The next morning, Carol was cooking breakfast when the other ladies stumbled into the kitchen.

"No," Carol answered over her shoulder when Leanne asked if the host would like some help. "I'm almost done. Breakfast will be served in about five minutes."

The three guests sat around the table and watched as Carol finished cooking and served them a plate with hash browns, scrambled eggs, and bacon. She got each of them a cup of coffee and two slices of toast before joining them at the table.

"So," Carol said. "How'd everyone sleep?"

"I don't know about everyone else," Monique said, "but that was the best sleep I've had in the last three weeks."

"Booze and pot will do that," Carol said with a smile. "I can't recommend it all the time, but, on occasion, I use it."

"Carol," Lauraine said hesitantly, "last night, you gave us a lot of good information. Thank you. I was wondering, though, what you think we should do about the offers."

Carol shook her head, sadly.

"I am sorry, Lauraine," she replied, "but I can't help you there. My job is to help you identify options and make the decision yourself. After last night, though, I think it's safe to say you three already know what you are going to do."

The other three women looked at each other for a few moments before nodding.

"I think, though," Carol continued, "that you need to discuss this with your daughters before accepting or rejecting the offers. Jim and Arnie are great guys, but they are not mothers. They don't know how a mother thinks and really don't know the magnitude of what they're offering."

"How can we talk to them about it," Monique asked. "They aren't supposed to know anything about their deaths until the middle of next week. Jim and Arnie were afraid they'd try to run if they knew."

"I am willing to bet that they already know," Carol said, "or at least, suspect. Look, Danii's gone for another 10 days. Why don't you three bring your daughters over here for the weekend? We can have a barbecue and pool party. If you're okay with it, I'll invite Jim, Arnie, and Bernadette."

"We'll bring up the subject and discuss it with the girls. If they react poorly, there'll be seven adults to prevent them from running. Jim and Arnie already have a holding facility, I assume. There's little difference in restraining the girls next Tuesday or this Saturday."

Leanne, Lauraine, and Monique thought about Carol's offer for less than a minute before accepting. They'd appreciate Jim and Arnie being there as well. Lauraine and Monique didn't know Bernadette, but at Leanne's nod, they agreed that the receptionist should be invited as well.

"I hate to rush you," Carol said, "but it's almost 8:30am. If you're going to be at the studio by 10:00am, you'll need to leave by 9:00am. Feel free to take a shower before you go, if you'd like. There are towels in the hall closet."

The three agreed to take showers before they went so they hastily finished breakfast.

Filming ~ Day 4

The day's shooting had wrapped up early; around 3:30pm. Leanne and Tyra were in the car, on their way home.

"Well, sweetie," Leanne said. "Did you have a good time last night? What did you do?"

"Oh, Mommy, it was so fun," the 10-year-old said. "Jim and Bernadette ordered pizza and then we all watched a few movies."

"That does sound fun. What movies did you watch?"

"Well, Kelly and Renee wanted to see some of Jim's earlier movies so we watched a couple that had me and a couple that had Danii."

"Which of your movies did you watch?"

"Jim showed my first movie. I think he wanted Renee and Kelly to see how nervous I was at the beginning. Then, he showed the one where I die at the end."

Leanne felt a chill run up her spine.

"What did Kelly and Renee think about it," the mother asked.

"They loved it. By the time I 'died', they were both rubbing their clitties."

"They didn't think it was weird that you died in the end?"

"No," Tyra said. "I was there with them so they knew it was faked. Besides, they told me about real people being killing on the Internet."

"Would you like to spend more time with them?"

"Really, Mommy, that would be awesome."

"Good, because all of us are going to spend the weekend with Danii's mom."

"Danii's mom," Tyra asked puzzled.

"Yes dear," Leanne replied. "They have a big pool and a hot tub. Carol said she'd cook up a barbecue, Jim and Bernadette will be there as well."

"Is that when they're going to kill us?"

