“There were three people killed in the park last night.”

“The one by the brownstone?”

“That’s right, and the manner in which they were murdered is all too familiar.”

“Let me guess. Their throats were slashed?”

“Violently, I’m thinking. I'll catch up with what the newspapers have to say later on this afternoon, and I plan to touch base with my connection over at the city morgue, too. By the time I get home, they should know something.”

“Christ, I hate that little bastard,” Oskar said, flopping one arm over the other. “I don’t give a damn what his last name is. He should have been dealt with decades ago.”

“You’re preaching to the choir, my friend.”

“I don’t suppose we could possibly hope that this isn’t the tip of the iceberg?”

Bennett sighed. “Do you honestly need to ask that?”

***

As Oskar and Bennett walked toward the car, Bennett’s expression matched those of Gus and his daughter.

“By the looks of it, I’m guessing you two had a good day,” Bennett said, nearing the car.

“We had an awesome day. Dad got me new boots,” Fallon said, clicking her heels together.

Bennett eyed the shiny black combat boots. “And they’re marvelous. Just your style.”

“Yep,” Fallon said, beaming. “Oh, and I got this, too.”

Fallon moved closer and tapped on the rainbow flag pin on the lapel of her coat. “Isn’t it cool?”

“Very cool,” Bennett said, unable to control her smile as she looked over at Gus. “Very cool indeed.”

“I’m glad you think that because I got you one, too,” Fallon said, opening her hand to reveal another pin. “I hope you don’t mind.”

Bennett took a long moment before she dared to raise her eyes and look at Fallon. “No, sweetheart, I don’t mind at all,” she said, taking the pin. “It’s a wonderful and thoughtful gift, and I’ll treasure it. Thank you.”

“And in case you’re wondering, I did some shopping, too,” Gus said with a laugh. “Cath said I couldn’t come home without some fresh fish and lobster, so there are two coolers filled with ice and seafood in the trunk.”

“Which means we should be going,” Bennett said, turning to Oskar. “Thank you, old friend. I enjoyed the chat even if it didn’t go my way.”

“Me, too,” Oskar said, pulling Bennett into a hug. “And trust me, Bennett. Trust me that I know my daughter, and you have absolutely nothing to fear, except perhaps…your heart.”

Bennett abruptly pulled out of the embrace, and her eyes met Oskar’s. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

“Oh, don’t mind me,” Oskar said with a wave of his. “I’m just an old man rambling. Must be the blood loss.”

***

Just before midnight, with the afternoon newspapers tucked under her arm, Bennett marched through Max’s house and into his study.