Bette was awakened by the shrill ringing of her mobile phone at the side of her bed. Having what she thought was the worst hangover in her whole entire life; she glanced at her bedside alarm, and realized that the time was only 7am in the morning. “Who in the hell would call me at such an unholy time? thought Bette as she grabbed the phone and noticed an unidentified number.

“I’ve taken the initiative to help you arrange a meeting with an old friend of yours. Senator Grisham, if you would remember her from the Senate Congressional Hearing in Washington. She’s in town about to give a talk to the American Civil Liberties Union this morning, and I’ve arranged for a luncheon at Pregos around noon. Will expect your punctual presence.” Helenas overly cheerful voice appeared to be especially grating to Bettes ears at that instant.

“Senator Grisham? How did you know that I know her?” questioned Bette.

“It became a common coffee table topic that she hit on you rather unsuccessfully after your passionate speech about the poverty and inadequate education and arts funding. Or should I say, “The Planet” topic? Though I would frankly prefer to call that a tirade, regardless of all the affirmative feedback you garnered on Fox News.”

Bette wanted to reply in a witty and sarcastic manner to regain what she thought was left of her dignity. Unfortunately for her, her rented brain had ceased to function due to that massive migraine so the only thing she could articulate was, Helena Peabody. Youre fucking insane.

Despite being born with a silver spoon in her mouth, and always getting whatever she wanted; Helena Peabody actually deserved some credit for getting most of her desires met. She was an extremely tough negotiator, and knew exactly what to say to make people tick. That had allowed Helena to expand the strong donor base in the Peabody foundation and give her free access to the social circles of the top echelons of society, and even the most conservative of political leaders. It was something that Bette could match if she sought to, but Bette had always hated convention and made frequent efforts to avoid being placed in such situations.