Leanne almost lost control of her car as she reacted to Tyra's unexpected question.

"Geez, Mom," Tyra said. "Are you okay?"

"What do you mean, 'is that when they will kill you'," Leanne asked her daughter.

"Come on, Mom. Seriously? I know everything."

"What do you mean," Leanne asked again.

"Jim and Arnie have not said anything, but some of the staff were discussing the film during a shooting break. I'd gone to get drinks for Renee, Kelly, and me and I overheard them talking."

"A new law lets parents decide how far their kids can go in hazardous activities," Tyra said. "One of the guys mentioned that this law is what made this film possible."

"What do you mean," Leanne asked again, beginning to sound like a skipping record.

"Well, the guys said this film is titled 'Three Little Bitches Beheaded'. Kelly, Renee, and I are the three 'bitches' and they really are going to cut our heads off."

"When we got home a few days ago," Tyra continued, "I looked it up on the Internet. It allows the parent to completely control their children that depend on them for support. That obviously includes us three girls."

Leanne sighed heavily, giving Tyra all the confirmation she needed.

"I'm sorry, honey. I should've talked to you about it."

"Oh, that's okay, Mom," Tyra said. "I'm not mad."

"You're not," Leanne asked incredulously.

"No. Although I haven't told the other girls about the film's ending, we've discussed films where the actresses die. Both Kelly and Renee have seen films like that on the Internet. These were real films, not faked."

"I don't think any of us really wants to die. Kelly. though, has said she wouldn't mind dying if it happens while she's doing something she likes. She made a point that we could die anytime. If she dies while making a film like this, that's okay."

"Wow," Leanne said softly.

"Well," Tyra said with a smile, "that goes for me, too. Although Renee hasn't said as much, I think she feels the same. So, to get back to my question, are they going to kill us this weekend?"

"No," Leanne said. "They were planning on doing it next week. They were going to tell all three of you next Tuesday, but after talking with Carol..."

"Danii's mom?"

"Yes. We talked with Carol and she convinced us to talk to you this Saturday. That's part of the reason for the party this weekend."

"Why tell us sooner?"

"Well," Leanne said, "things have changed a bit. The lady who hired Jim and Arnie to make this movie wants me, Kelly's mom, and Renee's mom to be the ones that kill you."

"Wow," Tyra said excitedly. "You are going to cut my head off?"

"We haven't decided yet," Leanne said. "Jim needs an answer by Monday and we wanted to talk to you girls to get your thoughts on it."

"I think that if it's going to happen, I'd like you to do it," Tyra said.

"There is another change," the mother said. "If the mothers - me, Lauraine, and Monique - want to, we can be killed as part of the movie. They'll pay a lot more if we do that."

"But you'd be dead. Who would get the money?"

"We can select someone we know to receive the money. If I do it, I think I'm going to do it and give the money to Carol. She's been a great friend and I really appreciate the help she's given me."

"What about Renee's mom and Kelly's mom?"

"That," Leanne said, "will depend on how the girls respond when their mothers tell them. Everything will be discussed on Saturday night."

"Hmm. Okay."

"One last thing. After the party at Carol's, we'll go to the studio and stay there until the filming is over."

"You mean that we won't leave the studio again. Not while we are alive, at least."

"Yes, kiddo. That is exactly what I mean. Can you forgive me?"

Tyra thought about it for a few minutes before responding. The silence was frightening and Leanne was near tears when the 10-year-old replied.

"No," Tyra said. "There's nothing to forgive. I love you, Mommy."

***

"CBS," Bernadette said as she answered the ringing phone.

"Bernadette, it's Carol."

"Oh, hi, Carol. How are you doing?"

"I am doing okay, but I need to ask a favor. Are you free this weekend?"

"Hell yeah," the receptionist answered. "My loser of a boyfriend traded me for a newer model. He picked up this 19-year-old whose bust size exceeds her IQ."

