Christine gave Jimmy, Dougie, and Tawny each a bear hug and laughed with pleasure as they whooped and hollered when they returned to the presidential suite.
“Shh, shh, shh,” Christine said. “We don’t want to wake the dead.” She laughed. “Oh, man. Wasn’t that great? One down and three to go. Bring out the champagne, but let’s go easy with it. Later, after the smoke clears—pun intended—there’s something else I want to do.”
“Oh, no,” Dougie said. He shook his head. “Not tonight. I’m beat. Could it wait until tomorrow?”
“As a matter of fact, Dougie,” Christine said, “it’ll have to wait several days or several weeks. The police will be investigating the area until then.”
Christine went into the kitchen, withdrew a chilled bottle of champagne from the refrigerator and pulled some fluted glasses from a cupboard.
“As I’ve said before,” Christine said, “I want what is mine—rightfully mine—and it’s in that house.” She poured champagne into each glass. “By all means, I’m going to get what I want and I shall. You see, it’s apparent that I don’t let anything stop me from getting what I want most. I let absolutely nothing stand in my way or else. The explosive incident earlier this evening is testimony to what I’m saying, and as you’ll see later on, I’ll further demonstrate what I mean.”
“So, what are you suggesting?” Dougie asked.
“What is it?” Tawny asked.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” Christine said. “Now, drink up. It’s time to celebrate. Wheeeee!”