Colleen is staring angrily at Marina and Bruce

Colleen - I'm still waiting for an explanation

Marina - They misbehaved so they got punished, that's all

Colleen - That's all? You let rats loose in her cell and that's all?

Marina - As I explained, it was a punishment

Colleen - That is not an appropriate punishment and you know it

Marina - Well I was in charge at the time so it was up to me what I did

Colleen - I intend to report this incident to Dwyer, in the meantime release the prisoners at once and bring them to my office so I can speak to them

Bruce - Why do you want to speak to them?

Colleen - So that I can check that they are ok of course, why else?

Marina - I'm sure they are fine...

Colleen - I'm not going to stand here arguing about it, do as I instructed. I will see you there in a minute

Colleen begins to leave

Bruce - What do you want us to do with the rats?

Colleen - Catch them and get rid of them. I don't particularly care how you get rid of them, just get them out of this prison

Colleen leaves

Terry is dragging Chrissie along a corridor by her hair

Chrissie is crying

Chrissie - You're hurting me ya bastard!

Terry - You're going where all the bad girls go, to the pound to be punished!

They turn a corner and come face to face with Colleen

Terry looks shocked

Terry - Mrs Powell? We weren't expecting you back so soon

Colleen - Yes I realize that...why are you dragging the prisoner along by her hair Mr Walters?

Terry -Erm...er.....well she was not co-operating you see, so...

Colleen - Let her go

Terry does as he is told

Colleen - Are you ok Chrissie?

Chrissie - Yeah, I'm ok

Colleen - Get on with your work Mr Walters, I'll take care of Chrissie

Terry - Governor I was going to take her to the pound

Colleen - I gave you an order Mr Walters

Terry - Yes governor, sorry

Terry leaves

Colleen - let's go to my office Chrissie

They head off

Greg is with Bob in his office

Greg - I gave Leanne a thorough examination

Bob - What is your conclusion?

Greg - I'm not sure, something doesn't seem right. My suggestion is to send her to the hospital for some tests

Bob looks shocked

Bob - Is it really that bad?

Greg - Like I say I'm not sure. Only tests will confirm one way or another. I really do think she should have the tests just to be safe

Bob nods his head

Bob - I'll get on to it right away

Colleen is in her office with Chrissie

Colleen - Are you ok?

Chrissie - What do you reckon?

Colleen - Yes I know. Look I know this is hard on you but that baby belongs with her mother and in time you will realize that

Chrissie - It's like I told you before, Maxwell's a bitch

Colleen - How you feel about Maxwell is irrelevant. You had no right to steal her baby

Chrissie - She was my baby, I loved her like my own

Chrissie is tearful again

Colleen - Listen, Chrissie, about Mr Walters, did he hurt you?

Chrissie shakes her head

Chrissie - No

Colleen - If he did you can tell me, no need to be afraid

Chrissie - He didn't hurt me, I was misbehaving just like he said

Colleen sighs

Colleen - You'll have to go to isolation

Chrissie - I'll go bleeding potty up there on my own

Colleen - It's for your own protection. The other women could kill you for what you did, you know how they hate crimes against children

Chrissie - But I never hurt Charlotte, I loved her

Colleen - You threatened to jump off an 8th-floor balcony with her remember?

Chrissie bows her head

Chrissie - I wasn't in my right mind when I did that

Colleen - I know, but the other women aren't likely to care about that are they?

Chrissie - They can do what they like to me. I don't care anymore anyway

Colleen- While you're under my care I will do all I can to keep you safe and it's as simple as that

There is a knock at the door

Colleen - Come in

Marina enters

Marina - I have Webster and Raymond outside, which one do you want to see first?

Colleen - I'll see Raymond first....you can take Latham to the isolation wing

Colleen looks at Chrissie

Colleen - Go with the officer Latham

Chrissie gets up to leave with Marina

Colleen - I trust Mr Cotton is taking care of the rats?

Marina - Yes he is

Marina leaves the office with Chrissie

Janice and Kelly are in the corridor outside

Marina - She wants to see you first Raymond

Janice is as white as a sheet and unsteady on her feet as she gets up and enters the office

The laundry

Bea arrives

Shirley is on the press

Shirley - I kept it warm for you

She steps off

Bea - You can keep it, I'm stepping down as the top dog

Shirley looks stunned

Shirley - You're kidding right?

