"Traveler's Blues"
*******************
Duke had been out of town working at the Pentagon for over a week, just before Scarlett had struck up her partnership with the Baroness. She had quickly briefed him about her new partnership but didn't want to tell him about Falcon over the phone. She could tell he was less than thrilled about her dealing with the Baroness, but she chose not to let him know that she was aware of his interception of the Baroness' card. She had to wait until the last small remaining part of her was out of denial about it. Baroness had just called her an hour ago to inform her that they had to leave this evening for Cancun to do a photo shoot for a profile piece in a prestigious magazine. Scarlett had to admit Baroness works fast. So far so good. Scarlett stopped by Duke's apartment to bring in his mail for him, as she always did when he was out of town.
As Scarlett set the mail down on the coffee table she saw what looked like a crumpled up business card sticking out from under the sofa. She bent down and picked it up to throw it away but noticed it had pen writing on it instead of type print typical of a business card. She curiously opened it and was stunned at what it read: "I regret hearing of your unfortunate experience. Get well soon darling. Baroness Anastasia and DeCobray Public Relations." The missing card to Baroness' flowers. She knew this shouldn't have been a surprise to her, but now having tangible proof in her hand, made it sink in. Scarlett wrote a note to leave on top of Duke's mail where he wouldn't miss it: "Went to Cancun with the Baroness. See you when I get back on Thursday. Love, Shana." She set the Baroness' recovered card on top of the note then left the apartment to go back home and pack for Cancun.
*******************
Baroness picked up Scarlett in her limo to take them to La Guardia airport for their flight to Cancun. Scarlett looked out the window in confusion as she noticed that the limo had bypassed all the airline skycaps and was proceeding to drive onto a runway then stopped near a Lear jet. The driver opened their door.
"Come along darling," said Baroness as she stepped out of the limo.
"What is this?" Scarlett asked her as she peeked out of the open limo door.
"My Destro's Lear jet," Baroness proudly informed her. "What did you expect, Air Mexico?" Actually, yes.
"I'm not traveling on Destro's jet," Scarlett declared.
"Why the fuck not? Once you have been on this jet you will think that first class looks like budget airlines! Oh yes, and good luck catching a last-minute commercial flight that caters to our strict schedule. If you're lucky you will perhaps find a flight that has only two layovers, doubling your flight travel time. I will arrive probably six to twelve hours before you do, which is when you are scheduled to start your photo shoot. And oh yes, you will have to check in your luggage with the airlines. Personally I would sooner walk to Cancun before I let those fool baggage handlers lay a hand on my Louis Vuitton luggage. You would be a fool not to board this fucking plane."
Scarlett quickly evaluated her options, desperately trying to think of some alternative. She knew the Baroness was right. Dammit. She stepped out of the limo and boarded the jet with Baroness. She had to admit she was impressed with the executive interior. It was a beautiful eight-passenger configuration finished in beige leather seating with thick taupe carpet and gold accessories and high gloss wood trim. First class had nothing on this.
"I told you so," said Baroness as she lounged on the couch. "It's fabulous."
"Well, it doesn't exactly suck," Scarlett admitted as she took her seat in a club chair. Amazingly comfortable. A far cry from the countless long rough military flights she had become accustomed to. This wouldn't be so bad; the four hours in flight should be a breeze, maybe even pleasant despite the Baroness' attendance. She wondered what the chances were of Baroness staying quiet the entire time. Fat chance.
"Hey Shana, how's it going?"
"What the - ," Scarlett snapped around to look towards the familiar voice standing at the entry. "What are you doing here Vince!"
"Oh yes dear, I almost forgot. Vincent is coming with us," Baroness explained nonchalantly. Falcon took his seat next to Baroness on the couch.
"Awfully bold of you to take your boy-toy with you on Destro's plane," said Scarlett in surprise. "I thought you said he'd throw you to the wolves."
"Oh he is not technically with me darling, he is your guest," Baroness informed her.
