Prologue

T and S

The plane's landing was a little shaky due to the somewhat foul weather that had made its way above New Avarus City. Seeing the city from the air, it seemed to me that it was rather meant to look that way. Framed in gray, and obscured by the haze of falling rain, all of the stories that I heard of it seemed to fit the image I beheld now.

I had been in many worse plane landings than this. And so had my pilot. Of course, working for me, Charles had learned to accept a few hairy situations now and then. Like myself, though, I think he probably enjoyed them. But then, his exorbitant salary was a good enough reason for him to stick with me, as well.

When we had landed and all was well, I unbelted and walked to the cockpit as he was doing the final checks of the instruments.

"Perfect as always, Charles." The brown haired man turned to me with a bit of a smile.

"Thank you, sir. Would you be needing any help with your bags?" I shook my head.

"No, thank you. You're free for tonight as soon as you finish up here." I studied him appraisingly, examining his face and trying to get a glimpse of his mood.

"Mmm..." I hummed thoughtfully. "Black Russian." His smile widened a little bit, knowing my habit well. He knew from experience that my instincts were usually quite accurate. Every cocktail had a time and a place; just as every mood and situation demanded a different cocktail.

I said my farewell to Charles pulled on my trenchcoat and gathered up my suitcase before stepping out into the assault of rain. London hadn't even been this bad. Briefly, I wondered how common this sort of weather was here. I walked into the terminal, withdrawing a kerchief from my inner pocket to wipe the droplets from my face. I ran a hand through my hair, raking it back as I assessed the place. Business was good, with several private planes like mine coming and going.

A girl stood at the desk, and her I gave my full attention, looking her over carefully. Had something of a look of an archetypal secretary. Blonde hair tied back, with a few lighter and darker streaks. Elegant, thin-framed glasses with lovely blue eyes beneath them. A slender frame beneath a white blouse. As good as any, really. He'd have to start getting to know the locals sometime.

He stepped up to the desk with a cheerful smile, and she returned it where before she had looked bored and quite ready to finish the day.

"Good afternoon," I said pleasantly. "I'm here on business, and I'm wondering if you have a pamphlet or listing of the finer hotels." She held the smile, looking me over and seeming to approve.

"Certainly!" She reached down into the nook of her desk and withdrew one for me. I looked through it, picking the finest among them.

"Thank you very much. Also, I've a bit of a dilemma. You see, I'm on my way to a certain high-class establishment here in the city. It's related to the matters of my business. My trouble is, I've no escort to bring..."

- - -

It was a couple hours later when she and I stepped out of the limousine at the entrance to Twist and Shout. A little flashy, perhaps, but my intent here was to show this family that they may be interested in dealing with me. And the way to do that was to let the money show.

My date for tonight was called Sherri, and she had informed me, when my invitation became more than subtle suggestion, that she had nothing to wear. Fortunately, neither did I. I preferred to purchase my suits in the locale in which I found myself. Dragging suit bags around was such a pain.

After a bit of shopping about we had been able to don ourselves appropriately, she in a dark blue velvet dress and I in a white tuxedo. With me, I had my cane, and I would have like to have my gun as well, but no weapons were permitted here. Fair enough. This city had an air of legitimacy on the surface. But one didn't have to scrape far beneath it to now that it was nothing but a flaky, brittle coating.

We stepped into the place, and I was well pleased at the atmosphere. The music was classy, the clientele upscale, and the furniture and colors very inviting. We drew a few looks as we entered. Most everyone was well-dressed, but our attire still caught eyes.

I found a seat for my escort, and went to the bar to order drinks. I got something small and light for myself; I didn't plan to drink too much tonight, if I could help it.

As I spoke with my date, asking her questions about herself and absorbing the information she handed in return, I looked around for the main players here. I wan't entirely interested in starting any business deals tonight. My purpose was simply to make myself known. I noticed one gentleman speaking with a pair of attractive ladies over near the windows...

I almost gave a double-take as my eyes swept one of them more closely. Was that...?

No. What reason did she have to come to Avarus? She would have had work where she came from. But still, as my eyes looked over her again and again, I know it was her. I had studied that face very closely, and my hands had once explored those alluring curves.

