“Yes, Miss.” came the enthusiastic reply.

“My name’s Bette, Denny. I’m the Dean here at California University. We need to discuss a few things, and I have some papers I’ll need you to fill out.”

“I ain’t writing no examinations.”

Bette smiled. “It’s not an examination. Just some information. If you can give me a moment, I’ll explain.”

The remainder of the meeting took about a half hour. Most of it was explaining the process to Denny. Sometimes Helen needed to step in for a bit of reassurance or to translate between the two other English-speakers involved in the process.

“Uh, the screw here’s giving me the eye. Means I have to get off soon, innit.” Denny’s announcement came as almost a relief to Bette and Helen.

At the close of the call, even though it was only the start of the day, the women already felt drained.

“That was interesting.” Bette’s face remained as non-committal as her choice of words.

Helen seemed quite pleased, though. “She’s working with us, though, that’s good.”

“You think she might back out?” Bette wondered where Helen’s statement was coming from. During all talks to date Denny’s involvement was presented as a sure thing. Having championed this idea to Phyllis and others, Bette didn’t want to have to go back and explain that things were more tentative than she’d thought.

“No, it’s not that. Denny’s coming into her own as a person, I think, through her art. But she was raised in the system. Being locked up reinforced the pack mentality, and she can be a follower.”

“One of the herd?”

“More like the enforcer.” Helen gave a smile. “But I think that her being away from certain influences, and getting more exposure like this have really helped her to grow up and start making some choices based on what’s best, not necessarily what’s easiest.”

“I see,” Bette responded, although she didn’t fully understand. “Well,” one thing Bette did understand was taking control of a situation, “let’s get these papers together and send them off. Now, you’re sure they should go to your friend, not to Denny directly.”

“Quite sure. After they got through her majesty’s prison officers, who knows what Denny might receive or what we’d get back. She’ll be able to meet with Claire, the solicitor, in private, and Claire will help her understand and complete the documents.”

“So, after this, we’re good for a few days then.”

“Helen looked at some notes.” I suppose we are.

Not wanting to appear over solicitous, Bette approached the next topic rather carefully. “I realize L.A. is a new experience for you. Do you have any questions? Need directions? Anything?”

“I’m actually enjoying a bit of a holiday from everything. I’m not feeling the need to play tourist.”

“Well, if something comes up, please contact myself or James.”

“Thank you. I’ll let you know if anything comes up.” Helen mirrored Bette’s words, giving a fetching smile.

A smile that was almost enough to make Bette rethink some of the decisions that she had made about Helen Stewart.

(tbc)