Dirty Break (18+)

In Which Favours are Asked

Lydia couldn't quite believe that she was sat outside the Warden's office again, to ask for a favour again, to more than likely be turned away again. Having wrung her brain for the past few days trying to figure out what to do, she'd gone with the only choice she felt she had - try and do what Conor had asked her. She had an appointment to meet Leon later; ostensibly to conduct another interview, but she was definitely going to sound him out about Conor and see what she could find out. So that was two things that she was not looking forward to in the space of a few hours.

"Miss Granger?"

Lydia didn't think it was her imagination that the warden sounded annoyed to be seeing her again so soon. Regardless, she stood and followed him into his office, taking her time sitting down and settling herself in.

"What can I do for you, Miss Granger? I'm afraid I don't have long - I have a meeting at 11."

"I just wanted to say thank you for letting me make my request the other day. I know that you knew I was doomed from the start but thank you for letting me try anyway. I just want to make sure that this show is a success, you know?"

His face softened slightly, which she thought could only be a good sign.

"I understand. We want the show to be a success as well, and to show us in as positive a light as possible; people always think of prison as such a bad place - and of course we're technically here for a bad reason, but we try to rehabilitate our inmates and ensure that they're set up for a life outside of these walls should the chance arise."

"I can see that, Warden, and that's definitely the message we're portraying in our show."

He actually beamed at her then, and Lydia felt bad for the idea that had crept into her head as the conversation carried on.

"It's just that on that note, I would really like to do an interview with Leon just before his trial; obviously the show's not just about him but it is an active, high profile case that the public can follow along as the show goes on - it might give them a little bit more empathy that way."

She had expected her idea to be immediately laughed away, but the warden seemed to actually be considering it. She didn't want to push it and go too far so she gave him time to think and simply watched the cogs turning.

"I can't promise anything, but I can have a look into the matter for you. What would that specific interview entail?"

"Obviously the possibility of his freedom will be at the forefront of his mind at that point; I'll utilise that and ask him what his plans and hopes for the future are, how prison life has affected him and what chances he's been offered - that sort of thing. I'll also interview some of the other inmates and compare the answers."

"I'km aware you were very disappointed with the outcome the other day, Miss Granger. I can't say this will turn out any different but I can pass all this on to the board and see what they say on the matter."

She didn't know whether a small miracle had just happened or what, but she was unwilling to question it.

"If you could, Warden, I would very much appreciate it. Obviously I'll need time to ensure that everybody is available so if you could let me know as soon as possible if we can go ahead and pass all the information on to me?"

"I will let you know as soon as I have an answer for you, Miss Granger. We'll have to wrap this up now as I need to prepare for my meeting but I'll be in touch. Thank you for your time."

Lydia shook his hand and walked out of his office - so high on cloud nine that she had made her way back to the main desk without realising it. She walked up to the lady currently on duty and presented her pass and the email chain confirming the interview.