"WHAT!" Scarlett jumped out of her chair then started yelling in the Baroness' face, "You set this whole thing up so you can have your little getaway with him, using me as your decoy! I'm not doing it; this isn't what I signed on for Baroness! I'm out of here." Scarlett turned and started walking towards the exit. Baroness jumped up and cut her off before exiting.
"Do not flatter yourself dearie, this is not about you," Baroness snarled at her, "This convenience just happens to be an added bonus for me, and I am taking it. That does not mean I am any less qualified to do for you as I have promised. Did I not pull off this last-minute high profile photo shoot for you? Have I not been vehemently denying rumors of your miscarriage? Yes dear, they've been calling and I have told them that you had collapsed in exhaustion from the flu. Now sit back down and stop being such a drama queen. There can be only one in this partnership and it is me."
"Yes SIR," said Scarlett contemptuously then went back to her seat.
"Aw come on Shana, lighten up; we're going to Cancun! This'll be fun, you'll see," said Falcon.
"Shut up Vince," snapped Scarlett as she sulked in her seat.
"She's right Vincent darling, now shut up and rub my feet."
Scarlett sighed as she looked out the window. This four-hour flight was going to feel more like twenty-four.
*******************
"Where is our fucking champagne?" Baroness asked angrily then got up and marched across the cabin to the galley to chew out their attendant.
"Can't we all just get along?" Falcon quipped at Scarlett, who had been giving him an icy glare.
"You know what you are, don't you?" Scarlett sneered at Falcon.
"Sure, her hot young stud-muffin," Falcon proudly replied. "I'm okay with that. It's nothing serious, we're just having some fun."
"No, you're her bitch."
"No I'm not," Falcon replied, sounding a little wounded at her mean spirited remark.
"Oh really? I'll bet she bought that outfit you have on, or did you suddenly develop a penchant for Versace overnight?"
"What's the matter, don't you think I have taste too?"
"Jesus Vince, if that shirt were any louder we'd have to call you Chuckles."
"Hmm." Falcon questionably looked down on the telltale bold vibrant print distinctive to Versace on his shirt then delightfully responded, "I think it's kind of nice." Scarlett rolled her eyes.
"Whatever."
*******************
Falcon excused himself to go the lavatory. Scarlett stared across the cabin at the Baroness. Baroness looked up from her magazine, seeing Scarlett's questioning expression fixed on her.
"What?" Baroness finally asked her.
"Why Falcon?"
"Why Falcon WHAT, darling?"
"You have Destro. So what do you need Falcon for?" Scarlett clarified her inquiry. Baroness let out a subtle laugh in amusement.
"I have Destro," said Baroness, mimicking Scarlett's assumption. "Let me tell you something. My Destro is shall we say - high maintenance. He is less than completely faithful to me and requires a great deal of effort on my part in the boudoir and honestly sometimes I think it takes a village to raise his - ."
"Ulgh," Scarlett groaned. Baroness ignored her and continued her story.
"Ah but my Falcon here, he is so easy! And he does not give me any trouble. I don't have to do anything but direct him, and he is so eager to please. The younger men are good for that and will worship you because you are their trophy sex-goddess. Once in a while a woman needs to just lie there and look good. You should try it sometime. It's fabulous."
"No thanks, sorry I asked," Scarlett moaned with her hands covered over her eyes as she tried to shake the visual out of her head. Baroness laughed proudly, obviously pleased with herself. Scarlett looked back up at Baroness' satisfied expression then told her, "You did that on purpose."
"So?"
"I hate you Baroness," sighed Scarlett then asked, "Are we there yet?"
*******************
The next morning a Range Rover picked them up from the hotel and drove them into the surrounding dense jungles filled with rare exotic tropical birds and plants, finally stopping near a remote lagoon. Trucks unloading equipment surrounded the area, and one beat up old truck in particular caught Scarlett's eye. The helpers were unloading six large long wooden boxes from it and making a big fuss. The first box was opened and Scarlett's eyes widened in surprise as she saw a 13-foot alligator being dragged out from it.
