Recently, however, all those negative thoughts and feelings once again directed her focus and determined her motivation.  She had lost her position in the art world because of Bette Porter.  Learning that Laura had given Bette research that could lead to the find of the likes of no other; a painting saved from the Nazi purge, had placed her on a path towards vengeance. With a fantastic story of a boy who had by chance happened by at the moment of this painting attempted destruction by the Nazis, the person who found the painting today would gain notoriety and a monetary reward. The hatred she had fought so hard to bury had been summoned. She did not understand Laura’s motivation. Over the years, Kelly had rebuilt her relationship with Laura gradually mending fences with her ex-friend. Kelly never felt they would be as close as they were in college, too many hurt feelings. But time had given space and opportunity to begin a conversation that grew until the day Laura died. All these whys began to spin around in her mind and fuel her anger. Why had Laura not told her about her speculations when she discovered the possible existence of the painting? Why give the information to Bette given they had not spoken in over two decades? Kelly had been startled how quickly her past feelings had resurfaced when she learned what Laura had given Bette.  And with them, of course, had come her skills.  Rusty but serviceable, the ability to manipulate.  The tactics she has used in the past to control her victim and those in their orbit to get what she wanted. 

Kelly reached for her drink that she had sat on the desk. She knocked over the clock that sat upon the desk as she stood. “Shit.” She said to herself looking down at the broken pieces as she stepped to the bar cart and put a cube of ice in her drink. She swirled the ice around the amber colored drink as she plotted out her next steps.  She had decided not to share her true objectives.  Searching for a painting invoked excitement, challenge and competition, but revenge… Few people would be willing to go in on an expedition that has as part of its endgame the destruction of another.  She once again moved to the window and began staring out at Mar-a-Lago.  Kelly wondered if there really was a painting that still existed.  So much time had gone by.  Anything could have happened to a painting that no one knew its true worth.    

Kelly could feel a restlessness coming over her.  She stared down at the shore and watched a lonely runner move across the sand.  Finding the painting had to stay her focus.  Her desire for revenge had to remain in the background, but she needed to find out what Bette knew.  Or at the very least, slow her inquires down.  She scowled. Her interactions with Tina all those months ago crossed her mind as she pondered on a plan.  She found herself wondering what the current status was with their relationship.  She had heard COVID had put a great deal of stress on weak relationships.  Hmmm, she thought.  Maybe Tina Kennard is the answer to slowing down Bette.