Hallways, corridors, and passageways are very strange here at Wentworth. They are alive - in some way, or maybe it would be better to say that they change constantly. Even the lights are not always the same. Sometimes they are dim, next second they are bright, they flicker and they are making noise. Or they are quiet and just lit up the place with yellowish light.
Allie Novak is not a stupid woman. She might have done some stupid things in her life, but she is not stupid, that is for sure. Or is she? At this moment, quiet and steady steps are leading her to the kitchen, while in her head she can hear Maxine´s voice: "If Bea said no, then don't do it!". Well, she is doing it. She turned right at the last hallway, carefully running down the stairs to the kitchen supply room and loading bay. Between the storage room and the loading bay, there was a room filled with assorted empty boxes and shelves, great spot to hide if you want to get high and as rumor said it was used as such.
The rumor is true. Allie realized it as soon as she walked through the supply room and heard muffled voices. She stopped in the door and coughed quietly as she didn't want to get jumped on by scared junkies.
- Hmm, girls – she cleared her throat. – don't freak out, I´m not a screw.
Three heads peeked out from behind an old shelf. She recognized them, they were girls from the G3 block. Allie slowly walked closer, minding her steps and searching for a possible weapon she could use in case it was needed. There were just boxes and crates, one old chair and some rubbish in bags.
- What the hell you want blondie?! Get the fuck out!
- I will go, just give me something.
- What do you want?
- What do you have?
- There is some fresh zucchini in those boxes if you want.
All three of them laughed, moving more to the back, turning their backs to Allie.
- Come on! Don't let me beg!
-Fuck off! – one of them said.
- I will pay double.
The one closest to her turned around.
- Listen, go away before I break your nose. What do you think, that we are stupid? We know that you are in Smith´s crew. So, fuck off! – with that, she turned back. Allie huffed.
- Why do you think I need get high? It is not easy to be around that self-righteous bitch. All she can do is setting up rules and give commands. – Allie tried her best but the women were tough.
-Go to hell bitch!
-At least tell me who I should ask.
Now, this was obviously a bad question. All three girls jumped towards her yelling at her.
- Get out! I will fucking break your neck!
Allie quickly stepped back and raised her arms.
-Ok, ok, just chill! I go!
She backed away, not leaving them out of her sight. Well, this plan is not working exactly as she imagined. Or at least it will be more complicated, she will have to come back and earn their trust.
- Sorry for bothering you girls! Just relax and have fun! – she said in the door and then turned and hurried through the storage room and up the stairs.
What is she going to do now? Fuck! She could have thought it won´t be so easy. She walked down the hallway back towards the main hall and stopped as soon as she turned the corner. She has to take a breath and think. She leaned back against the wall. Good thing that Bea has no idea about this. First of all, she would be pissed, second, it looks like this plan is about to fail. Allie doesn't want to look like a fool in the top dog´s eyes.
She could hear voices from the other hallway, the one joining this on the left so she moved slowly in that direction. Getting caught near the basement could be bad. There are places in Wentworth where you don't hang around. Lurking is not recommended in some parts of the building. Allie felt little nervous stepping around the corner, she was ready to run, but it wasn't necessary. The voices belonged to the girls from H2, they were walking straight down just nodding to greet her.
Allie continued down the hallway. She should return to H1, their shift will start soon. Other voices were heard again, this time it was two girls from block G, she knows them just from seeing them around. They too walked straight past her down the hallway. Yeah, this is not a bad idea! She should just walk slowly up and down this hallway and watch who will turn towards the basement. Screws will see it on the tape but, they won´t care until something happen, so she should be good.
When Allie arrived back at H1, she met Sonia at the gate. The older woman was just about to step through the door.
- Where are the others?
- Everyone has already left to the laundry room. – the old woman said, taking Allie by her arm and leading her out. – We should go too, you don't want to piss off Bea by being late.
Allie nodded, even if she knew that Bea will be pissed at her anyway. When they have arrived everyone has been already at their positions working. They were not late so Bea did not even look at them.
Allie started folding the clothes in front of her and thinking about when and how to tell Bea what she found out. She lifted her head to look at Bea and when she did, her heart almost stopped as a set of brown eyes were looking at her. "Shit!" - Allie thought. "She must have noticed that I fidget." With that thought, she has decided to bite the bullet and walked across the room to stand next to the top dog.