"What is the hell is this about?" Scarlett asked Baroness in disbelief.
"They were brought here from the alligator farm, darling," Baroness casually explained. "Before Cancun was developed as a tourist area there were a lot more alligators in the lagoon but over time their population has dwindled. Falcon, be a dear and get me a drink."
"You know what I mean Baroness, why are they HERE."
"Oh that, yes. You will be posing with them."
"GATORS Baroness!?" Scarlett yelled at her, "THIS your idea of publicizing my distinction with the Joes? By portraying me as some jungle rat? Do I LOOK like Recondo? Do you see a bush hat on my head? What the hell possessed me to ever listen to you in the first place! For God's sake Baroness, I was a pilot, a ninja, a - ."
"Are you telling me that you have never been in the jungle on a mission?" Baroness asked skeptically.
"Of COURSE I have but - ," Scarlett started to explain.
"Good! Well then I guess it is true to "you" after all."
"Oh no," Scarlett protested. "No fucking way. You're out of your mind if you think I'm going to get my head snapped off just for a photo shoot."
Baroness let out an exasperated sigh as she explained, "They cannot snap your head off if they are tranquilized, dear. Look for yourself." Scarlett looked at the gator-wranglers as they dragged the monsters to their designated spots, even piling a couple of them on top of another, then tying their mouths shut with transparent fishing line.
"And will the Croc Master be making an appearance too?" Scarlett asked sarcastically.
"No dear, these are alligators, not crocodiles. Now run along, they are ready for you."
"No. You go over there first. I want to see if they take one of your limbs off."
Baroness sashayed over to the gator pile, then naturally sat down on the largest one. She patted its head and baby-talked to it in an Australian accent, "Aw, you're a gorgeous specimen! You want to bite me, don't you! Yes you would make a fabulous handbag for mummy wouldn't you?"
"Looks like Steve Irwin has some competition," Scarlett commented as she walked up to Baroness on the gator pile. "You are crazy, you know that Baroness? You should be locked up."
"Hurry, before they wake," Baroness replied as she stood up.
"I hate you Baroness," Scarlett muttered as she gingerly took her place on the gator where the Baroness had been sitting. The monsters weren't asleep enough for her comfort; she could still hear their breathing and low throaty rumbling which reminded her of cats purring, only much more disturbing. Scarlett set her hand down on the gator's back, and her stomach fluttered as she felt its skin move and flicker against her palm. This thing was even creepier than spiders!
"Shit!" She immediately recoiled her hand away and jumped off of the gator.
"Oh for pity's sake!" Baroness growled as she walked up to Scarlett with a tumbler glass in her hand, filled an inch high with tequila. "Here, have a shot of courage." Scarlett gladly took it, even though it was still morning. Hell, I'm still on New York time anyway, she justified to herself as she took a swig from her glass. She was convinced this creepy photo shoot would never end, and that the gators would wake up any minute now to eat her alive. But they didn't, and by afternoon the gators were already on their way back to their farm.
"I'm starving, let's grab some chow," Scarlett suggested as she rubbed her arms, her exposed skin now raw and sore from leaning against the gators' hard leathery skin.
"Do not say chow," Baroness replied. Scarlett stopped babying her skin to look up at the Baroness.
"What?"
"I said, do not say chow," Baroness repeated herself more slowly. "You are not a dog; despite whatever names I have called you in the past. Therefore you do not eat as you say "chow." Do not use that lingo in public, preferably not at all. It is so - ."
"It is so WHAT, Baroness? Army-speak?" Scarlett asked in offense as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Precisely," said Baroness, unaffected by Scarlett's offense. "I am in charge of your public image, and I do not plan on portraying you as some derelict trash. I had something much more fabulous and sophisticated in mind. If you want the public to take you seriously then you will follow my advice and start speaking more like a lady. Try to use big words if you can, it's good for your image as a businesswoman." Scarlett scowled at her, even though she knew the Baroness was right, or BECAUSE the Baroness was right. She hated when that happened but this wasn't about her anymore, it was about her image and her PR. This was business.
