Christine continued to herald the arrival of her friends with an impromptu party, which included champagne and meat-and-cheese and veggie platters. Music softly streamed from Jimmy’s electronic tablet.
Christine raised her glass and prompted others to raise theirs.
“To success,” Christine said.
“To success,” the others said in unison.
“To more success,” Christine added. “And to Christine.”
Jimmy guffawed, Dougie groaned, and Tawny rolled her eyes and pretended to vomit. Christine laughed.
“Hey, I’m not all that bad,” Christine said.
“Yeah, right,” Dougie said.
“Don’t you wish,” Jimmy said.
“Well, sheeeee-it!” Christine said.
Tawny doubled over and howled with laughter. Some champagne spilled from her glass. She playfully slapped Christine on the shoulder.
“You are sooo friggin’ funny!” Tawny said. “No wonder I love you so much.”
“Wuv woo, too,” Christine said and laughed along with Tawny.
After a few moments, their laughter tapered off.
“So, what’s next?” Tawny asked.
“Well,” Christine said. “Here’s the plan. Since our stay here is indefinite and I assure you that money is no object whatsoever, we are to maintain a constant vigil of the house. We’ll go in four-hour shifts, like from six in the morning until ten in the morning, then from ten in the morning until two in the afternoon, and so on. It’s absolutely crucial that I know what’s going on at all times, who’s coming and going. After this little frivolity of ours, we begin surveillance.”