“No, it isn’t, and I was a little pissed off to find out you’d gone behind my back to try to persuade them to change my mind.”

“It didn’t work.”

“I could have told you that and saved you the trip,” Lisa said, reaching for her wine. “My parents see my decision like I do. It’s my choice, not theirs. Dad told me enough about your history that I know—”

“Can we please not talk about this?” Bennett blurted. “It’s rare we ever have the chance to enjoy each other’s company when we’re not at work, so—”

“And whose fault is that?”

Bennett lowered her eyes. She knew exactly whose fault it was, and picking up her Cabernet, Bennett took her time drinking it down. Finally, setting her glass aside, she looked across the table at Lisa. “May I ask that, at least for tonight, we put aside our…our differences and simply enjoy the evening? I angered you by seeing your father, and for that, I apologize. I do have my reasons, but dredging them up tonight will only ruin a dinner that’s barely just started. I don’t know about you, but I’d prefer that not happen.”

A soft smile graced Lisa’s face. “Neither would I.”

“Good, then a subject change is in order.”

Lisa thought for a moment. “How about I bring you up to speed on Rapture?”

“That’s an excellent idea,” Bennett said, her face brightening. “Are we on schedule?”

“Absolutely,” Lisa said, beaming. “Of the hundred invitations I sent out, we’ve had eighty-five confirm, and I’m sure the other fifteen will reply soon. We’ve never had anyone say no.”

“That’s marvelous. And the artwork?

“The three Voclain pieces I bought in France got through customs yesterday. Gunnar will pick them up tomorrow.”

“Pieces or penises?”

“Both,” Lisa said with a snort. “And the two oils and three watercolors we’ve been waiting on will arrive the Monday after Thanksgiving. The caterer and the security company have already confirmed, so once we close on that Thursday, it’ll be balls to the wall until we unlock the doors on Saturday night.”

“Must you use male nomenclature for everything?”

“You’re the one who brought up penises.”

Out of nowhere, the waiter appeared, and by his bug-eyed expression, he’d heard at least part of their conversation. Lisa’s cheeks turned rosy as the man cleared away the appetizer, and a minute later, he was placing their dinners in front of them. Once he walked away, Lisa leaned toward Bennett. “At least we weren’t talking about vampires.”

***

Napoleon looked up as the two men entered his office. “Is it done?”

“Yes, m’lord,” Friedrich said, stepping closer. “I’ve fashioned a modern-day mace trap that should do the trick.”