"That's funny, but Darren was never too happy about playing second fiddle to you. He knew that you were the smarter of you two and he felt threatened."

"Trust a shrink to have an opinion on everything....."

"Hey, professional hazard."

"Anyway," Bernadette said, "yes. I am free this weekend."

"What about Jim and Arnie?"

Bernadette thought for a moment. Something was up.

"I don't know," she said. "Why?"

"I am arranging a weekend sleepover at my place this weekend and would like you three to join us."

"Who is 'us'," the receptionist asked.

"Oh," Carol said, "just me, Leanne and Tyra Fastenne, Monique and Renee Dupois, and Lauraine and Kelly Green."

"Why do I get a funny feeling about this sleepover, Carol?"

"Because, my dear friend, you are wiser than your age would indicate? Because you know me? Because you recognize the names of my guests? All of the above?"

"That last one sounds about right, Carol. I also get the feeling that Jim and Arnie may want to attend; especially if you're planning what I think you're planning."

"What would that be, Bernie?"

"I think you may be planning to reveal some secrets to our young actresses."

"Could be," Carol said with a chuckle.

"Jim and Arnie won't be pleased, Carol. Is this wise?"

"None of this is wise, Bernie. I've learned some things this last month that make me sick. These secrets, however, need to be revealed before Leanne, Lauraine, and Monique make some necessary decisions."

Bernadette knew everything that went on at the studio. She knew about the client's offers to the mothers and knew that these offers were what precipitated the sleepover.

"The guys are still here. I'll go ask them if they can make it."

"Thanks. Everyone will be coming to my place after shooting wraps tomorrow. The barbecue'll start at 6:00pm."

"I'll be right back, Carol. Let me go ask them."

***

"Jim," Bernadette said as she entered the studio.

The men were cleaning up the studio and setting it up for the next day's shoot.

"What is it, Bernie," Jim asked.

"Carol Naylor is on the phone."

"What does she want?"

"She's inviting us to a sleepover at her place this weekend."

Jim and Arnie had know Carol for years and had attended barbecues at her house. A sleepover, though? This was a new one.

"A sleepover," Jim asked with a chuckle. "Tell her I said thanks, but I'll pass. Tell her I'll call her next week."

"You may want to change your mind," Bernadette said, "when you hear who else will be there."

"Who," Jim asked distractedly, the conversation slipping down on the list of priorities.

"The Fastennes, DuPois', and the Greens."

Jim's attention snapped back immediately.

"What," he asked.

"Our three little actresses and their mothers," she answered.

Jim was immediately out of the studio and in the front office.

"Hello, Carol," he said, picking up the phone. "I hear you have an interesting gathering planned for this weekend."

"I do," Carol said with a chuckle. "I'd like you, Arnie, and Bernadette to spend the weekend here if you can. There will be other guests, but I get the feeling Bernie told you that."

"Yeah," Jim said in a disgruntled tone. "What are you planning, Carol?"

"I plan on bringing everything out into the open."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that I'll tell the girls how this movie is to end."

"You can't, Carol. I need them to be willing participants in the next two days' filming."

"You shouldn't worry about that, Jim. You produce these films but don't really understand your actresses. You've underestimated what you have created in Tyra and possibly Danii. I believe your actresses'll still be willing when they know everything."

"And if they aren't?"

"Well, Jim, I know you were planning on telling them by next Tuesday. This means that you'll need a holding facility to hold them to prevent them from running should they get cold feet."

"Yes?"

"Well, instead of confining them from Tuesday, you'll move it up by three days and start their confinement on Saturday instead. Also, with five women and two men, I think we can handle three little girls if they react badly."

"But why, Carol?"

"Well, Jim, it's really your fault. Well, yours and Miss Salisbury's?"

Jim felt like he had been kicked in the gut.

"Who?"