- Bea, we need to talk. – she said keeping her eyes focused on the brown ones which followed her across the room and which were still looking at her curiously. Bea nodded.
- Maxine! – She yelled at the tall brunette and motioned her to keep an eye on things until she is back. She walked first followed by Allie. The blonde was biting her upper lip nervously as they walked out and Bea led her to the back of the hallway.
- What is it? – Bea asked after she looked around to make sure nobody could hear them. Allie suddenly couldn't look at her. She was looking at her feet and everywhere just not at the woman in front of her.
- I know who is selling the drugs. – she mumbled.
-What?! – Bea hissed through her teeth. She saw that Allie was white as a ghost and nervously fidgeting but never expected something of this magnitude. – What the hell Allie!
- I know who is it and the rest doesn't matter.
- Hell no! I told you to stay away from this!
- Bea please, I got the info and nobody got hurt.
- Not yet! Are you crazy!
-Do you want to know who is it? – Allie tried to steer the conversation.
- You have to clean the unit for three months!
Allie raised her eyebrows.
- Are you kidding? Listen to me!
- No, you should have listened to me! Fuck sake Allie, this is dangerous! - Bea stepped closer to the young woman hissing into her face. - If I say no, it means no! You do as I say, no questions or excuses!
- You are not my mother Bea! – Allie said while taking a step back as the close proximity made her dizzy. They are in the middle of a fight, she can´t get distracted by those gorgeous lips.
- Allie, you have to play by our rules, there are no exceptions! You have to be punished for putting the others to risk!
-Nobody is at risk!
- What the hell do you think?! If you poke into wrong people everyone around you might be targeted!
-Nobody will hurt us.
- Allie, they won't hurt us because they know that I would punish them. Do you get it? Everyone knows that there are consequences. You well damn know that there are rules and we have them for a reason. Most important of them is that my word rules! Do you understand! I can´t protect you if you go for crazy trips like this.
- I don't need your protection, Bea!
- Hell, you don´t! This is not closed, cleaning is just the start.
They both stayed quiet. Allie couldn't tear her eyes away from the older woman. Bea was pissed, but still not so pissed as she has expected. Plus she was hot. She was worked up, energy radiating from her, demanding obedience. That made her really sexy in Allie´s eyes, what was bad as she supposed to be angry at her. What is she thinking? Making her clean the whole H1 like a little kid their room.
- Who is it? – The redhead asked breaking up Allie´s thoughts.
- Wang, she took over after Tina.
- Who told you that? Are you sure?
Allie nodded.
- Yes, I´m sure. One junkie from G2 told me. I have been walking near the basement where they go to get high when she bumped into me. We started talking and she was pretty high, so her tongue was loose. – Allie decided rather skipping the part where she was stalking the hallway for good twenty minutes.
- We will talk about this back at H1. – Bea said and with that, they both walked back to the laundry room.
Bea spotted Liz sitting in a chair in H1 sipping her tea and reading.
- Where is Allie? – she asked while she yanked open the door on the young blonde´s cell without knocking. It was empty.
- I haven't seen her. Why? Is something wrong?
Bea had no idea if something was wrong. She just had a very bad feeling and a missing blonde. She slammed the door and bit her lip. Fuck sake! Where is she? They supposed to talk after the shift, but before she knew it the young blonde was gone. Allie was told to wait for her and Maxine and walk with them back to their unit.
- Bea, what is wrong? – Liz asked.
- Nothing yet, just a hunch. I have to find her. –Bea was sure that this time Allie would obey and wait, so something must have happened. Liz jumped up from the chair.
- I will help.
- No, Liz please stay here and if she comes back keep her here, alright?
Liz shook her head.
-If she is out there alone and in trouble, I want to help.
- Liz please, you can´t help and I don´t want to worry about you too. Let me handle it, alright? Stay here!
With that, Bea Smith ran out the H1. Where now, though? Showers? Basement? She slowed down at the end of the hallway before turning into the hall, no need to alert the screws.
Bea felt very helpless as she was running down the hallways, but mostly she was angry. Allie Novak. Stupid little trouble maker! She is way too naïve or simply stupid. How in hell she thought it would be wise to get mixed up in this. Now her ass is in trouble and Bea had no idea where to find her.
Wentworth, for a place so small it was suddenly really big. Allie can be anywhere. Showers are half way to the basement, so that was the first place to look at. Bea busted through the shower door, but it was empty. Fuck! She turned on her heels running back and at the end of the hallway she turned right this time. She made it to the end in few seconds and then run downstairs to the basement. It was like a wild goose chase. She was very much aware of that.
