<br/>Darlene had met the beautiful little girl and in that instant she realized her own emotional connection could get very dicey.  She wasn’t in her position by being stupid.   She had been conniving and cunning in her own right.  She had almost decked the man she was in love with, Billy, when he pushed her out of the way.  It had come so close but she had retreated and leaned against the counter before listening to the others come inside.<br/><br/>She narrowed her eyes studying the young woman who had just really invaded her domain.  Of course, it wasn’t really hers.  She realized that now.  It had only been on loan.  She didn’t let that phase her or even dissuade her.  She knew what she wanted and she was used to getting that.  She tilted her head slightly to watch Max as he entered.  He was typical of a government employee.<br/><br/>She kept her eyes on Kate as she excused herself to the restroom.  She wanted to follow and threaten the little bitch but then that wouldn’t ingratiate herself to Billy at all.  She knew she had to be careful and that would mean a lot of swallowing what she felt or thought.  It was powerful to know that.  She knew she had to play her cards quickly.  She tilted her head and looked back into the living room as Billy started to ask the questions about Kate to Max.<br/><br/>She had no idea how to really play the situation.  If she butted in at the moment, she would create something horrible, but yet she couldn’t stay silent.  She waited a second and then moved in towards the bathroom.  She wanted to check on Kate but then had to catch herself from running into Kate as she came out of the bathroom smiling.  Darlene’s eyes narrowed and then she walked back into the living room and leaned against the wall.<br/>