Malachi must think he was bluffing.

He could think what he wanted.  Arthur didn't respond as he disappeared to another cluttered room, in search of a rope to tie around Malachi's neck.  He wished he were the type of person to keep nicer things around - a nice leather leash would go beautifully against Malachi's pale skin and dark bruises, but of course he had nothing of the sort.

Only after a few long minutes of searching through piles and boxes and piles of boxes did Arthur find something.  An old thing, fraying and discolored and made of hemp.  Arthur tested it against his own skin and figured he wasn't going to find anything better, even if it was scratchy and uncomfortable.  He returned to his office with it in his hands.

"Come here," he said to Malachi, "let me tie this around your neck.  Sorry for any irritation it may cause your skin."

Arthur did not sound sorry at all.