She grabbed the railing for leverage and jumped three steps down. The last level was quickly behind her and she found herself in the basement. Hall leading to the stairs was empty, so she runs towards the supply room but nothing there either. She stopped and tried to catch her breath, doing it quietly though in an attempt to listen. Nothing. Fuck!
No noise at all, no screams, no yelling, nothing. She had to choose if to go and look around further here or rather run back upstairs and look elsewhere. She opted for the second one. There is no way they can be this quiet even if they have heard her running down the stairs.
Bea was taking the steps by two running as fast as she could back to the second floor. Where now? She made a split second decision to try the kitchen. Most of the Asian crew was working there and that crazy blonde was snooping in those parts too, so maybe she is somewhere there.
She was little out of breath so, she slowed down few meters before the end of the hallway. She must be careful.
The door opened without too much noise as she pushed it and walked into the main hall. Nobody was on the sight, but she heard voices from the back. Walking quietly between the tables and shelves she made it to the back door. They have noticed her right away. Three Asians were working on the dinner. Wang her two friends and one woman from Tina´s crew. They stopped working and gathered around Wang ready to protect her. It looks like they are serious about this crew thing and all.
Wang is locked up for fraud and bodily harm or something like that. Bea knew that about her not much else, though. She kept to herself until now. Never made trouble and never joined or worked with Tina. She is here fifteen years already and Bea assumed that it must be the reason why is she starting with this nonsense now. She has just a few years to go, but now more than ever she needs money. It is crazy to risk your parole, but it is even worse to get out and have no starting fund for your new life. Especially if you are in your fifties. Wang made her choice, all or nothing. That makes her dangerous. She must be stopped now before she gets really out of hand.
- What do you want Smith?
Bea scanned the room, obviously, Allie is not here, that is good.
- Just checking in, want to see if all is good.
- Since when are you so worried about the kitchen?
- Always has been, especially when Tina was working here.
- She is not allowed here anymore you know that.
-I do, that is why I want to make sure all is good.
The old Asian woman stepped closer, motioning the other two to move too.
- What do you think could be wrong?
Bea knew Wang was biting her, but she couldn't step back.
-You exactly know what I´m talking about. – She stepped closer too. – If the rumors are true and you took over Tina´s place, you know what to expect from me.
- I know, yes, I know. – The Asian nodded. – Maybe that is why we should finish this.
Bea laughed.
- You know I will send all of you to medical.
- Yes, I assume you could do that. – Wang smirked. – You could do that to me, to Lin, - she pointed at the girl on her right, - or to Lou. But you can't do anything about Lulu behind your back.
She is bluffing, Bea was sure, there is no way someone walked in without her noticing.
- It would be better if you came to your senses. I handled Tina and I´m sure that I will handle you too. Stop bringing the gear in and crawl back to your hole before you end up hurt. - Now it was Bea who was bluffing, she had to, as she heard shuffling of sneakers on the tiles behind herself, what meant that Wang really had someone behind her.
- Sorry Smith, but I´m not Tina. You won´t scare me with empty words and few punches. I´m tougher than Tina and tougher than you. – She smiled. – I´m not up for child games. Did you come here looking for trouble? Wrong move. I will end you now and as a new top dog I will bring in as much gear as I want.
Alright, this is not what Bea wanted when she ran into the kitchen. This is classic Wentworth though, nothing turning into a huge shit within seconds. Wang looked determined, she kept her business under wraps for a long time. Bea had to give her credit for being smarter than Tina. She is more experienced for sure. Yeah, she is not bluffing. What now? It is time to make a choice. So, she did. Jumping backward she knocked the girl behind her hard in the face with her elbow. She followed that punch with another into her stomach and then one on her back which sent her to the ground.
By that time Wang was on her neck – literally. Her hands wrapped around Bea´s throat. The other two came closer too. One of them was checking the door while the other just stood by waiting if she could help Wang. She could. It took Bea just a few seconds to knock Wang´s hands down and kicking her in the knee, so she stumbled back. Seeing that, the younger Asian lunged after her. Throwing her into the table, Bea hit her side pretty badly, the Asian tried to land some punches.
Bea stomped on her foot and then punched her hard in the face. She slouched down and Bea used this to kick her, then she spun around just in time to block the other one from wrapping her hands around her. Bea grabbed her shoulders and pushed her hard until they crashed into the wall. The woman grunted and slid down, losing the ground from under her feet at the impact.
