Chapter Six
Pods
“Equal is what equal does.”—Bette
Mex and four other babies, who according to Beryl were so special that they should remain at the institute, were separated that summer.
It caused a huge row in the room with a view involving so many caffeine breaks that the other women brought snacks.
“I’m not having any of this high-and-mighty segregation bollocks,” said Bette. “We are all equal.”
“Equal—that’s a laugh,” snapped Beryl. “Just because you call the cleaners ‘Voted In’ doesn’t mean they were voted in.”
“Actually, they were,” said Bette.
Beryl stopped.
She’d forgotten about the “pick a cleaner with a biscuit” campaign.
“Just ’cause you had the luck of leader-minding . . .,” said a voice from the back.
“Bit more than minding,” muttered Beryl.
“ . . . and library-exp