I smiled, remembering, and wishing now that perhaps I had come alone. Spending time with Juana would have been simply capital. If the opportunity arose, I might make myself known. If I hadn't already. Thinking, I realized she hadn't sent a reply to my letters. I had sent a final one that had been returned. Our last meeting had begun very pleasurably; but alas had ended badly. I wondered if she had gotten my later apology.

I hoped to find out.

T&S

“Amor con amor se paga; y lo demas con dinero.”

A charmer indeed, and more clever than subtle but then again I do like men who aren’t afraid to pursue what they want. The only problem is that he is just as likely to want Lucia as he is to want me and I’ve never considered myself to be interchangeable with anyone.

Not even if the men I occasionally enjoy think so.

Stretching out my legs, crossing them at the ankles and leaning back, I’m about to reply when there is motion at the glass doors. Trey Russo, perhaps?

I watch to see a very sumptuously dressed couple enter. Her sunny blonde hair and natural good looks are set off to advantage in the blue velvet dress. Very tasteful, and the way she lays her hand on her white-tuxedoe’d escort’s arm and turns her baby blues adoringly to him indicates possessiveness.

Her escort isn’t a Russo. I know that as soon as I see him. I don’t have to see Trey Russo to know. The reason is, I know this man.

My muscles tense to spring to my feet and my mouth straightens into a line before I remember myself and sink back into the embrace of the couch, my eyes still fixed on the man as he shows his beauty to a seat.

Deuce. Damn him. He has a nerve showing up here.

Yes, right, as though I own the place. I force myself to look away and smile intimately into Joshua’s eyes. I give him my most melting look and place my hand on his arm.

“Amor no respeta ley, ni obedece a rey.” I purr in response, giving a tiny rub on his sleeve before I pull my hand away and lift my drink again.

“You’re a man of languages as well as advice, then, Mr. Pastor?” I ask him a little archly.

It’s better than what my impulses are driving me to do, which is to stride across the room and dump my drink over Deuce’s head. Possibly I would find some other drinks to deposit there, too.

A moment ago I was willing to let Joshua go but I’ve just decided that he’s coming home with me. Sorry, Lucia, but I need him more than you do tonight.

Sven's

"I was considering buying but if I found the right property I would be happy to rent." I decide not to voice the opinion that the pro of renting was that if I drew to much attention to myself here it wouldn't be quite as painful if my rented property got firebombed. Statements like that tend to result in refusal no matter how good a credit history or previous landlord referrals you get.

I'd managed to get myself involved with the woman that seemed to be commanding the attention of the other men. I was different however she'd choose to engage in conversation opposed to the others who had approached her more directly. Still this was a business transaction such a conversation meant little. She's half your age old man stop trying to pride yourself over the fact she's talking to you your old enough to have done business transactions with her father before she was even conceived.

Sven's tending to his regulars probably having a little chit chat discussing the sudden influx of custom. It was bizarre for it to be full of so many places still it made it easier for him to fit in. If people felt just as alien as him then that helped after all he didn't have his looks to play on to get others to approach him like the vixen he was conversing with now.

"A few properties? Your father sounds quite the Entrepreneur…” I wonder if he's a straight edge man and your his rebellious daughter involved with the underworld to hurt him or if your just following in daddy's footsteps. Interesting question one not best to ask when setting first impressions though.

T and S

I kept my eyes on my escort when hers found mine, darting them over to Juana when I had a free moment. I had caught a glance from her; one with venom in it. She was still upset, then. And really, she had every right to be. No gentleman abandons his lady without a word. Of course, to lay the term 'gentleman' to my charge was indeed something of a stretch. I acted the part, but truth be told, I was a lecher at heart. A tasteful lecher, but a lecher nonetheless.

I watched with a hint of amusement as she cuddled up to the man she was sitting with. The other woman who talked with the gentleman was attractive in her own right. Pixie-cut red hair and a lovely heart-shaped face. I would have enjoyed being in the position that the man was now. He looked to be the sort I would generally associate with. Like me, it appeared he had money and charms to spare.

Juana was engaged, as was I, and the time I would have would be short. Still, I couldn't resist, and I had to know. I smiled across the table at my date and took her hand in both of mine.

