Michelle stands on the porch, holding Mickey in her arms as she watches them leave. She glances down at her feet and gulps before blurting out, “So, how serious is it?”

Bette stops and turns to face Michelle, her expression curious and guarded. “What?”

“Your phone call, the woman on the other end…is it serious or?”

Bette’s jaw tightens in anger as she glares at her ex-wife. “In what world would that be any of your business?”

Michelle scoffs and shakes her head. “We just got divorced, Bette…. Have you really moved on that fast?”

Bette stares at Michelle for a beat before she turns to walk off the porch. “You have a good evening, Michelle…”

Angrily, Michelle steps outside onto the porch. “Bette!” she calls out desperately.

Bette ignores her and ushers Angie into the car before driving away. Michelle wipes away an angry tear and takes a deep breath before storming back into the house and slamming the door….

***

Two days later, Tina cranks the AC to its highest setting as she drives to work, trying to escape the stifling heat outside. She hums along to the song on the radio, but her mood sours when the DJ cuts in and interrupts her favorite part.

“Good morning, fellow Angelenos. I hope you have plenty of water and sunscreen today because it’s going to be a scorcher…” The DJ says with laughter. “We’re already seeing reports of rolling blackouts across the city, so make sure to stay cool and hydrated…. I’m gonna do my part and keep the jams coming. Here’s an oldie but goodie from Journey…”

As she pulls up to Alphaville Studio’s gate, Tina can already feel the sweat gathering at her hairline. She flashes her badge and enters the lot. After finding a space, she takes a deep breath before reluctantly stepping out of her air-conditioned car and into the sweltering heat. Grumbling to herself, she gathers her things from the passenger seat and braces herself for the walk to the building. The heat hits her like a wall as soon as she steps out, causing her to immediately regret leaving the cool comfort of her car….

***

The Bette Porter Gallery….

A few hours later, Bette is in her office working on her computer. Suddenly, the fluorescent lights flicker and then go out, plunging the room into darkness. She lets out an exasperated sigh and closes her eyes. ”Not again,” she mutters under her breath. She closes her laptop and leans back in her chair, rubbing her temples in frustration. ”James?!” she calls out, hoping her assistant is nearby.