"It’s really good to see you, you know?" Bette said softly.

"It’s good to see you too" Nikki placed a hand on Bette’s arm "I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner"

"It’s ok, I understand. You’ve got a lot going on"

Nikki smiled "I know. But don’t think for a moment that I’ve forgotten about you, or the other girls"

"I wouldn’t think that. So, what’s it like then? Being free? And how are things with…" Bette paused, not wanting to give away Nikki’s secret in the middle of the prison visiting room.

"Things are great. Better than I could have every imagined. I’ve got my own place now. You know, in case anyone looks into it…"

Bette nodded.

"It’s kind of what I came to talk to you about really. About getting you to the place that I am now"

Bette laughed softly "You’re not the only one that wants to talk about that"

"Her?" Nikki asked.

Bette nodded.

"Well I think I might be able to help you. I’ve spoken to my solicitor, Claire, and she’d be interested in taking on your case"

"Look Nikki, I don’t mean to be rude but…"

"Bette, listen to me" Nikki cut in "Just give it a try, yeah? I couldn’t have got without her. Tell….blondie….to get in touch. What harm can it do?"

Bette sighed and sat back in her chair "I just….I already feel like this is so out of my hands"

Nikki nodded "It will feel like that sometimes. But when you’re in here…well, your options are pretty limited. You need some people on the outside to fight your corner. People with more resources and access to information than you"

"I know, but…."

"Bette, you think I haven’t been there? Stubborness and all? I’m just giving you some friendly advice to try and speed up the process for you. The sooner you accept that you’re going to have to rely on other people, the sooner you can get the ball rolling on this. Don’t you want to get out of here?"

Bette had to crack a smile at Nikki’s forcefulness "Of course I do"

"Then let people help you. The people that care about you, and know what they’re doing"

"Ok, ok!" Bette exclaimed.

"Good. Because it’s my birthday in six weeks, and I want you and your missus there"

Bette raised an eyebrow "I think that’s a little ambitious, don’t you?"

"Anything is possible Bette. And if you’re as innocent as you and I know you are, as soon as the truth comes to light, you’ll be out of here"

"I wish I had your confidence. But I have to be realistic here. I can’t get my hopes up too high, or hers"

"But you have to believe it’s possible, otherwise nothing will happen. It’s finding the right balance" Nikki told her.

Bette nodded, her resolve being worn down.

"So, can I let Claire get in touch with your pretty lady?"

Bette laughed "Only if you never call her that again"

"Deal" Nikki grinned.

"Time’s up, say your goodbyes!" Officer Hollamby’s voice rang around the room.

The two women rolled their eyes at one another. They stood up to embrace.

"Just remember, six weeks on Saturday I want you at my flat. You and Tina" Nikki whispered.

"I promise to try"

The women smiled at each other and sent a silent message of understanding with their eyes. As she was escorted back to the wing, Bette felt hopeful for the first time in a long while. Despite her protests, the knowledge that a group of people were willing to fight her corner offered her a great source of comfort.

**************************************************************************************************

When she had finished her shift and made her way home, Tina sat down on her sofa and poured herself a large glass of wine. She pulled the crumpled piece of paper from her pocket and stared at it for a few moments.

Franklin Phillips

Board of Directors at the CAC

Offshore accounting

The name rang a bell. Immediately she pulled out her laptop and began to look into the man who possibly held the key to getting Bette’s freedom.