Mitzi stumbled along the street, her elbow in the firm grasp of the slim woman who had plucked her from the gutter. When they reached the "Christian Sisterhood Mission" they were met at the door by two uniformed women who eyed Mitzi warily. "It's OK Adelaide," Sarah told a tall blonde, "I found her in the gutter. You know we're desperate for real sinners. Get her cleaned up and bring her to the office. I want to get acquainted with our new project."

Mitzi struggled, but Adelaide, a former dancer, dragged her upstairs, stripped her and shoved her into a tepid shower. She held a wicked looking scrub brush and bar of lye soap as she tapped her foot impatiently. "You wanna wash yourself or you want me to? I'll clean everywhere hon and I can be very thorough, understan'?" Mitzi shivered, took the soap and washed herself carefully, making sure she didn't aggravate her injuries. Adelaide showed tenderness only once, as she examined the angry red welts Shirley had put on Mitzi's breasts, stomach and buttocks. "You really upset someone," she muttered as Mitzi washed until her pink skin glowed.

Adelaide gave her a thin robe and a pair of fuzzy slippers, then took her arm and marched her down to Major Sarah Brown's office in back of the mission. "Here's your sinner, all cleaned and polished." Sarah raised an eyebrow, but Adelaide shook her head, "She washed herself but I offered, didn't I?" Mitzi nodded numbly and sat on a sofa that Sarah indicated with an abrupt gesture. She walked around her desk and sat beside Mitzi. Adelaide sat on the other side, trapping the young actress between them. "What kind of place is this?" Mitzi asked. "A Mission that helps poor unfortunate girls such as you," Sarah said. "We ran a mission in New York City before. Adelaide married a gambler, but it only lasted a few months. He couldn't resist the floating crap game and he left her. I picked up the pieces and brought her here to help me run this shelter." "I've swore off men forever," Adelaide grumped as she patted Mitzi's thigh reassuringly.

Mitzi looked at Adelaide, questioning with her eyes. The older woman understood the look, smiled and nodded. "Nathan Detroit was no damn good. My friends warned me. Hell, I practically tricked him into proposing, but I was head over heels for the lug. Thankfully, Sarah was there for me. She proved I don't need men to feel fulfilled. We run this mission for girls like you who've been hurt and need our help." Sarah chuckled softly. "Easy Adelaide. I found her outside 'Les Champs' so I'm pretty sure she's already 'seen the light.' Right dear?"

Adelaide patted Mitzi's thigh reassuringly. "Well, I swore off that kind of woman too. I'm discriminating in my companions now." She moved her hand higher on Mitzi's thigh, her intention unmistakable. Mitzi held her wrist to stop her from exploring further. "I appreciate your concern," she said, "but my girlfriend's in trouble. She was behaving strangely and I just know something was wrong. I was so scared, I couldn't help running. I'm so ashamed. I just need a place to hide for a few days while I collect my thoughts. Please don't tell anyone I'm here." Adelaide hugged her. "Don't be scared hon. I saw the marks," she opened Mitzi's robe to show Sarah the welts on Mitzi's breasts. "More on her ass." The Major got up and rushed out, returning with a first aid kit.

They laid Mitzi on her back, opened her robe and spread ointment on her wounds. Sarah's touch was light, almost gentle like a lover's and Mitzi smiled as her fine fingers touched her breasts and stomach. Adelaide's hand was heavier, rougher and more insistent as she spread Mitzi's legs and smeared her most sensitive places with balm. Then they rolled her over and Sarah held Mitzi's head in her lap, stroking her hair as Adelaide spread soothing balm on her cheeks and in the crack of her butt. Mitzi's hips moved with each strong stroke of Adelaide's fingers and gave a little shiver as her index finger went inside and caressed her clitoris as her thumb probed Mitzi's anal star.

Long after her orgasm, Mitzi still lay panting while Adelaide caressed her ass and Sarah her face. Her nose was just inches from Sarah's sex and she could smell her arousal. She wondered how long it would be before she tasted Nikki again and began to cry softly, burying her face between Sarah's firm thighs. "Don't worry hon, you're safe here. You stay as long as you like. We won't tell anyone who you are, or where to find you." Mitzi cried herself to sleep.

When Mitzi awoke was morning. She was alone. A Salvation Army blanket covered her, the robe pulled tight against her body. She wondered if the evening had all been some horrible dream until she felt the welts on her chest and knew . . . she had to find what happened to Nikki! Just then the door opened. She sat up as Major Sarah Brown appeared in an immaculate uniform, all spit and polish. She fairly reeked of martial authority. Behind her was a small, dark-skinned girl with a tray. "Good, you're awake," Sarah smiled, "I had cook make you something."

She snapped her fingers imperiously and gestured to the coffee table. The girl arranged the tray facing Mitzi and scampered out without a word. Sarah sat at her desk, crossed her legs and said, "Eat before it gets cold. I brought a light meal, you said something about being sick to your stomach last night. If you keep it down, we'll get you a proper lunch." Mitzi quickly devoured the two slices of dry toast, a single piece of crisp bacon and a cup of coffee. She sucked her fingers, looked at Sarah and whimpered, "More?" The Major shook her head, "Not just yet, my dear. Trust us to know what's best for you. We're professionals."

