Meg glares angrily at Spike

Meg - How could you?....

Spike - Meg...

Meg - How could you bring her here after what I told you about her?

Joan - Oh don't blame Spike, I made it clear to her I would come, either way, I simply pointed out it would be better if we came together

Meg - Better how?

Joan - I hoped perhaps we could talk about it more calmly this way

Meg - Talk about how you had my son killed?

Joan - I didn't

Meg looks at Joan with anger in her eyes

Meg - Yes you did, don't bother lying about it....and you had better turn around and go before Ann sees you

Joan visibly responds to this

Joan - Mrs Reynolds is here is she?

Meg - Yes she has already gone inside, please go before she sees you

Joan acts all innocent

Joan - Oh dear me, you don't mean to tell me she still has a problem with me even now?

Meg - She has a problem with you, of course, she does and we both know why

Joan - But all of that is ancient history, I'm prepared to forget all our differences at Wentworth, why can't she do the same?

Meg looks like she wants to slap Joan

Meg - It's got nothing to do with Wentworth and you damn well know it....you had Pippa killed just like you had my Marty killed

Joan looks shocked

Joan - Oh I never did....come on now you're being ridiculous. When I heard about Pippa I sent a wreath to show my condolences

Meg - Yes and we got that...

Joan - So you see...

meg cuts her off

Meg - You sent it to torment Ann and you know that. Then you decided you'd go one step further this time and actually turn up. You've got some nerve I give you that

Joan bows her head and is tearful

Joan - I know neither of you has ever liked me but I can't believe you honestly think I would be capable of something like this

Meg rolls her eyes

Meg - You're not fooling anyone with this act Ferguson

Joan - It's not an act damn it! I may have been guilty of many things in the past but not these awful things you're accusing me of here

Spike hands Joan a hanky

Spike - I believe you, Joan

Joan - Thanks, at least that's something

Ann comes out

Ann - Meg, the service is about to...

Ann claps eyes on Joan

Ann - What the hell are you doing here Ferguson?

Joan - Mrs Reynolds, i.....

Meg cuts her off

meg (coldly) - Ferguson was just leaving.......

Meg looks at Spike

Meg - I think perhaps you should leave too Margaret

Spike - No, I'm sorry but I want to stay

Meg - That's fine but she goes!

Spike - Look, I am convinced Joan only wants to pay her respects. I believe her when she says she didn't do it

Meg - I thought you were smarter than this.....

Ann - So did i

Spike - What if you're both wrong, have you ever considered that it's an option?

Ann - No, we haven't...

Spike - Well it could be and you know it

Joan - It's alright Spike, save your breath. I just wanted to offer the olive branch, I can see it was a mistake so I'll slip away quietly

Joan looks at Ann and Meg with tears in her eyes

Joan - For what it's worth I really am sorry for both your losses.....oh I know we had history, I was never friends with either of you but I would never have wished something like this on you. I've lost a child myself, I know how it feels....yes I know Shane wasn't my child but he may as well have been, I cared for him like he was my own

Meg bows her head to examine the concrete pathway but Ann glares angrily at Joan

Joan - I loved that child just like you both loved your own children, I wouldn't ever wish that pain on anyone....well I've said my piece now

Joan turns to go

meg - Ferguson

Joan turns back around

Meg - I believe you

Ann looks horrified

Ann - Meg, how can you.....

Meg - It was that bit about Shane, I realize how much you loved him and I don't think even you would be cruel enough to wish that type of pain on anyone else. I was wrong to think you would be....and you can stay if you like

Joan smiles and nods

Joan - Thanks Mrs Morris

Ann looks furious

Vicki is stood in front of the parole board.

A stern-looking man smiles curtly at her

the man - We have studied your file McPherson, we see you have been involved in some very dodgy stuff

A stern-looking woman joins in

The woman - Yes very dodgy indeed, what have you to say on that?

Vicki looks anxious

The woman - Well young woman?>

Vicki - Sure I was a bit of a terror before, but recently I have settled down a lot. I am fed up with trouble now I just want to get out and live a normal life, no more crime

The man - You intend to get a job upon release?

