“They don’t give a rat’s ass about a strong spirit. They want a tight ass so men will want them. They will deny it to the death, but it’s true. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you will realize your own power.”

“You’re sick. This goes against everything you’ve ever taught me.”

“This is the most important thing I ever will teach you, so listen! Know your price, Rachel.”

“No.”

“You think I’m some cheap slut, do you? You think you’re above selling yourself? How much rent have you ever paid here?”

“I offered. You said it didn’t matter. I loved you.”

“That’s your price, then.”

“It’s not. It’s love.”

“Sold!” Bella climbed out of bed and strode across the room, her long gray hair flying behind her. She took her robe from the closet, threw it around herself, and tied the sash. “Love me for what I am, Rachel. Just as I love you for what you are. Nothing has changed. Dr. Mendenhall will be back, whimpering like a puppy. If it will make you feel better, you can be the one that takes him. Maybe we can do it together.”

“You’re sick. How could you even suggest such a thing?”

“Rachel, as long as you see men as human beings, we are going to have a problem. They are inferior beings, incapable of love. How could a few moments of animal friction with a subhuman affect us? What we have between us?”

“You sound like a man caught with his pants down.”

Bella sighed. “I don’t want you around the others until you calm down. There’s some money in my jewelry box. Why don’t you take it and go down to Esalen for a week or so. Think this over. You’ll feel better when you get back.”

“What about the others?” Rachel asked. “How do you think they’ll feel when they find out that all the magic, all the spiritualism you preach, is just so much bullshit?”

“Everything is true. They follow me because they admire my power. This is part of that power. I haven’t betrayed anyone.”

“You’ve betrayed me.”

“If you feel that way, then perhaps you’d better leave.” Bella went into the bathroom and began drawing a bath. Rachel followed her.

“Why should I leave? I could just tell them. I know as much as you do now. I could lead them.”

“Dear Rachel.” Bella was adding oils to her bath and not looking up. “Didn’t you learn anything from killing your husband? Destruction is a man’s way.”

Rachel was stunned. She had told Bella about the accident but not that she had caused it. She had told no one.

Bella looked up at her at last. “You can stay if you wish. I still love you.”

“I’ll go.”