity in the courtyard beyond fighting other people.
"Can I play?" Bea asked.
"Oh thank goodness, by all means, take my spot, Beatrice," Sonia responded, relieved to no longer have to participate just so the teams had an even number.
Sonia stepped to the side of the court as Bea stepped inside. She held her hands out, as Liz looked around at everyone, before throwing the ball to her. Bea caught it and as she began to dribble it towards the hoop, trying to get past Maxine, Boomer body checked her and knocked her to the ground, clearly still oblivious to how easily she overpowered everyone else.
"Oh fuck, fuck, Bea, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to, sorry, sorry," Boomer apologized, worried and afraid of Bea's reaction.
Liz and Maxine helped pull Bea to stand back up, as Sonia dusted her off from behind. Bea laughed, realizing she was just as inept at this game as any of them. The women all smiled before beginning to chuckle along with her, at first nervously, as none of them could recall the last time they ever saw her laugh.
"S'okay, Booms," Bea chuckled as she patted Boomer's arm.
Bea walked over to pick up the ball, glancing up for a second at Allie who watched her from the other side of the yard. Bea smiled as she turned back around and continued to play.
…
Vera looked through the window in her office, visibly stressed and tired. She had listened to the recording of Ferguson's phone call to name Kaz as the Red Right Hand leader at least ten times, yet she had not done anything with it. As she passed the USB stick with the recording from her right to her left hand and back again, the door to her office opened, and Bridget walked inside. Vera placed the USB stick inside her pocket and sat back down in her chair as Bridget walked to stand in front of her desk.
"How are you doing today, Vera?"
"Just fine, Bridget. What can I do for you?"
Bridget sat down in the chair, inhaling deeply as she tried to find the best way to speak to Vera.
"Vera… I was passing through the yard just now, and I couldn't help but notice that Proctor and Ferguson are still interacting… chummy as ever."
Vera's eyes shifted left to right, as she pursed her lips and shrugged.
"…Why haven't you played the recording for Proctor?" Bridget asked, the concern evident in her voice.
Vera looked Bridget in the eyes as she took a deep breath, placing her interlocked hands on the desk in front of her.
"When Franky offered to find out who it was that put Proctor in here, I was thrilled. I never believed Smith shopped her, but it was supposed to make my life easier once Proctor learned her hatred for Smith was unfounded. It was supposed to make her leave Ferguson in the dust… But now that I know Ferguson was the one to actually do it… How do you think Proctor and her followers are going to react? They'll murder her in cold blood. I can't allow that, and I'm not allowed to put her back into protection because of that article. I appreciate what Franky did, truly, however if Ferguson dies, I'll have her legal team at my throat, the press, the board, everyone."
Bridget looked sternly at Vera, visibly upset with her for her reasoning to not share the recording with Kaz.
"Vera… Try as she might, Ferguson can't take Bea out alone. Ferguson can deal the final strike, but Proctor is the one who has to set her up. Bea trusted you to play that recording for Proctor, so she wouldn't have to fear for her life every waking moment. Every minute that you refuse to let Proctor hear it is a minute that she and Ferguson use to plot another attack against Bea. Every minute that you choose to help keep their alliance alive is a minute you take from Bea's life."
"What makes you so certain they'll try anything again?"
"Because they already did! They want to kill her! You fucking know that! Ferguson to keep her out of the trial and Proctor because she thinks she put her in here for twelve years!" Bridget yelled, unsettled by Vera's lack of judgment. "You're helping them plan another attack on Bea by refusing to let Proctor know the reason she's here! How could you possibly be okay with that?"
Vera looked down at the desk, reluctant to answer as she knew Bridget would disapprove.
"…If Ferguson dies on my watch, that's my career down the drain, that's my life's work, gone. I won't be able to come back from that ever. If Smith dies on my watch…"
Vera refused to finish her cruel statement, choosing to just look at Bridget, shake her head, and shrug. Bridget became horrified at the governor's logic, having only seen her as compassionate and reasonable in the past. Bridget stood up and looked down at Vera.
"How… How could you possibly believe that Bea's life is not as meaningful as Ferguson's?"
"That's not what I'm…"
"That's exactly what you're saying! You'd rather let her die at the hands of Ferguson and Proctor if it means you keep your position!"
Vera rose from her chair, slamming her hands down on the desk.
"Why should I sacrifice everything I've earned just on the off chance that this recording keeps her alive for a little while longer? You know it wasn't just Proctor and Ferguson in the laundry room that day. Smith is always going to have a target on her back for as long as she's at Wentworth, and both you and I know she won't live to see out her entire life sentence no matter what!"
A look of complete disbelief on her face, Bridget scoffed, appalled at how Vera was currently expressing herself about the person who had assisted her during her role as governor and helped oust Ferguson in the first place. Bridget shook her head, turned to pick up her folder, and walked towards the door.
"Ms. Westfall… if Proctor finds out about that recording, I will hold you responsible, do you understand?"
