Wanting Tina and her instincts to be wrong and this to be the quick exchange she had envisioned in the beginning, Bette spoke, "Let’s stop pretending this is some sort of pleasant luncheon shall we. Monique I want the information I hired you to get for me. I have a defense to mount and I want to start as soon as possible. I will write you a check and we can be go on with our lives."

Lazily Monique’s gaze returned to Bette, as it did Bette felt all hope of this being quick and painless vanish. Their instincts had not been wrong at all. She knew that look, it was the same look that Monique had given her on the first night they had met, lust. Only this version unimaginably carried even more strength of purpose than the original had.

"Bette, Bette always in a hurry. "

Just as she was about to continue a waiter appeared carrying a tray with two glasses of Italian wine arrived at the table and began to place the glasses in front of herself and Tina.

"Your wine ladies"

(Fighting her mounting irritation) "I didn’t order wine. There must be some mistake."

(Smiling seductively)"There’s no mistake Bette, I took the liberty of ordering them. I know how much you like Italian wine."

(Turning to the waiter) “Thank you. That’s all for now"

This woman is fucking unbelievable. She isn’t even trying to disguise what she wants with me sitting right here. For all she cares I am invisible. We’ll see about that! Tina fought for control as she raged watching the waiter’s retreat. She had promised Bette her trust and she would give it.

Leaving her glass where the waiter had set it in front of her Bette watched Tina’s eyes cloud over with anger and then clear as she stayed true to her promise, to follow her lead.

"Monique I’ve had enough of your games. I want what I hired you for. Do you have it with you or not?"

"Of course I have what you want Bette. I’ve always had what you’ve wanted haven’t I?"

Monique’s comment forced Tina to use her remaining strength to remain silent and not retaliate as the gall of the Jamaican woman’s bald innuendo scalded her heart. This is why Bette made me promise. She knew she would try to bait me. Tina fumed.