“I did, but not because of a game,” Opal said, kicking him in the back of the shin. “I worked hard to reach my position, and if you were just dead, Henry could concentrate his work elsewhere and return our relationship to status quo. You’re very difficult to kill, you know.” She leaned to the side. “And Henry, don’t think for a second that I forgive you for shooting me.”

Lassiter blanched. “I didn’t think you’d fight to save Nari at the club. Shooting you was an accident. You know it was,” he said. “I thought to impress you by taking the girl while you were there. But she can fight.”

Was he somehow dependent upon Opal’s approval? Did the woman understand that? Being nice wasn’t helping. “Yeah, Nari kicked your ass twice,” Angus said.

Lassiter’s nostrils flared and his face turned a motley red. “She did not. Either way, I guess you get to watch her die. You know how long I can make death take. Just think of the things you’ll get to watch me do.”

Angus tensed.

“No,” Opal said, punctuating the word with the barrel pressed to his spine. “Be a good boy, Angus.” She angled to the side again, and her rose perfume filled the air.

Nari coughed. “Why did you date my father?”

Opal sighed. “He’s second in command, and I needed some hold on him. Sex is an easy weapon, dear.” She chuckled. “So, Henry? You’ll finish your work here and then leave HDD agents alone? Find another game to play?”

Lassiter nodded. “Yes. I can live with that.”

Opal laughed, the sound rough. “Excellent.” She pushed Angus.

Nari stepped up to the bars again. “How long have you been batshit crazy?”

Angus subtly shook his head. There was no guarantee Opal wouldn’t just shoot Nari and declare herself the victor over Henry. They were both unstable and psychopathic. He had to diffuse the woman now. “Opal? I called in the entire HDD to your house when you sent that email. Yet nobody was there.”

“Yes, well, I am the boss. I called in and told everybody to stand down and that you had been taken in by the FBI. I’ll have to figure something out about that when they find your body. I guess the bad guy somehow fooled me.” She hummed. “I’ll work on that.”

Lassiter puffed up. “He doesn’t die until I’m done with the two women.”

“This is your domain,” Opal said. “Please wait until I’ve left the premises, however.”

At least Angus had taken her attention away from Nari. For now.

“All right,” Opal said. “Nari and Nari’s mom, both step to the back of the cell and sit down so Angus can join you. If either of you makes a move, I’ll shoot him.” The gun looked at home in her hand. “I’m tempted to do so anyway.”