Regaining some composure Dana continued It was always a secret. My own parents do not know. It was my god mother who told me of my duty. Now Im sure you are concerned as to why it is no longer a secret to you. Allow me to clarify, Alice, when you kissed me that night Tonya was watching. I didnt know at first. She pretended that she had no idea. Instead she started to do some digging. As a result she uncovered something that she shouldnt have, it gave me away. Tonya was not someone I ever cared for however she was important to me. Important in that she had information that I have be trying to get for years. I came home about a week after you came to my doorstep at 3am and she was waiting for me. She had realised that I would kill her if she didnt give me what I wanted and had decided to get in first. She made the mistake that all goodies do, she tried to talk. I shot her when the 7th word left her lips. I saw you kiss Alice so I and that was it. Ali, Dana said with mock tenderness. I have to say this got me pretty pissed off.

But I Alice whispered. The way in which Dana had told her story was completely emotionless. Her eyes had been locked on Alices staring right into her soul.

Oh yes Im sure you didnt know and that is not why you are here
Dana got up from the chair and sat on the table edge side on to Alice. It wasnt a move that comforted Alice. The men with the guns still had a clear shot. And she couldnt feel any warmth from Dana. That scared her more that Dana words.

You see Alice the way Tonya found out about my dirty little secret is through an inconsistency she spied with you

Alice was confused but she was too scared to interrupt.

Hmm youre very quiet all of a sudden sweetheart. Wondering whatever it is you could have done. Well here is the answer to your unasked question. You are a very good reporter Alice. You know it. The thing is you never move forward. Youre rarely promoted and youre never given anything with any depth. Every time you apply for another job you are rejected. This is all because of me. I had one of my people working in politics have a word with your editor, offering a deal they couldnt refuse if they kept you down. You see I couldnt exactly have you getting access to certain information and getting suspicious could I? I wanted you where I could watch what you. Unfortunately the political member who I had spoken for me had his allegiance exposed. Not publicly but he was executed by those who Tonya works for and his name made known to them. I can only assume that the editor let the name slip and Tonya worked it all out. After all she thought she was investigating a relationship between us

***** Alice stated. She had been fighting for years to climb the ladder and it really got to her that she had trusted this ***** in front her.

Dana simply smiled. I cant risk anyone else making the connection

They wont Dana Alice pleaded; the weight of the situation had hit her like a sledgehammer to the gut. There was no way out of this situation. This was not the woman she knew. Apparently she had never known that person.

You damn right the wont honey

Dana leaned over and kissed Alice with all the passion someone like her had. It was tender and loving but it was also vile. The kiss of death

When she pulled away Alice had tears streaming down her face. She knew what the edge in Danas voice had meant. One day, say goodbye to them for me Alice said in a steady voice.

Alice I will honestly try and do that Dana said and with that she pulled out her pistol and squeezed the trigger gently as soon as it was aimed and straight between Alices eyes.

———————

The group sat in the planet basking in the warmth of the mugs clasped in their hands. The only two missing were Dana and Alice. The door opened and a cool breeze blew in. Dana stepped through. Hey Dana cried Tina. The others smiled at her and nodded hellos. Dana you dont know where Alice is do you? Bette questioned. Dana stumbled catching her foot on the leg of a chair. Oh ah, I think she said something about a really hot story that would have her tied up under cover for a while. The table smiled they all knew how Alice could get in investigative reporter mode. The conversation moved on with idle chat. They had all just accepted what Dana the klutz had fed them. As Dana turned away to order a coffee, a smile lit her lips, that never touched, the ice in her eyes.