Chapter 14 – A Plan

The Planet
Well, we know that neither Kit nor Shane are early risers so for them the next morning was at 11 AM. Shane arrives and goes to the counter to get her triple shot. Turning around she spots Kit sitting at the far corner table with Ivan. Giving Kit a nod she heads that way.
Ivan: Kit let me get along so you two can meet. Shane, good to see you. Nodding in Shane direction.
Shane nods and sits down.
Kit: Well Shane, whats so important. Watching Shane as she sat down.
Shane: Have you looked at Bettes paintings?
Kit thinking she knew where Shane was going but wanted to be sure.
Kit: Your point?
Shane: She still loves Tina!
Kit: So Girl Friend, WHAT ARE WE GOIN TO ABOUT IT.?
Shane: We need a PLAN,
Kit: We need Alice.




Chapter 15 – Abandoned

Saturday morning found Alice hunched over her coffee mug with a death grip. Tina walked into the kitchen and pulled up a chair across from Alice and shook her head.
Tina: I thought you were out with Dana last night. What are you doing here?
Alice: SHHHSHHH, could you be a little more quiet. PLEASE
Tina in a whisper: OK, what happened last night?
Alice: We went to one of those wine tasting parties. You know where they tell you in detail about the wine and then give you a sample. Do you know that after you taste the first ten to fifteen samples, the next ten taste pretty much the same.
Tina really laughing now: Uh, No I really wouldnt have known that, thanks Alice.
Only Alice. But Tina had been thinking and wanted to bounce some thoughts off of Alice, not really sure when the best time would be Tina thought she might as well start.
Tina: Hey Alice, listen, I was wondering if we could talk about Bette a little bit? I need to work out some issues and well now I guess Im ready but if youre not feeling that great maybe we could talk sometime later.
Alices head shot up and quickly eyed Tina to try to read where she was coming from. Seeing how calm and confident Tina appears Alice thought: Wow she is really putting things together. Go Girl.
Alice: No Tina, now is fine, just give me a minute to dump some of this coffee down. As Alice almost chugs her coffee and gets up and pours another cup.
Alice: OK, SHOOT Whats bugging you?
Tina: Well, I was thinking after Danas little outburst the other night that if she hasnt seen Bette in over a year, who has. Have you had any contact with her?
Alice: Actually, NO. Alice pauses now because she has had these thought months ago and was actually dreading this conversation with Tina. Feeling that Tina wanted more she continued At first I was mad and didnt really want to talk and later I tried calling Bettes cell and got no answer. This was all the farther that Alice was prepared to go at this moment unless Tina pushed her farther. She had actually called not only Bettes cell, her house and the CAC and gotten no response from anywhere. No Bette anywhere. It was like she fell off the face of the planet.
WOW was Tinas only response. This wasnt the answer that Tina expected. Alice was always in touch with everyone. Now Tinas thoughts were running a little wild. Where could Bette be or why has she left everyone or even how much do I really want to know. Im just beginning to come out of my cave. To Alice: Alice youre always the one who keeps everyone in touch. I thought you where just keeping it to yourself. You mean you dont know where Bette is?
Alice: Yeah, Thats the story. Debating with herself on how much more to add Alice tried changing the subject. I should have drunk more coffee, you want me to fill you up Tina? Alice half rising out of her chair.
Tina still deep in thought: UH, UH, no my coffees fine.
Tina: Just when exactly was the last time you saw Bette?
Damn Alice thought now shes asked it. Deep sigh. Sitting back down.
Tina: Alice, where .. I mean what arent you saying!
Alice looks right at Tina trying to read her. Tina looks a little angry now with her cheek getting flush. This is not something Alice is coping well with this Saturday morning. So in Alices mind the best defense is a good offense.
Alice fired back: TINA, WHAT do you want from me? I havent seen Bette since we called the cops on her that day she was trying to bull her way into see you. You know that.
Tina: Oh MY GOD. Did we ALL ABANDON HER!