Danny’s eyes widen as she walks around the bar, handing them each a glass. Lilith is wearing a see-through negligee, her dark breasts and shaved crotch pressing against the sheer fabric. She motions them to a couch. ‘So the two of you are newlyweds?’

‘Uh, yes. Just married three days ago.’

‘Four.’ Sia shoots him an elbow, disrupting his gaze. ‘How long have you and Mr. Mabus been married?’

‘Just long enough to want him dead.’ A high, piercing cackle as she turns her sociopathic gaze toward Sia. ‘Thank Satan for vibrators, eh girl.’

Danny focuses his attention on Lilith’s exposed brown nipple, drooling like an intoxicated mouse eyeing the cheese.

‘It’s late,’ Sia stutters, feeling out of her element.

‘The night is young,’ Lilith purrs, ‘but you’re worried about something.’

‘We lost a lot of money. Danny borrowed from his expense account.’

‘Sia!’

‘Now, now, we’re all family here at the Mabus. Tell me, Daniel, how much did you lose tonight in our little lion’s den of inequity?’

Danny breaks eye contact. ‘I don’t know. Everything we had left.’

‘Sia’s ring, too?’

Danny nods, his emotions welling.

‘And all of your savings?’ Lilith Mabus—so endearing—like a priest at confession.

‘The credit card. Our wedding gifts.’ Danny pinches tears from his sleep-deprived eyes.

Sia eyes shoot daggers at Lilith as the vixen circles the coffee table to sit next to her husband.

‘Daniel, scoot closer and place your hand on the coffee table’s access pad.’

He complies, the woman’s scent filling his nostrils, wondering what he’d do if Sia wasn’t in the room.

‘Computer, access the financial statement of Mr. Daniel Diaz.’

A holographic account ledger appears above the pewter coffee table. Danny’s eyes widen in disbelief.

The neon blue credit balance at the bottom indicates a recent deposit of $200,000.

‘I think that should more than cover your losses.’ Lilith sits back on the cushion.

‘This is … crazy,’ Danny says, ‘I don’t understand?’

Lilith smiles, her bleached white teeth bright against her Mesoamerican-African-American complexion. ‘A gift, Daniel. From one who has—to one in need.’

Emotion crumbles Danny’s face. Glee. Tears. Relief. Exhaustion. ‘I don’t know what to say?’

‘Just say thank you.’

‘Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you—’

‘What’s the catch?’ Sia asks.

Lilith smiles. ‘Maybe I’m just trying to buy my way into heaven?’

‘I doubt that.’

‘Sia!’

‘It’s all right, Daniel. Your wife is right to question my motives. I’ve heard it said that sin is the Devil’s daughter. Do you know what’s worse?’

‘No.’