Victor paused for a moment. Just as he was about to answer Ririko, a commotion broke out outside.
Fish Mooney's voice rose above the noise, rough with fury. "You dare come here?"
Oswald's voice followed. He was arguing at the top of his lungs, but the music and chatter in the tavern drowned out most of his words.
Then Edward chimed in, trying to break up the fight. His voice was quick and urgent, like a cat darting between two fierce beasts.
Ririko knew this wasn't going to settle down anytime soon.
Victor set his knife on the cutting board and wiped his hands. He was about to head outside when Ririko caught his wrist.
"Don't go. Let them fight."
She pulled him through the kitchen's back door and up the stairs.
On the second floor, a narrow hallway was lined with several freshly cleaned guest rooms.
The two of them ducked into an empty room.
Edward really had done some work today. The sheets were neatly laid out, and a small vase holding a single red rose sat on the windowsill.
Ririko sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping gently beneath her.
Victor hesitated, then followed her in and shut the door behind him.
With the door between them and the argument outside, the voices became muffled and distant.
Ririko crossed her legs and reclined sideways on the bed. "They've all got plenty of grudges. This is going to take a while."
Victor leaned against the windowsill with his arms folded across his chest. "Looks like we'll be closing early today, too."
Ririko tilted her head toward him. "Maybe we'll even have roast penguin tonight."
Victor gave a cold chuckle.
They fell silent for a while.
Ririko watched the bald man and lowered her voice. "How