She pressed a button on the desk and Adelaide appeared as if she'd been awaiting the summons. "Yes Major?" "Take our new girl up and put her in a room. Find some clothes and start her treatment." Adelaide smiled and licked her lips, "Yes Major, it'll be my pleasure. Come on girlie, let's get you taken care of." Mitzi yelped as the buxom blonde grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the door, but both women ignored her protest. Adelaide marched Mitzi upstairs to a small room with a bed and wash basin. "This is your room while you're here. I had some dresses brought up that should fit. Dress, then I'll show you around."

Mitzi looked at the three dresses. There wasn't one she'd want to be seen in. They were unfashionable, frumpy and not kind of thing a 'star' would be caught dead in. "Where's my dress? The one I had on last night?" "Rags," Adelaide said, "Ruined. We threw it in the rag bag. Now get dressed like a good girl. Or are you one of those stuck-up bitches who needs help dressing?" Mitzi shook her head, wary of the tough-talking lesbian. "I can dress myself thanks." She dropped her robe and pulled one of the dresses over her nude body, wincing as the coarse fabric brushed the welts on her still sensitive body. "A bit tender?" Adelaide asked sarcastically. "You must've got someone real mad to buy a beating like that."

After she dressed, Adelaide gave Mitzi a tour of the Mission including the kitchen, the dining room where she'd take meals, the offices and a small library of religious books. "The Major insists you seek redemption and forgiveness for your wicked ways," Adelaide said. She also showed Mitzi a workshop where 20-30 women worked at sewing machines. "You'll earn your keep," she explained. "We work for some of the best shops in Hollywood, a coupla studios and even do specialty work. We make the costumes for Frank Sinatra's Celebrity Fighting League, for example, trick stuff that tears easily. I'm sure if you stay, you'll work on clothes you may see in a movie. You a fan?" Mitzi shrugged, "I used to be. Lately I've been more of an interested spectator."

The last stop on the tour was the shower and exercise room. Adelaide stepped behind Mitzi and reached around to unbutton her dress but the dancer raised her arms and elbowed her away, "Hey, wait a sec." The big blonde chuckled when she saw Mitzi misunderstood her intent. "Sarah scheduled you for a mineral bath soak, a shower, and a massage before lunch. She said you get a 'complete treatment' and by God, that's what I'm gonna give ya. So either you take the dress off and hop in the soaking tub or I'll rip it off and throw you in. Your choice." Mitzi was too sore and too intimidated by the events of last night to resist. She meekly undressed and slipped into the tub to soak her aching body.

A half hour later, Adelaide helped her out and put her under an icy shower that left her shivering. The big woman wrapped her in a fluffy terry towel, took her to a private cubicle where she patted her on the ass and slapped a leather massage table. "Hop up here for your massage. We'll work out the aches and get the circulation going to heal those welts and bruises. Your body's too nice to be all marked like that." Mitzi climbed onto the table and lay on her stomach, the towel pulled up to cover the welts on her bosom. Adelaide yanked off the towel, tossed it aside and drizzled warm oil on Mitzi's body. She started at Mitzi's feet and slowly massaged the aching muscles of her legs, working her way slowly up to her shoulders over many minutes. It felt wonderful!

Adelaide tried hard to maintain a professional demeanor as she slowly worked Mitzi's magnificent body, but it had been months since she'd been with a woman and Mitzi wasn't just any woman. Sarah had warned her about making advances to the girls, even threatened to send her back to New York if she scared any more of them. But there was something she sensed in Mitzi, a kindred soul. It didn't hurt that Sarah had picked her up outside a lesbian bar, it meant she knew what was what. Adelaide worked the inside of Mitzi's thighs and when she spread them wider and sighed Adelaide knew it was an invitation to probe further.

Mitzi had her arms crossed under her chin when someone knocked at the door. "Who is it?" Adelaide snapped, annoyed at being interrupted at a sensitive moment. "It's Frank," said man's voice said, "I know Mitzi Gaynor's in there. I want to talk to her." "Oh God, NO!" Mitzi gasped, "How'd he find me?" Adelaide put a towel over Mitzi from her armpits to her butt. She trembled, but Adelaide patted her, "It'll be OK." She opened the door to admit Frank The Promoter and Major Sarah Brown.

"Hi Frankie," Mitzi said as perkily as she could, "What are you doing here?" She glared at Adelaide, "I though you said you wouldn't tell anyone I was here." The masseuse raised her hands, palms up. "I didn't tell him or anyone else. Don't blame me."

I'm sorry Mitzi," Major Sarah Brown said, "I thought you knew. Frank's our 'Angel.' His charitable contributions fund the shelter. I had to tell him for that reason. As soon as he heard he came right over to see what he could do. Isn't that right, Frank?"

He grabbed Mitzi's chin and lifted her head, studying her face as she clutched the towel to her bosom. Nevertheless, it rode up in back to expose her firm, muscular thighs and she reached back to modestly tug at it. Frank let go and paced angrily back and forth in front of her as Adelaide continued caressing Mitzi's thick thighs. "You stupid skirt," he screamed. "Do you broads have any idea what your little escapade means to the league? To me?" Mitzi shook her head numbly, having thought of nothing but Nikki and her own pain. He threw up his hands and shook his head. "I didn't think so. You signed the league contract. Didn't you read it? Don't you broads use your heads for anything but holding your hat? Damn it Mitzi, look at your face. Shirley really did a great job on you!!"

