“I really liked that Contessa lady. She is fancy but down to earth at the same time.”

Tina nodded, “Yes, she’s one of my favorite too, and you can cook for me any time.”

Bette laughed and leaned in for a kiss. Food was all but forgotten as they reached for each other with hunger for a deeper connection and closeness. They heard a noise coming from the kitchen but neither of them paid any attention, as their kisses deepened and their hands were busy with buttons and zippers.

Tina’s cell began ringing again and it took five or six rings before it registered in her mind. Tina groaned at the interruption but Bette just smiled. “Answer it, honey. It could be important and we have all the time in the world.”

Tina sighed and ran to the kitchen just in time to answer, “Hello,” Tina went back outside. “Hey, Al, hi. Hold on, I’m going to put you on speaker so Bette can hear too.”

Tina pushed the speakerphone button and put the phone down on the patio table. “Go ahead, Alice. What did you find out?”

“I …an’t …ay …uch. I’m …ding in the …orner.”

“What? Alice, you are breaking up, I have no idea what you just said,” Bette asked with a frown.

“She can’t say much, she’s hiding in the corner,” Tina translated.

“How in the hell…” Bette was almost speechless.

“I know whisper-talk,” Tina laughed quietly. “When can you talk, Al?”

“…ater …ight or …morrow,” Alice sound frantic. “Be …areful, …lena …ows.”

“I’m sorry, what? Who?”

“…lena…elena knows,” Alice’s whisper was mingling with distant voices.

“Oh, I think I got that,” Bette nodded. “Be careful, Helena knows…oh good grief, Helena knows. Helena knows what?”

“Everything,” Alice’s voice sounded stronger but also strangely out of breath.

“Alice, are you okay? Where are you?” Tina asked worriedly.

“Sorry, had to run to avoid all the people that were coming out of the building. Presentation is over and I didn’t want to be seen or heard.”

“Alice, you are freaking us out. What did you find out?”

“Helena knows that Bette came back from the past through the portal. They know where the portal is, or at least the vicinity. They know it won’t stay open for too long. The know pretty much everything.”