Dante took Gladys aside. “We’re gonna need some money to fix your melted hand too. Wanna come with me and rob some gangsters?”

“Sure.”

Together, they went out into the night just as fog came rolling in. Dante apparently knew where they were headed, so Gladys followed.

“Well, we have a team,” Gladys said. “Adam is ostensibly in charge, but you basically have your hand on the wheel. Pretty much what you wanted.”

“I’ve have worse deals, that’s for sure.”

“Think it’ll last?”

“It’ll do for now.”

“Doesn’t seem like you’ll need to kill Adam then?”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

Adam addressed the group. “I hope none of you have been frightened off by the fight. I hope not all of our teamwork will be so violent, but I feel we can expect more like this as we go forward. You could be risking your lives. Any concerns?”

“If I’m going to be cooking,” said Myrtle, “we’re going to need a better kitchen.”

Nineteen Snakes handed Adam a note that read “We should set up my terrarium in that room upstairs with the big window.”

“Good news, kid,” October said as she patted Adam on the shoulder. “Nobody is frightened.”