Vicki - oh yeah sure, absolutely

The woman - And where will you stay?

Vicki - With my mum and dad I hope

The man - You hope?

Vicki - Yeah well we fell out you see but I'm sure we'll sort that out

The woman - And if you don't where do you think you may stay then?

Vicki shrugs

Vicki - I dunno...

The man - If you don't have a fixed abode you could be tempted back to crime, don't you think? We aren't confident about releasing inmates who don't have a stable home or job to go into

The woman turns to Janice

The woman - Perhaps you would like to share your thoughts, Miss Raymond?

Janice smirks

Janice - I am more than happy to

Vicki looks defeated

Ian and Tommy are sitting in a Mcdonald's. Tommy has a burger and fries but isn't touching them, he is sitting head bowed looking upset

Ian - Don't you want your tucker Soldier?

Tommy shakes his head

Ian - Hey what's wrong mate? You can tell me, I'm your mate remember

Tommy - That man...I didn't like that man, he was nasty

Ian - I know, well remember what I told you, you mustn't tell your mummy a thing about it. It must stay between us. If she ever knew about it she would be very angry and you'd get a severe punishment, you wouldn't like that would you?

Tommy is crying, he shakes his head

Tommy - Do I have to see him again? I don't want to see him again

Ian - I don't know yet little fella, but if you do all you have to do is be a good boy and it will be easy. Be a brave soldier

Inspector Grace is in Wentworth's reception with Colleen

Grace - I've come to see Ballinger

Vicki stands looking stunned

Janice is in the middle of talking

Janice - ...And so you see I fully recommend McPherson for parole. I am confident she'll make a go of it. Staying here much longer could do her more harm than good, I am not impressed with some of her current friends, I feel they have the ability to lead her astray again and that would be a great pity

The woman - And what about her accommodation and job situation....or rather lack of it?

Janice - I have been in touch with a friend who runs a halfway house, she is happy to have McPherson. She also doubles up as a careers advisor so she will also refer McPherson to various job agencies

The crematorium

People are standing around outside

Meg is crying. Spike and Joan join her

meg - Well that's it, he's gone

Joan - For what it's worth I thought it was a lovely ceremony

Meg nods her head

Meg - We're having a wake back at my house if you'd like to come

Joan - Thanks but I don't think it's a good idea...Mrs Reynolds looks like she wants to kill me

Spike - Yeah, I'd best be heading back to Marsh house now too

Joan - I'm glad we've sorted everything out now

Meg - Yes, so am i...

Joan - It's good, best to keep things friendly if we're going to be seeing more of each other

Meg - Now wait a second Joan, I may believe you didn't kill him but I'd rather I didn't see you anymore, I mean we're not friends and never will be

Joan shakes her head

Joan - Oh that's a pity because I'm staying at Marsh house as a resident

Meg looks shocked

Meg - You're staying at Marsh house?

Joan - Yes that's right, I have a drug habit....yes I'm sure that comes as a massive surprise to you.

Meg - Yes it does rather

Joan - But since we sorted that nasty misunderstanding out I can't see why there should be a problem do you?

Meg - No of course not, I'm sure it will be fine

Spike looks relieved

Spike - I'm glad to hear that, I must admit I was worried about telling you

The interview room

Ruth is shown in. Grace is sitting smoking a cigarette

Ruth - What can I do for you this afternoon inspector?

Grace - I want you to help me with a few of my inquires

Ruth - What sort of inquires?

Grace - I want some information on a few known associates of yours.

Grace hands her a piece of paper with some names on it

Grace - I've been trying to nail some of those bastards for years but they always slip through my fingers

Ruth - And what do I get in return? It is risky being an informant, and these people are not the types you mess with. I would expect it to be worth my while to take such a risk

Grace - I heard you are planning an appeal?

