“How did you know I was home?” Bette impassionate tone bounced back.

“I called your office earlier and was told you’re on vacation this week.  I thought we can spend the week immersing ourselves in art and other creative activities if you’re up to it.”

“I’m tired.”

“I’ll make it worth your while.” The sweet seduction at the other end did swayed Bette’s resolve somewhat.  They have been down this road many times and she always gets what she wants, with measured carelessness.

“Come on Bette” The woman pleaded.  She smirked.  Her game was on.

“Pleassse…” The tone became pleading and desperate.  Bette can always count on her subliminal power of silence persuasion to bait her prey.

“I’m sorry baby, I’m gonna let you get some rest.  Sorry to have bothered you in anyway, call me whenever you are up to it okay.  I’m hanging up now… good bye sweetie” Hooked, lined, and sinker.

“Jodie?”

“Yes…” A soft, regretful tone lingering with hope waits.

“Your place at 7” A simple extension of the olive branch, to reel in the catch as her game set, the player checked, and the term executed, flawlessly. 

Bette reluctantly drags her exhausted body up to ready for the evening rendezvous.  Her eyes squinted at the switch of light; the habit of sleeping in complete darkness does make the vision a bit sensitive.  She blinked a couple of times to adjust to the illumination and approached the washbasin, splashing on some water to aid with alertness.  The image reflected back surprised her.  It was not the circles under the eyes or the haggard complexion that startling her.  It was the unfamiliar face of a woman unrecognizable to herself.  The sadness in the depth of her brown eyes shown familiarity of past but as quickly, it darkened with raging intensity.  The mirror smashed into many shattered pieces resembling the hidden state of her suffering.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At a secret headquarter in New York, a distinguished middle-age woman sat behind an oversized desk deep in contemplation.  She picked up an 8×10 photograph from the many spread across the desktop and examined the picture in detail.  A soft knock on the door broke her focus, placing the photo back on the desk, she leaned back on the chair and prepare for her incoming guest.