Sated and exhausted at last, Olivia, Claire, and Lexi retreated to the quiet kitchen for a cold beverage. Then Claire led the way up the side stairs to a rooftop hot tub, where they soaked and looked up at the stars. Claire lit up a hand-rolled cigarette and offered it to Olivia, who passed, then to Lexi, who took a big draw and coughed a cloud of sweet-smelling smoke into Olivia's face.
Maybe a half-hour later they heard footsteps on the stairs and Mimi's maid Emily appeared, looking mildly frantic. "Oh, there you are," she said. "I've been looking all over for you three. The mistress would like you to join her for a glass of Champagne."
Claire snorted. "Isn't Champagne usually for the winners?"
Emily shrugged. "I just work here."
Slipping into robes, they followed Emily downstairs. They found Mimi in an enormous, sparsely furnished room where one big round table was surrounded by a circle of sofas and end tables. The light, which was rich but muted, came from wall sconces and again one wall was completely covered by a mirror, making the room seem to extend off into infinity. The other walls were decorated with whips, chains, riding crops, and other instruments of punishment.
Sylvia a.k.a. The Predator was there, Champagne in hand. Sitting next to her was Mia, who had earlier been wearing pajamas but was now in a kimono, as was Mimi. Mimi gestured for the new arrivals to sit, and Emily poured them all glasses.
"Valiant efforts, all of you," said Mimi, raising her glass. "Cheers."
They all drank, and Mimi then turned her attention to Lexi. "What was your name, sweetheart?"