Ruth - You bet I am, I want out of here. A lady like myself does not belong in a dump like this

Grace - Well i reckon I can put in a word for you

Ruth smirks

Ruth - Who says I need any help from you? I can get out without a good word from you, I have plenty of contacts to help me

Grace -Really? that's not what I heard. I heard all your contacts abandoned you like rats on a sinking ship. I'm all you have left now, face it I'm your only hope and if you don't help me out here I'll make sure you never get out

Ruth - You're a bastard Grace

Grace - So they tell me...

Ruth - Ok, let's just say for a moment that I accept your offer. I want you to guarantee I win my appeal, I don't care what you do to achieve it, but you do it.

Grace - Oh i think i can manage that

Ruth - And one other thing, I want it brought forward, I am sick of waiting around. I want to be a free woman by the end of the week

Grace - I'm sure I can pull a few strings and get it moved forwards to say tomorrow, would that do you?

Ruth - Really? that soon?

Grace - Yes, that soon. But I want information on these bastards and I want it now. Good information, it better be bloody good

Ruth smirks

Ruth - Oh I can give you good information alright

Meg's place

There is a small, quiet gathering of people. Jim is there too

Meg is with Ann

Ann - I'm glad that woman didn't come back here

Meg - Yes I know...

Ann (angry) - I can't believe you fell for her lies Meg

Meg - I'm sorry Ann but it was when she talked about Shane, she seemed so sincere

Ann - Yes, well it was a convincing performance, I grant you. Shame shes not in Hollywood isn't it, Meryl Streep would really have something to worry about then

Meg - Well I don't think she did it, I did before but not now

Ann - Get a grip, Meg, of course, she did it, this is Ferguson remember?

Meg - You may also remember she never killed anyone

Ann - There's a first time for everything, especially with someone as unpredictable and vindictive as her

Meg shakes her head

meg - Maybe Marty just pissed the men off too much...maybe they found out he was ex screw, they are a tough bunch of men in Woodridge. I have to accept there are other possibilities other than Joan

Ann - And what about Pippa?

meg bows her head to study the carpet

Meg - I don't want to think it Ann believe me, but Maybe Paul really did do it

Ann (angry) - He didn't do it, how dare you, Meg!

Meg - Then why did he confess to it?

Ann - Because he wanted to get that little slut Cindy off the hook that's why

Meg - Have you considered that maybe he really did do it, Ann

Ann looks furious

Ann - No I haven't!

Meg - But he might have!

Ann - So what about your car crash? How did that happen? I suppose the Easter bunny did that one?

Meg - I don't know...

Ann - All those 3 things happened one after the other, all within a short space of time, that is not a coincidence, the 3 things are all connected and the connection is Joan, it has to be and you know it

Meg - I'm sorry Ann...

Ann storms off in a huff

Jim approaches

Jim - I better be getting back to Wentworth now Meg

Meg - Yes of course. Thanks for coming today Jim

Jim - Colleen told me to tell you she's sorry she couldn't come too but someone had to stay at Wentworth

Meg nods her head

Meg - Yes I know

Ruth is on the phone

Ruth - Did he bring it?

Ruth's associate - Yes he did, and it was very good, I liked it

Ruth - Excellent, did it behave itself?

The man - Oh yeah, the usual amount of crying you know, nothing I couldn't handle

Ruth - Remember what I told you about the tape?

The man- Yes, I remember. So long as you're sure it's safe I have no problem doing that

Ruth - Yes it's safe, I promised her the first copy and I just know she is going to love it

Ruth hangs up with an evil expression on her face

Vicki is waiting anxiously in the corridor outside Janice's office as Janice opens the door

Janice - You can come back in now McPherson, the parole board is ready to give you their decision

Vicki goes in and stands in front of them

The man - I must admit we had doubts...grave doubts

The woman - Indeed we did, but we have all decided to give you the benefit of the doubt

The man smiles curtly and nods his head

The man - Your parole has been granted, you may leave today

Vicki looks chuffed

Vicki - Oh gee thanks!

The man - You should thank Miss Raymond young lady, she swung it for us. You're lucky she has so much faith in you

GATESLAM

PART 2

The governor's office

The parole board have now left

Vicki and a crying Martha are standing in front of Janice and Colleen is also present

Martha - It's not fair! Why did they knock me back?

