imanixkline

[imanixkline]

The Huddle House was far from the type of establishment she frequented but she still made the trip knowing that it was the most direct route to finding the leader of her organisation. What she hadn't quite expected but perhaps should have was to see him behind the bar. Hard work should be commended, she supposed. Even if she had always preferred to find a way to work smarter not harder, who was to say this wasn't part of some kind of master plan of his she was yet to be privy to.

"Thank you. I'll take a vodka soda." Not her usual drink but one that would do for now. Smile curved onto her lips, light teasing in her tone as she spoke again. "You should be careful, some people would take advantage of that kind of generosity."

open starter -- @bloodnglorystart location: the huddle house

Eren didn't need to actually work behind the bar of The Huddle House to keep the place running. The rough years were way behind his back now and things were going smoother than ever now. He had his small team of trusted employees, building a safe working environment where he'd occasionally fill in whenever someone needed the day off. He even enjoyed it, kept his mind busy and his body moving.

It was rather early in the evening with just a few of the regulars already in. Polishing the counter, he sensed someone taking the seat across from him. "The first round's on me."

[imanixkline]

"I want to bring you in on something, I think you'd be the best person for it." Even though they were familiar enough by now that Imani though she could predict what answer she was going to get, that old adage of flattery could get you anywhere was one she'd always live by. "The disclaimer is that it's not exactly going to be common knowledge and mostly just the two of us working on it. To start with at least. So your discretion would not only be appreciated but necessary." The implication was clear, as far as she was concerned, that the task she would divulge was of the sensitive nature. Secrecy in her mind always seemed to imply some level of risk and so she made sure to give Diana something of an out if she decided she wanted to stick to sanctioned work only. "But equally, if you'd rather not we can pretend this never happened."

At Imani's mention of the internet cafe being busy her eyes scanned across the space in front of her, a warm smile spread across her features as she gave a subtle nod. It was nice in many ways - keeping her busy was the main thing for it. Diana wasn't sure what she'd do if she had to stand still for the next five hours in her own silence. It almost sounded like the beginning of a horror story. Still, she knew seeing Imani meant business, rather than this being a social call. "Yeah sure." she gestured for her to follow - just a short distance to her office. "What can I do for you?"

[imanixkline]

A little hum of agreement was the only acknowledgement she gave to his question, deeming it rhetorical because she wanted to and ignoring the challenge that was yelling out at her from his expression. There was no denying that he had been a valuable contact and his debts paid with a consistency that had made it easy to do business with him time and time again. But this new line of request seemed too much like a power play for her to take it with the usual ease that had come to mark their exchanges. The whole thing feeling too much like he'd handed her a lit fuse and told her to decide which bridge to blow up. No good decision was made on emotions though and so she continued to react nonplussed by the request, biding her time until she could weigh all her options. "I'll be in touch." The words delivered no differently than she had dozens of times before, only this time she was trying to decide just what she'd be reaching out to him with. One final sip of the drink in front of her was taken with her slowly, languidly preparing to gather her things. "If there's nothing else I'll be on my way." Polite as ever and hardly out of the ordinary, they'd never been the type to linger but she couldn't help but give him some sort of chance to offer her something else. Or to ask something from her she was more prepared to give. "Always things to do, people to see."

since arriving within the city, kaan had ensured that his research had been done. with his expertise, with his background, he had always stood a better chance within nightshade. he had proven himself within their ranks, rose up to the capable position that he had acquired. and in that, he had exploited where he could. information had been all too easy to acquire, from those that had sworn themselves to the other gangs. especially those within the family. kaan had known the lengths of loyalty within the family, and he would almost be amused if she favored them instead. for that was the choice he placed before her. to give the information to nightshade, or to withhold it in the sake of the family. " and when have i ever not met them? " a brow rose in challenge, the hint of a smirk on his lips. kaan had long understood the trade between them, and he'd always come with what she wanted or needed. information and favors went hand in hand, and he'd never shied away from offering either. even if the favor resulted in the spillage of blood .

[imanixkline]

It felt like they were in some kind of stand-off as she waited to see if he would actually sit down. But the silent conflict wasn't between the two of them but within him. What she could only assume was that soldier's training and a brother's instinct. She remained silent, expression impassive as she waited to see which one would win out.

He sat and while he didn't reach for the glass in front of him, she did for hers. Small sip was taken as she wondered if the aged scotch would help whatever information he was about to share go down any sooner. Nothing would be shocking, of course, not when she was so aware and desensitised to what went on in the world that they chose to move in.

What was new was the almost surprising fact that she had some semblance of genuine care for him, the grief pouring from him slipping under her mask and seaping through the usual impenetrable walls. Finding cracks she didn't know existed, ones she'd be sure to seal back up the moment he left her office.

