Runner-up 1

Bonner set down Falco's cellphone and watched Genie walk into the dining room. Ernesto followed close behind, the gun clearly visible in his hand.

"The surprises just keep coming," Bonner said offhandedly. "Don't you think, Tony?"

"Tony?" Genie spat as if the name was stuck to her tongue. "Since when did you start calling him Tony?"

Bonner glanced at the congressman. "Since about three minutes ago."

Genie shrugged. "How's Palmieri?"

"You tell me. You're the one with the Birds of Paradise."

"Not anymore. Your pal Ernie . . ."

Ernesto waved the gun. "Shut up! No wonder I ain't married."

He motioned for Genie to sit at the table. "I'm gonna keep this real simple. My services are no longer available. You three can keep double-crossing each other 'til the cows come home. Personally, I think it's pathetic. But who am I to judge?"

He took a step back toward the door. "Mr. Falco -- Tony -- I'll need you to escort me out to my car nice and slow. That'll allow these two love birds to kiss and make up."

Falco stood, his face ashen.

"I don't think that's a good idea," Bonner said. He raised the gun from beneath the table and aimed it at Ernesto's chest. "If the Beretta's not on the floor in the next second, you're dead."

Ernesto dropped the gun. Falco dropped back to his seat.

"Now, place the flash drive next to the gun, and take a seat across from Genie."

Bonner watched Ernesto place the Beretta on the floor. Then the flash drive. "Good," he said, and stood. As Ernesto sat, Bonner walked to the spot where Ernesto had placed the items. He bent to retrieve them when a gunshot whizzed by his ear.