The door swung open, jolting Helen awake. Instinctively, she scrambled to her feet, but immediately her head started to spin and she had to steady herself against the wall. She had meant to stay awake all night, ready to snap into action as soon as she was released. But the exhaustion that had been creeping up on her for days had finally taken its toll.
She looked up to see Sarah Bradshaw approaching. The prison officer looked tense, but was trying to hide this behind a forced smile.
‘You’re not supposed to be out until ten, but I thought I’d do you a favour. If you want any breakfast, you’d best go now.’
But if Sarah was hoping for a friendly reception, she was disappointed. Helen was immediately upon her.
‘Where is he?’
‘Who?’ the startled prison officer replied, backing off.
‘Robins.’
‘He … he’s in with the PPS.’
‘Where?’
‘Bassett’s office.’
‘Have they charged him?’
‘No, course not. They haven’t got a thing on him. Not really –’
‘What happens when they finish with him?’
‘Why do you want to –’
But Sarah didn’t get to finish her sentence. Helen grabbed her by the collar and pulled her in close.
‘Where can I find him?’
They were practically nose-to-nose now and Helen was gratified to see that the prison officer looked scared.
‘The locker rooms, I guess,’ Sarah stuttered in reply. ‘He’s been suspended so he’ll get his things and go home until the smoke clears …’
Until the smoke clears. Helen could have slapped Sarah for her comical understatement, but instead she pushed past her.
‘You can’t go there.’
‘Try and stop me.’
‘We’re not finished here.’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘We had a deal. I scratch your back, you scra—’
The whining prison officer was now pulling her smartphone from her pocket. But even she seemed to lack the necessary conviction today.
‘Our deal’s over.’
‘But I need a photo. I told Garanita I’d get another photo.’
Helen paused in the doorway, smiling ruefully.
‘Ok, then …’
Surprised, Sarah held up her phone. Helen turned back to her and just before Sarah hit the button, Helen raised her middle finger to the camera.
‘… there’s your picture.’
And with that, she was gone.