"You are more intelligent than that," Baroness reminded her. "And that expression on your face will give you wrinkles. Now let us get some lunch, shall we?"
*******************
"So what time do we leave for New York?" Scarlett asked Baroness while they shopped after lunch.
"There has been a change in travel plans darling," Baroness informed her. "We are going to Venezuela where you will BASE jump off of the top of Angel Falls. Then we go home."
"Fine, whatever," Scarlett sighed. Great, not only do I have to spend more time with Baroness but now I have to BASE jump off of the world's tallest waterfall, she lamented to herself, more about the extra Baroness time than the dangerous jump. Over 3200 feet above the floor of the remote Venezuelan jungle, she mused if her parachute should happen to fail or if a gust of wind should slam her into the rocky cliff and kill her, well at least it would be less painful than the eight-hour plane ride home from Caracas with the Baroness and her bitch. Hmmm.
"Is there a problem darling?" Baroness asked patronizingly. Why would there be a problem, Scarlett wondered sarcastically. Just because she would be traumatized with bad visuals from Baroness deliberately sharing too much information or playing kissy-face with Falcon? She wondered if Baroness could take it as well as she could dish it.
"No, I was just thinking that I still need go lingerie shopping; Duke INSISTS on ripping my underwear right off my hips every time we go at it, but what are you gonna do, right?" Scarlett shrugged.
"Ulgh!" Baroness held her hand up in dismay. "Now I need a fucking cocktail to erase that visual!"
"Aw you should try it sometime Baroness darling! It's fabulous!" Scarlett mocked her.
"Bah!" Baroness cursed her then marched off. "Falcon! Get me a fucking drink immediately!"
"Hey it's even better with handcuffs!" Scarlett called out to her then chuckled to herself at successfully antagonizing the Baroness the way she had done to her on the plane the night before. That was fun, she thought. Maybe this partnership wouldn't be so bad after all.
*******************
*******************
Duke had been out of town working at the Pentagon for over a week, just before Scarlett had struck up her partnership with the Baroness. She had quickly briefed him about her new partnership but didn't want to tell him about Falcon over the phone. She could tell he was less than thrilled about her dealing with the Baroness, but she chose not to let him know that she was aware of his interception of the Baroness' card. She had to wait until the last small remaining part of her was out of denial about it. Baroness had just called her an hour ago to inform her that they had to leave this evening for Cancun to do a photo shoot for a profile piece in a prestigious magazine. Scarlett had to admit Baroness works fast. So far so good. Scarlett stopped by Duke's apartment to bring in his mail for him, as she always did when he was out of town.
As Scarlett set the mail down on the coffee table she saw what looked like a crumpled up business card sticking out from under the sofa. She bent down and picked it up to throw it away but noticed it had pen writing on it instead of type print typical of a business card. She curiously opened it and was stunned at what it read: "I regret hearing of your unfortunate experience. Get well soon darling. Baroness Anastasia and DeCobray Public Relations." The missing card to Baroness' flowers. She knew this shouldn't have been a surprise to her, but now having tangible proof in her hand, made it sink in. Scarlett wrote a note to leave on top of Duke's mail where he wouldn't miss it: "Went to Cancun with the Baroness. See you when I get back on Thursday. Love, Shana." She set the Baroness' recovered card on top of the note then left the apartment to go back home and pack for Cancun.
*******************
Baroness picked up Scarlett in her limo to take them to La Guardia airport for their flight to Cancun. Scarlett looked out the window in confusion as she noticed that the limo had bypassed all the airline skycaps and was proceeding to drive onto a runway then stopped near a Lear jet. The driver opened their door.
"Come along darling," said Baroness as she stepped out of the limo.
"What is this?" Scarlett asked her as she peeked out of the open limo door.
"My Destro's Lear jet," Baroness proudly informed her. "What did you expect, Air Mexico?" Actually, yes.
