In the kitchen, Mish got a bottle out, popped the cork, and poured some in a champagne glass. She glanced around, then pulled a tiny vial out that she had hidden between her cheek and her gum. It contained a strong dose of GSB. Mish emptied all of it into the bottle. She winked at Delinda and Felise on her way back to the bedroom, signaling them to speed things up. If the plan was to go off without a hitch, it was crucial that they complete their task first.

When Mish reentered the room, Suef was sitting in the middle of the bed nude. She shut the door, locking it behind her. “Here you go, sweetie.” Mish handed him the GSB-laced bottle.

Suef took two big gulps of the champagne, then extended it back to Mish.

“I have a glass already,” she said, standing next to the bed.

“Come lay down, what you waiting for?” He took another big gulp from the bottle.

“I want to freshen up right quick.” She stepped into the master bathroom and closed the door. Mish cut the faucet on and sat on the toilet, hoping that the GSB would quickly take effect. After what she felt was a sufficient amount of time, Mish left the bathroom.

Suef’s body was paralyzed, and though his mouth and eyes were open, he was unable to speak.

“No need to fight it,” Mish said to him. “Just relax.”

She put on her clothes and checked the living room, happy to see that it was empty. She allowed ten minutes to pass, then went to check on the girls. In the first room, she found Delinda standing over Trenton. He was laid out on the floor with his throat slit from ear to ear.

Hearing a struggle in the next room, Mish and Delinda rushed over to see what was going on. Abdul held his bloody neck with one hand while choking Felise against the wall with the other. Mish picked up a metal floor lamp and hit him on the head. He fell backward, releasing Felise. She landed on the floor next to him, coughing and gasping for air.

Delinda, after spotting Felise’s blade on the foot of the bed, grabbed it, lodged it deep into Abdul’s neck, and dragged it across.

Mish helped Felise off the ground and asked, “What in hell happened?”

“His neck was too fat. I must’ve only cut skin.”

“Well, I got him,” Delinda bragged. “That means you owe me part of your money.”

Suef began to come to in the wee hours of the morning. He had a pounding headache. The first time that he cracked his eyes, everything was blurry. He felt his hands bound together and duct tape on his mouth. Suef squeezed then opened his eyes again. As his vision became clearer, he saw Kisa standing in front of him, smiling.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked.

Suef grunted at her.