She tried to tell Frank it hadn't been her fault, that she hadn't started the fight with Shirley, but he shut her up with a wave of his hand and a cold stare. "You aren't supposed to fight except when I say. This isn't the first time you've done this, there was that mess with Bettie Page at what's his name's party. The clause is in your contract. It's in English for Christ's sake. Can't you read English, or is it just Hungarian like those damn Gabors?" He was livid, not just because Mitzi lost, always unwise when you work for Frank, but she'd been humiliated by Shirley who she had to face in her next fight. "Everybody in town's gonna know about Shirley whipping your ass - I mean literally whipping your ass. Take off the towel, lemme see it."

Blushing furiously, Mitzi lifted the towel to expose the welts on her pale bottom. "Damn!" Frank muttered. "How long before they heal?" Adelaide shrugged, "A week, maybe more. I've already started her treatment. You know I'll attack it vigorously. Her eye isn't as bad, we'll cover it with make-up. The rest will fade in a few days with heat treatments and lots of vitamin C." She leered at Frank and he rolled his eyes. Mitzi pulled down the towel, blushing at being discussed in the third person as if she weren't there. Frank shook his finger under her nose.

"I couldn't believe it when Gretchen called last night to tell me about the contract. She couldn't wait to tell me you and Shirley are supposed to box. She even put Nikki on the phone to confirm it. Said you started a fight in some restaurant and got your ass whipped. Did a thought ever enter that empty blonde head that I'd have a hard time selling tickets if everyone knows you already been beat? What am I supposed to do, offer to let her string you up and whip you again when she beats you?"

Mitzi opened her mouth, but he shut her up and continued, "You got a great ass and a nice set of knockers, but with all of that fine equipment you don't fight worth a damn except rarely." Mitzi tried to say Shirley had started things, but he dismissed her protest out of hand. "Look Frank, Shirley and I made a bet, the loser gets spanked after the fight." He just laughed. "It'll take a Hell of a lot more than that to sell tickets if word of this gets out. A whole lot more. If you don't think of something fast you'll lose more'n your dyke girlfriend. You were never any good. I only signed you as a favor to Ethel Merman and I regretted it since. This stunt takes the cake. I got half a mind to kick you out on your striped ass right now. I'd have this morning if Gretchen hadn't talked me into waiting 'til after Shirley beats you again. She said she wanted to entertain that lez whore of yours, Nikki."

Hearing Nikki's name, Mitzi burst into tears again. "Oh damn," Frank said, spun on his heel and started for the door but Adelaide stopped him. "She's upset Frank, give me a few days and she'll be good as new. You know I can work miracles on these girls. I've done if before for you." He just glared at her. "Women! I'll never understand broads." He pointed his finger at Mitzi, "Some cunt dumps you and you bawl your eyes out. Go figure. I wouldn't be surprised if you and that bitch Gretchen didn't fix the Bettie Page fight. Damn thing cost a bundle. I'm gonna have the boys in Jersey look into it and if you and her fixed it, you'll all sleep with the fishes."

Mitzi trembled as Frank said, "I'm goin' to the studio to find Ethel. It's her fault you're here and I'm gonna make her your new manager. She can coach you herself, or hire someone. Either way, you're going to do exactly as Ethel tells you. Understand?" Mitzi gasped, "No, Frank! Nikki's my manager." He shook his head. "Not no more she ain't. I gave her that managers license and I'm revoking it. You'll take whoever Ethel says because you and her are both this close," he held his thumb and index finger about a half inch apart, "to you both ending up on the 'don't touch' list in this town. You'd better put up a great fight with Shirley or your and Ethel's careers will both end that night."

"I called Brenda. She'll do a story contradicting the 'rumor' about you getting beat up. It'll say you fired Nikki 'cause she's incompetent or something and she's spreading lies to make you look bad. It'll be in the next issue. I want a good a face on this. If she can say Nikki's joined up with Gretchen and not make you look like a dyke, I want that in there too." Mitzi started to cry, but he snarled, "Jesus, I don't believe I agreed to let some bimbo you're sleeping with manage you. That Nikki couldn't manage a pay toilet, for Christ's sake."

He opened the door and Brenda Starr dropped at his feet. She'd been eavesdropping with her ear pressed to the door. "What are you doing here?" Frank asked. Then he chuckled, "Oh yeah, of course, Gretchen. I should have figured she'd call you too. Hell, she probably told you about this before she told me. Look babe, Mitzi looks pretty bad right now, she took a Hell of a beating last night. No pictures and sure as Hell, nothin' about her injuries. We've got to keep this under wraps for her sake as well as mine. And don't forget there's Shirley's reputation to protect as well. It wouldn't do her any good for her fans to find out she was in that dyke dive either."

Then he added as he walked away, "That damn Gretchen! She should know better than to call you into this. I'll tell you this, if she tells anyone else, she'll be dealt with seriously. You can tell her that for me when you talk to her." Brenda opened her mouth to reply, but Frank snapped, "Don't deny it. I know damn well you'll be on the blower to her not 5 minutes after you walk out of that room. You've been feeding her information since I gave you this job. You think I didn't know? Just don't forget what I told you earlier, Mitzi's fine and she's training hard for her fight."

