What the hell? said Horace, a California politician likely to enter the Senate in the next election. He dropped his arms from the shoulders of his glittering partner, a recent recruit with the body of a woman and the innocent eyes of a girl still looking for her daddys protection, and strode toward Felix.

Listen, buddy, Horace began, leaning over Felix. The word buddy came with an explosion of spit that misted Felixs nose and cheeks. Before Horace could lay down his threat, Felix grabbed him by the face and drove him against the rosewood bar that was littered with half-empty glasses and puddles of spilled liquor. Horace, unable to see the bar behind him, struck it with a sudden force that threw his head back, causing his strawberry-blonde hair too long for Felixs liking to whiplash.

When Horaces eyes focused again, Felix drove his fist three times into the soon-to-be-senators stomach, causing an eruption of wine and hors d'oeuvressalmon, oysters, veggie tartlets, and even bits of caviar, which was truly a waste.

The party is over, Felix said in perfect English as Horace leaned one hand against the floor, the other holding his stomach as if his guts might fall out at any moment. Now if you will all be so kind as to leave…

The guests exchanged uncertain glances. They were used to Felix being seen but not heard. All that, however, had changed. These people disgusted Felix now. They could have been working together to free Mr. Roth, but instead they were partying like animals.

Theres no loyalty in the world any more, Felix thoughtand, lacking automatic weapons, he wondered how far he could get through this crowd with his switchblade. Would they turn on him, or run like a flock of startled pigeons?

Now! he screamed, whipping out the knife.

The crowd burst like a grenade, people fleeing through every door and open window as fast as their high heels and tailored oxfords could take them. Felix watched this panic with amusement. Soon he and Horace were the only two left.

He leaned close to Horaces ear and whispered, It seems your friends have shown as much loyalty to you as you have shown to Mr. Roth.

Horaces face was a knot of pain. His eyes followed the knife as it sprang open and then closed again in Felixs hand.

You know, Horace murmured, when the police started asking those questions, I didnt think those missing girls had anything to do with this place. He paused to spit the last bits of vomit from around his gums. But now I cant help wondering what you did to them.

Felix smiledsometimes he couldnt help it. Those girls were free to leaveas free as you are now.