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New York, present day

Bette saw the quick flash of white and red lights from Dave. It was time to make the treacherous “crossing” through streets that, before this moment, had held only happy memories for Bette.

She walked the dark streets, her shoulder brushing the grates and walls of buildings she walked close to, as she used their cover of darkness to hide her shadow. She slowed as the last crossing light before she got to the mansion, where the duplex was located, flashed red. The streetlights of Park Avenue bathed the surrounding quiet with brightness that was almost garish now, in Bette’s eyes. She’d once been grateful that the streetlights in their area were so bright – the better to deter crime, she’d thought before. Ironic now.

She crossed Park Avenue quickly, almost running, as unobtrusively as she could manage. Make like just another New Yorker hurrying home, she told herself. She hurried to the front gate to the mansion, which she knew Veronica would have unlocked, let herself in, and closed it quietly behind her.

In her burly clothing and baseball cap, anyone looking at her wouldn’t be able to tell whether she was male or female, thin or fat, muscled or lumpy.

She crossed the pathway from the front gate quickly, and pushed open the front door, which was similarly unlocked. She took the elevator up to the duplex, and, after alighting on the hallway, finally blew out a breath she’d been holding ever since traversing Park Avenue, she felt.

As she did she felt she’d shaken with relief, as well. Relief mixed with a heretofore despairing sadness she’d kept at bay – forced to act this way, live away from Tina and Angelica, walking a tightrope without their support And now, acting like a criminal almost, just to make it home.

Veronica and Dave turned off their electronic surveillance when they saw Bette shut the front door to the mansion behind her. They quickly agreed on a schedule with those who were going to relieve them in half an hour, so that people would be able to take turns getting some sleep from the respective perches they rested in, which had good views of the duplex.

Bette looked around after locking the door to the duplex, and saw that it was dark all around. She looked up longingly to the second floor, in the direction of the master bedroom, and then heaved a deep sigh. Tina. I miss you.