This chapter was amusing. I recall George was annoyed Eastwick left with Madame Bonaparte to 'look at a painting.' In this case, George and Napoleon have common cause as they were both being cheated on, though George can't say it. He can point out his wife put him in the same position and he wouldn't cause it to happen to another.
If you're ever assaulted or robbed, you want your assailant to be stupid enough to get his weapon into contact range. I've successfully used the one hand distraction method myself and it works.
I wasn't impressed by Barry's other friends before. They come, make a mess, and leave.