Subtle nods were given in acknowledgement as he spoke, taking care to commit it all to memory. "Wraith. Interesting." Some kind of obnoxious calling card but maybe more of a lead than the various loose motives he described. Once he was done she looked at him for a long moment, gaze travelling over his features as though she was searching for something. She found her answer, almost, deciding her was a man who was about to do whatever it took to get what he deemed justice and so it prompted her to pose him a question. "Am I gonna need to put the burns unit on standby for you too? Or maybe the morgue?" Tone was flat but she couldn't help but wonder if she found herself sat opposite a dead man walking.

He stared at the glass. Didn’t sit. Not yet. His hands were curled at his sides like he was still holding something—maybe the weight of Taylor’s body bag, maybe just the echo of the last few weeks. Like if he let his fingers unclench, something inside of him might unravel completely. But then her voice cut through the fog.

Sit.

He blinked. Looked at the drink, then at the chair, and finally back at Imani. Something flickered in his eyes—an unspoken thanks, maybe. Or maybe just that old soldier’s instinct, the one that followed orders when they came from someone who actually knew what the fuck they were doing. He sat. Let the silence stretch for a beat too long, the glass untouched between them.

Then—quietly, his voice rough—he said, “It wasn’t the fire that killed her.” He kept his gaze fixed somewhere over her shoulder. The edge of a picture frame. The curl of condensation on a nearby bottle. “They executed her. Two shots, back of the head. Fire was just for show.” His jaw twitched. Something sharp passed behind his eyes, but it never reached his voice.

“The cops also asked if the word 'Wraith' meant anything to me. Still don't know why.” He finally reached for the glass. Didn’t drink—just held it. “I know who had motive. Kurtlar. Maybe the Family. Hell, maybe both. Taylor’s piece-of-shit ex shot one of theirs. My brother picked a fight with the other." He looked at her now, steady. No heat. No pleading. Just cold clarity. “I’m not asking you to move mountains. I just need a direction to start burning.”

[imanixkline]

Brow raised in an elegant arc, the gently challenging motion enough to make anyone thing twice about what they'd asked her. "Do you think I'd be here if you didn't?" She could have chosen to reassure him. To tell him that it wasn't just him, that she'd spent most of her life crafting a façade so intricate and polished that few ever got to see past it. That there were times even she couldn't remember if there was anything left behind it. But that would leave herself far too open and there was no denying that she wasn't inclined to start spilling all her secrets just because he'd asked.

She shifted in her seat, hand reach out to settle on the back of his neck. A peace offering. A way to get him to focus on what she was saying rather than what she didn't. "I'm here because I want to be, Shayden." That at least was close to the truth, the sincerity in her tone almost genuine rather than forced. It was rare anyone could make her do something and when it came to him she did enjoy the time they spent together. He was sweet, maybe kinder than anyone else in her life, and it was somewhat novel to have that kind of attention aimed her way. "Things have just been busy, I'm sorry if I feel unreachable. I've got a lot on my mind." With the last words her hand slipped from his neck, leaving his hand the only connection between them.

After a moment of quiet, as though something had just dawned on her, she played the wounded party, doe eyes widening slightly as though he'd actually managed to injure the heart she would swear had stopped feeling years ago. "Do I really seem that shallow? That this would be some kind of deal breaker for me?"

closed starter  · shayden & imani ( @imanixkline ) location  · outside le celeste

shayden could feel it, taste it — something palpable that lingered in the air between them, like an impending zap of electricity. fingers gripped around the car wheel if only to ground him.

perhaps that was the problem ? his car. the old jeep cherokee had been worked hard over the years, but he'd grown attached to it in a sort of pseudo emotional bond. certainly it didn't compare to the high end vehicles imani was used to. in fact, very few parts of shady's life were comparable to hers. since they'd began dating, the male had gone out of his way to meet ( what he believed were ) her standards. today was a prime example : the pair had just finished dinner at le celeste. what was meant to be a luxurious meal that, for the record, he'd put in a reservation for over a month ago, had left a sour taste in his mouth.

a realization had come to mind — in all that time waiting, he had grown no closer to understanding the girl than he had been when they first met.

keys were in the ignition but he didn't yet start the engine. instead, his hand took up residence on her thigh, just above her knee, and delicately squeezed. " hey, can i ask you something ? " he didn't wait for an answer. " does this ... " he used his free hand to motion around the inside of the cab — the dust on the dashboard, cigarette butts in the cupholder. " do i ... " embarrassment tightened in his throat, but he forced himself to make eye contact with her. " do i not pass the benchmark, or something ? " teeth sunk into his lower lip. " i'm having a really hard time reading you, imani, and i can't help but wonder if— " his thumb slid against the inside of her leg in a poor attempt to hold onto whatever this was, " if its me. "

[imanixkline]

Confident smile settled easily on her lips, reassured by the fact that she'd gauged the reason for the meeting correctly. Light laughter bubbled up at the blonde's statement about her gunshot wound, head shaking slightly. "I've always been far too squeamish for battle scars." It was a stretching of the truth, she'd always preferred to keep her hands clean but the notion of blood or injury didn't nauseate her, but one that worked for the light air she wanted to bring to their exchange. "Besides, I'm sure you've had plenty of people demanding to know all about it, I won't add to it." Unless of course the youngest Barone enjoyed the attention, careful gaze watching to see if she'd made the right assumption or not so it could inform her choices for their dynamic going forward.

