“That can be arranged Ms. Porter.” Maxine sat from behind the table and resonated with a coldness expecting of her.  Bette’s words hurt deeply, but neither resentment nor anger overwhelmed her.  It was heartache that kept her at bay.  She had to stay detached and unemotional to see this last task through.

“What?” Bette’s yell was echoing in bewilderment.

“If you want me dead…” Max’s voice was eerily calm but probing “what are you willing to give in return?”

Bette couldn’t believe what she was hearing.  The woman’s question set her head in a tailspin.  At first, she thought it was an attempt at ridicule but her grave manner proved otherwise.  Bette didn’t know what to make of the question or think of a proper response to that.  She was stumped.

“Give me your unconditional trust.” Max firmly stated her condition.  She could read the confusion in Bette’s behavior and opted for a direct approach.

“What!” Bette gasped.  Again, the woman’s statement left her bewildered.

“For my life, I want your trust in return.” Max’s clarification confused Bette further, prompting an unconvinced question.

“Why?”

“I have something you want and you possess that which I seek.  It’s a fair trade for the both of us and more so your favor.”  Maxine sensibly gave an ambiguous response to temp Bette’s intrigue.

“How do I know if you’re trustworthy?” Bette asked, skeptically.  The woman’s response was vague yet there was that unknown element of danger Bette found compelling. 

“Ah…you are absolutely right.” Maxine laughed and nodded her head approvingly.  She had intuitively excited the inner working of Bette’s mind.  As expected, Bette took the bait.  Max unfastened the strap inside her jacket and removed the item from its holster.  She placed it down at her foot and kicked it over to Bette.

“As a sign of good faith…you can either use it right now to end my life and take your chance leaving this place in one piece….or take my offer and live.  What do you have to lose?”

“What make you think I won’t use this and take my chance?” Bette picked up the cold object landed at her feet and aimed it at Maxine’s direction.

“I’m willing to stake my life for your trust, are you willing to place your trust in me?” Max stared down the dark pistol and trailed up Bette’s gaze, unflinching from her position.