But the point here is that, at a certain point, when Buck is through toying with his victims, there can be but one disposition for them.

Therefore, the time factor can be, probably is, important.

Still, it all seems so unreal, sitting here in her office.

That other world, that dark, fantastic underworld seems a myth, something imaginary.

Even to these three who, above all others, know that it is not.

"I think, to begin with, what's needed here is a little attitude adjustment."

Which, in their case, is definitely not a euphemism for cocktail hour.

No, what's needed here is to once more reach out and touch that unreality, to remind themselves that, however fantastic, that world is out there.

It is only too frighteningly real, a threat and a danger to someone and, if the Baroness has her way, to them.

So that the attitude adjustment required here is precisely this realization, the making real, to them, of that sick, perverted world.

Only then will they be able to think clearly, to come up with a plan of action.

Therefore "Tonight. My place.

"Nancy, our stuff is already there.

"Vanessa, you know what to bring.

"Thank you both, and see you tonight at, shall we say, eight-ish?"

And the meeting breaks up.

Three large female figures, black leather hoods covering the upper part of their faces, leaving only chins and mouths exposed, their breasts enormous, menacing warheads, pushed up and out by their tight leather corsets which exaggerate their hourglass figures, the dark triangles of their bushes framed by the black garterbelts, their straps, and the tops of the black mesh stockings that encase their long, shapely legs, from broad thigh to slender ankles, their lower legs encased in spike-heeled, black leather boots.

And there in the dimness of the master bedroom of Cynthia's penthouse, lamp bulbs turned to the dimmest setting, the moonlight streaming in through the skylight the major source of illumination, yes, yes indeed it is possible to believe in that dark nether world, so terrifying and yet, at the same time, so voluptuous, so enticing.