"Come on, Jim. I've known Elaine Salisbury for years. This offer you made the mothers earlier this week is right up her alley. Also, how many women can afford the money being offered and have a fetish for little girls in pain?"

"Do the others know?"

"No. And they won't hear it from me. Your client has good reason to desire her anonymity and I'm enough of a professional that I can't see 'outing' her. Anyway, the offer you made requires input from your actresses and that means they need to know everything."

"You know, Carol; as much as you've helped me in the past, I could wish that you weren't a psychologist."

"I can understand that. There are times when I'm not happy about it, either."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing, Jim. At least not now. When this is over, you and I will need to sit down and discuss some things. Don't worry about it now, but, I can't say more about it at the moment."

"Okay," Jim said.

He'd heard that tone in her voice before. It said that Carol's heels had dug in and no more information would be forthcoming.

"So, I can expect you, Arnie, and Bernie by 7:00pm on Friday?"

"I don't know about Arnie, but Bernadette and I will be there."

"Thanks, Jim. I'm sorry about bullying and threatening you, but this is important."

"I know, Carol. We'll see you tomorrow night."

"Thanks again, Jim. Bye."

"Bye."

Filming ~ Day 5

At 7:00am, Bernadette unlocked the studio and began preparing the equipment for the day's shoot. She was more than a little concerned about Carol's sleepover but trusted her friend. When Bernadette's brother was killed in an accident, Carol had been invaluable in her support.

Her boss, Jim, was less pragmatic. He'd really thought that he could keep the girls in the dark until the middle of the next week. He wasn't doing this to hurt the girls. He truly thought that they'd suffer less if they didn't have to think about it.

Carol obviously knew something that changed the dynamics of the situation. Something she'd learned in the last month scared her. That was very clear and Carol would only reveal it when she felt it was appropriate. That, obviously, wouldn't be this weekend as the little girls would be there.

***

Jim arrived at the studio at 7:30am. The lights in the studio were lit so he knew Bernadette was there. Driving around to the back of the studio, he parked next to his receptionist's car.

He was in a troubled state. He knew Carol had a good grasp on things and her people skills were extraordinary. If she said the girls needed to know about the film's conclusion ahead of schedule, then they needed to know. Moving up the plans on the holding facility, however, was going to be a pain.

Looking into the studio, he saw Bernadette prepping the equipment. She was definitely a great find for Jim. No task was unreasonable, according to Bernie. If it needed to be done, it'd be done. If she was the first one into the studio, she'd do it. She just didn't understand why anyone would procrastinate.

***

"Hey, Bernie," Jim said as he walked into the studio. "Have you heard anything from Arnie, yet?"

Arnie had left while Jim was talking with Carol the night before. Therefore, Jim had to call him to discuss the sleepover. Unfortunately, the call went straight to voicemail.

"Yes," she said. "He won't be able to attend as he has to go to his sister's wedding tomorrow afternoon and he has a flight to leave around 5:30pm, tonight."

"Damnit," Jim cursed. "I'd forgotten about that."

"Well, boss. It looks like it's just me and you representing the studio at Carol's this weekend."

"Did you know that Carol knows our client?"

"Now that you mention it, yes. They were both on the PTA a few years ago. Why?"

"Apparently, Carol knows that Elaine is backing the film."

"Oh."

"'Oh'?"

"Come on, boss. You know she won't say anything to anyone."

"Not even our actresses or their mothers?"

"Even them. You may not know it, but Carol went through some rough times when we were in college. And before you ask, no; I won't go into details. Let's just say her privacy was compromised and she's since become an ardent supporter of privacy protection."

"That being said, Carol would never break a trust. She won't reveal details about Elaine unless Elaine gives permission. That permission would need to come from Elaine in person and be offered directly to Carol. Carol takes no chances on this."

"Well, that makes me feel a bit better. I can't afford to anger Miss Salisbury. She wants to remain anonymous."

"And Carol will keep quiet about this."