Adelaide tried to console Mitzi who was trembling she was so upset by Franks visit. Adelaide resumed massaging, "This'll make you forget all about that nasty man. Let ol' Addie drain the tension from this wonderful body." She'd barely begun when Brenda opened the door and barged in. "Hey, don't you know enough to knock," Adelaide snapped, "I'm trying to work here." Brenda closed the door and locked it behind her. "There, now we won't be disturbed. OK?" She kissed Adelaide and gave the masseuse's firm bottom a little squeeze out of Mitzi's sight. Adelaide smiled and turned back to work on Mitzi as Brenda walked down the table, trailing her fingers lightly down Mitzi's bare body and making her shiver.

"I was over at Gretchen's this morning," Brenda said with a smirk. "She told me all about your little altercation with Shirley. Naturally, being a fair reporter, I wanted to drop by to get your side of the story before I write it. I assume you're still capable of talking to the press. I'd hate to print the story without giving you a chance to tell your side." Brenda was still excited by what she'd seen that morning at Gretchen's and the sight of Mitzi's bare body and Adelaide's fingers caressing the pale flesh only excited her further.

Brenda stopped at the head of the table, studying Mitzi's face and her black eye. "Who gave you the beauty mark, Shirley? The story is true then, you did lose that fight. Tsk-tsk. If you recall, I predicted she'd wipe you out." Mitzi shook her head. "No, I . . . uh . . ." "Maybe she bumped into a door," Adelaide laughed as she slid a hand under the towel. She pushed her index finger between Mitzi's tightly clenched thighs and felt her body respond. Brenda glanced at Adelaide but looked back at Mitzi. "Oh? Is that what you want me to tell your fans, that you're clumsy and bump into things? Seems better if you just tell the truth. I've written the story already." She brandished her notebook. "I just want a couple of quotes from you so it would look, you know, fair."

"You gonna believe them?" Mitzi asked. "Ordinarily no," Brenda shrugged, "but Nikki was there and confirmed it, so I know it's true." "Nikki? She was with them?" "Yes, in fact, she looked like she'd just got out of bed. She was still naked. Nikki has quite a nice body, for a manager." Mitzi's face flushed and she buried her face in her hands as tears filled her eyes. Adelaide stepped around the table protectively, but Brenda put up her hand. "Don't do anything dumb, Blondie. You can't keep me from writing what I know. I just wanna give your 'patient' here a chance to explain herself. Yeah, Nikki was with Gretchen alright. Thick as thieves they were. Celebrating cause you're gonna box Shirley. That true? Boxing? I didn't think you knew how."

Mitzi looked up and wiped the tears from her cheeks, "Really? Celebrating eh." Brenda grinned as she told her, "It sure looked like celebration. Big one if you ask me. Nikki was naked as a jaybird and the others only had towels. Looked like they'd just . . . Well, let's just say it was a hot and heavy negotiation." Mitzi bit her lip and shook her head angrily. "That bitch! I knew it. The first chance she got she runs to . . . Ohhhhhhh," Adelaide's fingers found Mitzi's clit and she lost all thought of Nikki and focused all her attention on her body.

Brenda watched Adelaide at work and licked a trickle of sweat from her upper lip as Mitzi lifted her hips to help Adelaide reach her with her fingers. When Mitzi closed her eyes and started to move her hips up and down, Brenda smiled and pulled the towel off Mitzi's body to check out what she'd been told. The sight made her gasp, "Oh God!" Mitzi rose on her elbows and grabbed at the towel but missed, but Brenda got a good look at the welts Shirley left on her body. Brenda dropped the towel and gently cradled Mitzi's dangling breasts in her hands. "Oh my poor dear, this is awful. What awful things she did to you . . . Why, when the public reads about this, they'll be scandalized."

Mitzi gasped and her eyes widened as she looked up at Brenda. "NO! Please! You can't tell what happened. I beg you, don't humiliate me any more. What she did was beyond cruelty, it was perverted. I don't want anyone to know what happened to me last night. Please?" Brenda smiled as she worked on Mitzi's breasts, squeezing them and pinching the nipples in her fingers. Mitzi was already excited by Adelaide's hand between her legs, now with Brenda giving her what Nikki called a "melon massage," she was ready to explode. She squirmed and opened her legs wide as she raised her hips so Adelaide could squeeze another finger into her tight pussy with her thumb on her anus. "Ohhhhh gosh . . ." Mitzi moaned.

Brenda caressed Mitzi's cheek, lifted her head and looked at her. "You could 'buy' my discretion, if you're serious about not wanting anyone to know what happened." Mitzi shook her head, "I would, but I don't have any money. We . . . we're broke." Brenda chuckled and slowly lifted her skirt until Mitzi could see that she wore no panties. Brenda pressed her hips against the table right under Mitzi's nose so there was no mistaking the 'price' for her silence. Mitzi whimpered as Adelaide increased her fingering, but quickly thrust out her tongue and gave Brenda's slit a long, slow lick that caused the redhead to gasp. She held Mitzi's hair as Mitzi lowered her head to salvage her pride.

At the same moment Brenda climaxed on Mitzi's tongue, Mitzi exploded from Adelaide's fingering. Brenda took a moment to catch her breath, then dropped her dress, arranged her clothes and patted Mitzi on the head. "You're a good girl. You know how to succeed in films but you haven't a clue what to do in the ring. Do yourself a favor, concentrate on acting. You're not great but your talent there exceeds your ring talent. At least hire a real manager and coach, then get serious. If you recall, I predicted Shirley would whip you when you fought and that's exactly what happened. You don't have what it takes and I'm not sure you ever will. If you want to be successful, don't be stupid, be tough." Mitzi looked up at her, obviously with no idea what she meant.

