Bette allowed herself a small smile. There was a lot to do, but somehow, she wasnt feeling stressed.

At the sound of her door opening, Bette looked up, once again regretting her dumb-***** idiotic thoughts. The scourge of her life strolled in as if she owned the place.

Hello Bette. God, she hated that accent. And damn her, but she looked stunning too. Bette wondered if she and Tina had slept together last night.

Getting her mind back in gear, she ended the call to the construction manager, and smiled up at her mortal enemy.

What can I do for you Helena?

Just wanted to see what progress you were making on the Allyn Barnes show. What have you got planned so far?

She was a snake, a beautiful deadly snake. Something like an anaconda or a python. She would crush you in her coils perhaps, or maybe swallow you whole. Or maybe she was more like those robot things on Star Trek, what were they called again, Bette thought? The Borg. That was it. She was barely human, as she came in and assimilated you, taking over your life, and sucking you dry, until you were powerless to resist. Turning your lover into a mindless drone, who rushed to do her bidding

Bettes internal diatribe was halted by Helenas impatient glare, and annoyed clearing of the throat.

Did you hear me Bette? Are you having trouble coping or something?

Bette started to count to 10. Slowly.

She gave Helena her best beatific smile.

Everything is totally under control thank you Helena.

James chose that moment to enter, nervously as usual.

Er..sorry Bette, I have Allyn Barnes on line one for you. She wanted to talk to you about how youre staging the, er, End of Days piece, he stuttered.

Im so sorry Helena, she said insincerely, Ill have to get back to you. Please do excuse me. Bette enjoyed that, as she swept out. She was determined to make a grand exit, rather than letting Helena flounce out. If there was any flouncing to do today, Bette Porter would be the flouncer!

As she spoke to the artist on James phone, Bette thought that was probably her first encounter with Helena where she actually came out on top, since the triumph at the board meeting with Ms Barnes. It would definitely not be the last, if she had any say in it. Of course, there was also the fact that she made love to Tina the other day, presumably before Tina had mentioned the dating other people thing. Shame she couldnt rub that bitchs face in that. Then again, Tina would probably kill her if she did. Bette remembered Winnies advice about not rising to Helenas baiting. It wasnt easy, but she did love to see that frustrated look on Helenas face when she smiled blandly at her taunts.

Returning to her office with a cup of coffee, Bette was less than delighted to find Franklin standing by her desk, looking through her papers.

Can I help you? she said sharply.

He stood back, looking flustered and guilty.

Bette, I need to talk to you for a minute. He said in his usual condescending way. Helena just came to see me. She says you are deliberately excluding her from the Allyn Barnes retrospective. He tried to look stern, but just looked constipated.

Bette sighed. She should have known Helena wouldnt let it rest.

Franklin, she is a board member, not on the staff here. Its my job to do this, not hers. She tried to stay calm.

I know, I know, but Bette, she has given us a lot of money towards this show. Christ, she was the one who brought Allyn Barnes to us. We need her goodwill Bette.

Bette shook her head and closed her eyes for a moment. Helena was the Terminator, she decided. Relentless, determined, and out for blood. And she will not stop. Ever.

Listen, just let her have a copy of the plans Bette, OK, Franklin said in a placating tone. This is your show, well all know that. Allyn is delighted with your work. Just, well, try not to antagonize Helena. Please. He smiled in a way that he probably thought was friendly. Bette thought it made him seem even more spineless than ever. However, no matter what her views, he was still her boss.

Damn Helena Peabody to *****! Bette could almost imagine her on the Harley, with the leather jacket and shades, smirking at her, and purring Ill be back in that plumy accent of hers. Then again, the Terminator ended up being thrown into a vat of boiling molten metal. Hmm, yes, a much nicer image of what Helena Peabody could do with herself.

If Franklin wondered about Bette Porters smothered giggle, he didnt dare ask.