A prison van pulls into the yard and an attractive young female officer is waiting as the doors are opened. Bea steps out

The officer - Good evening Smith, I'm officer Rogers

Bea - Got a first name have you?

The officer - Sure, it's Jacqueline but you will of course address me as officer Rogers

Bea - Of course

Another prisoner is brought out from inside the prison - Cass Parker

Jacqueline - Ok Parker in the van

Cass - Yes Miss

Cass looks around sadly

Cass - Gee I'm gonna miss this place Miss. Good bunch of Sheila's here. Even Miss Bennett, I reckon I'll miss her too

Cass looks at Bea with a cheery smile

Cass - You're new ain't ya? I wish I could stay longer and talk to you, I like talking to people

Jacqueline looks annoyed

Jacqueline - Come on Parker, in the van! The men are waiting

Cass - Gee sorry Mrs Rogers....well seeya then

Cass steps into the van that Bea has just got out of

Cass - Wentworth here I come!

Jacqueline slams the door shut

Jacqueline - Come with me, there is someone who is just dying to meet you

Bea and Jacqueline walk towards the prison

Inside a smirking Vera is waiting as Bea enters

Vera - Well Smith! How nice to see you again. Didn't I tell you that one day we would meet again? I have been waiting for this moment to come. It took longer than I hoped but I just knew it would happen eventually

Bea gives Vera a look of contempt

Vera - Wipe that look off your face Smith, unless you want to go on report straight away. That would be an awful start for you wouldn't it

Bea - Are we going to stand here all night or do I get to see my dorm at some point? I had a long drive over here, I am very tired I'm sure you can appreciate that

Vera - All in good time Smith!

The rec room

Three familiar faces are sitting around

Willie Beacham. May Collins and Marie Winter

Willie is in some kind of strop while May is busy knitting and Marie is sitting at the table playing cards with some other prisoners

Willie - Why they didn't get rid of Parker sooner I'll never know! That lunatic terrified me, that awful temper! And now she has killed poor old Officer Watson!

Willie shakes her head with dismay

Willie - I could be traumatized for life! I knew it was a tragedy waiting to happen, I warned them but would any of them listen, no of course not. We're just a bunch of crims after all, why should anyone listen to anything we have to say!

May - Well she's gone now love

Willie - It could have been me she killed!

May rolls her eyes

Willie - I HAVE A GOOD MIND TO COMPLAIN TO THE GOVERNOR ABOUT IT LET ME TELL YOU!

May - Well good luck with that my dearest Wilhelmina, I remember how far you got the last time you tried complaining to Bennett

Willie - THIS TIME I WILL MAKE SURE SHE LISTENS, YOU MARK MY WORDS MAY COLLINS!

Willie starts to wail and pulls a hankie out of her pocket and begins to wipe her eyes dry

Willie - IT IS ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING! THAT'S WHAT IT IS

Marie puffs on a fag and turns around looking annoyed

Marie - Oh what is that crazy bitch on about now?

May - I couldn't say, dear, I was only half-listening

Willie - OH WERE YOU INDEED!

May - When you have known Wilhelmina as long as I have you learn to switch off from her waffle

Willie looks outraged

Willie - Waffle?!

Marie -Well can't you shut the stupid cow up Collins? Some of us want to play cards in peace

Willie - WHO ARE YOU CALLING A STUPID COW?

Marie - You sweetheart

Willie - Are you going to let her talk to me like that May Collins?

May - Yes Wilhelmina I reckon I am....you see I have had enough of your noise the same way she has

Willie - fine I know where I'm not wanted! So on that note, I shall bid you all goodnight!

Willie gets up and marches out of the room

Marie - Thank god for that, I was beginning to think I was gonna have to stuff one of your cardigans down her throat to shut her up May

May looks offended while Marie lets out a naughty chuckle

Bea appears in the doorway accompanied by Jacqueline

Marie stops laughing

Marie - Well well well, look what the cat dragged in

Bea and Marie stare at each other

Bea - They must let any old rubbish in here these days

Marie leaps out of her chair

Marie (Angry) - WHAT WAS THAT SMITH?