Bea - No, I have other things to worry about right now. You wanted to be top dog so nows your chance

Bea quietly goes to the folding table

The room is silent, everyone looks at Bea with surprise

Sandra is with Bob

Bob - So Dr. Miller wants Leanne to go for tests

Sandra looks fretful

Sandra - So he does think something is wrong with her then?

Bob - Yes it seems that way

Sandra - Damn it! She has suffered for days when she should have been seen earlier

Bob - There is little point going over that now, the important thing now is to get her to the hospital for the tests. Someone will have to go with her

Sandra - I'll go with her

Bob - Yes ok if you wish...why all the concern for her anyway?

Sandra - She is so young and she's a good kid. She deserves better than this place

Bob - Not many would agree with you when you consider her crime

Sandra - But she's very sorry about that I know she is. Who are any of us to judge anyway? She's a really good kid, people would see that if they made the effort to get to know her

Bob - Yes well I'll get it arranged. Dr. Miller seemed to think the sooner she has the tests the better so I will try and get it arranged for her to have them later today

Sandra nods her head and looks concerned

Sandra - I do hope the kids alright

Marina walks along a corridor with Chrissie

Marina - Latham eh? The baby snatcher? No wonder the governor wants you in isolation, I can't imagine you'd be too popular among the women, they don't like baby snatchers do they? What do you think about it?....

Chrissie doesn't reply

Marina - What do you think Latham? Answer me when I ask you a question

Chrissie - Yeah I expect you're right

Marina - You can address me as Miss Donovan from now on

They arrive at a cell

Marina -get in

Chrissie does as she is told

Marina - Oh and just so you know, I don't like baby snatchers either. You may be safe from the other prisoners but are you safe from myself and the other officers if we decide to have a go at you eh?

Marina chuckles

Marina - See you later Latham

Marina leaves the cell

Janice is with Colleen sat trembling

Colleen - I realize it is difficult meeting like this again but I will be professional about it. What went on in the past is the past anyway

Janice - I didn't do anything wrong anyway. It was Vera who knowingly cheated with Ian

Colleen - Yes well we won't go over all that again... I want to make sure you are ok, you seem shaken up

Janice is tearful

Janice - Well wouldn't you be? Locked in with those savage rats for hours and hours?

Colleen - Yes I know

Janice - No you don't. I hate those bastards. when it got dark I could feel and hear them moving around but I couldn't see them. They tried to attack me you know...they bit my legs

Janice rolls her trousers up and shows Colleen her legs. They are covered in bites and dry blood

Colleen (shocked) - My god, I'll get the sister to see to them right away

Janice is crying

Janice - I really was very frightened

Colleen gets up and guides Janice out into the corridor.

Colleen sees Kelly sitting waiting

Colleen -I'll see you in a minute, Webster, I just need to take Raymond to the infirmary first

Kelly - Oh sure Miss, don't rush on my account. I'm free all day long

They walk past Kelly who smirks at Janice as they go

Colleen - I'll get the sister to give you a sedative

Shanice is with Greg in the surgery

Shanice - So I get these bloody awful headaches, see?

Greg - A-ha and what do you think brings them on?

Shanice - Well the stress, of course, I shouldn't be here you know. Prison is no place for me, I am too timid and gentle. I always did suffer from terrible nerves, take after my ma

Greg (doubtful) - Yes I see

Shanice - So what can you give me eh doc?

Greg goes to the cabinet and takes out a bottle of pills

Greg - Take one of these twice a day and that should help with the nerves

Shanice - Oh cheers doc! You're a real nice sort....single are you?

Greg - Yes I am now

Shanice - So am I you know...

Shanice lays a hand on Greg, he brushes her off

Shanice - Only trying to be friendly

Greg - I think you should leave now, send the next one in

Shanice - Well with that bedside manner no wonder you're alone!

Greg (shirty)- If you must know my marriage has just ended after 8 years, so I'll thank you to keep your comments to yourself

Shanice - Well how was I supposed to know that? Bloody hell...well I think she's mad to let a good man like you go

Greg - Yes well I'd rather not discuss it if you don't mind

Greg gets tearful

Greg - I knew coming back here would be a mistake, being here reminds me of her

Shanice - How come?

Greg - Well she was in here as a prisoner once, years ago you see....I was here years ago too

Shanice - A prison romance eh?

