Background Getting revenge on her abusive husband, Tess goes after the women who caused her mother to take her life. Now that Steven’s sister Marsha and his brother-in-law are out of the way, it’s time to go after my supposed friends. The ones that hurt us both." She glances over at her mother's picture as she is putting the final touches on her disguise. Tess is dressed in a chic, low-cut red dress and red stiletto heels, one of the few outfits she took from her ex’s house. Her strawberry blond wig frames her rose beige mask. Her once hazel eyes are baby blue. Tess takes a deep breath, feeling the adrenaline surge through her veins, ready to confront those who betrayed her trust. “I couldn’t do anything then, but I sure can now.”  Tess suddely recalls her mother crying over a comment they made. How one deplorable remark made at the most vulnerable time caused her mom to end her life. These next three are for you, Mama, for all the hardship they caused you when I was young.” Grabbing her purse from the vanity, she glares at their picture a final time. "I'm coming for you," she growls. With a determined glint in her eyes, she steps out into the night, each click of her heels echoing her resolve to reclaim the power she'd lost. Emily, the leader of the snobbish bunch, was throwing a soiree. Tess figures that the others would be there supporting their friend. She hopes that Emily’s passing will unsettle them, not knowing who is doing this and, more importantly, if they’ll be next. **** Tess's eyes sparkling with genuine recognition as she spots familiar faces in the crowd. A sly smile curls her lips as she greets each person warmly, using affectionate nicknames that bring laughter and nods of acknowledgment. “Tom, Maggie, it’s been so long. How are you two doing? How are the boys? I bet they’ve gotten big.” “Tom Jr. is in college now, and Theodor is in the last year of high school.” “That doesn’t seem possible.” She glances across the room, waves at no one in particular, and says, “I’ll be right there.” She turns, smiles, and says, “It’s been so nice seeing you again.”  This is how her conversation continued throughout the night. She'd inquire about them and their families well-being before slipping on to the next. Her presence is so magnetic that the guests are drawn to her charisma and charm, hanging onto her every word as she recounts amusing past encounters. She continued to stroll through the crowd without a single hint of tension or deceit. Her weapon is cupped in the palm of her hand, waiting for the right time to strike. Seeing Emily excusing herself, Tess casually makes her way across the room. Nervous tension suddenly builds as she closes in. This is what I’ve been waiting for, she reassures herself, taking a deep breath as she continues on. Painting a fake smile on her face, she pushes through the swinging door. Tess takes a brief look around to find she and Emily are alone. Perfect, she thinks, stepping further inside. “Emily, darling, it’s been far too long,” she cooed, her voice dripping with insincerity, her stomach tightening into a knot as she recalled what all the superficial women had done to her and her mom. “Your party, it is such a hit. “You really think so?”  “I know so. I don’t know how you manage to throw such exquisite parties the way you always do.”  Emily turns, a guarded smile on her face. She takes a step back, tilts her head, and asks, “Do I know you?” “It’s me, Julie. We met when you and Tom were on your second honeymoon in the Caribbean.” “On the cruise?” Emily is still trying to remember her.  “Yes, that’s right. No one would’ve guessed you’d already been married thirty years the way you two carried on.”  Emily’s face reddens as she recalls their midnight swims. We may have gotten a bit overexcited." She says, her cheeks turning pink. “Nothing wrong with that. Anyhow, I ran into Tom in town yesterday, and he happened to mention your party tonight. Said I should drop by and surprise you.” Raising her arms in the air, she smiles and says, “Surprise.”  “You most certainly did that.” Emily says, still unsure who this woman is. Tom must know her; otherwise, he wouldn’t have told her about the party tonight, she thinks, feeling a little more at ease. Maybe if I keep talking to her, something will come back to me. “So what brings you to Atlanta, business, pleasure, or both?” “Business, I’m afraid. We’re starting a new branch in Atlanta. It’ll be the seventh one this year. I’m glad my business is doing well." She leans in and whispers, "Between you and me, I’m getting tired of traveling." “I’m sure you do.” Tess glances at her watch and says, “Oh, look at the time; I’m afraid I must go.” “So soon?” “I have an early business meeting in the morning. But I am free on Friday and would love to catch up. That’s if that day works for you. If not, I’ll be back later in the month, and maybe we could see each other then.” “I have a tennis lesson in the morning and a meeting later in the day. but I'm free for lunch.” “Sounds perfect. Where should we meet?” “Let’s say twelve thirty at The Palm.”  “I’ll see you there.” Tess opens her arms for a hug. Why not, Emily thinks. Tess wraps her arms around her. With a swift, practiced motion, she shoves the lipstick against the woman’s bare back and squeezes the trigger. “What was that?” Emily questions, pushing her away. “What was what, dear?” she asks, palming the weapon again. “Something poked me.” Tess glances down at her wrist and says, “It must’ve been one of the charms. I keep meaning to take it to the jeweler, but I haven't had the time with all this traveling and all.” Emily eyes the bracelet. “I’m sure that’s what it was. See you on Friday.” “I can’t wait.” Tess just makes it to the batwing door when she hears a kerplunk behind her. She turns to find Emily unconscious on the floor. Five down, two to go, she smiles.  Tess sees that the guests are in deep conversation as she continues across the room. Reaching the door, she turns and glares at her last two victims talking among themselves. Her mother sobbing at the park suddenly comes to mind. I’ll make sure they pay for what they did to you. Climbing into her car, she pulls up the cam footage from the house. She’d placed a small camera in the flowers as she pretended to admire their heavenly scent. Her anticipation builds as the seconds tick by. The party continues for a while, and then she hears a woman scream. Tess watches with excitement as the room buzzes with alarm. A few minutes later, the EMTs arrive. Several patrol cars pull in behind them. She watches as the paramedics load Emily onto the gurney. Throwing a sheet over her victim, they wheel her out the door. The guests watch in horror as their lifeless hostess is wheeled out the door. “Don’t worry, Emily, darling, your friends will be joining you soon.” Smiling, Tess closes her laptop and pulls away.

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