I sighed, running a hand through tangled locks, each tug sent jolts of pain into my sensitive scalp. It wasn't supposed to happen this way at all. Dozens of bodies lay about me, their blood pooling between my toes and squelching in a way that is distinctly gross. I picked my way between limp limbs, and vacant eyes with as much caution as I could muster. I'm not exactly a fan of stepping on dead people. This could all have been avoided if they had had some manners.

After exiting the room, I gestured vaguely, knowing that the carnage would all be clean by the time anyone of import tried to examine the scene. A dozen men rushed past, the thirteenth stopped and offered me a moist towelette. "Do you require anything else?" He asked politely, his eyes resting on my chin where I could neither take offense, nor smack him for being weak.

"No." I wiped my hands clean and offered him back the ruined terrycloth, "But I might ask that our clients show a bit more tact next time they try to offend me." I glanced over at my ever-present valet with a hint of exasperation, "Do I have any other meetings today?"

He shook his head immediately, "Not as such madam, but there is the small issue of that, uhm, request that I passed along for you."

I laughed, "Don't be so crass Michael, it was a bounty. Now has someone found our little runaway, or do I need to make another example of those who keep me waiting?" Honestly, you would think that after all my efforts, someone would have realized that they should move with haste when doing my bidding.

Again, a shake of the head, "Your next demonstration of power is scheduled for tuesday. I believe you planned on having young Ms. Stanley put on the rack?" He raised an eyebrow, but we both knew it wasn't a question. Stanley has been a thorn in my side for years, and last month her usefulness ran out. Honestly what kind of woman just starts dating the enemy, no matter how 'cute' he is, or good in the sack, it's simply unprofessional. This way we solve multiple problems.

"Mmmn, I can't wait. Angela is such an artist with those things, I'm afraid I'm a bit too savage when it comes to the finer arts of torture."

"Yes ma'am." He kept his voice neutral, avoiding any chance of offending me with his silly notions. Michael might just be the best valet I have ever had the fortune to hire. Of course my moment of joy was lost as the shrill sound of government owned nuisances made themselves known. "I do believe that is the police ma'am." He stated calmly, it was as close to an order as I allowed any of my servants to give.

I stretched languidly, listening to each satisfying pop and crack as my spine settled the way it so desperately needed, "I think you're right." I smirked, "Take care of my affairs while I'm gone, and reschedule the demonstration for two weeks from tuesday. I think I shall go visit my cousins."

An eyebrow raised, but no other words were spoken, smart man. I rarely mix business with dinner, but then again, I am fond of breaking expectations, and the bloodbath in the other room had set my throat to tingling delightfully. "Have any business to do with that bounty sent to me there."

He nodded and we parted ways. On my way to the car I glanced into the bloodbath. The corpses were all barely recognizable pulp, and the thick smell of gasoline burned in my nostrils. "Good work boys." Every one of the hardened cleaners flinched, but it was expected.