"Would you excuse me just a moment?" She smiled back at me and nodded. Even with half my mind tied behind my back, I had done well with her, and I noticed the touch of disappointment in her. She was enjoying herself. Very much. And, with the addition of further beverages, my first night in Avarus could turn out to be quite pleasant.

I rose from my chair, holding the cane lightly in my hands and rotating it with my fingers. I stepped toward Juana with a bit of a smile and stopped just out of reach from her. One could never be too careful. I nodded at both the short-haired lady, and the gentleman with whom Juana was cuddling, and then turned my gaze to her.

"Well, hello! Fancy seeing you here." I said, still grinning. "I don't suppose you got my letter."

T&S

I smile at Joshua’s reply, though silently I am now going frantically through all the men I know who worked with or for Alan. Chances are, however, that he hasn’t worked directly for Alan but through another contact. Particularly if, as he says, he prefers to do business in America.

But, I realise, if he has, he might make a useful ally. If Alan comes looking for me here, and I have no doubt that he will, who better to lead him a false trail than one of his own employees? Though, if I’m lucky, it won’t have to come to that - I don’t plan on Joshua finding out who I am, but if he does …

If.

I’m saved from having to force an amiable reply by Joshua uttering something in Spanish to Juana. Something charming no doubt, but I have no way of knowing; Alan never wanted me to learn to Spanish, so the language is a mystery to me.

For a moment I think Juana isn’t going to respond - Joshua’s charming attentions towards myself can hardly make the Hispanic woman warm to him - but then her eye fixes on something behind me and she tenses up, position rigid. It’s only a fleeting instant, then she regains her composure and turns back to Joshua … holds no longer barred. I arch an eyebrow slightly as she murmurs something seductively in Spanish, surprised by the sudden change in disposition.

Not that it bothers me or anything. Handsome as he is, I’m too wary to be interested in Joshua. But I am curious.

I look around, wondering what caused Juana’s discomposure, and then I see a pair of intense blue eyes locked on Juana in an all-too-familiar manner. Ah. The rakish look with which the dashing blond watches her clearly says he knows her, and the amusement in his gaze tells me the most likely explanation.

He burned her. No wonder she’s all over Joshua.

And then he’s coming over. Well now, this could be entertaining. Not that I particularly want Juana to be in any discomfit, but I could use the amusement … and also the distraction from Joshua trying to figure out if he knows me.

The blond nods at me and Joshua, but addresses only Juana. Oh yes, he burned her.

I settle back, taking a sip of my drink, looking forward the exchange.

T&S

"Well, hello! Fancy seeing you here." I said, still grinning. "I don't suppose you got my letter."

Thank God I've had a moment to recover or I would have done something rash. As it is I realize that my feet are tucked back toward the couch, ready to spring me up to standing and possibly bite Deuce.

Instead I look up as though only now noticing him, my hand in mid-caress on Joshua's arm.

"How nice to see you again," I lie with acid-etched sweetness, "and, no, I didn't know you could write."

My grinned widened a little, at the sweetness in her voice belied by the daggers in her eyes. At the way she seemed to purposely move closer to her partner. At the little blade in her words. The voice I remembered quite well, and I remembered the acid in it from other times she had been wroth with me. She had pretended only to just notice my presence, but I had caught her glance earlier. Her fronts therefore had little effect.

"As you well know, I'm full of surprises." I said, winking with the eye that was turned away from the others. Now, with both of us in the company of others was not a good time to work out our differences. I'd find a way to meet with her later. She deserved an explanation...if she could avoid murdering me long enough to listen to it.

I grinned. Much of the time I was with her, I never was quite sure if she would kiss me or slap me. Seemed like she hadn't much changed. If this gentleman was going farther than the night with her, he'd have to be careful.

She and I were similar in that regard. Both quite vulnerable to the charms of the opposite sex.

"I see you're busy making friends, as per usual. Would you care to introduce me?"

T&S

Juana reacted with a Spanish saying of her own, and I’m ashamed to say I don’t truly gasp its meaning. The odd Spanish phrases I know come from the numerous housekeepers my mother had, and although I know several phrases and their meanings by heart, I claim no mastery over the language. Never the less, her intentions are obvious through her tone and the way she briefly touches him.

