Flaggerty’s face turned green when he saw the Luger. The other guys turned into waxworks.

“Hello,” I said. “Remember me?”

I didn’t point the gun at them. I held it loosely, and I stepped to the wall so I could see everyone in the room.

“Well, come on,” I said, smiling at them. “We were going to headquarters for fun and games.”

They didn’t move or say anything.

I looked over at Miss Wonderly. She was sitting on the edge of her chair, her eyes round with wonder.

“Just a bunch of weak sisters playing at tough guys,” I said to her. “You coming with me, baby?”

She got up and came over. Her knees were knocking, and I put my arm around her waist.

“Can you be useful?” I asked, pulling her against me.

“Yes,” she said.