With her back to Bette, *****’s Bride drawled, “Well, well look who decided to come out of hiding.”

“For your information, I was not hiding. My utilities belt got
caught in the wiring in the air vent and the batteries in my torch went
dead. You try untangling yourself in the dark like that! Bette cried
indignantly.

*****’s Bride turned slowly to face her mortal enemy and said, “You
see, I’ll never get caught in such a situation because I use Duracell
batteries, Like the bunny, they just keep on going.”

Bette made a face and swung her mace at *****’s Bride who bent her
body backwards at a near impossible angle. The mace missed her face by
an inch. Impressed at the show of flexibility Bette asked, “How did you
that?”

“What? I workout to those Richard Simmons exercise tapes.” came
the answer. Hearing the sounds of people sniggering, *****’s Bride
shouted, “Hey you girls at the back! Quit laughing! Richard Simmons is
cool!”

Through muffled laughter, Alice answered for the group, “I’m..sor-ry. Carry on please.”

“I personally prefer Suzanne Somers. Nicer ***** plus she’s a blonde.” Bette said, smiling to herself.

“Oh for heaven sake, can we fight now?” *****’s Bride rolled her eyes and raised her sword. ready to attack.

“Fine!” Bette snapped and stuck her tongue out at *****’s Bride.
She continued by striking a kungfu pose, placing both hands on her
waist and raising one leg. She exclaimed proudly, “Get ready for The
Dance of the Flamingo. I’m ready when you are!”

Glancing over *****’s Bride’s shoulder she added, “Alice get out of here! I’ll take care of this cream puff.”

*****’s Bride didn’t need additional encouragement, With her sword raised, she went charging at Bette.

Behind the fighting duo, Alice helped Shane and Dana to their feet and together they ran out of the building.

_____________________________________________________________________

Out in the parking lot, Shane said,”Boss, the car is that way.”

“You go on ahead, I’ll join you in a while.” Alice had her arms
around Dana who was growing weaker by the minute. Shane hesitated for a
minute before nodding her head and running off with Mr. Jenks on her
shoulder.

Alice gently eased Dana into a seating position against the wall.
She knelt down in front of her and carefully peeled off the piece of
cloth covering her wound. She was relieved to see that the bleeding has
stooped, “I’m sorry Fairbanks.” Alice said sincerely, her eyes resting
on Dana’s beautiful face that is now wrecked with pain.