Brenda shook her head and as she gathered up her purse and notebook she explained, "Boxing Shirley is stupid. I've seen you fight. You can't take a punch. Shirley's good, she can use her fists. She'll destroy you again and it'll drive Frank crazy. He hates weak women and he hates losers. You gotta get tougher, learn to handle yourself in the ring and use your strength to neutralize your opponents, take advantage of their weaknesses." Mitzi nodded as if she understood, but Brenda wondered if she did. "Anyway," she sighed as she went around the table, gave Adelaide a pat on the bottom and kissed her, "It's a good thing Frank has an ambulance standing by. When you box Shirley MacLaine, you'll need it."

Brenda kissed both women and patted her notebook. "I got what I came for." Seeing Mitzi's worried expression, she chuckled. "Oh, don't worry dear, I won't reveal your secret. I'll write you and Shirley had a disagreement and you've gone to a spa to recover, or something. Frank doesn't want the magnitude of your humiliation made public. I mean, it would ruin interest in the boxing match your agent agreed to last night." She pinched Mitzi's cheek as she left, "I can't wait to see what delicious things Shirley does to you afterward. Taa-taa." Mitzi buried her face in her hands and cried. Brenda whispered to Adelaide as she caressed her ass, "Thanks for the tip, Hon - and the show. You'll find a little extra in your envelope this week as your reward."

Mitzi turned to look at Adelaide, but Adelaide slapped her bottom. "Uh-uh, not so fast, pet. Now, it's my turn." She winked at Brenda who turned to go. "Enjoy," she mouthed silently to Adelaide as she silently closed the door behind her. Mitzi looked over her shoulder at the big masseuse. "Roll over," Adelaide said, her tone firm. "We'll finish either way. It's up to you if it's fun or painful." Mitzi turned over and put her hands over her breasts, tears in her eyes. "Now, now," Adelaide said as she pulled Mitzi's hands down at her sides. "Don't be bashful." She climbed onto the table and straddled Mitzi's waist, bent forward and kissed her breasts.

Then she moved higher until her hips were right above Mitzi's face. "Now," she whispered, "show me how much you liked the massage." As Adelaide lowered herself, Mitzi stuck out her tongue and it slid easily into the blonde's wet pussy. Adelaide grinned as she held Mitzi by the hair and slowly rotated her hips, grinding herself slowly as she humped Mitzi's tongue. As she rolled her hips, she pressed down, urgently trying to anticipate each thrust of Mitzi's pink tongue.

****

When he left the Mission, Frank went directly to the studio and met with Ethel Merman. He found her on the set and between takes and discussed the 'Mitzi problem' with her. "Look Ethel, with that Nikki broad having 'flown the coop' on Mitzi, I gotta find another broad to manage that psycho head case. I let you talk me into giving her a chance to fight even though I thought it was a crazy idea at the time. Well, that worked great, but then I let you talk me into letting your ex-girlfriend Nikki Spade be her manager. Look where that got me. I told you then you should have managed her yourself, but you said you were too busy with your career to manage. Well, if you want me to keep Mitzi in the league you're going to manage her yourself and you better do a good job. We've got a bunch of money invested and Mitzi's very popular. You want to risk us losing all that?"

Ethel sighed, "Look Frank, I know I owe you and the league that much at least. But I got a gig on Broadway startin' next week. I don't have the time I'll need to straighten her head out. Besides, it's been a while since I been in a ring, I'm not sure I'm the best one to be telling her what to do anyway. I tell you what, lemme call someone I trust to work with her on a daily basis. She can handle the business decisions and keep her out of any more trouble. I told you Gretchen was trouble when you let her manage didn't I? I never liked her when she was fighting, she always had some angle going. She's still trouble."

"Yeah, so what! She and her girls are great for the league. They're the most interesting girls next to the big blondes with tits. The crowd loves Gretchen's girls 'cause they always put on a show. Now you gotta figure how to get Mitzi to do the same. If you don't I'll drop her like a bad habit. She's not even in condition, look how soft she's gotten. I'll give you three months to whip her into shape and if not, then she's history. You got me hon?"

"Don't worry Frank, I'll get her under control. I know just the gal to whip little miss two-step into shape. You remember what a good fighter Cyd Charisse was in her prime? I was talking to her just the other day. She'd be perfect for Mitzi. They're both dancers and Cyd had folks playing mind games with her too. That experience will help Mitzi cope with her problems. I'll let you know what she says." Frank left grumbling, but - for the moment - mollified. Ethel finished shooting later that day and after changing, she went downtown to see Mitzi and find out from her the whole story of what had happened.

****

Later that afternoon, Adelaide went to Mitzi's room where she was resting up after her first full day at the Mission. "Sarah wants to see you. I think there's someone here to see you." Mitzi gave an excited yelp, "It's Nikki!" and ran downstairs to Sister Sarah Brown's office. She didn't stop to knock, just burst in and then she stopped in shock. Her jaw dropped and she shrieked, "Ethel! Momma, it's wonderful to see you!!" Mitzi threw herself into Ethel Merman's arms and hugged her tight as they kissed.

