“Right now, we’re just an interested party in what’s going on.  But all the same, we just want to make sure you know that the people you’re dealing with are serious people.”

He pulled the edge of the knife away from Bette’s neck.  She sensed he’d also taken a step back away from her.

“That all?” she asked, injecting a note of sarcasm.  “Don’t you think I know that already?”

She sensed him rock forward and she felt the cool edge of the knife slide along the skin on the back of her neck again.  He hissed, “listen beautiful.  You’re lucky you’re protected.  And I understand that you’re not to be touched.  But you won’t always have that protection … then you and I can settle this then.  Maybe have the red-head watch…”

He pulled the knife away as Bette moved to turn around, angered by the implicit threat he’d made against her … and Tina.

But before she could say anything in response, he had walked away quickly from her.

She heard running steps further down the alley, near the street, and she thought about giving chase, but she didn’t want to leave Tina’s side.  A split second later she heard a car gunning to life and squealing tires.

“Are you okay, T?” Bette asked, turning her attention back to Tina, holding her lightly by the shoulders.

Tina was shaking as she clutched Bette.  “I-I-I’m okay, baby.”

Now they’ve gone too far, Bette thought, drawing Tina into a tight embrace.

She felt Tina calm herself down, drawing in calming breaths, and blowing out slowly.

“Let me take care of this, baby,” the blonde finally said, surprising Bette.

“What?” Bette asked, unsure if she heard Tina correctly, releasing Tina slightly from her tight embrace.

“I want to find out about the picture.  And when I do, I want to deliver my own message to him, and whomever he works with,” Tina responded stepping back, looking Bette in the eye so that the brunette could see that she was serious.

“Tina, please …” Bette started.  “You’ve got to stay away. Stay safely…”

“No, Bette.   You focus on your work with the files, and find the answers you’re looking for there.  Let me take care of this one.”