A/N - Honestly I've no idea where to start on this. It's been so long I'd even forgotten how to publish a new chapter! It took ages to figure it all out again.
I could go on and on as to why this stalled as badly as it did - but I doubt anyone wants to read it as it would be a story in it's own right. Suffice to say, real life intruded in ways I had no idea would occur. I am though working on new chapters, so I'm going ahead to post another one here. I will say I intend to finish this story. In part because I plan to go back to a Jemily (Criminal Minds) story I have, but I don't feel it's fair to post a new story when this is lingering in cyberspace unfinished. So that's also motivation for me to get this one done! Also it's gone up with barely a look, so mistakes are bound to appear. Apologies in advance! So without further ado.

Hush Hush.

Chapter 5

Myka knew what she was doing wasn't going to stand up in any report, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something very wrong was happening in her prison. More so after Helena's cryptic comments on the matter. So with reluctance, she'd asked Claudia to once again hack into the security system and Myka was keeping a close eye on what was happening on various cameras. With a tired sigh, she pushed a hand through her hair, as the viewing seemed to show nothing out of the ordinary. Was Helena trying to make trouble when there was none? Myka had absolutely no idea, other than she had seemed genuine in her concern, so she picked up her desk phone and made a quick call, asking Abigail to join her as soon as she had some time. Perhaps another set of eyes could spot something.


"Jesus." Myka couldn't stop the exclamation from escaping as she looked up from her paperwork, suddenly just sensing someone was around. Mrs Frederic merely gave her a slight nod of her head, before settling down in a chair she pulled across the room, leaving the other that was in front of Myka's desk free.

"Good morning Myka."

"Good morning." Myka looked worried, as Mrs Frederic placed a large purse down by her feet. "Erm, can I help you with something?"

"I believe you have a meeting with Miss Cho?" Myka could merely nod. "I would be interested in what she has to say, and also I think we should catch up."

Myka looked up just as there was a knock on the door, and Abigail popped through, faltering ever so slightly as she realized Mrs Frederic was there. Abigail shot Myka a quick look, and Myka could only shrug her shoulders.

"Miss Cho," Mrs Frederic rose, and waited for Abigail to move closer.

"Mrs Frederic, this is an - " Abigail hesitated, still feeling off balance by her appearance, "An unexpected pleasure. Please, I know we haven't dealt with each other as much as other people working for the Warehouse, but I much prefer being called Abigail or Abi."

"Very well." Mrs Frederic settled back into her chair, and waited for Abigail to sit down.

"I understand you've had some issues with Regent Valda in particular." Mrs Frederic looked at Myka and didn't even try to wait for anyone else to speak, getting straight to the point of her visit as she tended to.

"Yes." Myka looked slightly concerned, since Mrs Frederic had only supported her from the sidelines until now, and wasn't sure if this visit was in support or to reprimand her. "As well as Sally Stukowski, plus a couple of other rookie guards. But primarily those two."

"I see, and I also believe much of this has to do with Miss Wells being here."

Myka put a hand up across her face, fighting the urge to keep it there, shielding her from view, before rubbing her forehead and allowing the hand to fall back onto the desktop. "Helena Wells has been a catalyst of sorts, but truthfully, it's been building ever since I arrived. Having her here was just the straw that broke the camel's back. An excuse on their part to use a person who is known to be disruptive."

"Hmm," Mrs Frederic looked at Abigail, "And Miss Cho, sorry Abigail, I have read your report as well on Miss Wells, and you make a compelling argument on rehabilitation."

Abigail nodded, "Miss Wells has always been out of time as it were. Her upbringing was such, that as a women she faced obstacles in every direction. The two things that helped her along in her life was her daughter Christina, and then becoming a Warehouse agent. Both were driven from her grasp, and simply because no-one understood her needs once Christina was killed it spiraled out of control. She knew she was becoming a danger, not only to herself, but to those around her. Then the mistakes multiplied from her records all but being lost - or displaced as Myka and I are beginning to suspect - to not one person questioning how being bronzed for so long would damage her health, mentally and physically once she was released. My professional opinion is Miss Wells is not evil. Nor is she mad. However, she is angry, still grieving, and completely unable to work through the emotions all that brings. I'm also sure she has some lingering physical problems from being bronzed."

"I saw Doctor Calder's report, and I concur and I have agreed with Doctor Calder's plan of treatment, and she will be back here shortly to arrange it. She is currently reassigning her tasks away from here with her assistants." Taking a deep breath, Mrs Frederic turned her attention back to Myka, "I understand all you are trying to achieve here, and I wanted to let you know you have my full support. Valda and Stukowski are being monitored closely, but I warn you, they have support as well from within some of the Regents, who don't like to see change. I also think Miss Wells will ultimately be better served as a friend, rather than foe, and I also fully endorse all measures for her you have in place. I will be back again soon, and never fear, I am monitoring from afar."

Mrs Frederic stood up, grabbing her purse, and as Myka and Abigail rose, she walked serenely out of the room, giving them no time to say goodbye. Both then sank down into their seats, looking slightly bewildered.


Helena stood at doorway to her cell, watching intently. She was even more convinced that Valda was having some sort of inappropriate relationship with Alice, and the thought of him abusing his power like that angered her. She became even more annoyed when she had seen the Eye of Horus lapel pin on his uniform, realizing he was also a Regent. She shifted position slightly as she watched Alice move down the stairs from her cell above, and cautiously followed her.

Helena quickened her pace as she watched Alice, seeing that she was about to bully a younger inmate. She just found herself in time to stand between the two of them. Alice glared at Helena, before pushing right up to her.