Janice - They weren't too impressed with that fire in the C Block laundry Dimmock

Martha - But that was an accident! I told them that, I told ya that too at the time! I told everyone and I did time in the pound over it!

Janice shakes her head in sorrow

Janice - They examined your file, it had such a long list of ''accidents'' Dimmock it made it hard for anyone to believe anyone could have that many accidents. the parole board think you are a troublemaker and that you do not have accidents at all, you just try to make out they are after in order to get off easier

Martha looks outraged

Martha - I bloody don't! I'm accident-prone I swear! Just ask me, husband, he'll tell ya!

Janice - I'm sorry Dimmock, maybe you'll have more luck next time eh?

Janice turns to Colleen

Janice - You may take Dimmock back to C Block now....and bring Janet Williams and Faye Quinn back here while you're there. I want to get to the bottom of that trouble between them last night

Colleen - Of course...Dot Farrar wants to see you too, complaining about her arthritis again

Janice rolls her eyes

Janice - In that case, I suppose you had best bring her along too

Colleen leads Martha out

Martha - It's not fair! I should have got me parole!

The dining room

The women are at lunch. Bea is sitting with Pauline

Pauline - You look a hell of a lot happier than you did earlier Bea

Bea smiles happily

Bea - That's because I am...Chloe came to see me...

......Cheryl, Kelly, and Kath are sitting together

Kath - I wonder if Vic got her parole?

Cheryl - She bloody better had, that's all I can say, or someone is going to be very sorry

Cheryl and Kelly exchange a knowing look

Kath - I wish it was me getting parole, I'm sick of this place

Kelly - You will one-day Kath

Kath (bitter) - Yeah in about 20 years if I'm lucky. In the meantime they'll take my baby off me, won't they? I'll miss out on everything

Kath pushes her plate away

Kath - I've lost my appetite

Kath gets up and leaves the room

Kelly - Poor bitch, it must be rotten knowing they are gonna take your kid off you

Cheryl - Yeah I know

Vicki and Janice are alone

Vicki - Why did you do it? I thought you wanted to keep me here?

Janice - I did, then I changed my mind. Decided you're too much hassle for me. I can find another girl easily enough

Janice smirks

Janice - And anyway you'll be back in soon enough won't ya

Vicki - No I won't!

Janice - Yes you will...you'll mess it up we both know that

Vicki - I'm gonna prove you wrong. I wouldn't come back in here if you paid me a million dollars

Janice - We'll see eh...come on I'll take you to pack now

Kath is in the corridor crying as Jim appears

Kath - What do you want?

Jim looks at her with contempt

Jim - Thought you might like to know I was at Marty's funeral today

Kath looks surprised

Kath - The funeral was today?

Jim - Yes it was

Kath - Why did no one tell me?

Jim - Why should they?

Kath - I wanted to go

Jim - You wouldn't have been allowed to go, I'd have seen to that. Meg is devastated, he's dead because of you I hope you realize that. Feel proud of it, do you?

Kath - What the hell are you talking about? It's hardly my fault he got beaten to death in prison

Jim - It's your fault he was put in there

Kath - Rubbish! He was a grown man, he knew what he was getting himself into

Jim - If you say so, Maxwell. But I don't like you and I meant what I said, as soon as that kid is born I'll see to it it gets taken away from you, you won't even get the 2 years some women can have

Jim turns and leaves and Kath cries with despair

Vicki and Janice are in the three-bed dorm as Vicki picks her box up

Vicki - That's it...

Janice - I'll show you out now, come on

Vicki - I just want to pop to the rec room, say goodbye to me mates

Janice - Forget that..hurry up come on

Vicki - Hey that's not fair, what skin is it off your nose if I say goodbye or not?

Janice - What's the worry, you'll see them all again soon enough anyway, now come on

Janice gives Vicki a shove

Vicki - You bitch, it wouldn't have hurt ya to let me say goodbye

Janice - Watch it, McPherson, I can easily put you on a charge and that would be your parole blown before you've even left Wentworth

As they walk down the corridor Kath rushes up

Kath - So you got your parole?