Jodie thought she’d never seen Bette like this. She took an unconscious step back, as the brunette seemingly advanced towards them inexorably, almost menacingly, like a Sherman tank.

Was it from surviving the accident she’d heard about?

Bette’s glare bore into Jodie, and her mouth enunciated slowly to make sure Jodie would not mistake her meaning, as she spoke in even, icy tones, “You’d better keep your ugly thoughts about Tina to yourself, Jodie.”

Jodie looked back at her uncertainly, understanding now what was prompting this aggression. But not knowing how to react to it. Bette added as she continued to advance, “And if I hear so much as a whisper of a rumor about her … I will come looking for you.   Then. I. Will. Take. You. Apart.”

She paused to let her words sink in.  Then continued, ”I’ve got files on you. I will sue your sorry ass; destroy what precious little reputation you have left.   No gallery will want to deal with you; no museum; no collector. Not here. Not in Europe. Not in Asia. Not anywhere. You. Will. Be. Fucked.”

Jodie’s thoughts ran through the list of names that she’d heard Bette had become allied with.   She’d sensed from all she’d talked to that the brunette’s reputation was golden in certain circles in the art world, particularly collectors.  She’d picked up from various gossip that Bette was strong in New York now, and had lost none of her reputation in Europe.  She’d heard about names in Asia, too. She swallowed. And what about those files? On me?

Bette slowed her advance within two feet of Jodie, and gave Jodie a final, meaningful look, and then turned on her heel again.

She headed in the general direction of where Tina had gone to, and took a series of deep breaths. She tried to re-focus her thoughts to more pleasant things.   Relax, Bette. Mind your heart. She can’t hurt you anymore.

As she neared the bonfire, she saw Diane and Jules hurrying toward her.

She smiled as she returned their waves to her. Pleasant thoughts, Bette.  Like good friends like them.

Jules got to her first, “Everything ok, Bette?”

“Yeah,” the brunette answered, and then asked, “Why?” She smiled at Diane, who’d joined them, and flanked Bette on the opposite side.