"…You know, Governor, now that I think about it… You're not that different from Ferguson after all."
Bridget threw the door open before leaving and slamming it shut behind her. Vera rubbed her face before taking the USB stick out of her pocket and placing it on the desk in front of her. She reached for her stapler, lifting it slightly before forcefully bringing it down on the USB stick multiple times, shattering the device into pieces.
…
Bea laid back on her bed, smiling as she looked at her drawing of Allie. Bea missed her, but she found some comfort in knowing that it wouldn't be long before it was safe for them to be out in the open together. Bea knew that Vera would play the recording for Kaz, causing her to turn her attention towards Ferguson. Bea knew that it wouldn't be just a friendly discussion between the two of them, but at least she wouldn't be the target anymore.
Bea began to think of the first time she met Allie, believing she was nothing more than one of Kaz's pawns out for her blood. Every moment she shared with Allie she remembered perfectly, now understanding that the reason she did so was because everything Allie did or said to her was so memorable and so important, even if she hadn't realized it at the time. As difficult as her time had been since arriving at Wentworth, Bea couldn't help but feel a little thankful to Ferguson for helping bring this ray of light into her dark life.
That gratitude immediately vanished when Bea looked up from her sketchpad to see Ferguson standing in her doorway.
"Bea, a word?"
Bea jumped up, throwing the sketchpad face down on the pillow behind her.
"Get the fuck out of my unit," Bea demanded, taking a few steps closer to Ferguson.
"Down, girl," Ferguson remarked, lifting her bandaged hand up to Bea. "I think you'll be interested in what I have to say to you."
"I don't give a fuck what you…"
"It's about Allie."
"Get the fuck out of my unit before I put your other arm in a cast," Bea threatened as she stood in front of Ferguson.
"You must know this. She is in grave danger, and even though you are not on speaking terms, I know you still care for her and would never forgive yourself if harm befell her simply because you were too stubborn to listen to me."
Bea did her best to hide her concern, but she knew Ferguson was right. Bea exhaled deeply and raised her eyebrows, gesturing towards Ferguson to continue.
"Thank you. As you are aware, my trial is soon, and given this pathetic administration and security, you know that I am aware you will be testifying against me."
"I don't know what you're…"
"Please, Bea, I would like to finish this conversation before your pack of misfits arrives. Now, I do not want to be here. You do not want me here. I can guarantee that without your testimony, there will no longer be a case against me, and you will no longer be tormented by my presence. You must know that. So I am prepared to offer you a trade."
"Sorry, I already sold my soul to Satan once in the past. Didn't work out too well for her if I remember correctly," Bea smirked as she turned to walk back towards her bed.
"This is true… However, this time I don't want your soul. I'm simply trying to avoid having to take Allie's."
Bea froze. She turned back around to face Ferguson.
"What?"
"You see, Bea, the greatest problem I had with you in the past was that you were an adversary who quite literally had nothing to lose. You barked, bit, and attacked mercilessly, always knowing that the best and worst thing that could possibly befall you was death. Despite being such an uncontrollable rabid dog, you seem to have the lives of at least nine cats, so you can be certain that I won't try to come after you anymore. Your death is no longer worth it, as you will rot in here for however many lives you have left. However, I can promise you that you will have to die alone if you decide to testify against me."
Bea's eyes betrayed her as they began to water, as she was unable to say anything and unable to hide her worry any longer. Ferguson smiled, turning her eyes towards Bea's tackboard.
"It'd be a shame for you to have to hang your drawing of Allie next to Debbie's in memory of her as well… Therefore, you decide. You can have me out of your life, or you can have both Allie and I out of it. I hope to hear your decision soon."
Ferguson raised her bandaged hand towards Bea, signaling a goodbye as she left Bea's room. Bea walked towards the door and slammed it shut, before leaning against it, sliding down to the floor, and beginning to cry. She ran her fingers through her hair, gripping and pulling at it as thoughts of Debbie and Allie flowed into her mind. She pulled her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them, and dropping her head forward as she continued to cry. Bea looked at her tackboard, her eyes focusing on Debbie's image. She turned towards the shelf next to her, slipping her hand in the gap between the shelf and the wall and pulling out the broken scissors that she had used to hurt no one but herself. Bea dragged her finger along the blade before standing up, placing the scissors in her pants, and walking out of her room.
…
"Smith, for you, Governor."
"Not now, Ms. Miles."
Bea pushed past Miles to enter the office. Vera sighed and nodded, motioning for Miles to leave. Bea watched her close the door before turning to walk towards Vera's desk.
"Why the fuck are Kaz and Ferguson still on good terms?" Bea asked angrily. "Why haven't you gotten her listen to the recording?"
"I did. As it turns out her hatred for you went beyond just believing you're the reason she's in here."
"Bullshit!" Bea yelled.
"Smith, I suggest you watch your tone unless you want me to slot you."