Greg attempts a chuckle

Greg -Yes I suppose so for a while until she got released and we got married.....we were so happy until she cheated on me

Shanice - Lousy bitch, I hate cheaters me! I'd never cheat on my Des...his brother Normy did try it on but I gave him a punch to the balls and said get lost!

Greg - I never thought Karen was the type to cheat, I still can't believe it even now

Shanice smirks

Shanice - I might have known! So you were married to Karen eh?

Greg - Yes...did you know her then?

Shanice - Oh I knew her alright, only recently too. Pretending to play happy families with a man she wasn't married to! Ooh, I always said she was a bad egg!

Greg - Are you sure you knew her?

Shanice - Karen yes! She had been in here before, she boasted about it to me. She had two kids, a boy, and a girl

Greg nods his head

Greg - Yes, that will be our son and daughter we had together

Greg cries and Shanice puts an arm around him

Shanice - You poor poor man, if I see Karen again I'll give her what for let me tell you

Kath walks out of the airport with her two babies

Alan Maxwell is reading a note and looking upset as Cheryl arrives

He waves the note at her

Alan - Did you know about this?

Cheryl - Know about what?

Alan - She says she still loves Jim, she's going back to Melbourne for him. She feels getting back with me is a mistake

Cheryl - No she never said anything to me, I'm sorry though

Alan - Yeah well I want you out! I'm sorry but you're Kath's friend, not mine. I never wanted you here

Cheryl - Yes relax, I'm moving in with Billy today

Alan - Good

Cheryl leaves the room

Alan pours a drink and looks at the note again

Alan - You bitch Kath. I really did want to give it another go even if you didn't

Kelly is with Colleen in the office

Kelly - Did Janice get seen to ok?

Colleen - Yes thank you

Kelly shakes her head in mock sadness

Kelly - Poor bitch, its always the ones you least expect who go to water ain't it

Colleen - Lots of people are scared of rats, its not unusual

Kelly - Well Raymond isn't as tough as she makes out that's all I'm saying.

Colleen - What about you, are you alright?

Kelly - I'm absolutely fine yes

Colleen - Really? It can't have been a pleasant experience for you

Kelly - I hated being locked in with those damn rats as much as she did but I'm not about to fall to pieces over it as she did. It takes more than that to beat Kelly Webster

At Wentworth, the women are at lunch. Bea has sat alone as Judy joins her

Judy - I heard a rumour, Bea, I don't like it very much. I'm hoping you can tell me its wrong

Bea - If it's about me stepping down as top dog I can't tell you that I'm sorry

Judy - But why Bea? The women need you, no one else is up to the job

Bea - I have my reasons and that's all there is to it

Judy - What reasons?

Bea - That needn't concern you...

Judy - Needn't concern me? I'm your friend, I'm worried about you. I know there must be something wrong

Bea -can't I be left in peace? I just want some bloody peace, is that too much to ask?

Judy - Please Bea, tell me what's happened

Bea gets up to leave in a strop and comes face to face with Sandra in the doorway. She stands glaring at her in pure fury

Sandra smirks at her

Sandra - Got something to say, Smith?

Bea - It can keep

Sandra - In that case move out if you're going. You're only blocking the doorway standing there like that

Bea leaves

Alan Maxwell is sitting drinking whisky and looking sorry for himself as Cheryl arrives with her suitcases

Cheryl - Well I'm off then. Billy will be arriving in a moment. I'll wait for him outside

Alan - Ok then. goodbye

Cheryl turns to go and then pauses again

Cheryl - Look for what it's worth I really am sorry about Kath. I didn't know what she was planning to do, she's often very private about things but I don't believe for one moment that she wanted to hurt you. She just never stopped loving Jim that's all

Alan Well I guess it would never have worked out for us getting back together, I was a fool to think I would

Cheryl - Yes well good luck...

Cheryl turns to leave again as Alan calls out after her

Alan - Good luck to you too, I hope it works out with Billy

Cheryl gives Alan a smile and then she's gone

In the infirmary, Leanne is dressed in her civvies as Sandra arrives

Sandra - Are you ready?

Leanne - Yes...Miss, i'm scared

Sandra - Whatever for?

Leanne - Well why do I have to have tests? They must think there is something really wrong with me

Sandra - Don't be so silly love, it's just to make sure isn't it

Leanne - But what if something is wrong?

