Tina spent most of the next morning crouched in the tree line opposite the driveway of Gwen’s mansion in Alphaville. It was in the rural district, and thankfully far away from the big-city high-rises that dominated the downtown skyline. The sun beat down, but the trees provided at least a bit of shady relief. There was no wind to cull the humidity, however, and it clung to her skin in a blanket of oily perspiration.

Her stomach churned, but she knew it wasn’t from hunger. The cannibalization process had started again. Still, she had decided to wait until the afternoon before making a move—convincing herself it was to ensure she hadn’t been followed, and that it had nothing to do with the anxiety and apprehension building within her.

Eventually, though, she bounced across the street and up the short flight of steps to the main double doors of the single-story dwelling. Nerves shot through her already wrecked stomach as she gave a quick knock. Tense seconds passed, and doubts began to set in. Maybe this was a stupid idea. Maybe Gwen wouldn’t even want to see her, much less help her. Tina had almost convinced herself to turn about and run when the door finally opened.

Gwen stood in the doorway, dressed in a black skirt and expensive white blouse that fit her as well as they would have a woman half her size. Tina had expected her to look different somehow, but her caramel complexion and striking Caribbean features seemed only to have improved over the years. Gwen looked stunned for a moment, but then a wide grin parted her ruby-painted lips. “And where the hell have you been hiding?”

Tina opened her mouth, but didn’t really know what to say.

“Come here.” Gwen leaned in and gave her a hug. The embrace felt warm and genuine, but Tina couldn’t help but feel self-conscious about how she must look and smell. She hugged Gwen back, but kept a small gap between them, trying to avoid Gwen’s silky white blouse.

“Come on in,” Gwen said when they pulled apart, and Tina followed her through the door.