Bea turned but before she had time to react, she just saw a sudden flash of something shiny in Wang´s hand and right then the shiv pierced through her skin on the right side just a little above her stomach. Instinctively she grabbed the older woman´s hands, trying to keep away what looked like a piece of the razor on a toothbrush from her body. They struggled, pushing and pulling at each other until they crashed into the counter. Bea grabbed the pan from the shelf and hit Wang hard sideways into her head. She grunted and fell to the ground at the same time Bea was grabbed from behind and choked. She clawed into her attacker's hand and spun, freeing herself from the hold and instantly pushing the younger Asian to the wall. Bea took her head and slammed it hard into the wall. The woman fell down unconscious.
Cold quiet sat down on the place. Just muffled grunts and hard breathing could be heard. Bea clutched her right side, feeling the blood seeping through her fingers. Fuck! She forced herself to take few deep breaths trying to suppress nausea which suddenly overwhelmed her. There was no time for more as the third woman launched at her from behind the table. She simply runs into Bea, trying to knock her off her feet. She succeeded, Bea stumbled backward and after three steps she fell down on the floor. Her bloody hand slipped as she wanted to jump back on her feet.
The Asian used this to her advantage and kicked her hard in the stomach. It hurt. Fuck it really did! Bea Smith saw sparkling colorful stars in front of her eye and that was still better than what she saw when she opened them. The Asian was leaning down picking up the shiv from the still unconscious Wang. Bea tried to stand up, but she was too weak by now. Blood loss and the fight drained her, she felt tired. Now the fourth one came closer too. She stood few steps in front of them next to the table still blocking the way to the door. This is it. Bea couldn´t believe it. Pain from the wound was numbing her senses. This shouldn't have happened. The girl with the shiv smiled at her. Bea moved back so she could lean against the counter.
The top dog licked her lips and smiled back at the woman, she is not going down defeated. Maybe she has a little chance if she can take away the shiv from her. Nothing else left, just one attempt to get the shiv. Suddenly there was a muffled thud and before Bea could comprehend what it was the Asian which was standing next to the table fall face down on the floor. She yelled at the impact and lifted her hands to cover her head, but then after another thud, she fell back and stayed on the floor knocked out cold.
Bea smiled, it must be Maxine. The young Asian with the shiv turned to face the bigger threat. Making a wild move with the shiv in an attempt to hurt whoever was behind her.
- Shiv! – Bea screamed, making sure Maxine knew about the danger. She saw a quick movement, something like a flying pan and the shiv landed on the floor sliding under the counter. The Asian held her hand hissing in pain. The next hit with the pan was blocked and a blonde ponytail came into Bea´s line of sight as the Asian got wrapped into some sort of wrestling hug.
It was Allie. Bea watched as the young blonde twisted and turned until she had enough room to hit the Asian. She elbowed her in the face breaking her nose instantly. Allie turned to face her and punched her again. Without thinking she made few steps back grabbing a cutting board from the shelf and hitting the other woman as she turned around using the momentum to her advantage. She didn't stop and hit her few more times until she was lying motionless.
Allie let go of the board and instantly squatted to Bea.
- Bea! Fuck! – she said looking at the huge spot of blood coloring the redhead's t-shirt and covering her hand. – Fuck! Bea, what do I have to do? Shit, that is too much blood.
- Go! – Bea said. Allie´s head snapped.
- What no! Tell me what to do! – Allie nervously looked around. Thank god the Asians were not moving.
- Go, Allie! – Bea repeated.
-No! I won´t leave you! – Allie yelled and grabbed Bea´s leg. Clenching her fingers into the material.
-Go! It´s not so bad, few stitches and it will be alright. You go, don't get messed up in this.
Allie closed her eyes. This is not happening! She followed one of Wang´s girls. Allie bumped into her as she was walking from Westfall´s office back to H1. Never in her wildest imagination would have she guessed that she will end up finding Bea Smith in a huge pool of blood with a black eye and waiting to be gutted.
-Fuck sake go Allie! Press the button and run to H1.
Allie shook her head. No, she won't go! Bea can´t ask this from her. She will press the button and then help Bea.
- Allie, please go before I bleed out. – Bea pleaded breathing heavily. – Go!