"I'm not traveling on Destro's jet," Scarlett declared.
"Why the fuck not? Once you have been on this jet you will think that first class looks like budget airlines! Oh yes, and good luck catching a last-minute commercial flight that caters to our strict schedule. If you're lucky you will perhaps find a flight that has only two layovers, doubling your flight travel time. I will arrive probably six to twelve hours before you do, which is when you are scheduled to start your photo shoot. And oh yes, you will have to check in your luggage with the airlines. Personally I would sooner walk to Cancun before I let those fool baggage handlers lay a hand on my Louis Vuitton luggage. You would be a fool not to board this fucking plane."
Scarlett quickly evaluated her options, desperately trying to think of some alternative. She knew the Baroness was right. Dammit. She stepped out of the limo and boarded the jet with Baroness. She had to admit she was impressed with the executive interior. It was a beautiful eight-passenger configuration finished in beige leather seating with thick taupe carpet and gold accessories and high gloss wood trim. First class had nothing on this.
"I told you so," said Baroness as she lounged on the couch. "It's fabulous."
"Well, it doesn't exactly suck," Scarlett admitted as she took her seat in a club chair. Amazingly comfortable. A far cry from the countless long rough military flights she had become accustomed to. This wouldn't be so bad; the four hours in flight should be a breeze, maybe even pleasant despite the Baroness' attendance. She wondered what the chances were of Baroness staying quiet the entire time. Fat chance.
"Hey Shana, how's it going?"
"What the - ," Scarlett snapped around to look towards the familiar voice standing at the entry. "What are you doing here Vince!"
"Oh yes dear, I almost forgot. Vincent is coming with us," Baroness explained nonchalantly. Falcon took his seat next to Baroness on the couch.
"Awfully bold of you to take your boy-toy with you on Destro's plane," said Scarlett in surprise. "I thought you said he'd throw you to the wolves."
"Oh he is not technically with me darling, he is your guest," Baroness informed her.
"WHAT!" Scarlett jumped out of her chair then started yelling in the Baroness' face, "You set this whole thing up so you can have your little getaway with him, using me as your decoy! I'm not doing it; this isn't what I signed on for Baroness! I'm out of here." Scarlett turned and started walking towards the exit. Baroness jumped up and cut her off before exiting.
"Do not flatter yourself dearie, this is not about you," Baroness snarled at her, "This convenience just happens to be an added bonus for me, and I am taking it. That does not mean I am any less qualified to do for you as I have promised. Did I not pull off this last-minute high profile photo shoot for you? Have I not been vehemently denying rumors of your miscarriage? Yes dear, they've been calling and I have told them that you had collapsed in exhaustion from the flu. Now sit back down and stop being such a drama queen. There can be only one in this partnership and it is me."
"Yes SIR," said Scarlett contemptuously then went back to her seat.
"Aw come on Shana, lighten up; we're going to Cancun! This'll be fun, you'll see," said Falcon.
"Shut up Vince," snapped Scarlett as she sulked in her seat.
"She's right Vincent darling, now shut up and rub my feet."
Scarlett sighed as she looked out the window. This four-hour flight was going to feel more like twenty-four.
*******************
"Where is our fucking champagne?" Baroness asked angrily then got up and marched across the cabin to the galley to chew out their attendant.
"Can't we all just get along?" Falcon quipped at Scarlett, who had been giving him an icy glare.
"You know what you are, don't you?" Scarlett sneered at Falcon.
"Sure, her hot young stud-muffin," Falcon proudly replied. "I'm okay with that. It's nothing serious, we're just having some fun."
"No, you're her bitch."
"No I'm not," Falcon replied, sounding a little wounded at her mean spirited remark.
"Oh really? I'll bet she bought that outfit you have on, or did you suddenly develop a penchant for Versace overnight?"
"What's the matter, don't you think I have taste too?"
"Jesus Vince, if that shirt were any louder we'd have to call you Chuckles."