Bea half laughed, shaking her head and running her hand through her hair.
"You haven't shared it with her. Kaz's only reason to hate me is her belief that I shopped her and her crew."
"Have you ever thought that maybe the reason she still hates you is because you ended up taking one of her own?"
The anger faded from Bea's face, as concern and confusion now took over.
"…What?"
"Please, Smith, don't make this conversation longer than it has to be. You know I'm talking about Novak. While Proctor is upset with Ferguson for shopping her, you were the one to take away the one person who made it easier for her to be here."
"You're lying. Kaz would never stay allied with…"
"Don't believe me. That's fine. But I would watch my back if I were you. We wouldn't want a repeat of the laundry room now, would we?"
Bea gripped the chair in front of her and looked down, as tears fell from her eyes. She felt defeated, completely lost as to what to do now.
"Lunch is almost over, Smith. You should go get something to eat… Keep your strength up now more than ever."
Bea looked up at Vera, her tone and demeanor reminding her of Ferguson, reminding her of the deal she had made with her in the past, reminding her that at the end of the day, Bea could not trust anyone who sat in the governor's chair. Bea wiped the tears from her eyes before pushing off the chair as she headed towards the door. Vera placed her elbows on the desk and massaged her face, knowing that Bea would eventually find out she lied, but for the time being, only having the goal of keeping Ferguson alive for a little while longer, long enough for her to finally face justice.
…
Allie yawned and stretched as she waited for Kaz to finish eating to begin work duty, looking over at the H1 table and wondering where Bea was. Lunch was about to end, and the mess hall had nearly emptied. She had been concerned throughout lunch that Kaz and Ferguson might have something to do with why she wasn't there, especially because neither of them spoke of any plan against Bea or at least not when she was around. Allie patiently waited for the upcoming fallout between Kaz and Ferguson, knowing that it would only be a little longer before she could finally stop hiding her feelings for Bea.
Kaz slid her tray and glass as well as Ferguson's tray and glass towards Allie. Allie stacked the trays on top of one another, the glasses inside of one another, and left the table to walk towards the trashcans. As Kaz and Ferguson stood from the table and walked towards the exit, Bea threw the door open, accidentally hitting Kaz in the face as she wasn't paying attention to her surroundings.
"Fucking bitch!" Kaz yelled, as she brought down her hand from her bloody nose.
Bea awoke from her daze when Kaz grabbed her by her shirt and pushed her up against the wall, punching her in the stomach before grabbing her by her shirt again and throwing her to the floor, immediately falling on top of her and beginning to punch her in the face. The mess hall filled with cheers and jeers as Maxine and Boomer rushed over to help Bea, before being stopped by two women in Kaz's crew. One punched Maxine in the chest, causing Maxine to bend over in pain as the woman continued to hit her. The other woman tripped Boomer so she fell and hit her head on a table before being kicked repeatedly. Allie dropped the trays and glasses and ran over to Bea and Kaz, pulling Kaz off of Bea and dragging her away.
"Kaz, stop, Kaz, please stop! They'll slot you again!" Allie yelled, trying to control Kaz as she kicked and screamed.
"Get off of me, Allie!"
Jake and the two other officers on duty rushed over, yelling at everyone to settle down, which they refused to do. Jake grabbed Kaz by her arm, while the other officers grabbed the other two women from Kaz's crew and led them out of the mess hall.
"Too late now, Proctor. Back in the slot," Jake said as he pulled an angry Kaz through the door.
Allie turned back towards Bea, still lying on the floor and bleeding from her face. Allie held her hand out to help Bea up, but Bea wouldn't take it, her eyes blankly staring up at the ceiling as she trembled. Sonia walked over to Bea as Liz tried to help Maxine and Boomer.
"Bea?"
Allie kneeled next to Bea and placed her hand on her back to help her sit up. Feeling something odd, Allie turned to look at her hand and saw blood on it. Confused and concerned, Allie lifted Bea's shirt to find the source of the bleeding, a look of horror coming over her face when she saw the broken scissors Bea had been carrying had impaled her.
"What the…Bea… BEA! BEA! NO! PLEASE HELP! SHE NEEDS HELP! PUSH THE PANIC BUTTON! SHE NEEDS HELP! SOMEONE PUSH THE FUCKING PANIC BUTTON! BEA!" Allie cried out, tears streaming down her face.
Sonia tried to run towards the distress signal, but was stopped by Ferguson yanking her hair and easily dropping her to the floor. Seeing the horror unfolding before her, Doreen rushed towards the panic button and pressed it over and over again. Ferguson glared at her before turning her eyes back down towards Allie, who cried as she held on to Bea to keep her from falling over. Ferguson began to walk towards the exit, stepping over Sonia before stopping to kick Bea in the back, her force driving the scissors as deep as they would go into her. Ferguson smirked as she walked out into the hallway, as the officers rushed towards the mess hall, as the sounds of the alarms were drowned out by Allie's piercing cries.