All of a sudden, it became painfully clear to Alice that the “making it easy” part, had officially come to an end.

Tina struggled to get Angelica’s stroller through the double doors.  Once free, they made their way into a gutted out lobby, just beyond the foyer.  Not seeing anyone around, she glanced back down at Helena‘s card, as if to make sure she had the address right.  “Ah, I see you’ve gotten my card.  I hope this place isn’t too far out of the way for you.

Tina slipped the card back into her pocket and half smiled as Helena made her way over to the stroller.  “Hello, you, you are so small.”  Helena looked up at Tina and said, “She’s so small.”

Tina: “Yes, she’s very dainty.”

Helena reached in and gently stroked at Angelica’s sleepy cheeks.  “Oh, Tina, she’s got your mouth, I think.  She’s so beautiful.”

Helena slowly stood and finishing her thought, said, “Also like you.”

Tina finally exhaled and pointing around said, “So, what is all this?”

Helena‘s eye’s followed Tina’s finger upward and giving the exposed ceiling a sour stare, said, “This is going to be my new office.   That is, if the bloody contractor can finish the work in this centurymy god, do you have no idea how hard it is to find anyone worth a damn in this state?”

Tina cut right to the chase.  “Why did you give Alice your card?  Better yet, what are you even doing with Alice?”   Helena, following Tina’s lead, immediately became defensive, “Are you suggesting something evil and sinister here, Tina?  I happen to adore Alice.”

Tina, making eye contact, said, “No, I adore Alice.  And if you’re using her to get back at”

“Get back at what?  Tina, all I did was give Alice my card to give to you.  You know, contrary to popular belief, I don’t sit around all day long plotting your, or anyone else’s, demise.”  Tina began shaking her head in disbelief.  “Okay, then why?”

Helena directed her attention once again back to Angelica, and said, “Because I want you, Tina, to work for me.   I’m starting a business that you’re perfect for, and from what I’ve heard, Bette can’t even get an interview in this town.  Someone’s got to start planning for this little one’s future.  That is unless you think a hefty severance and unemployment benefits are going to last that long.”