“I told you that isn’t who am I now. Kristen doesn’t exist any moreI’m Tina Kennard. Please call my Tina”, Tina told her quietly with her head was in her hands.

“TinaI’m sorry we have to meet like this.”

“I was hoping I would never have to see you again, Marshalthis is about Victor Sanchez isn’t it?”

“Yes”, it was a simple answer from this woman but to Tina it meant an end. An end of another life she didn’t want to give up. It was easier when she was the only one left alive.

“FuckI can’t believe this. What happened?”

“People are dyingWitnesses are being killed. Witnesses of Victor Sanchez. We’re working on this internally but in the mean time lives are at risk.”

“*****! Oh, God my family. Bette, Dana, Alice, Shaneare they safe?”

“Your family?”

“Yes my family. They became my family after I left New York. ARE THEY SAFE?” Tina asked fiercely.

“We have people watching.”

“If they’re in danger I have to tell them”, Tina told her.

 “We’re still not sure of the compromised names. You may or may not be one of them. We need to protect my identity.”

“I don’t give a ***** about my identity if I’m risking the lives of the only people who mean everything to me!” Anger and frustration were in Tina’s voice now. She was supposed to safe. These people insured her safety but now that guarantee has become null and void. *****!

“You’ll probably loose them.”

“I’ll risk loosing them if it keeps them safe”, Tina said quietly. When it came down to it her life meant nothing without the rest of the game.  

“What would you say?”

“I don’t knowI don’t know but they have to know. I can’t keep this from them. I could get them killed.”

“Wait. Let us try to get a clear picture on the situation before you do anything. I’m just asking for you to give us a chance. They will be safer not knowing the details for now.”

“I don’t want to leave here.”

“I know and I’ll do everything in my power to keep you here.”

“You are the last reminder I have of a life I left behind even if it was the end. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to remember it again.”

“I’m sorry it had to come to this. I’m going to go but we’ll talk again when I have more.”

“Casey thanks for being here. Thanks for taking this on personally.”

“I made a promise to you and I am going to do my damnedest to keep it”, Casey stepped around the desk and gave Tina a hug before leaving the office. Tina had a lot to process and she wasn’t sure of she could do it on her own. For now she had no choice.

Thirty minutes had gone before there was another knock on her door. The door opened unexpectedly and then came a familiar voice from behind it, “knock, knock”

“Bette what are you do here? Shouldn’t you be at work?” Tina couldn’t keep the surprise out of her voice.

“Well, James is a very capable assistant who knows I’m only a phone call away. I will also have you know I spoke to Janice and Oscar mere moments ago and they kindly told me you have no more appointment for the day. So, I am here to kidnap you and take you home to be pampered properly.”

“Bette”

“I won’t take no for an answer. I want this and you know I always get what I want”, Bette told her slyly with a wicked wink.

“You are definitely ruthless. Okay I give.”

“You look tired baby.”

“I am tired.”

“Come on then beautiful we’re going home and putting you to bed.”

“That sounds like an excellent idea.”

“I know it does.”

Together they walked out in silence all the while Bette kept a light hand at the small of Tina’s back. The only plans Bette had were a quiet dinner just the two of them and a early night to bed. She was sure that would lead to only sleep but she wouldn’t have it any other way.