Anne Richards was reading the latest edition of Feminique magazine. Her interview with the supposed psychic took up four large pages. Anne was only twenty six but she had achieved a lot in her short career with Feminique. She had interviewed actors and actresses, singers and stars. She also regularly interviewed, doctors and health experts about weight loss treatments and diets. Her salary was also really good too. Anne had not wanted to work for Feminique. When she graduated with a degree in journalism, Anne was hoping for a job at a major newspaper, covering style and fashion. Despite that she was happy at Feminique, only her boss irritated her. Gladys Stevens was a perpetually angry old woman. She never had anything nice to say about Anne and she was always trying to bring her down. Anne always thought that her boss hated her because because Anne was pretty and drew looks from a lot of men and a few girls as well. She was only five foot three inches but she had C cup breasts, beautiful, long, soft brown hair, teeth as white as snow. In contrast Anne thought that Gladys Stevens looked like an especially angry old frog.
Anne did not let that bother her as she emailed a request for an interview to a manager for James Mcallister a famous singer. Every request for an interview from a celebrity had been answered. She was hoping that James Mcallister wouldn't be the first to deny her request. Her thoughts were interrupted by Gladys at her desk.
"Anne my dear, please come to my office now," said Gladys in her dangerously sweet voice.
"Why?" replied Anne.
"Just come with me."
Anne followed Gladys into her office. She had been in the office many times before and she had always hated it there. The bright green walls had always made Anne feel uncomfortable. She hoped that she would be out as soon as possible. She was surprised to see a man sitting in on an armchair in the office. He had a cropped white beard and mustache with sideburns framing his face. He was clearly much older than Anne. His shoulders were broad and he looked intimidating in a navy uniform suit. His gaze was making Anne uncomfortable. Gladys introduced them.
"Anne I would like you to meet Robert Donaldson, he is an old friend of mine. Robert this is Anne, one of my reporters," said Gladys
Donaldson stood up, he towered over Anne. "Pleasure to meet you Anne," he said in a deep voice as he shook Anne's hand. Anne winced, his grip was very strong. Gladys gestured Anne to another armchair. Anne sat down.
"Robert is an old friend of mine and he happens to run the prison down at Norris Park. We went to school together, he is here to help me on an idea I have for a story. Isn't it good that old friends still help each other out after all these years Robert," said Gladys with a smile.
Robert smiled back at Gladys. Anne wondered how a prison warden would be able to help Gladys with a story for the magazine. Anne was more astonished that Gladys, being the vile creature she was, had friends in school. Maybe Gladys allowed Robert to feel her up when they were teenagers, she thought.
"This magazine always goes for stories with actresses and singers and stories about diets and fads. All very good of course but I think our readers would like something new, don't you think Anne?" said Gladys.
Anne did not answer, Gladys didn't mind. "Most if not all of our readers are good, decent people. They would never dream of being anywhere near a place like your workplace Robert, no offense." Gladys giggled and Robert chuckled politely. "I think it would be interesting if our readers got an insight into what happens to those who have gone off the wrong path," Gladys continued. "I thought we should get an article from someone who has been in such a place and has spent a fair amount of time there. I think you would be the best writer to go in there and then right us a story," Gladys said gently.
"You mean I go in there visit and look around and maybe talk to the inmates?" asked Anne.
Gladys turned to Robert and giggled. "No no silly, you stay for a while, live amongst all those poor women locked up. Know their stories, be one of them for a while and then come back to us, and turn thoughts into the words, the way you always do, darling."
"Stay in prison. Me. You have to be joking, no way. I can't do that no way!"
"Please dear, it will only be for a month. It will be good for your career. Remember how Jane spent that month living with the women in that African tribe in those primitive conditions, she had no running water for a month for heaven's sake. It can't be worse than that. Robert assures me that no harm will come to you," said Gladys.
"I will make sure that you will not be harmed in anyway and that by the end of your time in Norris Park, you will be healthy and well" said Robert Donaldson with a smile.
"Mr Donaldson with all due respect. I don't think I could endure a stay in your prison," replied Anne.
"That's such a shame Anne. I think it will be a lovely experience for your career," said Gladys with a sad look on her face.
"Excuse me Gladys I must return back to ah the office. I have been here too long. Thank you for your hospitality. Let me know if Anna was it, agrees to your idea," said Donaldson as he walked to the door.
"Goodbye Robert, I shall see you soon I hope, and I will let you know for sure," said Gladys.
Donaldson left the room, closing the door gently behind him. Gladys peered at Anne through her glasses. Gladys sighed sat down on her office chair. "You know Anne, this idea is mine. I have always thought it would be a good idea to have someone go into that prison and see what it was like. I thought you would be the one most suited to it."