Bennett’s nostrils flared. “You know what hurts? Being impaled. Having wooden spears and metal rods pierce your body, tearing through your skin and your bones and your organs, again and again…and again,” Bennett said, glaring at the woman. “And then, you have to slowly extract each piece, so you can free yourself. Now, that hurts. This, fortunately for you, will but sting for only a second.”

***

Gus slipped the car into park as he looked in the rearview mirror. “Am I leaving again?”

“No, but you can’t wait here,” Bennett said, grabbing the trash bag by her feet. “Go for a drive and be back in twenty minutes. No sooner and no later. If I’m not here, you keep going. Do you understand?”

“Yeah.”

“Good,” Bennett said, opening the door. “Do me a favor and pop the boot.”

“What?”

“Sorry. Open the trunk.”

“Why? It’s empty. There’s nothing back there.”

A secret smile softened Bennett’s lips. “Please do as I ask, Gus, and stay in the car.”

Bennett set the bag down before walking to the back of the car. The trunk had yawned to its fullest by the time she reached it, and deftly opening a secret compartment, Bennett examined its contents. After a moment, she chose the short English saber, and leaving the scabbard in the trunk, Bennett rested the cut-and-thrust weapon on her shoulder and returned to retrieve the bag.

As Bennett picked it up, the passenger window slid down. She looked inside and saw Gus’s mouth hanging open down to his belt. “I had a few things customized when I got this car for you.”

“Holy shit,” Gus said, his eyes glued on the sword. “Has that always been back there?”

“Yes, and do us both a favor, and don’t go snooping around. All right?”

“I wouldn’t think of it.” Gus suddenly snapped his focus to Bennett. “Wait. Are you saying there’s more in there?”

“Gus…”

“Right,” Gus said, holding up his hands. “No snooping. I got it.”

“Good, now get out of here, and I’ll see you in twenty minutes.”

***

Napoleon and Ivan were studying a map when the door to Napoleon’s office opened. Bennett strode in, and their eyes jutted out of their skulls.

Bennett sniggered as she closed the door behind her. “Did you honestly think a few toothpicks and shivs would bring about my end? What did you do, only read the CliffsNotes of our history?”

Napoleon cleared his throat. “I have no clue what you’re talking about.”

“Perhaps this will jog your memory.” Bennett dumped out the bag, and three heads rolled onto the floor. “I found these three hunting near my home, something the council explicitly forbade you from condoning.”

“I had nothing to do with that,” Napoleon said, raising his voice.