"Hmm." Falcon questionably looked down on the telltale bold vibrant print distinctive to Versace on his shirt then delightfully responded, "I think it's kind of nice." Scarlett rolled her eyes.
"Whatever."
*******************
Falcon excused himself to go the lavatory. Scarlett stared across the cabin at the Baroness. Baroness looked up from her magazine, seeing Scarlett's questioning expression fixed on her.
"What?" Baroness finally asked her.
"Why Falcon?"
"Why Falcon WHAT, darling?"
"You have Destro. So what do you need Falcon for?" Scarlett clarified her inquiry. Baroness let out a subtle laugh in amusement.
"I have Destro," said Baroness, mimicking Scarlett's assumption. "Let me tell you something. My Destro is shall we say - high maintenance. He is less than completely faithful to me and requires a great deal of effort on my part in the boudoir and honestly sometimes I think it takes a village to raise his - ."
"Ulgh," Scarlett groaned. Baroness ignored her and continued her story.
"Ah but my Falcon here, he is so easy! And he does not give me any trouble. I don't have to do anything but direct him, and he is so eager to please. The younger men are good for that and will worship you because you are their trophy sex-goddess. Once in a while a woman needs to just lie there and look good. You should try it sometime. It's fabulous."
"No thanks, sorry I asked," Scarlett moaned with her hands covered over her eyes as she tried to shake the visual out of her head. Baroness laughed proudly, obviously pleased with herself. Scarlett looked back up at Baroness' satisfied expression then told her, "You did that on purpose."
"So?"
"I hate you Baroness," sighed Scarlett then asked, "Are we there yet?"
*******************
The next morning a Range Rover picked them up from the hotel and drove them into the surrounding dense jungles filled with rare exotic tropical birds and plants, finally stopping near a remote lagoon. Trucks unloading equipment surrounded the area, and one beat up old truck in particular caught Scarlett's eye. The helpers were unloading six large long wooden boxes from it and making a big fuss. The first box was opened and Scarlett's eyes widened in surprise as she saw a 13-foot alligator being dragged out from it.
"What is the hell is this about?" Scarlett asked Baroness in disbelief.
"They were brought here from the alligator farm, darling," Baroness casually explained. "Before Cancun was developed as a tourist area there were a lot more alligators in the lagoon but over time their population has dwindled. Falcon, be a dear and get me a drink."
"You know what I mean Baroness, why are they HERE."
"Oh that, yes. You will be posing with them."
"GATORS Baroness!?" Scarlett yelled at her, "THIS your idea of publicizing my distinction with the Joes? By portraying me as some jungle rat? Do I LOOK like Recondo? Do you see a bush hat on my head? What the hell possessed me to ever listen to you in the first place! For God's sake Baroness, I was a pilot, a ninja, a - ."
"Are you telling me that you have never been in the jungle on a mission?" Baroness asked skeptically.
"Of COURSE I have but - ," Scarlett started to explain.
"Good! Well then I guess it is true to "you" after all."
"Oh no," Scarlett protested. "No fucking way. You're out of your mind if you think I'm going to get my head snapped off just for a photo shoot."
Baroness let out an exasperated sigh as she explained, "They cannot snap your head off if they are tranquilized, dear. Look for yourself." Scarlett looked at the gator-wranglers as they dragged the monsters to their designated spots, even piling a couple of them on top of another, then tying their mouths shut with transparent fishing line.
"And will the Croc Master be making an appearance too?" Scarlett asked sarcastically.
"No dear, these are alligators, not crocodiles. Now run along, they are ready for you."
"No. You go over there first. I want to see if they take one of your limbs off."
Baroness sashayed over to the gator pile, then naturally sat down on the largest one. She patted its head and baby-talked to it in an Australian accent, "Aw, you're a gorgeous specimen! You want to bite me, don't you! Yes you would make a fabulous handbag for mummy wouldn't you?"
"Looks like Steve Irwin has some competition," Scarlett commented as she walked up to Baroness on the gator pile. "You are crazy, you know that Baroness? You should be locked up."
