And the guy from Barcelona, the one I saw? Bette asked.

He visited the brothel were she served – she was 15 at the time – and fell in love, like most people Marina ***** do. He bought her for his own amusement and treated her just like that; a toy to play with, ***** hard and beat up. She owed him a lot of money from the trade with her original owner – thats how they manipulate and threaten the girls to stay and because they are so young and know nothing about the country they now life in, they believe everything theyre told and dont dare to run.

Bette had a hard time coming to terms with all this. So you got her out of there, when we met back then?

Yes, Francesca smiled, a smile that chased ice cubes up and down Bettes skin. And then she owed me.

God! Bette closed her eyes – she desperately wanted to puke. This is ***** sick!

Francesca shrugged. You could say that, but life is a ***** out there and Marina got a lot of serious ***** in her short lifetime to deal with, more than most of us would ever encounter.

Bette swallowed. What about 5 years ago – when she disappeared – what happened? She didnt try to kill herself, did she?

No, she didnt, and the rumors about her death are highly exaggerated as well. A dry laughter from Francesca startled Bette. This Ferrer guy never forgot her and he wanted her back. And when my control over Marinas life slipped, he succeeded. He faked the suicide-nonsense and forced her out of the country. But she was stronger, smarter and more cunning this time around, so she dealt with him and regained her freedom.

Bette paled. She killed him, didnt she? She ***** killed him!

He deserved it.

**************************************************************

And after debating, discussing and arguing with Francesca for what seemed like hours and hours, Bette became Marinas reluctant protector.

And when Francesca finally left, Bette was equally shocked, nauseated and exhausted.

What I get myself into, she muttered and swallowed several painkillers. Do I tell Tina about this? Do I talk to Marina? *****, how did I end up being Marinas damn guardian angel? She snorted in tired and sarcastic amusement.

Bette found a comfortable spot on the sofa and rested her head. Where is Tina when I need to curl up in her lap and forget everything?

tbc in the last part of the series.

If you want response on your feedback, send it here: bwpbard@hotmail.com
www.realmoftheshadow.com/bwpbard.htm
tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/MarinaFic

Danish writing: groups.yahoo.com/group/bwpbard