“But Val, you usually do engage in rational behavior. Though today, I will admit, what you’re doing is testing that claim to the limit.” Gwen sighed. “Think about it. If she is part of this, and she’s crazy, then you’re not calling her out. She’s calling you out.”

38

Molly Dolan was staying in an expensive Airbnb in the trendy town of Ellicottville, NY. The drive took about an hour. Gwen sat behind the wheel, discussing the best way to handle the situation. Val eventually began to listen to some reason, confirming they would approach this in a cautious manner. This seemed to calm Gwen down.

Though, thought Val, I really didn’t promise anything. “The next house should be hers,” Val said. “Slow down.”

Gwen slowed the car and parked. “Now what?”

Val’s pulse raced. She started to have second thoughts about knocking on the door, possibly going inside the house. And possibly being trapped. It would be two against one, but they might not be a match for a woman expert at ripping people apart. “We wait for her to come outside.”

Three hours passed before the door opened and a woman walked out.

Molly Dolan worked in developing countries but she looked as if she’d stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. She had dark red hair cut short, pixie style, and her clothing was straight off the Burberry line. But there was something else about her, and the chic appearance didn’t hide it, really it couldn’t.

Val’s heart began to bang hard. “Holy crap, it can’t be. It simply can’t be!”

“Can’t be what?”

Val jumped out of the car. She was shaking so strongly that she almost fell once her feet touched the ground. Stumbling, she ran forward as best she could.

“Val!” Gwen jumped too, running after her. “Val, stop! What are you doing!”

Molly snapped her head in their direction. Then quickly retreated, backing away in obvious fear of the two women coming at her. She looked towards the door of the house. There was no way she’d make it in time. She put her hands up defensively as Val approached her.

Val stopped within a couple of feet of Molly. “I know what you’ve done! Why don’t you just admit it?” Val yelled.

Gwen’s eyes went wide. She grabbed Val’s wrist and tried to pull her away. “What in the hell are you doing?” she said through clenched teeth.

Molly put her hand to her chest, her mouth hung open in shock. She looked in Gwen’s direction for some explanation for Val’s outburst. “What are you talking about?” she asked, frightened. “Who are you?”

“It’s Val. Like you don’t know.”

“Val? Valentina Knight?” Molly narrowed her eyes. She looked thoroughly stunned. “Julia’s friend?”

Val glared at Molly. “I know everything about you! I’ve got you!”