Ethel held Mitzi at arms length and studied her. "You look awful. I heard what happened from Frank. I came as soon as I could to see what I can do. Sarah tells me her therapist has been working with you. How are the treatments?" Mitzi's face turned bright red as she realized they were talking about Adelaide's massage 'therapy.' Sarah and Ethel laughed at her reaction. Ethel sat Mitzi on the sofa and settled down beside her and had her tell the whole story of what had happened. Ethel watched Mitzi's face as she recounted her travails and saw the hurt and resignation in her eyes.

"How soon will you be ready to get back in the ring?" Ethel asked. Mitzi shrugged. "I don't know if I'm ever going back. What's the point? I'm hopeless." Ethel's face darkened at the tone of Mitzi's comment. "Frank wants you in the ring," she lied. "He thinks you can be a top drawing card with some work. But he said if you don't get yourself back in shape and beat Shirley in this boxing, or at least make a really good show of it, then you're finished, both in the league and in movies."

She gave that bit of news a moment to sink in, then added, "...and me too. I'm not gonna let you drag me down Honey, no matter what." Mitzi tried to explain what had been happening in her private life but Ethel hushed her with a finger to her lips. "I don't care, my dear. That's past. My ass is on the line now and I'm not taking chances. You're going back in the ring and I'm gonna get Cyd Charisse to train you. I'm seeing her tomorrow and we'll finalize the arrangements then."

Mitzi knew better than to protest, but Ethel cut off any possibility of debate. "It ain't open to discussion, you train with Cyd and that's that. She's a veteran and knows what it takes to win in this league. She was one of the best before she quit to devote full time to her career. When you start with Cyd, do everything, and I mean everything, she says. No argument, no back talk." Mitzi nodded. She could argue with Frank but Ethel was the one who'd gotten her into fighting and she knew failure would be a black mark against her mentor as well.

She couldn't disappoint Ethel, no matter what the cost to her. "I understand, Ma'am. I won't let you down Momma." Ethel patted her thigh, "I know you won't dear, you never have. I'll tell Cyd in the morning to get in touch with you. I'd like to help myself, but I'm off to Broadway tomorrow afternoon." She stood up and hugged Mitzi, kissing her hard on the mouth, then turned to Sarah, embraced her and kissed her cheek. "Thanks Sarah, I'll double your contribution next month." Sarah smiled as Ethel kissed Mitzi again and left.

When Ethel closed the door behind her, Mitzi turned to Sarah. "So, Ethel's another Mission benefactor?" Sarah chuckled, "You'd be amazed how many important people want me to succeed. Now, you better go upstairs for your 'treatment' and tell Adelaide the bad news." "Bad news?" Mitzi asked. "That you're leaving us soon. She'll be devastated. She's loved 'rehabilitating' you." Then she giggled. Mitzi realized she was getting attached to Adelaide. She'd filled a void left by Nikki's disappearance.

After another massage 'therapy' session that left Mitzi weak and drained, Adelaide put her in the shower and joined her. As they showered together, Mitzi told her of Ethel's visit. "I won't be leaving right away," Mitzi said. "I'll stay a while longer. At least until I've recovered and my body's good as new. You're doing a wonder job. I should be fully recovered in no time." They got dressed and went downstairs to have dinner with the other girls.

****

Meanwhile, across town where the rich and glamorous folks lived, Ethel and Cyd were chatting across a dinner table. Ethel told Cyd the story about what happened to Mitzi and explained she had to leave town. She asked Cyd to take Nikki's place training Mitzi. "I really need you to do this for me Cyd, there's no one I can trust more. Besides, you know what a bitch that Gretchen is, Mitzi needs someone like you to help her against that one."

Cyd nodded, agreeing totally with Ethel's characterization of Gretchen, her one time rival in the ring. "Oh, there's no question your girl needs all the help she can get. But I wonder how much will to fight she has if that beating Shirley gave her was as bad as you described. Something like that can destroy a girl's spirit. Besides, I saw her fight Sheree North and she damn near lost. She seemed almost hopeless at times and that was before all this happened."

"Yes," Ethel said, "all that's true, especially about her spirit. She looked really depressed when I saw her earlier but she's always been resilient. Besides, don't forget she won the fight with Sheree North. In spite of all you say, she's won most of her fights. She's got natural talent. Actually, she reminds me of you when you started. I remember someone said you looked lost in the ring." Cyd chuckled, remembering what that woman had said about her. In the end, the same woman had become not only her manager, but also her best friend. It was a telling argument in Mitzi's favor she had to admit.

"Yes, I remember how bad I looked at first, but at least I could take a punch. I mean every time someone hits Mitzi, she falls apart. I don't know if she's got a 'china chin' or she's just afraid of getting hurt. But either way, it's going to be her undoing, especially if she tries to box Shirley MacLaine like you said. I can't believe her manager was ever dumb enough to sign her to a contract for a boxing match."

Ethel nodded, "I agree. I heard Nikki's joined Gretchen now, so there was probably some hanky-panky going on. I can't believe she sold Mitzi out, but it's a distinct possibility. If so, it's all the more reason why she needs someone she can count on to be in her corner. That's where you come in my dear. I want you to help her out as much as you can. You know dance steps, it'll be easy to help her learn how to translate that talent to the boxing ring. I remember you had a couple and did quite well in them."

