I looked directly at the wires, and I cut them, and I watched the act come down.

I looked at Theodora, whose manicured hands were shaking now around the ruined strand of pearls.

“You were right about one thing,” I said.

“Service staff should know their place.” I bent, peeled the wet linen napkin off my ankle, and let it drop onto the teak.

“And mine is at the top of the cap table.”

I let the words settle.