River of Blood- the "querencia"

The passcode and location changed every quarter. Tonight the code is " balderdash" ,and the place is Jill Alexander's home. Jill hasn't hosted the Querencia in four years, so she wants it to be unique, with no expense spared. She requested her cook Yung to hire some of the usual bartenders and waiters and get as much help as she needs for the kitchen duties.ABC were put on alert to be extra vigilant and check all vehicles and guests before they are even allowed through the estate's gates. No phones or cameras allowed.The only open rooms will be on the main floor and everything else will be locked; that should be sufficient.The night's theme is "Masque of the Red Death", and everyone will wear masks, stilettos and not much else.All was in order and soon the invited would arrive. Jill knows most of the 50 or so guests, except the newest members and their partners.She didn't go to the last few soirees, so she looks forward to seeing some of her intimate friends, and catching up on the recent gatherings.She's especially excited to seeing two significant friends - Maya Benicia, a former lover, and Lina Dontay who is the powerful matriarch of this covert group and Jillian's longtime mentor. So far, Jill had not chosen "the one". She would decide arbitrarily later on in the evening.As host, it fell to her to select the worthy individual who would participate in the unique ritual, the climax of the evening, always done at 1 am. Jillian had been that fortunate person years ago , and now she highly anticipated tonight's events for the next initiate.Of course, the ceremony is not without pain,so Ruby, her nurse, will be on hand to administer a sedative and the necessary assistance after the the branding. Although it wasn't expected, Jill will offer to let the young woman stay at her house, and have Ruby care for her, during the healing process.It had taken about 6 weeks for Jill's upper thigh burn to be tolerable , so she guessed it could be about the same for whomever she chooses.The selected woman receives $500,000 for her performance;S&M is involved. She can decline, but nobody has done that, so far. Just in case, Jill will have an alternative person in mind.She anticipated an exciting and highly satisfying evening.