"No-one is going to save your pretty backside in here Helena. I suggest you move along and don't get involved in what doesn't concern you."

Helena pushed back ever so subtly, as she peeked quickly over her shoulder at the young woman behind her, trying to convey she was going to ensure Alice didn't get near her. At least, not today. "It concerns me because you were always a bully. It would appear that trait has not changed, and I would stand up against you all those years ago, and I will do so again."

Alice merely laughed, a sound so malicious, Helena had to suppress a shiver, "You might have been able to stop me before, but make no mistake, I have all the power here." Alice pushed in, so their cheeks were almost touching, as she then whispered, "I can make your stay here a living hell. Remember that first stint in solitary? I made that happen, and I can do it all over again."

With another laugh, Alice backed away, looking over Helena's shoulder, "You're lucky for now, but don't forget, I can find you at any time." Her eyes fell back to Helena, and Alice smirked, "As for you, don't test me."

Helena took in a deep breath as Alice then walked away, before turning around to face the woman she'd stepped in to help. Seeing her looking nervous, Helena held out a hand, "Helena Wells. Nice to meet you."

Hesitantly a hand came out to shake Helena's, "Trudie."

"Trudie, a nice name."

"Uh yeah, I guess." Trudie then motioned her head in the direction Alice had gone, "You know she's now going to make your life hell don't you."

"Lets just say, Alice and I are old friends, and she holds no fear for me." Helena smiled and then spotted Myka walking into the main area of the recreation room they were in, "I hope to see you around." Without waiting for a reply, Helena walked off.

Myka looked up as Helena came near, looking slightly surprised to see her. "Good morning Helena."

"Good morning Miss Bering." Helena replied, her accent stronger than usual, "I didn't think us mere mortals would be a reason for you to come out of your office."

Ignoring the dig, Myka stood firm, "I like to try and keep an eye on what is going on here."

Helena couldn't help the bark of laughter escaping, and seeing Myka's surprised expression, shook her head, "I'm afraid then you haven't been looking very closely."

Myka looked worried, and moved closer to Helena so she could lower her voice. "Helena, this is the second time you've alluded that something is going on I should know about. I would prefer it if you told me, otherwise, I am going to have to wonder if you are telling the truth or merely causing trouble."

Helena laughed again, "Oh dear Miss Bering. Should I wish to cause trouble, saying what I have would be the least of your worries." Helena's tone dropped as she became more serious, "I'm afraid I don't trust you, and I also don't know these women enough to risk saying anything. Nor should I do your job for you, but I will say this, I am not lying when I say there is something rotten in the state of Denmark." With that, Helena strode off, leaving a very worried looking Myka behind.


"Bloody hell." Helena muttered as she quickened her pace, finding Trudie in a heap on the floor of the main bathroom that was available to them when they were out of their cells. Kneeling down, she put a hand out tentatively, and Trudie groaned as fingers grazed her battered cheek. Pushing an arm underneath Trudie's one armpit, Helena pulled her slowly to her feet, "Let's get you to the doctor."

Helena was shocked when Trudie began to pull away from her. "No, no doctor."

"Why in the bloody hell not?" Helena questioned.

"Because this is the least of my worries if I look for any kind of help."

Helena moved closer, "You need medical attention, and I can see to it that this is done quietly."

Trudie looked at Helena, and the disdain was obvious, "You? Being able to do this quietly? Not a chance. You've only been here a couple of weeks, and in solitary for almost half that time. How the hell could you even be able to do that?" Seeing Helena about to speak, Trudie held up a hand, "You know what, I truly don't care. I appreciate you looking out for me, but I've dealt with worse since being here." Without another word, Trudie limped out, leaving a concerned Helena looking on behind her.

As Helena moved back out into the main recreation room, her eyes carefully surveying the area immediately around her. She wasn't surprised to see Alice beginning to walk over, a few others crowded around her, obviously women who followed Alice's orders blindly. Standing her ground, Helena waited for them to close the distance between them, crossing her arms as she remained as still as possible.

Alice shoulder checked Helena slightly, and as Helena had expected some kind of contact, she merely allowed herself to go with the movement, before settling back on her spot, feet firmly planted to the ground.

"I see you're awfully good pals with our esteemed Warden Bering these days." Alice leaned in as close as she could as she spoke, her voice measured, but Helena could still hear the anger behind the words.

"Don't believe everything you see." Helena countered back, "Although in your case, being awfully good pals with the head guard, who is also a Regent is perhaps a wise choice. No chance of you being thrown into solitary is there."

Alice smirked, "No there isn't, and don't you forget it." Looking up, Alice tipped her head towards the four other women who had stood just outside of Helena's personal space, jostling around her as she and Alice had talked, "Come on girls, we have something else to deal with."

Helena straightened up, as she pushed into Alice's personal space, "You and your lackeys don't scare me one jot. If you decide to attack Trudie again, I will make it my personal mission to make your life here hell."

Alice laughed, the sound as always manic and with a slightly frenzied expression her lips turned up into a sneer, her disdain obvious at Helena, "Oh my, you are forgetting your station my dear Helena. You might control Bering, but I control someone far more powerful." Leaning in, so the next words were a mere whisper against her ear, Alice's breath smelt putrid to Helena, "You couldn't save Christina, whatever makes you believe you can save Trudie?"

Without another word, Alice stalked off, leaving Helena trying to control the shaking that was threatening her body at Alice's last words. Alice knew it would strike Helena where she was hurting the most, and after a few seconds, Helena moved back towards the main bathrooms, and was grateful the main room was empty as she leaned over the nearest sink and purged her stomach, until nothing but thin streams of bile were left.