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Gina frowned. “Why didn’t you call ahead? I would’ve had everything prepared already.”

“Phone was destroyed. Please show Lynnette here to one of the bedrooms.”

“Sir, are you--is that a head that you’re carrying?”

“It belongs to an acquaintance. I’m keeping it safe for him. Now, please.”

She stiffened, but nodded. “As you say. Please follow me.”

“Oh, and bring me a new pair of glasses.”

Gina immediately retrieved a pair from her vest pocket.

He took them. “Ah, finally!” He looked around, blinking happily before cocking an eyebrow at Gina. “Why did you have my glasses on you?”

“Because you are very needy, sir.”

He shooed her away, and Lynnette followed. He showed Helen to the kitchen and began scrounging for food.

“I still do not know who you are,” the Queen said. “Or why you decided to help me.”

Roman tossed her a premade sandwich. “My name is Roman Fullister,” he said, biting into his own. “As for why I helped you, eh... I suppose that’d be part national pride and part business.”

“Business,” she said. “You mean thievery?”

Voreese gave a snort. ‘Roman is to thievery what you are to Atreya.’

Roman’s brow lowered. “That’d make me the queen of thieves, Voreese.”

‘Oh, you know what I meant.’

“Please, just let me do the talking.”

‘No, fuck you! Roman only steals from the super wealthy! And nobody knows it, but he takes care of the poor, too! He’s a great guy!’

Roman scratched his head. “I don’t know about that. I do live pretty comfortably, as you can see.”

‘Psh! You’re talking to the fucking Queen, Roman. She’s not impressed by your shiny floors and fancy sinks. This place probably looks like a crack house to her.’

It was Helen’s turn to furrow her brow.