Allie felt tears swelling in her eyes. Bea was not in a condition to force her to do anything. She could stay and the redhead would have no chance to fight it. But she couldn't disobey, not this time. The look in Bea´s eyes was clear. If she won´t go the older woman will throw her out from H1 and the crew. Allie stood up and with one last look at the woman, she felt so much for she ran out from the kitchen. Hitting the panic button as she went. She felt tears rolling down her cheeks as she ran towards H1 with the sight of battered Bea Smith asking her to leave in front of her eyes.
Allie was pacing nervously across the H1. Sonia and Doreen were in their cells while Maxine, Liz, and Boomer were on the sofa. What has she done?! She shouldn't leave Bea just like that. She still could see how the blood was seeping through the white shirt. It was dark red and soaking Bea´s fingers. Shit! Why did she leave her there?! If something happens to Bea she will regret it until the day she dies. Liz and Boomer were quiet and calm but Maxine couldn't stop fidgeting.
- Why did she go alone? – she asked.
- Cause she is nuts sometimes. – Boomer replied.
-Don't worry love, she will be alright. She told Allie that she is good, I´m sure she meant it.
Liz reasoned, she was worried too of course, but she trusted Bea. If she said she is alright, then she is. The Top Dog always kept her word and always knew what she was doing. She saw the consequences and what will happen before everyone else. Sometimes what she did made no sense, but at the end, she was always right.
Suddenly Mills appeared in front of the unit gate and opened it as they were on lock down since the panic button was pushed. They all looked at her and Maxine jumped up from the couch.
- Lockdown remains until dinner ladies. – she informed them and stepped to a side. As she did that, Bea walked past her and into the H1 stopping just behind the gate.
- Bea! – Maxine screamed. – Are you alright?
Bea nodded.
-I´m good. – she smiled softly. Then turned to Mills. – Thanks. – She said as the screw was closing the gate. Maxine took few steps and now she was standing right beside Bea.
- Do you want to go and lie down?
Bea shook her head, her eyes locking with the blonde standing beside the chair few steps away. Allie was holding on to it, her eyes sliding over the redhead. Bea was alright. She felt a flood of relief washing over her since she first saw Bea walking to the gate. She was walking, standing on her own feet and even smiling. Bea Smith is one tough chick. Allie smiled admiring how the older woman stood straight even if protecting her right side loosely with her hand.
- What happened? – Liz asked.
- That is a long story. I will tell you the details later. – Bea´s voice was coarse. – I got ten stitches and all is good. Wang was behind the drugs but she will stay in medical for few days, so we have time.
Boomer walked over and gave her a short awkward hug.
- Glad you alright Bea. – she said and Bea smiled at her words, but not tearing her eyes of Allie Novak. The person who probably saved her life just a few hours ago. She never expected to see the young woman fighting. She might look all innocent and delicate, but she can land punches very well. The blue eyed blonde sported a soft and obviously relieved smile. She looked tired and emotionally exhausted. Bea felt a sudden rush of emotions run through her. Allie Novak´s eyes were shining and Bea sensed strange pull towards the young woman. It wasn't really intentional, she didn't plan it or thought about it, but all of a sudden she felt her mouth spreading into a wide smile and her arms opening and lifting.
Allie understood and didn't need more. She actually leaped and then with three quick strides she found herself wrapping her arms around the redhead´s neck. Bea grunted quietly and Allie wanted to pull back a little, but two strong arms were already wrapped around her waist and tightening their hold to keep her close. Allie wasn't going to question this, over think or complicate it. Bea Smith is a tough chick, keeping her cool and distance ninety-nine percent of the time. She is having her walls up constantly and the possibility of showing this kind of affection again or soon is zero, so hell yeah. Allie buried her face into the older woman´s neck inhaling deeply her sweet scent while pressing herself into her warm body.
Liz and Maxine raised their eyebrows at the sudden display of affection from the top dog. It didn't happen often. Surely they will learn the reason behind it later when they will know the whole story. So far they just heard bits and pieces from Allie, but the girl was too distraught and stressed to explain clearly the details of the fight.
Bea tilted her head so she could look at the young blonde woman in her arms.
- Are you alright? – she asked. Allie chuckled, of course, Bea Smith would ask that. She nodded, not trusting her voice at the moment and once again she nuzzled into the top dog´s neck. Yes, everything has consequences as Bea said, but she did not care. She won´t let go, the top dog will have to shake her off, but until she does Allie was determined to hold on.