Bette closed up the gym that night and hopped into her Saab.
She had only one destination she intended to reach. She drove that direction
until she pulled up to the brown shabby apartment buildings that looked as if
they were crumbling apart. She remembered that Tina’s number was A5. Bette went
to the dented and scratched door and knocked.

A short, gnarled old lady answered. “May I help you?”

Bette peeked through the door looking around. “Uh, yes. Does
a Tina Kennard live here?”

The old lady eyed Bette down. “No, she moved out about a
week ago.”

Bette was taken back. “Where to? Do you know?”

The old lady shrugged. “I think she mentioned some place
called ‘Malibu Heights.’ Some ritzy ditzy place if you ask me.”

Bette smiled and shook the lady’s knobby, twisted hand. “Thank
you so much for your help.”

The lady grumbled and closed the door. Bette bounded for her
car and drove to the new condominiums. On the way there, she was questioning
how Tina after a two week span was able to live in these condos, until she
remembered. Helena. That would have been the only way and it made sense to
Bette. Helena was hooking her up with things she needed to get her to work
harder for her and ultimately gain her trust.

Bette shook her head hoping Tina didn’t decide to leave the
gym because it would be a huge mistake. She could end up losing her life due to
Helena’s selfish ways. She pulled into the gated security.

A young twenty something year old man walked up to Bette’s
driver window. “What can I do for you, Ma’am?”

Bette knew it might be easier to find Tina’s apartment this
way. “Yes. Do you happen to know where Tina Kennard lives?”

The man studied her. “Yeah, I do know where Ms. Kennard
lives but I’d need to inform her of your arrival, Ms.?”

Bette smiled politely. “Bette Porter.”

The man returned the smile. “Ms. Bette Porter. Let me call
up to her.”

The guard disappeared in a hut type building. He appeared
five minutes later. “She said you can go straight up. Her number is 1081.” He
pushed a button to open the gate.

Bette smiled. “Thanks.” She quickly drove through and within
a matter of seconds found a parking space. She got out of her car and headed
into the big well lit stucco building. The modern design on it made it look
like every condo was each person’s little paradise.

Bette easily found Tina’s place. Her hands were shaking from
the nerves. She let out a breath that she had been holding and gave a
determined knock. Shortly after, Tina was pulling the door open.

Tina was wearing only a sports bra and little grey shorts. “Hey
Bette, what are you doing here?”

Bette eyed Tina down taking in every curve. Bette suddenly remembered
Tina asked why she was there. “Oh um, we need to talk.”

Tina leaned against the door resting her head against it. “Could
this not have waited till tomorrow?”

Bette sighed looking down. “Well yea, but I need to tonight.
Before it’s too late.”

Tina sighed and stepped aside. “Alright, come in.”

Bette moved past Tina into the condo. This indeed would be a
long night.