Bea - You heard

Jacqueline - Miss Bennett warned me to make sure there is no trouble between you two Marie so I'm watching you ok

Marie - Oh sure Mrs. Rogers, no worries. How's that lovely new hubby of yours?

Jacqueline - He's fine thank you

Marie - Rogers married her dear Steve last Saturday Smith, ain't that sweet

Jacqueline - Just behave yourselves, I mean it

Jacqueline leaves the room again

May puts her knitting down and looks at Marie

May -Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend Marie?

Marie - She's no friend of mine!

Bea approaches May and holds out a hand

Bea - Bea Smith love

May shakes her hand

May - So you're the famous Bea Smith, I've heard a lot about you dear

Bea studies May's face

Bea - It's so spooky, you look the spitting image of my old friend Val, you really do

May smiles

May - Do I, dear? That's nice...

Marie rolls her eyes

Marie - I think I preferred listening to Beacham's hysterics over this!

Bea - If you don't want to listen to it get lost

Marie - I'm the top dog here Smith! No one tells me to get lost!

Bea - We can soon change that Marie......anyway what happened to that bitch Miss Roberts who was here last time I visited? You know the one who looks like Ann Reynolds evil sister

May - She's on long service leave just now love, back in a months time

Jacqueline is on the phone in the staff room

Jacqueline - I thought I'd ring your mum

Sandra is on the other end

Sandra - How are you settling in love?

Jacqueline - Well so far, the top dog here is a bit of a bitch and so is the governor. But otherwise, my first week has gone well. There was a new arrival this evening, a Bea Smith. She looks like she could be trouble. How is life at Boggo Road since I left?

Sandra - Well Lorelei got released a few days ago. She wanted to visit that friend of hers, you remember the one she told us about? Used to work at Boggo road before I took over as governor and had a relationship with a prisoner

Jacqueline - Oh the one called Joan?

Sandra - That's the one yes.... well poor old Lori was upset to find Joan has moved away. No longer in Queensland

Jacqueline - Oh what a shame. Well give Lori my regards next time you see her won't you

Sandra - I will love

Myra Desmond is sitting in the visitor's room smoking a cigarette as Bea is shown in by Jacqueline. They hug

Jacqueline - No physical contact, please

Myra rolls her eyes

Myra - These lousy dumps never change do they, Bea?

Bea - You're right there love.....thanks for coming to see me

Myra - It's the least I could do love. How are you settling in?

Bea - Ok I suppose. Shame I have to see Bennett again....and Marie

Myra - Yes I heard Marie is top dog here these days

Bea -Yes, well I'll have to watch her. see what sort of a job she's making of it

Myra - Is there anything I can do for you, Bea? Anything you need?

Bea - Could you visit Lizzie for me? Tell her I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye but that lousy mongrel Ferguson wouldn't let me

Myra smiles and takes a puff on her fag

Myra - Sure love I can do that

Bea - Thanks....tell the silly old coot to look after herself

Myra - I will

Bea - Visit Jude for me too. Ask her if she can come and see me sometime.....

The women stand around as Bea and Marie fight in the middle of the yard. Bea is clearly winning

Willie looks fretful

Willie - Oh May can't you do something?

May - What can I do?

Willie - Stop them before one of them gets killed!

May - No way lady, I'm not getting in between those two. You want to stop them, stop them yourself!

Willie jumps up and down with worry

Officers rush in to break up the fight

Bea and Marie are pulled apart

Marie has a bloody nose

Willie holds out a hankie

Willie - There you are dear, why don't you clean yourself up a bit eh? You look absolutely frightful

Marie knocks Willie's arm away

Jacqueline - What the hell do you two think you're playing at?

Bea smirks

Bea - Just showing Marie who the new boss is

Jacqueline - You can both accompany me to see the governor now

Marie (belligerent) - Why me, I didn't start it! She attacked me!

Jacqueline - No arguments Winter!