"Good," Jim said, feeling slightly relieved. "Let's get to work. Our starlets will be arriving soon and we have a long day ahead of us."

"Yes, boss."

***

"Salisbury residence," said the voice.

"Hello, Alice. This is Carol Naylor. Is your mistress in?"

"Good morning, Miss Naylor. Yes, the Mistress is in. I will get her for you."

"Thanks, Alice."

Alice had once thought to protect Elaine from early morning disturbances from everyone. In the case of Carol Naylor, that backfired on her. Apparently, there was a close connection between Elaine and Carol.

Elaine had been less than pleased when a call from Carol had been blocked. There was now a standing order that any time Carol called, Elaine was to be notified immediately; regardless of what she was currently doing. Alice had been mortified to discover that that included sex.

Arriving at the master bedroom, she knocked on the door.

***

Elaine had been up for an hour. She'd always been an early riser. She enjoyed an early morning bath. It always seemed to make her day smoother. She'd been soaking in the tub, reading a psychological journal that was published bi-weekly.

She could've been a psychologist. She had the doctoral degree. She liked using the skills she'd picked up in college. People were fascinating. It was fun to discover the motivations behind peculiar behavior. Her skills allowed her to probe and gather information without appearing to collect data. She was subtle.

When she heard the knock, she stifled a surge of irritation. Alice knew better than to intrude this early. If she was knocking, however, something must be up. Elaine would wait for an explanation before snapping at the housekeeper.

"Come in, Alice," Elaine said.

There was no question who it was, after all. She and Alice were the only ones in the house.

"A phone call for you, Mistress," Alice said as she entered the room. "A Miss Carol Naylor."

Elaine's irritation fled. It had been months since she'd spoken with Carol. Far too long, Elaine thought. She thanked Alice and took the phone.

"Good morning, Carol," Elaine said cheerfully. "I'm glad to hear from you."

Elaine and Carol had met in medical school. Elaine was a year ahead of Carol, but Carol's brilliance allowed her to catch up to her upperclassman. They'd spent many nights arguing philosophy over cups of coffee.

By the time Elaine was ready to graduate, the two had been fast friends and lovers. Their sexual relationship ended when Elaine graduated, but they'd remained close friends ever since.

"It's been too long," Carol said, echoing Elaine's train of thought. "I'm sorry I haven't called for so long."

"It's okay, Carol," Elaine said. "My arm hasn't been broken. I'm equally at fault for not calling you."

"I will assume you were busy, as I was. In such case, there's no fault."

"Ever the mediator, eh Carol?"

"You know me," Carol replied. "I dislike disharmony."

"Methinks you understate your attitude," Elaine said with a smile. "But, anyway, how are you?"

"Well, Elaine, that is a question, indeed."

"Oh?"

"Do you have time free this morning? I'd like to sit and talk with you in person."

Elaine was busy, but there was something in Carol's tone that suggested that rescheduling might be a good idea.

"I do," she said after a moment. "Do you want to come over around 10:00am?"

"That sounds wonderful," Carol said with a sigh.

Elaine's curiosity was certainly piqued. Carol obviously had some pressing reason to request a meeting.

"Ok, then," the older woman said. "I'll see you in two hours."

"I'll see you then," Carol said. "Thanks, Elaine."

***

"Alice," Elaine said. "Please call Mrs. Worthington and reschedule our meeting."

"Yes, Elaine," Alice said.

"Also, clear my schedule for the rest of the day. Reschedule everything for some time in the next two weeks."

Alice nodded and left to make the necessary phone calls.

Although the woman was a housekeeper by title, she was actually much more. A former military officer with experience with counter-intelligence and administration, Alice was a housekeeper, bodyguard, and personal assistant.

The housekeeping was more of a cover as Elaine had a housekeeping service in twice a week to do almost all of the housekeeping chores. Anyone who knew Elaine assumed she was sleeping with Alice as Elaine was quite promiscuous and openly bisexual.

