‘Oh Helen, do you really think I could just stand there and watch you get killed? By the Gods woman, if you only knew…’ But outwardly Nikki stayed silent and waited.

But what Helen and Nikki didn’t count on were the several loyal friends Nikki had made unknowingly throughout her time at Larkhall.
Yvonne spoke first on her behalf; “She’s right, they could be of crucial importance if we have to bust out of here! And taken Hollamby’s nagging at the side, I’ve never encountered serious problems with any of the screws before.”
“Yeah” the 2 Julies piped in.
“Most of em are really nice even!” Julie S. continued
“Nice!” Julie V put in.
At the far end a small voice was heard; “And don’t any of you think of hurting Nikki! Or it’s ME you’ll have to answer to!”
All eyes turned to the back and people stepped out of the way to see who’d spoken so vehemently, but Nikki already knew who was sticking up for her; Barbara, her faithful cellmate came into view. Barbara stepped forward and only came to a halt when she was in front of Nikki.
“I am with you my friend, all the way!” she said and laid her hand on Nikki’s shoulder.
‘I owe you one, friend.’ Nikki’s eyes conveyed to Barbara when Barbara came closer to stand behind her.
Then Yvonne started talking again; “Yeah! No one will hurt Nikki! If there’s anyone in here who has always watched our back in this shit-hole it’s Nikki, if she could help out anywhere she did! If there was trouble, Nikki was in the middle of it!” and she gave a Nikki a small smile when she said that, “And I for one, put my faith in her! If she thinks this is the best thing to do, the best course of action to get us out of here safe and sound…well, then I am with her and I’ll support her the rest of the way!”
And with that said, Yvonne marched out of the group and came to stand behind Nikki, facing the rest of the inmates.
Next were the two Julies who advanced and Julie S. said; “Hey Nik, we’re with ya love!”, Julie V. added; “We’re behind ya babes!” and they too joined Barbara and Yvonne.
Throughout it all, Nikki had been having trouble keeping her tears at bay. They trusted her, they really put their faith and lives in her hands if point came to shove. Whatever did she deserve to earn so much trust! Gods! Crystal was the next to pledge her loyalty to the flabbergasted con and soon others followed her lead.
More and more murmurs rose in favour of Nikki and more joined her following, soon only Shell, Denny and Anna remained standing in front of Nikki.
“ARE YOU GUYS GONE BONKERS OR WHAT?!” Shell cried out, “TAKIN THAT LESBO’S SIDE!?”
“You know what Shell, “ Denny spoke, “I think she’s got a point you know, maybe she…”
“OH SHUT IT DENNY! YOU’RE SO STUPID YOU COULDN’T EVEN SEE A STOPSIGN IF THEY HIT YOU IN THE HEAD WITH IT! SO WHY DON’T YOU LEAVE THE THINKING TO ME AYE!” and with that Shell turned towards Nikki again.
But before Shell could start spouting again Denny stepped forward and spoke to Nikki and her followers;
Listen Nikki, I think you’re right okay. This is right. And if you’d take me I want to be on your side.”
A smiling Nikki gave a slight nod, sending a huge smile on Denny’s face.
Shell realized she had lost this fight but she also knew that she could never join Nikki out of free will so it was best to just walk, she still had Anna and her pride…well, some of it.
“OH GIVE ME A BREAK! YA BUNCH OF NO GOOD CONS! COME ON ANNA! WE’RE OUT OF HERE!”
“Euhm Shell? I think I’ll stay here…with Nikki and the rest…I mean…it’s really for the…”
“FUCK YOU, YOU BACKSTABBING TART! I DON’T NEED YOU! SO STAY WITH THESE WANKERS, SEE IF I GIVE A SHIT!”
And quickly Shell shot off towards her cell, throwing it closed with a loud bang.