Sandra - Then we will at least know what it is so we can treat it won't we. Come on it's time to go

They walk out of the infirmary

Meg is in the staff room as Greg arrives

Greg - Oh hello, on a break I see...

Meg -Yes but it's time I got back to work...

Meg lays her coffee cup down and gets up to leave

Greg - Meg wait, please don't rush off

Meg - I have work to do Greg

Greg - I know but can't we talk for a moment?

Meg - Well what about?

Greg - I think you know what about?

Meg studies the floor

Meg - Look Greg, I think you should find somewhere else to stay

Greg - Now you're being ridiculous!

Meg - No I don't think I am. It's for the best, I mean the flat is a bit crowded what with Vera staying as well

Greg - That's not the real reason you're asking me to leave and you know it

Meg - I have to get back to work, I'm sorry

Meg leaves the room

Sandra and Leanne arrive at the reception

Sandra - Sign out in the book Leanne

Leanne does as she is told

They are about to leave as Kath enters and comes face to face with Sandra. Kath doesn't have her babies with her

GATESLAM

PART 2

Back in reception

Sandra - What are you doing back here Maxwell? I knew you couldn't keep put for long? Where's the escorting officer?

Kath - Sorry to disappoint you but I'm not here as a prisoner. I came to visit Bob

Sandra - You would have done better to stay away, I haven't forgotten what you did to me...

Kath - I'm sure you haven't

Sandra - Yes I never let go of a grudge.....

Meg arrives

Meg - You're still here Mrs Clements? I thought you and Leanne would have left by now

Sandra - Yes we're going now

Sandra and Leanne leave

Meg is left behind with Kath

Meg - You've come to see Bob I suppose?

Kath - Yes I have

Meg - Sign in and I'll take you through

Kath signs the book and they begin up the corridor

Meg - Bob told me you left to live in Perth? What happened there?

Kath - I decided my place is here in Melbourne with Jim

Meg - I hear you were reunited with your daughter?

Kath - Yes I was, I hope now I will bond with her

Meg - Everything worked out well for you in the end didn't it

Kath - Yes, I sense you resent that Mrs Morris?

Meg - Well let's not forget that my Marty is in the graveyard

Kath - And that's somehow my fault is it?

Meg - Partly yes

Kath - My children could be your grandchildren, you should come and see them sometime

Meg - No thanks

Kath - Suit yourself, your loss

Meg - Look they could just as likely be Rodney's children couldn't they. I don't want to be a grandmother to two kids that aren't my grandchildren, why the hell should I?

Colleen has Dwyer in her office with her

Dwyer - I hope this is important Mrs Powell? I am a very busy man

Colleen - Yes it's important

Dwyer - Why aren't you still in Tasmania anyway? You still had a few more days

Colleen - I decided to come back early and it's a good job I did

Dwyer - And what about Mr Carlson? Did he decide to come back early too?

Colleen - No he's still there

Dwyer - Well I'm glad to see one of you has some sense at least. The department didn't spend money on a holiday for you just so you could return early! We don't have the cash to waste!

Colleen - Well like I say it's a damn good job I did return early. It allowed me to catch Donovan in the act. No doubt had I returned when I was expected to she would have removed them by then

Dwyer - Removed what?

Colleen - The rats she let into the cells of two prisoners in solitary

Dwyer - Ah yes she told me about that, an excellent idea I must say. Along with the cold showers and early lockups

Colleen looks disgusted

Colleen - You knew about this?

Dwyer - Indeed yes

Colleen - And you find it acceptable?

Dwyer - If it helps keep discipline then why not?

Colleen - You're mad...the women will be driven to riot eventually if this carries on

Dwyer - And if they do they will be punished even more severely!

Colleen - Well I don't agree with these conditions, allow me to make that quite clear

Dwyer - You are free to resign if you wish, although I'll be sorry to see you go

Colleen - Will you appoint Donovan as governor if I did resign?

Dwyer delivers a cheesy smile

Dwyer - Yes of course, aside from yourself there is no one more suited to the job

Colleen - Well I have no intention of resigning Mr Dwyer

Dwyer - Good to hear it...

Colleen - Nor do I have any intention of accepting these inhumane changes here

Dwyer gets angry

Dwyer - Now look here...

Colleen - No you look here, I can go even further over your head if I have to. I can even go to the media too if I want. I'll make sure everyone knows about the conditions you think are acceptable for Blackmoor

Dwyer is bright red in the face with anger