Alice's real duties involved data collection and managing Elaine's busy schedule. Although the woman didn't work, she was a member of the Board of Directors for a few companies.

While Alice took care of clearing the day's appointments, Elaine showered and thought about Carol Naylor.

The two met in medical school. Both wanted to be psychologists. Their reasons were quite different, though. Carol honestly wanted to help people. Elaine wanted to better understand people. Helping them was secondary.

Elaine had some less-than-conventional interests. She liked dominating people. She wasn't a monster, however. She took delight in dominating only those who truly wished to be dominated. This is where her medical training came into play.

She wanted to better understand her desires. She'd imagined that she'd become this way due to overbearing parents. The fact was that they may have played a part in all of it, but Elaine was more of the opinion that she simply enjoyed causing pain and embarrassment.

Her attitudes towards others generally discouraged people from forming friendships with her. Carol had been the exception. Elaine had played with her when the younger woman arrived at medical school. Carol, however, had no submissive tendencies.

Despite that, the younger woman also had no interest in dominating anyone. The one thing that set Carol apart - other than her ridiculously high IQ and incredible memory - was that, despite her advantages, she never put on airs. She never insulted or acted condescending to another student.

Carol also had a most talented tongue and set of fingers. It didn't matter what mood claimed Elaine. Carol always was able to get her upperclassman off with the most exquisite orgasms.

Their romantic relationship ended when Elaine graduated. She'd found a boyfriend in her final year and went to work in his father's company as the head of Human Resources. It wasn't until she received the job offer that she realized her boyfriend was extremely wealthy. He'd wanted to be loved for who he was; not his money.

In Elaine's case, knowing wouldn't have made a difference, but Alfred held his father in contempt. There was bad blood there and Alfred shunned anything that could link him to his sire. To that end, he lived the life of a poor student while attending medical school.

The two married two years after graduation and when Alfred died three years ago, Elaine received three hundred fifty-seven million dollars and the deed to the house in which she lived. Alfred was an only child and both parents had died in an automobile accident the year before. There was no contestation to the terms of the will.

Elaine and Carol had maintained their friendship. Alfred knew about their relationship in college and felt no jealousy toward Carol. He loved his wife and, despite his willingness to allow extramarital relations between his wife and others, she never voiced or acted on any interest in such directions.

After his death, Carol and Elaine resumed their sexual flirtations. Carol had become an extremely talented psychologist and was vital to Elaine's mental stability after her beloved husband's passing.

When Carol had called, Elaine heard - or thought she heard - some tension in the younger woman's voice. Something was troubling the woman and Elaine would do much - almost anything - to help her friend. Clearing a day's meetings was a small price to pay for helping Carol.

***

Carol pulled up in front of the mansion at 9:45am. She did not like being too early, but absolutely hated being even the slightest bit late. She was not entirely sure Elaine was going to take this well, but Carol felt it needed to be said.

Elaine's response would determine the fate of their friendship. Carol was not going to try to stop this film, but she hoped their discussion would convince her friend to stop supporting child bondage.

***

"Good morning, Miss Naylor," Alice said as she opened the door.

The housekeeper had seen Carol pull up but knew Carol well enough to know that she'd wait until the scheduled time to knock on the door. Alice hadn't been wrong.

"Good morning, Alice," Carol said. "I thought we agreed that you would call me 'Carol'."

"I am sorry, Miss Naylor, but I distinctly remember telling you that to do so would be improper. As you are my mistress' guest, it is not right that I should address you by your first name."

"So you did," Carol said with a smile. "I'll have to discuss this with Elaine and see if we can change that. I have few friends and would like to consider you one. I'd be honored if you saw me the same way."

Alice said nothing but led the way to the veranda that faced the back yard. She'd had this conversation with Miss Naylor before and the woman still persisted in trying to violate the rules of servant conduct.