"Oh, I did, that's true," Cyd said. "But I had time to train and to be fair my opponents weren't very good. I suspect Gretchen will have Shirley at peak efficiency when she steps in the ring." Ethel agreed. "All the more reason Mitzi needs help. She's willful, and when she's on the jazz she can be a handful to control, but she also has a burning desire to succeed and once you earn her trust, she'll pay attention to you. Rhonda was her coach until she disappeared and she said once you get past her initial reserve, Mitzi's a willing student."

Finally, Cyd threw up her hands in surrender. "OK, I tell you what. Give me a few days to think about it. I'm not sure I want to get back in the game and I certainly don't look forward to trying to manage anyone, certainly not a hard headed Hungarian like Mitzi. Hell, I barely could stand to be in the same ring with Zsa Zsa and I loved beating her butt. Even Eva could be a handful when her ego got inflated. But they're a couple of tough Hungarians. You say Mitzi's the same way, so maybe there's hope for her after all. Let me think about it and I'll let you know. I'll call you in New York after I talk to Mitzi - which I'll do before I make my final decision if I'm leaning toward taking the job. I want to talk to her face-to-face and get a feel for her before I sign on for good."

They hugged and went their separate ways, Ethel off to finish packing for her return to Broadway and Cyd returned to the studio where she was finishing up work on "Brigadoon" which the studio heads hoped would be a blockbuster. The two women wouldn't see each other for a long while but when they did, it would be ringside at one of the most important fights of Mitzi's career.

Mitzi went to bed early that evening, exhausted by the hectic events of the day. She wanted to get a good night's sleep in order to be fresh for what she expected would be a meeting with Cyd Charisse the next day. Adelaide lay with her a while until she fell asleep, then she kissed her forehead, pulled the cover up and tip-toed out the door, closing it behind her. She mused how ironic it was that this young woman had been practically thrown into her lap after Major Sarah Brown had been trying so hard to get her to give up her penchant for women and return to the 'straight and narrow'.

****

Mitzi ducks just as something explodes against the side of her jaw. Her mouthpiece flies out of her mouth and she tries to catch it but, as if in slow motion, the mouthpiece glances off her glove and drops to the canvas. As her eyes watch the mouthpiece spinning and tumbling, everything suddenly goes dark and she feels herself falling . . . falling . . . until she hits something hard and hears herself grunt.

Mitzi blinks and squints, her eyes reacting to the blinding light. "Wha . . . ?" she tries to sit up and feels a hand on her shoulder. "You're OK," a voice echoes in her ear, "Come on, get up and fight." She feels hands under her arms lift her and when her eyes focus, she recognizes Nikki in a referee's shirt. She opens her mouth to ask what she's doing there but Nikki shoves her mouthpiece back in and pushes her toward her opponent. She finally realizes it's Shirley MacLaine and she's wearing boxing gloves, bra and panties. Mitzi looks down and is shocked to see she's naked!

Shirley moves in close and lands two quick hard punches to Mitzi's stomach. She gasps and hears herself give a squeal as she topples back. She catches the ropes to hold herself up, but an overhand right to the head knocks her to her knees. Her head is spinning as she kneels with her head bowed, looking down toward her thighs. Blood drips on her thighs from her nose and as she tried to get up, her legs feel like Jell-O. She falls back into the ropes, nearly falling through them and out of the ring. Nikki stands over her counting for what seems forever before she says, "Here, let me help you up. You can't beat the count on your own." She helps her to her feet, then half drags and half carries her to a corner. Nikki drapes Mitzi's arms over the top ropes to hold her up and kisses her forehead. "You're hopeless Mitzi, that's why I loved you so. Seeing you beaten - like now makes me so excited!" She waves to Shirley, calling her in to resume beating on poor helpless Mitzi.

Mitzi's left eye is swollen and she can barely see out of it. She already knows her nose is bleeding and she's pretty sure her lip is swollen too. "God, I'm a mess," she thinks to herself. She looks at Nikki and tries to speak, but it feels like her mouth is full of cotton. Nikki sees a question in her eyes and smiles at her. "Shirley's already knocked you down six times dear, just the way Brenda predicted she would. You know I only signed you for this fight because I LOVE seeing you hurt. This is your last chance to get me aroused."

Shirley walked over to Mitzi and punched her in the stomach bringing a loud grunt as the wind was driven out of her. Shirley cuffed her across the breasts and she whimpered, then a punch to the face spun her head to the side. Through her teary eyes she was shocked to see Nikki sitting at ringside with Gretchen. She looked back at the referee and it was Nikki; then back at the woman in the audience, that was Nikki too! The woman in the audience applauded as Shirley slammed her fist in Mitzi's belly, but Gretchen dragged her from the seat and forced her to her knees in front of her. Mitzi tried to yell, "No!" but she couldn't speak. She could only watch while Gretchen hiked her dress so Nikki, Mitzi's darling Nikki, could lean forward and press her mouth to Gretchen's pussy. Nikki's bottom wiggled like a hungry puppy's as she lapped Gretchen's juices while the other Nikki held Mitzi up so Shirley could start to hit her again. She seemed to hurt all over.

Mitzi saw a huge glove coming straight at her face and then she felt herself falling, falling . . . she started to scream!

****

Mitzi was on her back and someone was shaking her. "Mitzi! Mitzi, wake up! You're having a bad dream." She opened her eyes and looked up at Adelaide and Major Sarah Brown who were bent over her bed with worried expressions. Behind them stood a dozen other residents of the dormitory. When she sat up she realized her night clothes were soaked with perspiration and, at first, she feared it was her blood from the boxing match. She buried her face in her hands. "Oh Nikki," she sobbed, "Nikki darling, what have I done to you."

