The house came into view, shitthe house was huge. Bette instantly liked the style of the houseOld Spanish stucco. Getting out the driver helped them to take out their luggage then upon accepting the money got back in and the taxi drove off. Carrying the baggage they walked up to the gate, which was closed. Tina pressed the intercom and a crackling voice answered. Hello Frank?…Its me Tina let me in pleaseFrank was always nice to Tina before she was cut off and Tina appreciated his warm reply and an instant later he buzzed them in. Bette rubbed her wifes back while walking up the concrete to the door. Tina buzzed the ringer and Richard Kennard answered.

He was taller than Bette expected, Tina must have taken after her mother because he did not look like her at all. Physically broad-chested, steel grey hair and a neat very trimmed beard, dressed in khaki pants and a maroon sweater with a Bill Blass blouse Richard Kennard looked quite proper and stern. Without missing a beat, even when he saw Bette, Richard Kennard stepped aside and said to Tina that her room was on the second floor to the right. After years of not speaking to his daughter, absolutely no-contact, and now with Tina in front of him he did not even have the courtesy of saying hello to her. Bette felt her stomach tighten, she barely controlled her anger but Richard Kennard must have seen the fire in her eyes because he stepped aside more for her. However he did not even acknowledge her and walked away into what must have been the dining area. Lugging the baggage up the stairs Bette followed Tina silently. She did not trust herself to speak yet.

The room was certainly spacious. Bette put down the luggage and looked around she was about to speak when she caught a look of Tinas face. Immediately she walked over to her, taking T in her arms Bette comforted her. Tina was deeply and profoundly hurt by her fathers incredible attitude. Tina did not even want to think about what her mother would be like. Bette held her hand tightly and said, looking into Ts eyesTina we will get through this blazing alright?..and I promise I will try my best to behave. At this Tina smiled and she kissed Bette hard, ***** it was wonderful to have a partner like Bette. Suddenly a bell rang somewhere downstairs and Tina said that was the sign for dinner. Both of them were jet-lagged and Tina had to catch Bette who slipped on the stair coming down. Upon entering the dining area the silence became deafening. Mr. Kennard must have informed the table about Bette because nothing was said to her, and nobody looked at her either. However two places were set near the end so Bette and Tina sat there. Under the table Bette held onto Tinas thigh, noting that her mother must have been across from her. Tinas face was pale and she stared at the grey-haired woman in front of her. And surprisingly to Bette the old woman smiled a little smile to her daughter, but that was all the recognition Tina would get and her mother wouldnt look at her all evening.

Richard Kennard sat at the head table carving the roast beef, How clich thought Bette and she fiddled with the napkin by her plate. The chit-chat was quiet,, though a debate about baseball was occurring at the other end of the table, between what Bette thought was Tinas younger cousins. After Richard Kennard carved the beef he started to serve the guests, not surprisingly he skipped Bette and went to the next person. Beside her Tina snapped.Are you going to serve Bette?…Tina shut up right after, the silence prevailed and Richard Kennard looked coldly at Tinanot at Bette. Bette couldnt contain herself and said loudly.Mr. Kennard did you even hear your daughter?…the silence became even more deafening. Mr. Kennard sat back down and one of Ts younger cousins got up and served Bette. The air was very uncomfortable, and Bette could feel that Tina was mortified. Then Richard Kennard spoke.his voice dripping with venom..and what he said next froze Bettes blood

.so miss Porter, are you following the Haywood case?