Jacqueline tries to pull Marie along as Marie yanks herself free

Marie - OK OK I CAN WALK THERE ON MY OWN, DON; T NEED ANY HELP FROM YOU

Jacqueline - Get moving then

Marie glares angrily at Bea as they move off

Myra is in the reception with Vera

Vera - You again Desmond? Don't you have a life?

Myra - Nice to see you too Vera...

Vera - What do you want this time?

Myra - I came to see Bea

Vera - Again? You saw her last week

Myra - Yes and correct me if I'm wrong but prisoners are allowed one visit a week are they not?

Vera glares at her with fury

Vera - Sign the book!

Myra - Yes Miss Bennett, of course

Myra smirks at Vera and signs in

Myra is with Bea in the visitor's room

Myra - So you took over as top dog?

Bea - Of course, I did, can't have a bitch like Marie in charge can we

Myra shakes her head and smiles with admiration

Myra - Gotta hand it to you, Bea, you certainly don't waste much time

Bea - Did you visit Lizzie for me?

Myra - I tried to, they wouldn't let me in

Bea - The rotten bastards!

Myra - How about if you write a letter I'll deliver it for you?

Bea - Thanks love, that will have to do.....hey did you see Jude?

Myra looks upset

Myra - No, I'm afraid I have some bad news, Bea. Jude's back inside

Bea looks shocked

Bea is in the rec room with May and Willie. May proudly presents her with a cardigan

May - I have to admit I wasn't sure about you at first, but I reckon you'll do love

Willie - Better than that bitch Winter anyway

Bea - Thank you, its very kind

May - I only knit cardigans for people I like dear...I never knitted one for Marie

Willie is furious

Willie - YOU NEVER KNITTED ONE FOR ME EITHER!

May - Oh put a sock in it, Willie!

Willie - AND I THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS!

Willie runs out in tears. May rolls her eyes while Bea chuckles

May - Welcome to Barnehurst love

GATESLAM

PART 2

Bea is being escorted down the corridor by Jacqueline

Bea - Why all the secrecy anyway? Is it Myra? She's pretty much the only visitor i get these days

Jacqueline - I can't tell you who it is Smith. it would spoil the surprise. She asked me not to say

They arrive at the visitors' room where Lizzie is sitting waiting

Bea smiles with Joy and rushes for a hug

Bea - When did you get out?

Lizzie - A couple of days ago

Bea - It's great to see ya

They sit down

Lizzie - I'm glad t be out of that place, it's not been the same since you left

Bea - But Jude's there isn't she?

Lizzie - Yeah....it still stinks without you though. I'm never going back this time

Bea smiles at Lizzie cheekily

Bea - Come on love you say that every time

Lizzie - Yeah....well this time I mean it don't i.... I've got my family to think of this time

Bea looks surprised

Bea - Family?

Lizzie smiles with happiness

Lizzie - Yeah me son Arthur, I'm finally reunited with him after all these years, So you see I have a reason to stay out this time

Bea looks delighted

Bea - I'm pleased for ya

Lizzie looks upset for a moment

Lizzie - Why did you leave without saying goodbye Bea? I called for you but you never answered. i banged at the gate but you were gone

Bea has tears in her eyes

Bea - That mongrel Ferguson wouldn't let me say goodbye. I never wanted to leave like that believe me

Lizzie is tearful too

Lizzie - I was worried that I had done something wrong, upset you in some way

Bea - You silly old coot, I love ya don't i. You're the best friend I ever had

They hug warmly again

Bea - Promise me something

Lizzie - Anything Bea?

Bea - Make a go of it with your family. don't go back inside anymore. You're too old for it now, live your last years free as Mum did eh

Lizzie looks very serious and talks very serious for a moment

Lizzie - I'm never going back now. I've had enough of it

Bea - That's what I want to hear

A down-looking Myra is in the visiting room with Bea

Bea - Myra, don't take this the wrong way but you look bloody awful

Myra - I feel bloody awful too. Haven't been getting much sleep lately

Bea - What's wrong? Maybe I can help?