Now I would have been pleasantly surprised, honored even, if it hadn’t been for the brief distraction and the look she had shot the man that had just entered. A gentleman by the looks of it, but looks can be deceiving. I should know that more than anyone. Still, I pretend not to notice. Either this woman is truly interested, or she has trouble with this other man. In both cases, she deserved my attention.

“I advice for a living, Juana. As for languages…”

I interrupt myself as the man that caught the lovely Hispanic’s attention approaches us. Oh, he is good. The way he positions himself, acknowledges us with a nod so we can’t feel left out, but only addresses Juana. Definitely a history between those two. Were I any less of a man, I would consider this woman to be more trouble than she was worth. But alas, I am too much of a gentleman. Smiling to myself, I throw a glance at my bowler hat. Sherman and sons. Love that hat.

He comes at her with a snappy remark, she retorts. My, this woman had an acid tongue. Hell has no fury like a woman scorned. This man should know that, as he is obviously not a stranger to woman. And he has a fine taste, if I may say so. Juana, once, the woman staring at his back at the table he was no doubt sitting at. The white tux is a bit over the top though. Then again, I’m one to talk, with my own tux.

“I like to believe a true gentleman introduces himself.” I take a quick sip of my whiskey before sitting up and putting the glass down. “Joshua Pastor.” I offer him a hand, for the sake of being polite. At this point, anyone is a potential client. Or foe. In either way, I would need his name at one time or the other.

T&S

Before I can introduce the other two, Joshua takes the initiative.

I hadn't missed the fact that Deuce stayed just out of reach. I couldn't even have nailed him decently in the crotch with my size 7 Givenchy shoe unless I threw it. I briefly considered the option and decided introductions would be more civil.

If I knew Deuce he wouldn't be able to stay away from me. And when he showed up like a tomcat to caterwaul his excuses, then I could let him have it with both barrels. Or shoes. Or whatever.

I leaned back into the comfy cushions, suddenly feeling better as the two men introduced themselves. I saw that there was something in both of them...the same damnable thing probably attracted me to both men. I guess I'm a hopeless case.

I shot Lucia an amused glance and shrugged one shoulder, accompanied by a melodramatic eye roll that meant Men. What can ya do?

T and S

Before Juana could do so, her choice for the evening took the liberty of introducing himself with an outstretched hand and a comment for me. I gripped his hand with a smile.

"True, sir!" I said. "Though a gentleman should also be inclined to defer to his lady when imposing upon her company."

He sipped at his drink; which looked to me simply to be straight-up. The man, perhaps, was not a connosieur, but he obviously had other virtues. He gave his name, and recognition sparked in my mind. Yes, he definitely had other virtues. I had heard his name before. Though always in connection my slightly shadier dealings. A middleman.

"Pastor. Yes, I believe I've heard a little of you. It is an honor. William Law, at your service. I expect that you, too, are here on business?"

T&S

I lift my glass to hide a smile as Juana makes an acid reply to the suave-looking blond, though the white tux is a little ostentatious. Her biting tone and mocking words confirm my suspicious. Well, Heaven hath no rage…

The man surprises me though; rather being put out by Juana’s clearly unwelcoming attitude he looks more amused. He doesn’t press her though. Obviously whatever they have to talk about can be done without almost complete strangers nosily listening in. Shame.

He asks to be introduced, but Joshua takes the initiative, putting his hand out. That’s his prerogative I suppose. But I’m not going to be so quick off the mark.

Behind the two men I catch Juana’s eye. She sends a shrug and an eye roll my way, that clearly says ‘What can you do?’

I smirk and glance pointedly at Joshua and the blond, then look back at her with one arched eyebrow. I can think of a few things, certainly.

T&S

Lucia looks amused and pointedly glances from one man to another with a raised eyebrow.

How is it that we end up with such men? And I can tell that Lucia has experience with them, too. In my case I like the game, I enjoy the charm, and I love the aura of worship, even if it doesn't last.

I remain quiet as the two men talk, removing my hand from Joshua's arm so as not to be clingy. Doubtless he has gotten the message loud and clear by now. Giving Deuce a cutting glance and a smirk I look away and sip my drink.

