Tina had improvised quickly while slipping the question in, as she eyed Cheryl, who was motioning to her watch, indicating that they would have to cut-off the conversation soon.   “Baby, I was just reminded of the Odysee video….,” Tina started.  Bette immediately cut in, “Yeah, too bad that I haven’t seen the brooch, though.”

Tina’s heart had sank on hearing this reply.  Although glad that Bette had picked up quickly on the impromptu code for Brom, which was based on the gift Luke and Brom had given them around two weeks ago, she was disappointed in Bette’s indirect reference concerning the brooch, to indicate that no personal security team from  Brom had shown up yet.

The blonde regrouped quickly, as she was sure Bette herself was probably disappointed, as well as anxious about being out in a conflict-ridden area without some the top-notch personal protection Brom had told her he was arranging for her.  Tina forced herself to brighten up, “Well, I’ll keep looking and…,” she nodded as Cheryl motioned with her hand to cut off transmission, “will let you know as soon as I find it.”

“Love you,” she said quickly, her voice trembling, just as Cheryl reached for the switch.  Bette’s response, “Love you more,” was cut off towards the end.

Tina had hung her head as the satellite radio fell silent, tears falling as she gripped her head with both hands, elbows rested on the edge of the table, yearning to bring back the voice that had just been talking to her seconds ago — the strong, calm voice of her beloved, silently soothing her from afar.

“Bette…,” Tina had whispered to herself, hand reaching out to the satellite phone, touching it lightly, as if a heartfelt wish and touch alone would enable it to bring back the brunette’s voice.

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Tom knocked on Tina’s door, calling out softly, “Tina?  Tina?”

Tina sat up with a start.  Tom?  Did something happen?

Her heart was racing as she leapt out of bed, and ran to the door.  Nervously, she yanked the door open, and then she asked “Yes, I’m here.  Did something happen?  Is Bette alright?”

“Tina, there was an incident in the cave Bette and the team were working in,” Tom said in calm measured tones.