Winnie spoke to Wilson and Jung Yin before bedtime. She wasn’t surprised to learn that they had a nanny and that Mummy had a new girlfriend. The kids were excitedly telling their mother that Ms. Tina as they called her was pregnant and that they got to play doctor and hear the baby’s heartbeat.

She knew Helena would hire a nanny as she always did whenever the kids were with her, and she certainly never lacked female companionship, but dating a pregnant woman made Winnie curious to find out more about this Ms. Tina. A simple online Google search told her all she needed to know. Hence, she made the connection to Bette Porter.

Winnie had a fitful night, missing her children. Early the next morning she called to speak to them and to confirm with Helena that she would see them that afternoon for lunch. As usual any contact between the two women, even something as mundane as setting a lunch date always escalated into an argument.

“How does it compare? Private education, travel, fascinating life experiences; I just don’t see how you envision any judge or jury finding you the superior choice.” Helena shouted into the phone.

The constant bickering and threats were getting rather tedious and after a year of battling they were no closer to a settlement about shared custody of their two children, but by this point Winne had no interest in sharing; she wanted full custody.

Winnie could sense the agitation in Helena that morning. She could picture her pacing like a gaged animal which she often did to burn off nervous energy. Helena was used to getting her way, but Winnie was just as determined and headstrong when it came to the children. No matter how angry Helena became Winnie didn’t back down. Winnie was angry too, and barely able to control herself when Helena threw money and privilege in her face.

As she sat in the hotel room a few miles from the beach house she tried to calm herself. She knew the more she acted in anger the more Helena could fuck her up, but there were times that she still found herself screaming like a crazy bitch.

Her life with Helena had been a living hell. Many times, over the years she’d wondered if she could get away with murder. It was a recurring fantasy in her mind. Had it not been for the children, she might have tried as it seemed the only way out of this nightmare.