“Oh, Sonya. You don’t believe in that stuff, do you? An intelligent and sophisticated woman like yourself.”
“I know it sounds crazy, but it’s more than just folklore. I’ve seen it, Yolanda. I’ve seen this bat, and I’ve seen what it’s capable of.”
Yolanda looked skeptically at her.
“Please. Even if you don’t believe me, be careful. From what I can see, Hollywood has become the hunting ground for one of these creatures. I would think the hunting is easy out here; so many hopefuls willing to do anything and everything to make it big...even sell their souls.”
“Yeah,” Yolanda said, her gaze suddenly distant. “They’ll do anything.” She remained quiet for a long moment, lost in her thoughts. “Tell you what I’ll do,” she finally said. “I’ll be the bait for this bat of yours.”
Sonya wanted to argue.It was far too dangerous.Yolanda didn’t take her seriously, adding to the danger.
“If this thing is real, let it come after me,” she insisted. “We could all use a good laugh these days. I’d like to meet this bat of yours.”
Sonya didn’t know what more to say to convince her.
Yolanda laughed, amused by her own take on the matter. “And with that, do you still want me to meet with Zwick? Or should I go out onto the streets to get this bat to bite?”
“Meet with Zwick, but not at his office,” Sonya said, thinking everything out as she spoke. “Tell him you want to meet him at the bar instead. After the day you’ve had you need a few drinks and a good time.”
“Sounds good. He’ll believe that.”
“Good.It’s really best if you meet him in a public place...just in case he doesn’t take the news well.”
“What news?”
“That you quit. That you’ll no longer be his plaything. And then, once he’s absorbed that, tell him you know all about Marion.”
“Got it.”
“And when you get to the bar, act a little drunk. Show everyone how upset you are about Eddie. When you’re done with Zwick, leave the bar and walk back to your bungalow. I’ll be there, in the shadows, out of sight; every step of the way, I’ll be looking out for you. And when that bat pounces on you...”
Yolanda suddenly looked concerned. “This bat of yours, Sonya. If this thing really is real, and if it’s as deadly as you seem to believe...” She shook her head and looked at Sonya. “You’re so tiny, and you almost seem, well, frail. What can you possibly do to save me? I mean, do you think you’ll be able to kill this thing?”
“I’ll certainly try,” Sonya said. “Don’t just judge me on my stature. I’m stronger than I appear.”
“And what if you can’t do it? What will happen to me if it gets me?”
“So, you’re starting to believe me now. You’re starting to think that this thing might be real after all.”
Yolanda let out a loud and overly confident laugh. “Hell, no. I just want to humor you. Don’t worry. I’ll go along with this little plan. We’re sisters after all. What could go wrong?”
