Chapter 4

Bette stood and watched until Tina’s figure fades into the crowd of pedestrians.

"Fuck!” She shouts to no one while stomping her foot.

Bette couldn’t believe the series of events that just took place. She felt like she been side swiped by a hit and run. How could she have achieved the exact opposite of what she wanted? This kind of thing doesn’t happen to her.

Bring her hand up to her forehead she is torn between chasing after Tina to straiten out this colossal mistake or turning the other way and get to what she officially came here to do. Turning in the direction of the meeting Bette quickly turns back in the direction of Tina’s departure. She is about to move in the direction Tina disappeared into the crowd when she hears her name.

"Bette …. Bette. Over here"

It’s James calling out to her. Turning back to James it clicked in Bette’s mind that Tina walked away and she was due at the Regional meeting. Bette looked back in Tina’s direction not seeing her at all. "Coming James" Bette starts focusing on the day to come. She will have to figure Tina out later.

Coming up shoulder to shoulder to James, "Are you ready for today?" She asks.

James smiles, they have planned out this day for weeks. It was days like today that got all of James’ juices flowing. Today they will play with the big boys and see where all the cards lay at the end of the day. "I live for days like today." James responds.

Bette the laughs, "Me too."

The primary strategy was to get Bette one on one with each of the different players which had included Justin.  Now that the Director has made his plans clear it became imperative that they execute the rest of their plan flawlessly.   There were 7 in all.  Minus the Director that left four who were men with the remaining two woman of distinction neither of which liked Bette very much. The tactics behind getting these one on ones were crucial in that not all 6 players liked Bette or what Bette represented. But Bette felt if she could have a private conversation with each well Bette has never lacked confidence in her ability to charm. She knew could bring them around to her even if they are reluctant.