Mitzi rolled over and buried her face in the pillow as Adelaide lifted the covers and slipped into the bed beside her young friend. "It's OK Sarah," Adelaide said, "I'll stay with her a few minutes to calm her down. Y'all can leave us. She'll be alright." Skeptically, Major Sarah Brown pulled her robe around her slender body and shooed the others out of Mitzi's room. She turned off the light and after a heavy sigh, closed the door behind her. "I've got to talk to Adelaide in the morning," she muttered to herself. "This thing with Mitzi has to stop before the other girls get ideas."

The next morning, Mitzi woke up in Adelaide's arms. Adelaide had an arm cradling her head and a hand between her legs. They were cheek to cheek and Adelaide had a little grin as she awoke and kissed Mitzi on the lips. The buxom masseuse had remained with Mitzi all night. "How do you feel this morning?" Adelaide asked. "Do you remember your nightmare? That you woke up the entire mission?"

Mitzi blushed and nodded. "It was awful. I dreamed I was fighting Shirley. I couldn't do anything and she just kept hitting me - over and over. Even the referee was helping her. I was helpless, a sitting duck." Adelaide opened Mitzi's nightgown and pulled out a firm, pale breast and closed her mouth over the hard nub. "Ummmmmm," Mitzi moaned as Adelaide's tongue flicked her nipple. "Don't worry," Adelaide whispered, "it was just a bad dream. Nothing at all to worry about at all. Just lay back and let your Adelaide make everything all right."

Ever the obedient slut, Mitzi closed her eyes, relaxed and spread her legs as Adelaide gave her one of her special "tongue baths" that Mitzi had come to need every few hours just to make it through the day. Afterward, they showered together and then dressed before going down to breakfast. Several of the girls saw Mitzi's expression, her glowing complexion and exchanged knowing winks. What Adelaide was doing for Mitzi was common knowledge and that alone was enough to cause grave concern for Major Sarah Brown. Sarah was relieved, therefore, when Ethel Merman showed up later that morning and asked to see Mitzi.

Mitzi arrived in Major Sarah Brown's office beaming, expecting to hear that Cyd Charisse had agreed to manage her. When she saw Ethel's face, her smile faded. "What? She's too good for me? Is that her problem?" Mitzi snapped without giving Ethel a chance to speak. "That uppity bitch!"

Ethel grabbed Mitzi by the shoulders and shook her. "Just calm down and listen to me girl. Don't go getting all crazy. I talked to Cyd last night. She's got a lot of things going on right now. You know she's finishing shooting on Brigadoon and then there are a few more things. Not the least of which she's helping arrange the entertainment for Frank's Birthday Party this weekend."

"Oh my God!" Mitzi gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Frank's party! I'd totally forgotten it. I can't go looking like this. I'm a fright." Ethel took Mitzi in her arms and hugged her. "You look fine. Give that Adelaide a few more days and you won't even be able to tell you've been in a fight. Relax. As for Cyd, she just wanted a few days to think things over. She said she'd seen you fight and, well, she said you made quite an impression."

Mitzi beamed. "Really? An impression, wow! She does know talent when she sees it, doesn't she. So when will she let me know the good news? I've got to get started training for my boxing match with Shirley." Ethel nodded, "Yes, I know you do. She said she'll let you know Saturday night at the party. By then, she'll have all her other stuff wrapped up and she'll know if she's going to have enough time to give you all the attention you need. . . er, deserve, I meant. Attention you deserve."

Mitzi looked worried. "I can't go to Frank's party looking like this. I bet you anything Shirley punched me in the eye deliberately just to embarrass me this Saturday. What a bitch!"

Ethel put a hand on Mitzi's shoulder. "Relax hon. I've got a crackerjack make-up gal at the studio. I'll send her around on Saturday to touch up your face. No one will ever know you have a black eye under the pancake. Look on the bright side, Adelaide's doing such a wonderful job it should be practically all faded away by Saturday night."

Mitzi's mood brightened. "You'd do that for me? Oh, thanks Momma, you're the greatest!"

Ethel sighed, "I just wish I could be there to see it myself, but I have to be in New York the day after tomorrow for costume fitting for this new show I'm starring in on Broadway. I know you'll do great kiddo, make me proud." She kissed Mitzi. It was a lip-to-lip kiss, not the usual smacking lips in mid-air. It showed that Ethel's 'personal interest' in Mitzi's career was more personal than most people knew. They embraced and Ethel went back to the studio to finish packing for her cross-country trip.

Mitzi went upstairs for her morning session with Adelaide. She'd become rather fond of them, despite the way Adelaide gave her broad bottom a few whacks to, as she said, "warm ya up." Adelaide's massages left her not only drained of energy, but strangely energized at the same time. It was a curious contradiction, but one she rather enjoyed and looked forward to with eagerness. Now all she had to do was somehow find the courage to face Frank, Gretchen, Shirley and most especially, her beloved Nikki at Frank's Birthday Party. It wouldn't be easy, but since Frank controlled her fighting career, she had no choice but to show up and hope for the best in her arm wrestling match with Shirley.

Mitzi in Hollywood continues in Chapter 11, Nikki's Nightmare