“Javid-Lee sent two others with Perigine Lexi that night: Duane Nordon and Lisha Khan. While Rayner used Koushick Flaviu and Otto Samule—the two that didn’t make it—along with a third, a woman. She survived the bloodbath. Who was she?”

“I don’t know. Really, I don’t. I told you, I’m not involved in that part of the family life.”

Alik glanced at Salovitz. “I’m out of questions.”

“Six people dead,” Salovitz said quietly. “Another in the hospital. You started a gang war that’s still going on because a kid steals a fucking virtual game. A game. Do you have any idea…Je-zus H. Christ!”

“I didn’t know—” Kravis began.

“Shut the fuck up!” Salovitz bellowed. “You don’t get to talk, not after what you’ve done!”

“What happens now?” Rose asked. Her kids were pushing up against her so hard it was like they were trying to bury their heads in her ribs.

“Darwin,” Alik told them.

Salovitz gave him a filthy look.

“I don’t understand what that means,” Rose said.

“Survival used to be down to how fast and strong you were, how good a hunter,” Alik told her. “That was back when we all lived in caves and got frightened by thunder. Today, it’s all about being the smartest.”

“Just tell us,” Delphine said. “Please, tell us the smart thing to do.”

“Option one, we charge you all with criminal conspiracy. Given what’s happened tonight, that’s an easy trip to Zagreus, certainly for you and Rose and Kravis. Your kids will be taken into City Service’s care, or handed over to any remaining family.”

“Or?” Kravis asked.

Alik almost grinned. He should have known. After all, Kravis was Wall Street; he could recognize a deal on the table from a block away.

“I make a report to my boss that you were all in the portalhome when two rival crews broke in, trying to burgle the place. You naturally fled and saved your families. All very dramatic, but you’re not involved in any criminal act. But that would be a big favor I’d be doing you. And as we’ve all learned tonight, those kind of favors don’t come cheap.”

“You want money?” a puzzled Rose asked.

“No. I want the two of you to do me a favor in return. A simple personal call. That’s all.”

—

The Black Mariah went for Javid-Lee first. He was in the Costado restaurant on Broadway, sitting by himself, with three of his lieutenants at the bar where they could watch the patrons coming in, alert for anyone who might have been sent by Rayner; the war was still nuclear-hot. He was by himself because Kravis Lorenzo hadn’t yet shown up.

Five guys in FBI jackets came in. The lieutenants sat up. Hands went to their holsters. They looked at the boss, not knowing what to do.