[Relationship] The Bitch is Back

[Samantha McManus]

"...that makes two of us," she mumbles as Tereza goes.

[Narrator]

Sometime later, Sam's phone rings with a Chelmsford number.

[Samantha McManus]

Sam lets out an unladylike noise from where she's been sulking and sprawls to pick up her phone.

"...hello?"

[Erica Carlisle]

"This is a customer satisfaction survey call from the Raven's Crest," says Erica's unmistakable voice.

[Samantha McManus]

"...so you noticed. I thought I sensed you."

[Erica Carlisle]

"I knew you were there and then you decided to turn my club into... well, I'll just say I've been in secret druid groves that were less sacred than what you turned my club into last night."

[Samantha McManus]

"I was showing my girlfriend a good time. Something felt familiar, and something clicked."

[Erica Carlisle]

There's a soft snort on the other end of the phone. "Clicked, yes. Business was *exceptionally* good last night. People celebrated as if tomorrow was not going to come."

[Samantha McManus]

"People tend to do that when death is near, don't they?"

[Erica Carlisle]

"Something like that," Erica agrees, "I did have some concerns about you reminding the *werewolf* of that."

[Samantha McManus]

"You've still got a club, don't you?"

[Erica Carlisle]

"Yes, because you kept the leash on her," Erica says, "But far be it from me to complain when you did me a favor."

[Samantha McManus]

"...she's not a pet," she retorts, the frown almost audible.

[Erica Carlisle]

"Pardon the impolite euphemism then," Erica soothes, "though watching her, she was as much in your thrall as some of the club-goers."

[Samantha McManus]

"She's... it's complicated. I'm not sure I understand it yet."

[Erica Carlisle]

"'Complicated' is one of the reasons I washed my hands of werewolves a long time ago."

[Samantha McManus]

"I mean I suppose she's... a worshipper. Some of the time?"

"...that's not a euphemism, I swear."

[Erica Carlisle]

"Everyone's a worshipper some of the time. Maybe not of you, but regardless there's power in worship."

[Samantha McManus]

"I got a feeling of that last night. Just the sense that everyone in the club... believed, for a little bit."

[Erica Carlisle]

"Exactly so," she says, "And even if they didn't understand, the effects were undeniable. You have that effect on people. Always have."

[Samantha McManus]

"I'm still not sure why I honed in on that particular..."

There's a pause as the other shoe drops.

"...bloody hell, I rolled up as your ex, didn't I?"

[Erica Carlisle]

"It was certainly a very familiar air, even if it had your own touches to it. The Morrigan in full throat, gracing a celebratory gathering with her presence."

[Samantha McManus]

"I take it my more recent incarnations have been more... low-key?"

[Erica Carlisle]

"A bit. The world hasn't had time for gods and goddesses... until recently, when everyone become intensely worried about the super-powerful in their midst."

[Samantha McManus]

"Then maybe it's... it's just time."

[Erica Carlisle]

"Oh, you'll get no argument from me. I like my deities being easier to find."

[Samantha McManus]

"...such as having their cell number."

[Erica Carlisle]

"That was a particularly easy bit of divination," she laughs.

[Samantha McManus]

"I suppose I don't object to... blessing your club every now and again."

"It has a good feel to it."

[Erica Carlisle]

"Then by all means. As you know, I prefer to work with you."

[Samantha McManus]

"Bit like the old days, aye?"

[Erica Carlisle]

"A bit. There is a lot to be said for modern conveniences though."

[Samantha McManus]

"I'm not saying I want to always be in feathers and paint, but it's... freeing."

[Erica Carlisle]

"Darling, you do what you need to do. You're a bloody goddess. One who's still coming into her own, but still, a goddess."

[Samantha McManus]

"Aye, well, was this... all you wanted to call about?"

[Erica Carlisle]

"Aye," Erica responds, "I just wanted to call and thank you. Your time is, of course, valuable, so I'll stop consuming it. Come back to the Raven's Crest anytime."

[Samantha McManus]

"Your Irish is showing," she says with a weary chuckle.

"I'll see you around."