“Have we found our own place yet?” asked Millicent.
“We’re currently looking at several small islands off the coast of the Philippines. We’re negotiating price and of course the building of our individual mansions. Two are ideal for building resorts and golf courses, where we can draw in as many future husbands as we like,” grinned Gloria.
The women all laughed, nodding their heads.
“Now, for today, I’ve arranged a special treat,” smiled Gloria. “We’re each going to get a massage, with a happy ending of course. We’re going to get our toxin treatments for those nasty lines that are appearing. We’ll be getting facial filler, laser, and some small tightening around those problem areas.”
“How lovely,” grinned Delilah. “I’ve been needing a little work and for some reason Wilton wouldn’t allow me to get it. I didn’t want to spend my money to make him happy. He was being unreasonable.”
“I agree, darling,” said Millicent. “Well, shall we order ladies?”
“Yes,” laughed Gloria. “One of everything.”
With a table full of food, the women were indulging in a lunch that they normally would never eat. Typical for them was raw vegetables, salads, green juices and fruit.
Instead, in a place like Charleston, there were soft-shell crabs, lobster tails, shrimp, oysters, grits, and so much more. But when a small group of men entered the patio area of the restaurant, their faces blanched.
“What the fuck?” muttered Gloria. “Lawrence? Lawrence, why are y’all here? This is a girls trip only.”
“Hello to you too, Gloria,” he frowned. Mathers, Wallace, and Wright were standing behind him. “Don’t worry ladies, you can continue your little trip when we leave. That is if you can afford it.”
“Lawrence what on earth are you talking about?” she stammered. “This is part of our allowance.”
“Yes. It seems you’ve all been very good with your allowances. Making smart investments, with our money, and of course your prevalent drug fascination.”
The women were all turning an unhealthy shade of gray. Hyacinth reached for Gloria’s hand.
“Gloria. What is happening?”
“I don’t know,” she said through clenched teeth. “Just shut up and let me do the talking.”
“We’re not as stupid as you all had hoped. Your little game is done. We will be the last of your husbands. Each one of us has changed our wills. Permanently. No part of our estate will go to any of you. None. Zero dollars. Zero property. Your deceptions are beyond cruel. You had intent to kill.”
“Lawrence!”
“Shut up!” he yelled. Mitch gripped his arm and stepped forward.
“Who are you?” asked Gloria.
“Me? I’m the man that married Marnie St. John, the woman your son is trying to kill.” She started to open her mouth and Mitch took another step forward, his fist clenched. “Don’t open your fucking mouth or you’re going to lose those capped teeth.”
She blanched, shaking slightly as she looked toward her husband for support.
“Where is your son?” he asked.
“I-I don’t know. That’s the truth. I saw him a few weeks ago in Gulf Shores but I don’t know where he is now.”
“You’d better hope you’re not lying,” said Mitch. “I’ll make sure your death is not a pleasant one.”
“Lawrence, Lawrence, you can’t possibly believe any of us would attempt to harm you,” she said clasping her necklace of pearls.
“We’re not as stupid as you believed,” said Mathers. “Your minions at the club have confessed and are currently being booked into jail. The houses are being searched for further evidence, although we’ve found enough drugs to indicate that you all had a healthy business happening.”
“Your passports are revoked,” said Brooks. “There will be no options for you to leave the country and when we’re done with you, there will be no options for you in a soft prison somewhere. You’ll be with the big girls. Just you and a bunch of girls anxious to hide.”
“Gloria, Gloria, do something!” said Sue Ellen.
“Do what? What is it you think I can do?” she squealed. “We’re in this together, Sue Ellen. Remember?”
