“It’s a strange world

when you are sounding so wise”

Alice laughs “Oh I know

– maybe I just see things different “

“Do you think Bette will be okay without you and Shane ?”

“Yes

– she’s got a good team and regardless of what we might say about JJ sticking her nose into everything and offering everyone therapy – she’s good for us. Plus she’s got you and with Kit coming on board as your Chief Of Staff – that’s good for her as well and for you “

“I am not going to be a nuisance to her”

“I am not sure she could ever see you like that

– we were all worried that you were outstripping her “

“I know and things have changed

– I am going to do what is right for her as well as Ella and I “

“Bette just needs to know that you have her back. “

“I do “

“Before I go you and I will have a conversation about a few people that Bette doesn’t exactly need protecting from but she does need someone to watch out for their moves. If Shane ever comes on board with accepting that

its time to move on then she can join us “

“What do you think is happening with Shane ?”

“To be honest ? I think the years of stress in this place added to the horrors of the kidnapping and the abuse her body has taken over the years from painkillers, uppers and downers and various other things have finally come home to roost. Everyone’s body has a breaking point and

– well I hope that I am wrong but maybe Shane’s body has reached hers“

“How bad do you think her pain killer addiction was ?”

“I think its still very bad “

“Still ?”

Alice nods “She might not be on the sheer pick and mix collection that she was last year but

she’s still on medication “

“Does Bette know ? Does Carmen ?”

Alice looks at me “I would have thought that CJ strongly suspects that Shane

is still not as clean as she might be- as for Carmen – I don’t know. Carmen is an amazing woman but how many chances can you give someone. I could be wrong Tina but I do think that Shane is still masking a lot of her problems through pain killers”