Hannah sat back again and folded her ringless hands. “MacGee and the guards were already on their way. I spotted your man.” She made a look of disgust. “He was bumbling his way around with a flashlight. I managed to distract Bennett by playing the hysterical female, but the idiot didn’t take the opportunity to make good his escape. The lights came up again. Bennett saw him and his weapon. You should be flattered that since your release the prince has carried a small-caliber pistol with him. He used it, and for personal reasons, I’m grateful he used it well. Dead men can’t name names.” Playing up the role, she rose. “I ask you now, was the man under orders to kill one of the Bissets? Do you or do you not trust me to complete the contract?”

Say it! she ordered silently. Say it out loud, say it plainly so that this can be over.

Smoke curled up in a column toward the ceiling as he tapped the cigarette into an ashtray. “Please, my dear, be calm. The man you speak of may have been told to use initiative, but was never given a specific request. I have confidence in you, of course.”

“We agreed. I would dispose of the Bissets in return for five million dollars.”

He smiled, like a generous uncle. “We agreed that if such a thing were to happen, there would be some compensation.”

“I’m tired of playing games.” As if to prove it, Hannah picked up her bag. “If you won’t speak frankly, if you won’t honor our arrangement, there’s no reason to go on with this.”

“Sit.” The order came sharp and clear as she walked to the door. Hannah stopped, turned, but didn’t walk back. “You forget yourself. No one who works for me leaves until they are dismissed.”

She knew there would be men outside the door, to detain or dispose of her at Deboque’s whim. She gambled that he would respect audacity. “Perhaps it’s best if I find other employment then. I’m not accustomed to being dealt only half the cards.”

“Remember that I hold them. I ask you again, sit.”

This time she obeyed. She let the impatience shimmer, but only enough to let him see her control. “Very well.”

“Tell me how the Bissets cope this morning.”

“With dignity, of course.” She pretended to be amused. “Bennett’s pleased with himself. Armand is worried. Eve is confined to bed for the day. Gabriella stays with her. MacGee is closeted with Malori—you know the name?”

“Yes.”