“Whom did you buy the rights from?”

“It was definitely a pseudo name, from a small publishing company. I’ve never heard of them, ‘Papa Bear’ something. They worked out of a P.O. Box. I never met with anyone in person. All the paperwork was done by mail. But it’s legal. It’s mine and I shredded every single horrible page after you left.”

“Shit. It’s Barbara’s husband.” Bette’s eyes widen.

“Really?”

“Yeah, he always called himself ‘Papa Bear’. It drove her crazy. Shit. He is in big trouble. He better hope Daddy never finds out.” Bette chuckles merrily.

She pours herself another cup of coffee and refills Tina’s as well. Her heart feels so much lighter. She’s almost giddy. She knows there’s still so much work to be done, for the both of them. But she feels hopeful. She looks to Tina with a grateful smile but then purses her lips in thought.

“I guess it’s my turn to confess.”

“No. You don’t have to. Knowing you, you did something wonderful.” Tina smiles warmly. Bette laughs out loud.

“Believe me, Tina. I am no saint.”

“Oh. I know that.” Tina says sarcastically. Both women laugh.

“I did cash the check. It was their way of buying my silence. As if they needed to.” Bette chuckles in disbelief.

“But I did NOT take one red cent for myself and I did it with Barbara’s help and her blessing.” Bette looks at Tina for understanding. Tina is smiling. Her eyes are bright.

“I used the money to start our foundation. We built safe houses for abused women in San Francisco, one in Chicago and one in Austin.”

“And your new one in New York.” Tina adds.

“Yes. I was also going to open one in LA after things settled with my gallery.”

“The Princess Gallery.” Tina says proudly. Bette grins at her excitement.

“So, the ban has been lifted? You’re no longer a wanted woman?”

“That’s right. When Barbara found out that Henry Bell was involved in our kidnapping, she ripped her father a new one. You don’t ever want to make her angry. She makes YOU look like a kitty cat.” Bette perks a teasing eyebrow. “Suffice to say, I am free.”

“So you met the Senator when you first came to the States, to get things started.”