"The mistress will be down momentarily, Miss Naylor. Could I get you anything to drink?"

"Get me a brandy, dear, please," Elaine said as she strolled onto the veranda. "If memory serves, Carol would prefer bourbon."

Alice didn't wait for further comment from Carol, but immediately went to the liquor cabinet to prepare the drinks.

"Isn't it a bit early to be drinking, El?"

Elaine tried - unsuccessfully - to smother a smile. Carol was one of three people who could get away with using that nickname. The other two, her sister and brother, really couldn't get away with it, but that never stopped them from needling her with it.

"Who gives a fuck," Elaine asked.

"And when did you join the Navy," Carol replied raising an eyebrow at the language.

"Shut up, bitch," the older woman said with a chuckle.

Around most people, Elaine had a very refined tongue. Her language and vocabulary were clean enough to serve at tea with European royalty. Around Carol, however, she could relax and simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

"You were being mysterious on the phone. You call me at 8:00am when you know I usually refuse calls before 9:00am. Then, to top it off, you don't wish to discuss the reason for your call over the phone, but want to meet in person."

"Now, I don't mind, Carol," Elaine continued with a smile. "but you have to admit; all of it points to a rather serious concern. I'm not entirely sure I wish to be completely sober for this discussion."

Carol chuckled. Elaine was no stranger to drink. She could outdrink anyone Carol knew. If the older woman wished to be drunk, it would require a hell of a lot more than one brandy.

Alice had left the two women alone on the veranda so they could enjoy a nice private chat. This pleased Carol. The younger woman didn't know how much the housekeeper knew, but didn't want to be the one to let the cat out of the bag.

"I wanted to discuss the film you commissioned," Carol said.

"What film," Elaine asked, her attention immediately rivited on her friend.

"The film you asked Jim and Arnie at CBS to make for you. The one dealing with three young actresses."

Elaine was suddenly pissed. Jim and Arnie had promised to keep her name out of the film. It was all legal and above-board but she had a reputation that could be hurt by her involvement in the snuff film.

"Don't blame Jim and Arnie," Carol said. "they never mentioned you by name. They only told the actress' mothers that the film was commissioned by a woman."

"Then how did you find out it was me," Elaine asked disgustedly. "How long have you known?"

"I just received confirmation just now. I was operating on a hunch that it was you. You just told me that it was."

"You bitch," Elaine said. "That was sneaky as hell."

"Well, to be fair, I already had most of the data. All I needed was confirmation. I wasn't likely to get it from Jim or Arnie. They're professionals and know the value of anonymity."

"You were always into the BDSM scene. I can't recall how many films you dragged me to when we were in school. We'd talked more than once about the short step from bondage to snuff."

"Add in the fact that you have more than enough money to procure tailor-made films and you were my prime suspect. Don't worry, though. I'm enough of a professional to remain silent concerning your participation."

***

This wasn't good. Elaine had been sure that her participation in the film would never be discovered. That it was Carol Naylor who found out made it a little better, but not by much.

"I suppose you're here to ask me to cancel the film," Elaine said hesitantly.

"Not at all," Carol said, sadly. "I think this film needs to be made."

"What?"

Carol sighed heavily.

"I've learned some things these last few weeks; things that have me deeply disturbed."

Reaching down, she pulled a manila folder from her bag and handed it to Elaine. Motioning for the other woman to open the folder, Carol took a sip of her drink.

"What is this," the older woman asked before opening the folder.

"Very interesting reading," Carol replied. "It won't take you too long to read it, so please do so. What I have to say requires you to understand the contents of that folder."

Carol was being mysterious again. Elaine hated that. The damned woman was a friend but she had the uncanny ability to really piss someone off.

On the other hand, Carol never did anything without reason. If she said that Elaine needed to read something, that was good enough for Elaine. There were many who had suffered because they did not follow her recommendations.

Flipping open the folder, Elaine began to read.