Vera flushed ‘I just went in to use the restrooms that’s all, I’m not staying out. Why don’t you go back’.

‘nah I’m done, nothin’ doing in there tonight’ said Franky, stretching her arms out and placing her hands behind her head. Vera marvelled at the confident swagger that was still there after all these years. She wished for just a taste of that self-assuredness. As Governor, she had the uniform to hide behind and regulations to steer the way but out in the real world, life was unpredictable and hard for her to navigate most of the time. She felt vulnerable away from the prison.

A taxi pulled up as Franky started to tell Vera how she had been let out last year. Vera made a beeline for the cab and Franky asked if they could share. Vera was reluctant as she was more than aware of the rules regarding fraternizing with ex prisoners. However, with the cab driver there, she wouldn’t be alone with Doyle. It would be less trouble to agree so she said yes.

They both got into the back and Vera gave her address. She instantly regretted doing so, thinking how stupid it was as she said it. ‘Now this ex crim will know where you live Vera’ again her mum’s voice was there in case she needed reminding of her failings.

The conversation continued during the journey, meaning Franky talked about her life and exploits on the outside and Vera sat wishing herself back at home with the TV on and a drink in her hand. While she talked, Vera was aware of how close they were sitting. At Wentworth they never would have sat like this, as equals almost. It unnerved her and made her feel exposed. This woman could do anything to her right now. Prisoners can hold grudges she thought, even against the officers they liked, and Vera had not been well liked.

Franky seemed to be able to smell her fear and used it to her advantage. She shuffled ever so slightly closer and placed her hand on the seat between them. Her little finger was just touching Vera’s leg. Vera was aware but didn’t know if it was intentional so let it go. It didn’t move away. As Franky talked she slowly started tracing her finger along Vera’s stockinged thigh in small light circles. Her conversation didn’t waver, and she made no reference to what she was doing. Vera tried to listen but found but it hard to focus on anything but these movements and the uneasy thrill they gave her. She now knew that Doyle’s actions were not accidental. This understanding frightened her but stirred something in her, again she thought, this woman could do anything to her right now and the way she was feeling she might let her.