“No.”

“Oh, stop being so stupid,” Ruby said, taking a step. “I’m a daywalker, Bennett. That means, like you, I’m stronger and faster than Napoleon’s people. I’ve also trained for centuries, so I know how to handle a sword.”

“I don’t care.”

“Well, maybe you don’t, but do you really think Lisa would want this? Do you seriously think she’d approve of you committing suicide only because you’re too fucking pigheaded to accept my help? Look, I know you hate me. I know this is all my fault, but without me, you’re going to die, and Napoleon is going to live. Is that what you want? Is that how you want all of this to end? With him winning?”

Bennett kept her eyes anchored to Ruby’s for nearly a minute before she walked over to her. “What’s in the bag?”

“My sword and a few daggers.”

“Let me see them.”

Ruby unzipped the bag, and drawing out a Japanese wakizashi, she placed it in Bennett’s hand.

“It’s heavy,” Bennett said, testing the weight before she set it aside. “And the daggers?”

Ruby pulled out four claymores and handed them to Bennett.

“The blades are short,” Bennett said, balancing one in her hand.

“Yeah, but they’re sharp.”

“Mine are sharper,” Bennett said, dropping the daggers back into the bag.

Bennett returned to the bookcase, grabbed a shelf, and pulled the bookcase away from the wall.

“What the hell?” Ruby said under her breath.

“Come here,” Bennett said while she regarded the contents of her hidden collection. “Try this.” Bennett handed Ruby a Japanese katana, its blade six inches longer than Ruby’s wakizashi. “What do you think?”

“Wow. It’s so much lighter than mine. Custom-made?”

“Yes. Do you think you can handle it?”

“Let me see.” Ruby stepped away, and pulling the katana from its scabbard, she swung it several times. “Yeah, that shouldn’t be a problem. I mean, it’s longer than I’m used to, but the difference in weight is worth it.”

“Good, then put this on while I get you another,” Bennett said, grabbing a back carrying scabbard from a hook. “We can store the swords in your bag until we get to Napoleon’s.”

A few minutes later, Ruby was wearing a scabbard on her back to hold two swords, and strapped to her calves were two sheathed daggers. As she worked to fasten the ones around her forearms, she saw Bennett zipping up the duffel. “Before we go, I have a favor to ask.”

Bennett straightened. “I’m not sure you have the right to ask for any favors.”

“I don’t, but after the beating you gave me, I could use something to help replenish some of my strength. Do you mind if I have some of what you keep in the fridge?”

“When was the last time you fed?”