Page 18 (1/2)

Althoughto fall into a senseless routine, I hope to at least break it up today by going to the gym I’ve put , as I’ my daily exercise

906 am

Just after nine, the cell door is opened and my weekly twelve pounds fifty pence worth of canteen provisions are passed over to me by a lady in a white coat I thank her, but she doesn’t respond I sit on the end of my bed, unpack each item one by one I settle down to enjoy a bowl of cornflakes swi in fresh milk This is the meal I would nor to the gym I’er self-discipline because so the orders

1000 am

I’ym call when a voice bellows out from below, ‘Gym is cancelled’ My heart sinks and I stare out of the barred ondering why When the door is eventually opened for Association, Derek, known as Del Boy, who runs the hotplate and seems to have a free rein of the block, appears outside my door

‘Why was gym cancelled?’ I ask

‘A con has got out onto the roof via a skylight in the gyyain until security has double-checked every possible exit and the authorities consider it a safe area again He grins, enjoying his role as the prison oracle

‘Anything else I can help you with?’ Del Boy enquires

‘Bottled water and an A4 writing pad,’ I reply

‘They’ll be with you before the hour has chimed, squire’

I’ve already learnt not to ask what myriad of deals will have to be carried out to achieve this simple request James had warned me oncertain favours have to be repaid twice over During Association yesterday evening, I witnessed Derek cut a rolled-up cigarette in half and then pass it over to another prisoner This was on a Tuesday, and the hapless inmate kneouldn’t be able to repay the debt until today, when he would have his next canteen But his craving was so great that he accepted, knowing that he would have to give Del Boy a whole cigarette in return, or he could never hope to strike up another bargain with him – or anyone else, for that matter

1110 am

It must have been a few ain to reveal Mr Loughnane Just the sight of him lifts my spirits He tells me that he has spoken to his opposite number at Ford Open Prison, ill have to refer the matter to the Governor, as he doesn’t have the authority to make the final decision

‘How long do you expect that will take?’ I ask

‘Couple of days at the most He’ll probably come back to me on Friday, and when he does, I’ll be in touch with Group 4’ This sie businessman a couple of hours atto move at someone else’s pace