“You know Bette once said to me that when she was doing the negotiations to get the Equal Marriage Act passed one of the things that used to motivate her was the prospect of being able to get married herself “

“I was involved with that – it was one of the first things that Bette did as Vice President – no one in Washington knew who the fuck we were. Shane walked in with a king size hangover and with her grungy look and wiped the floor with  these smug jackasses – I was so proud of Bette and all of us that day. “

“Great day for America “ I agree 

“It was “

“You sure you want to walk away from that – Bette’s got a couple of fights still in her and she hates losing “

“I know that Tina and in a way I would like to see it through but – isn’t she just tired of the whole shitty mess ?”

“Yes of course she is but she doesn’t get to walk away and she doesn’t want to either. I think you are getting out at the right time Alice for your sake – but you really want to miss the wall to wall coverage of the gangster trial “

Alice whistles again “There is that of course – fuck me that  is something that even took my breath away “

“I agree but please don’t swear in front of your soon to be niece “

“Damn – sorry “

“She cannot say words yet but its not going to be long before she is repeating what she hears and when the two of you come back you two are going to have to tone it down”

“Sorry Tina “ Alice bends down “ Take no notice of me honey “

Alice straightens up and we keep walking “The gangster thing – well – that was something else “

“Tell me about it – its been two days and its wall to wall coverage still “

“I can see why but they have to be careful they do not pre-judge the trial”

“You think the trial will happen ?”

“I don’t know –  its something I do want to ask Bette about but under the circumstances – well – how is she taking it ?”

“She is as fascinated as everyone else- the difference is  – she gets to chat to the governor of California and find out what she knows “

“Is she talking ?”

“Who the Governor, Bette or the accused ?”

“Any of the three ?”

“Yes, no and no – Bette knows what the Governor knows and Bette isn’t really talking. I think she is reflection on how she was so sure that all the Holly remarks and comments in the press were aimed at her “

“Yes – Lucy and I were talking about that last night “

“While Bette was worrying and plotting to keep her name out of the frame – she was not the only lesbian who thought that Holly was directing her comments at her””

“Only one woman was ever likely to kill her though “

“Well that’s what I think – but how far would our two faced Republican go to keep her secret under wraps ? “

“It will be fun to watch it all being revealed – I guess Kate Arden is going to have a very dull time “

“What ? Who ?”

Alice looks at me “Kate Arden – my replacement – she is a ex journalist – worked for the Sydney Morning Herald, the Guardian in Britain and recently she’s been really batting for us in San Francisco “

“Is she really attractive with long dark hair and smokes like a chimney ?”

“Yes “

“Holy fuck “

“Now who is not supposed to be swearing in front of Ella “

“Alice – I didn’t know about this – I know all about this Bernie character”

“The one that Bette fancied in college – yeah. So how did you not know about Kate – she is coming in tomorrow I think – what’s the big deal ?”

“Has Bette read her back ground check ?”

“I imagine so  – what’s up ?”

“I had a fling with her when I was living in England – we both worked for the BBC as trainees – there were other women but Kate was really in love with me “

****