Myra smiles and shakes her head

Myra - Thanks love but no one can help

Bea - It might help to talk about it

Myra takes a puff on her cigarette and rubs her hand over the side of her head

Myra - Oh it's just Kay. I'm worried about her and that bastard Bill isn't doing a thing to help. It's like he doesn't even care

Bea - sounds like someone else I used to know

Myra - I'm at my wit's end

Bea - Well if I can ever do anything to help all you have to do is shout ok?

Myra smiles

Myra - Thanks love, you're a good friend

Willie and May are listening to the radio in their cell

Radio Announcer - Camilla Wells our well loved talk show host will tonight be spending her first night behind bars at the Wentworth Detention Centre and I'm sure I speak for us all when I say our thoughts are with her right now

Willie turns the radio off and pulls a face

Willie - Camilla Well, all Mrs's high and mighty! what about the rest of us in here, that's what I want to know! No one gives us a thought, do they!

May turns the radio back on

May - I was listening to that if you don't mind!

Willie - Well I've just about had enough of it!

Willie over dramatically lays down on her bed and places a pillow over her face

Jacqueline is with Marie

Marie - what I want Sweetheart is another shipment of drugs or your dear old hubby cops it Don't he!

Jacqueline looks fretful

Jacqueline - Look I can't, enough's enough

Marie - I don't want to hear can't! All I want to hear is ''yes Marie, I'll do whatever you say, Marie''

Jacqueline looks close to tears

Jacqueline is back on the phone with Sandra

Jacqueline -She is threatening to have Steve killed if I don't co-operate. I don't know what to do mum

Sandra -- Didn't I warn you not to tell the prisoners too much about your personal life?

Jacqueline - Yes I know mum. I know I've been a fool

Sandra - You have to tell the police what she is doing

Jacqueline - How can I? She's bound to carry through her threat then

Sandra - Well you can't keep giving in to her with the drugs love

Jacqueline looks tearful

Jacqueline - I know mum....god this is all such a mess. I wish I was back in Boggo road with you

The rec room

Bea, May, and willie are sitting around the table playing cards

Jacqueline arrives in the doorway and Willie rushes over

Willie - Where is Mrs Roberts today Miss?

Jacqueline - She is off sick with flu

Willie - Blast! I wanted to see her

Jacqueline - Anything I can help you with?

Willie - Oh I don't think so dear, thank you all the same. No, it's just that I wanted to ask her for her recipe for shortbread biscuits. That batch she brought in the other day was simply divine!

Vera arrives in the doorway with a smartly dressed, cool, confident-looking woman who looks in the manner of a Toni McNally, a Ruth Ballinger, Kay White, or Sonia Stevens

Vera - Ladies attention, please

They all look

Vera - This is Amelia Ford, she is on remand

Bea looks her up and down......

.....Vera and Jacqueline are gone as Amelia walk's around the room studying her surroundings. Willie stands arms folded across her chest with a look of extreme distrust on her face. Bea looks equally as unimpressed

Bea - Amelia Ford? Tell me where have I heard that name before?

Amelia - In all the papers and tv news bulletins a thousand times over I should think

Bea - I somehow seem to think that I didn't like what I heard about you

Amelia looks at her coolly

Amelia- Really? Oh dear me...

May - Perhaps you should tell us what exactly you are in here for?

Amelia - I'm the husband of Richard Ford, and that should tell you all you need to know

May and Willie look surprised while Bea looks bemused

Jacqueline is on the phone with Sandra

Jacqueline - Good news mum, it looks like Winter may be shipped out of here within the next day or two

Sandra - That's fantastic news love, I'll keep my fingers crossed that it happens

Jacqueline - So will I, it would certainly solve all my problems if it did happen

Bea, May, and Willie are sitting around the rec room table

Bea - Richard Ford? Who is he?

May - You don't know who he is?

Bea - No I don't

Willie - The name rings no bells at all, really?

Bea - Yes really

May - The Ford family is in with the McNally mob and the Fellowes gang big time. Drugs, protection rackets, pornography, and prostitution, you name it they do it

Bea - Is that a fact? I knew that name rang a bell

May - Yeah you can bet that cool bitch is right in the thick of it all