T&S

William Law. I froze for a moment, although I doubt anyone but the man himself would have noticed. The William Law? Oh, you’ve done it this time Joshua. You’ve done it this time. I pride myself in knowing the major players in the business, and Law was what you might call a rising star. Now I’m not intimidated by money, the Pastor family had ample of funds, and was still making money trough investments of questionable legality. But this man was something else. Made his money, not inherited it.

The smile returns to my face soon after. However powerful this man is, this is Russo territory. This is not his city. Here, we are both visitors, and I’ve just send a message to our host. I might even say I have the upper hand. Two Queens and a King. Better make sure I don’t make a Jack out of myself. “Hm, one could say that. I just told Juana,” I briefly place my hand on her knee, “about how I’m a security advisor.”

Surely this man has no interest in breaking my cover. Unless he would want to claim Juana, that is. No, not unless he wanted to risk talk in the back alleys. Even so, it was a dangerous game. “But I’m afraid I’m not here for business tonight. Gambling and company, I’m afraid. I’ve put some money on a horse named Moneyonme.” I lean back again, using the movement to move a little closer to Juana, again.

“Now what would a gentleman like William Law in New Avarus.” I tilt my head sideways so I can look past the man and at the woman in the exquisite dress. “Could it be business, or… pleasure?”

Juana's eyes were still icy when she looked at me, I realized. The attraction between herself and Mr. Pastor was unmistakeable. He'd be enjoying a good time tonight, if they both persisted.

Pastor's eyes widened fractionally when I gave my name. There was likely recognition there, too. Middlemen generally kept an eye on those who are known for their lucre. Had to, if they wanted to keep their jobs. And Pastor had apparently done well for himself.

A security advisor. So that was his disguise. That is, if he was really here to get in with the Russos. Which, what wouldn't he be? That was my original intent.

I chuckled at his question.

"I tend to mix both wherever I go. But tonight, my goal is as yours. Enjoy my night, a few drinks, and a hand or two of deuces wild." I didn't look at her, but I could picture perfectly the image of Juana rolling her eyes.

"Overall, though, mainly scouting to see what opporunities present themselves here." His reference to business versus pleasure had reminded me of my date. I should get back to her if I hoped to have something of a chance. I looked between the three.

"But, I am interrupting. I'll let you alone to pursue your discussions. I imagine I shall see more of you, Mr. Pastor, if only at the track or the card table." I turned back to Juana and gave a little dip of my head.

"I imagine we'll speak again. Have a pleasant evening, Miss Fuentes." I turned finally to the other lady who sat by, and gave her a slight bow.

"I regret not being properly introduced to you, my lady. I sincerely hope that situation will come to be remedied. As it is, my time runs short. Farewell!" Again, my glance swept all three before I stepped back and turned, heading toward my date once again.

T&S

I can’t suppress an eye roll as Deuce delivers his favorite line. He should have it copyrighted or something. I can see his date’s expression from across the room and she looks sulky and restless so I give Deuce a warm smile, something, I’m sure that won’t improve her mood.

Just wait till you find out what he’s all about, Honey.

Sure enough, she shoots me a poisonous glance then favors Lucia with one as he gallantly takes his leave of her. Melodramatic, yes, but Deuce seems to be able to get away with being a bit of…what do they call it here? A cheeseball? …where other men can’t carry it off.

“Oh, I shall,” I assure Deuce regarding the pleasant evening. Joshua’s hand on my knee added to the other possessive body language gave me a little thrill that I rewarded with a return touch on his knee and a shining smile.

As Deuce turned and walked away I thought of at least five things that I wish I had said. My mouth curled in a little smile as I watched his date greet him with a somewhat pathetic eagerness and I traced my nails lightly up Joshua’s leg, slightly inside his thigh, as I removed my hand.

“You’re right,” I remark to Joshua, “I suppose I do make friends by habit. Some friends are less worth the time than others.”

T&S

“Hmmm.” She said something about friends not worth being the time, but truth be told, my mind was racing beyond that. William Law. Here, out of all places. And Juana knew him, small world, small world indeed. Perhaps that can be used, in some way. The fact the woman seemed to hate the man was a mere detail in the plans unfolding before my mind’s eye.

Which wasn’t fair.