"Hurry, before they wake," Baroness replied as she stood up.
"I hate you Baroness," Scarlett muttered as she gingerly took her place on the gator where the Baroness had been sitting. The monsters weren't asleep enough for her comfort; she could still hear their breathing and low throaty rumbling which reminded her of cats purring, only much more disturbing. Scarlett set her hand down on the gator's back, and her stomach fluttered as she felt its skin move and flicker against her palm. This thing was even creepier than spiders!
"Shit!" She immediately recoiled her hand away and jumped off of the gator.
"Oh for pity's sake!" Baroness growled as she walked up to Scarlett with a tumbler glass in her hand, filled an inch high with tequila. "Here, have a shot of courage." Scarlett gladly took it, even though it was still morning. Hell, I'm still on New York time anyway, she justified to herself as she took a swig from her glass. She was convinced this creepy photo shoot would never end, and that the gators would wake up any minute now to eat her alive. But they didn't, and by afternoon the gators were already on their way back to their farm.
"I'm starving, let's grab some chow," Scarlett suggested as she rubbed her arms, her exposed skin now raw and sore from leaning against the gators' hard leathery skin.
"Do not say chow," Baroness replied. Scarlett stopped babying her skin to look up at the Baroness.
"What?"
"I said, do not say chow," Baroness repeated herself more slowly. "You are not a dog; despite whatever names I have called you in the past. Therefore you do not eat as you say "chow." Do not use that lingo in public, preferably not at all. It is so - ."
"It is so WHAT, Baroness? Army-speak?" Scarlett asked in offense as she folded her arms across her chest.
"Precisely," said Baroness, unaffected by Scarlett's offense. "I am in charge of your public image, and I do not plan on portraying you as some derelict trash. I had something much more fabulous and sophisticated in mind. If you want the public to take you seriously then you will follow my advice and start speaking more like a lady. Try to use big words if you can, it's good for your image as a businesswoman." Scarlett scowled at her, even though she knew the Baroness was right, or BECAUSE the Baroness was right. She hated when that happened but this wasn't about her anymore, it was about her image and her PR. This was business.
"You are more intelligent than that," Baroness reminded her. "And that expression on your face will give you wrinkles. Now let us get some lunch, shall we?"
*******************
"So what time do we leave for New York?" Scarlett asked Baroness while they shopped after lunch.
"There has been a change in travel plans darling," Baroness informed her. "We are going to Venezuela where you will BASE jump off of the top of Angel Falls. Then we go home."
"Fine, whatever," Scarlett sighed. Great, not only do I have to spend more time with Baroness but now I have to BASE jump off of the world's tallest waterfall, she lamented to herself, more about the extra Baroness time than the dangerous jump. Over 3200 feet above the floor of the remote Venezuelan jungle, she mused if her parachute should happen to fail or if a gust of wind should slam her into the rocky cliff and kill her, well at least it would be less painful than the eight-hour plane ride home from Caracas with the Baroness and her bitch. Hmmm.
"Is there a problem darling?" Baroness asked patronizingly. Why would there be a problem, Scarlett wondered sarcastically. Just because she would be traumatized with bad visuals from Baroness deliberately sharing too much information or playing kissy-face with Falcon? She wondered if Baroness could take it as well as she could dish it.
"No, I was just thinking that I still need go lingerie shopping; Duke INSISTS on ripping my underwear right off my hips every time we go at it, but what are you gonna do, right?" Scarlett shrugged.
"Ulgh!" Baroness held her hand up in dismay. "Now I need a fucking cocktail to erase that visual!"
"Aw you should try it sometime Baroness darling! It's fabulous!" Scarlett mocked her.
"Bah!" Baroness cursed her then marched off. "Falcon! Get me a fucking drink immediately!"
"Hey it's even better with handcuffs!" Scarlett called out to her then chuckled to herself at successfully antagonizing the Baroness the way she had done to her on the plane the night before. That was fun, she thought. Maybe this partnership wouldn't be so bad after all.
*******************