Bennett flicked her eyes toward the ceiling. “And it always comes back to that, doesn’t it? Christ, when are you going to let that go? You have your father’s riches. You have your father’s land, and as unbelievable as it sounds, you actually do have a tiny bit of respect from a few because your last name is Durant. Why can’t that be enough for you? Why must you torment the rest of us with this ridiculousness over and over again? It’s a war you cannot win.”

“I guess we’ll just have to see about that,” Napoleon said, raising his chin. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have better things to do than waste my breath on the likes of you.”

“Trust me, the feeling is mutual,” Bennett said, moving to the door. “And by the way, if you want to collect the remaining pieces of your people, they’re in a dumpster at the southeast side of the park. I left the lid open, so you’d best get there before sunrise, or you’ll need a dustpan.”

Once the door closed, Ivan looked at the mess on the floor. “I’ll go get someone to clean this up, boss.”

“Not yet,” Napoleon said, taking the dagger from Ivan’s hand. “We’re not done making a mess.”

“What do you mean?”

Napoleon pursed his lips, contemplating the shiny blade in Ivan’s hand. “Find Friedrich, and bring him here. And that cunt who acted as our siren, the one who ran back to tell us Archer was dead. I want to see that bitch, too.”

“Um…boss. That’s her head over there.”

“Oh, why yes it is,” Napoleon said, barely glimpsing at the head. “So…that leaves Friedrich.”

***

Before too long, the door opened, and Friedrich waddled in, his tiny weasel-like eyes bouncing back and forth between Napoleon and Ivan. “You called for me, m’lord?”

Napoleon took one last sip of his scotch and set the glass aside. “Yes, it seems your tale about Bennett Archer’s demise was more fairy than fact,” he said, picking up a dagger from the desk as he got to his feet.

Friedrich blanched, and his mouth became drier than the Sahara. “M’lord?”

“Did you or did you not sail in here a few days ago and tell me the deed was done?”

“No, m’lord. I-I mean, yes, m’lord.”

“Well, it seems I’m not the only one confused,” Napoleon said, shooting an amused look at Ivan.

“I’m not confused, m’lord,” Friedrich said, taking a step closer. “I told you all we found was the rubble and dust, but I also said we’d gathered it up and taken it to Dr. Izzo for testing. I don’t believe he has the results yet though. I’m told that kind of thing takes time, m’lord.”