The man obviously still had an interest in this woman, but for my defence, the woman had showed a clear interest in me. Juana and the man had a history together, but she was still as charming, and she was still more then worthy of my attention. “That man might not be much of a friend, or a gentleman, but you’ll have to forgive for having a deep professional interest in him.” Shaking my head, I gave her a sly smile. “One of these days, you’ll have to tell me how you met one of the most devious men in the business. One of these days. But for now, let’s get him out of your head and enjoy the rest of the evening. Have you decided on what you are going to sing for us, should our pianist host ever arrive?”

I had so many questions, but if there were two things that were sure to ruin ones chances with any woman, it was talking about another woman, and talking about another man.

Sven's

It was hard to suppress my laughter as I listened to the rich little daddy's girl and the cop discussing renting and buying. What's so funny? Nothing, really. I'm just proud of daddy's little celloist. A car thief, a real estate agent, and a pretty face to hide it all behind. Simply amazing. She's nothing. The real estate is her father's and I'm willing to bet she doesn't know anything about cars other than who to call when she wants one stolen. She's nothing more than a rich b**ch pretending she knows what goes on in the underworld. Settle down, now. You're entitled to your own opinions, but I'd prefer you keep them out of my head. Don't make a fool of us, Fitz. I'm warning you. Would I ever do such a thing?

After I was done consulting with my 'agent' I turned to Graham, who was just finishing up consulting with his. "Looking for a place to live, ol' chap?" I said with a friendly pat on the shoulder. He almost spilled his whiskey or whatever it was he was drinkin'. "I thought little piggies built their houses themselves, out of sticks and bricks and whatnot? ...Or are you afraid the big bad wolf will huff and puff and blow it all down?" I grinned at him to see how he was taking it. I like him more than most cops I've met. He earned major points just for getting in the door.

I had been taking in the discussions between Harmony and every other man in the bar besides me that was interested in her. It was becoming apparent that I wasn't going to be able to gain an edge in attracting her attention, so I kept to myself and finished my Jack and Coke.

Harmony mentioned something about properties. Had I been a mind-reader, I probably would have advised her against giving up such information anywhere in this city. With all the cutthroats and petty thieves I've been asked to "take care of," I have the toughest time believing there's one soul from here even worth saving. Perhaps I'll do them a favor and set the city ablaze after collecting my money for the contracts I've been given. Speaking of which, what time is it?

Sven's

"I thought little piggies built their houses themselves, out of sticks and bricks and whatnot? ...Or are you afraid the big bad wolf will huff and puff and blow it all down?"

"That's for the little pigs that like to squel when they're in danger. Guess you would call me the smarter one that roasts the wolf alive." I clicked my knuckles as I said it. Hated been called a pig but I didn't mind joining in with a witty retort though mixed with an air of menace.

"I've got a lot of wolfs to roast so I'm going to need a strong house with an alluring chimney and extravagant fireplace wouldn't you say?" I listened to my voice and almost cringed at the s*** i was talking. Still conversation was conversation. Let them know where ya stand aye.

T&S

“That man might not be much of a friend, or a gentleman, but you’ll have to forgive for having a deep professional interest in him.” Shaking my head, I gave her a sly smile. “One of these days, you’ll have to tell me how you met one of the most devious men in the business. One of these days. But for now, let’s get him out of your head and enjoy the rest of the evening. Have you decided on what you are going to sing for us, should our pianist host ever arrive?”

Joshua was adroit in handling the whole awkward scene. True, if he had asked me about Deuce right now he would have gotten every evil opinion I had about the man.

As it was, I could afford to put him out of my mind, focusing on Joshua, himself an elegant figure full of possibilities. If he asked me later about Deuce, at the right time and in the right way, I wouldn’t be adverse to telling him whatever he desired to know.

As for what I was going to sing, I put aside the idea of singing the Linda Ronstadt tune “You’re No Good” even though it would have been fun and appropriate. It was a little too repetitive and didn’t show off my vocal skills enough for an audition.

Instead I looked into Joshua’s eyes with the tiny mysterious smile that drove men to find out what it meant and said, “Since meeting you I was thinking that Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Misty’ might be appropriate.”

