Caged Page #7

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Helen wrote down every word,

all about Harper chiseling the liquor

and soap and things,

what she did to Kitty.

I sure gave them a earful.

You know something? I think Benton

might use me as a witness at the hearing.

Maybe there are a few things

I can tell her tomorrow, too.

I've got news for you.

She talked to me like I was anybody else.

Bet you a pack a week

you'll still be pulling

dead time next Christmas.

Keep your big flapper shut.

Claire's giving it to you straight.

Ain't you played the honest John too long?

You could have made a swell booster.

You still can get out of here.

You ain't got much time.

She's being sprung tomorrow.

What do you want Powell to do,

send you an engraved invitation?

These birdbrains giving you spiel

what to do out in free side!

Hand me a laugh.

I got a file long as your arm.

I was queen of the con women

when Claire was wearing diapers.

There's nothing I ain't done,

including murder.

Stop tooting your horn.

But that makes me the crookedest crook

of any of you, don't it? Okay.

Before you get any bright ideas,

listen to me.

I had a first time like you,

but I can't remember how long ago.

Then the second rap, then the third.

Now I'm a lifer.

I'll be 71 soon. Been a con 40 years,

and you know what I think?

Nobody got cheated but me.

Forty years taken away.

So I'm giving it to you straight.

Wait a year on dead time,

but get a legit job slinging hash.

Then, get a good guy, have a kid.

What I'd give for a sink full of dirty dishes.

Quiet.

No, that's all right.

Ain't they cute?

Amateurs coming for lessons.

Bullpen B, 60 inmates,

all types of offenders.

This place smells like a zoo.

What's she in for?

And men call us the weaker sex.

- Look at those faces.

- Environment, my dear. Environment.

They say the Superintendent

has a murderess working for her.

- Did you make it?

- Yeah.

Gee, she's getting out.

Mamie will press them for you.

Marie Allen, checking out. 93850.

That's six cents a day for laundry work.

Deduct 10 days for having a baby,

three days solitary,

that's 502 days times six cents.

You can cash this on your way out.

Oh, wait a minute.

Guess you want your wedding ring,

don't you?

Thanks for the haircut.

Sit down, Marie.

Now that you're leaving,

let's not lie to each other.

- What do you mean?

- This cashier's job is just a blind.

The parole officer okayed it, didn't she?

Elvira Powell has a lot of friends.

In a couple of more months,

the parole officer

could have found you work.

You'd have made some honest money,

have self-respect and decency.

Where did those things ever get me?

Why do you give up

now that you don't need to?

When you're free?

Free for what? Go to my baby?

To sit down to a turkey dinner

with a family?

To kiss my husband?

I know

it's difficult to start over again, but...

From now on,

what's in it for me is all that matters.

You did your best

and where did it land you?

You can't lick the system.

Well, if you've got nothing more to say...

Well, if you ever need any help...

Thanks, but I won't.

Well, I hope you win.

For that $40 Tom and I heisted,

I certainly got myself an education.

Here's the address

of the parole officer, Marie.

- Goodbye.

- So long.

Front gate, 93850 coming out.

That's right.

What shall I do with her file?

Keep it active. She'll be back.

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