Hawk looked at Solomon and held up his glass. "This brandy is worth about as much as everything you've been paid thus far in my service, and you know how generous I am. If I wasn't, you'd be in a considerably different position, you know, with both hands across your chest and your eyes closed. "

"As for Cora, don't disregard her. I've trained her well, and she has a not inconsiderable talent of her own. You'd be wise to listen to what she has to say in the future. That being said, she's nowhere near ready to take my job. I'm still the best at what I do. Anyway, I'll tell you why you're here the same time as I tell everyone else, so be a good little murderer and sit tight until everyone is present and accounted for."