I broke eye contact long enough to scan the pianos and include Lucia briefly in the conversation. I didn’t want to be rude, after all. “Jazz seems like a good sound for this venue.” I came back to his face, giving him the smoky look that assured him that he had my entire attention. In fact, he was the only man in my world.

At least for now.

Sven's

"That's for the little pigs that like to squeal when they're in danger. Guess you would call me the smarter one that roasts the wolf alive," the cops said, crackin' his knuckles. "I've got a lot of wolfs to roast so I'm going to need a strong house with an alluring chimney and extravagant fireplace wouldn't you say?"

"Roast the wolf... No, I dont think I've heard that one before," I say, finishing off my glass of water. Sven doesn't look like he's giving any more free waters, so I don't even bother to ask. I consider ordering a real drink but decide against it. That's just not my style. "Good luck with your hunting, Grammie," I say to the cop, while I sit staring into my empty glass, "the house and the wolf. And try not to get roasted yourself."

Sven's

"Didn't your mother ever tell you the end of the tale? Maybe you got it sugarcoated. Maybe all your pigs ran to the others house and took shelter and the big bad wolf gave up but in the harsh reality the first two pigs got eaten then the wolf was greedy and went after the final one only he couldn't blow the house down because it was made of brick. It tried befriending him but he didn't fall for trickery or bribery so it thought it would climb down the chimney. Only the pig was to smart for that he made a fire and got a cooking pot and placed it underneath and waited for the wolf to fall into it. And thanks."

I gotta say discussing fairy tale endings wasn't exactly what I'd expected when I entered this joint. What was next, whats your favourite disney character? Wolf hunting. It sounded fun. I was looking forward to it.

Sven's

"Meh, there's about a million different versions of that tale," I say, still having a staring contest with my empty glass. Still losing. I turn to Graham again and wonder if he's heard the version where the third pig is a voodoo master and brings his dead brothers back to avenge their deaths by feasting upon wolf brains. You just made that up. All stories are made up. It makes little difference in the end. "But I'm yet to hear a version where two out of three pigs don't die. Kinda says something about the life expectancy of the average police officer, don't it? 66% chance you'll be swimming with cement shoes, Mr. Griffin. I can see why you're so determined to beat those odds."

T&S

“Jazz does seem appropriate.” I close my eyes and hang my head backwards, as if I’m already enjoying the music, before opening them again and watching Juana with sparkling eyes. “And Fitzgerald is legendary.” She was killing me here. But all my usual ways to show my appreciation were inappropriate, even more so because of Lucia sitting close by.

And she’s an employee of one of the most powerful families in New Avarus. Part of me tried to convince the other part of me she might not pull it off. In which case I would be right there. Or, I reminded myself, she could be hired. In which case, I’m ashamed to say, I would still be there. The finer the woman, the finer the line, and this was a very fine woman.

“Stunning appearance, a beautiful voice.” I felt my lips curl into a smile. “A woman to die for.”

T&S

The dashing blond disappears as quickly and as charmingly as he arrived. He’s quite the romantic hero, even going so far as to give me a bow before he leaves. The only problem with the image is the stunningly-dressed date he’s left alone at the bar, glaring sullenly at myself and Juana from behind him.

Well, she has nothing to worry about. I’ve sworn off man-handling for a while, and even if I hadn’t I wouldn’t get involved with her Romeo. Juana’s attitude towards him is more than enough to tell me he’s trouble, and then there’s his name: William Law. I’ve heard it, of course. Alan mentioned it more than once, though I never met the man himself. Like Joshua, not someone I want to get entangled with when I need to keep a low profile.

Of course, also like Joshua if the situation arises and I play my cards right he might make a decent ally.

Ah, the trials and tribulations of a young runaway.

I turn back to Juana and Joshua as they start talking about music, but their body language and the way their gazes are locked on each other tells me I should probably be taking my cue to leave. Even though Juana tried to include me with a brief glance, it’s clear Joshua is her main focus. There is nothing so uncomfortable as being third-wheel to a couple engaged in some heavy flirting.

And of course any exit I make now will be completely obvious. Wonderful.

I take a large sip of my drink, and wish the others had finished theirs so I could at least have volunteered to get the next round.

Ah, well. Perhaps an opportunity to leave the lovebirds alone will present itself soon.