"Oh have you?" Faux innocence of her tone was belied by the knowing smile that played over her lips. "It's true so long as you've only nice things." Though she doubted there was anything else out there about her, at least not about her skills or her effectiveness. Still, she confirmed that the Barone was in the right place by posing a question of her own. "Who are you hoping to know more about?"

Imani was clever, and she had resources which is exactly what Cami needed. Funny, really, that all it took for Cami to finally put real effort into The Family was her father being six feet under. Though truthfully, it was more for her family than it was the organization. It was no secret that her loyalty was solely with the Barones. "Imani," Cami greeted her with a knowing smile, moving into the empty seat across from her. She couldn't hold back a faint laugh at the woman's words. Imani was right. Cami had a reason for reaching out. "Figured you'd want to hear all about my battle scar." She mused, eyes flickering down to the menu momentarily before returning to Imani's face.

"Heard you're exactly the girl I need if i'm looking for info." She finally said as she leaned comfortably back in the chair. "That true?" Cami didn't doubt Imani's skills, she wouldn't have asked to meet had she been. She just needed to hear it for herself.

[imanixkline]

Temptation to make some acerbic remark about how it was a public place was bitten back, instead opting for the serenity she would have in any other exchange with anyone else. Light hum of agreement was given, acknowledging the fact that they were little more than strangers, after all. "Why would you." Neutral but pleasant, no trace of any kind of insult in her tone, simply an easy remark.

Brow arched slightly at the admission, easily grasping the true meaning of it. "Then I suppose congratulations are in order." It was a step up and however much he rankled her she wasn't about to forget how important dynamics within other factions were to her and what she did. "I'm sure they'll be lucky to have you." Again, words were devoid of any other spiked meaning, simply stating fact when she'd never once had reason to doubt he was capable.

There was an instant defensiveness at his question, not one that shows but one that's felt within at the notion of her private life being pried open. "Visiting someone." The implication was clear, she was placing a boundary down.

"Why should I know?" Not that he would ever ask. After the few dates they went on, he and Imani had parted ways. Now it all seemed to have turned into annoyance for one another, at least, she was annoyed at him. Emil, well, he was Emiliano; dropping truth bombs just to amuse himself and to annoy her.

He looked down at the box in his arms, shaking his head. "Like anyone would ever fire me." He chuckled, actually finding her attempt at taunting him almost funny. "No, I'm moving on. Felt like doing more in my other job." The one upside they'd had was that they both were fully aware of their organizations, who they were. So he didn't have to hide it from her.

"So if you didn't come to see me, what are you doing here?"

[imanixkline]

Someone else might have found his directness unnerving but she'd done business with the new Don enough times to not be perturbed by his bluntness. There was almost something admirable in it, maybe, even if she had always preferred the challenge of a back and forth, testing her ability to craft words. She forgoes it now though, matching his frankness. "I've already started." While she'd yet to have a brush with the group, plenty others had and she wanted to have whatever information she could at her disposal. So her search had started, even if it was thus far fruitful. "And I'm more than happy to share, just let me know how generous I should be." Clear indication that they had a deal, she simply needed to know how exclusive he wanted it to be.

The same ego that had been undeniably stoked by the fact he'd come to her ( even if she thought she was the obvious choice it was always nice others thought so too ) was a fragile thing. Elbow propped on the table, chin perched on her hand. "But you might have to temper your expectations." Tone was neutral but chagrin flickered over her features, frustration in having to admit that she'd made little headway. An unusual situation for her, when results were so frequently inevitable once her mind was set on something. "They're proving elusive."

The recent news that had spread throughout the city was one that held Nico's complete attention, it wasn't so much that the podcast host was name dropping his family again, it was waking up to that knowledge of the deaths at the trailer park being caused by a gunshot wound. That hadn't been his instructions, which in Nico's mind, that meant the fire he had all but set the match to, had been a temporary cover up for someone else. They either knew he had ordered a hit, or they had just got really fucking lucky and with everything he already knew, he was leaning completely towards the former.

Enter Imani, a woman he knew - intellectually - could get shit done. If asked. He gave a small nod of acknowledgement upon the mention of her already ordering, sitting across from her he doesn't once hesitate to dive straight in. Nico didn't need small talk to get to the point, after all. "I need your resources - if anyone's going to get a grip on the hollow, it's you. Ideally I'd like to send a message, but I'll settle for a trace." a crumb, a vague location - anything. He doesn't say much more, not yet, he wanted to gauge where she stood with it first.

[imanixkline]

laura harrier via instagram

[imanixkline]

While she had no issue taking up space and making her presence known in almost every other building, the hospital remained somewhere where she'd rather not draw attention to herself. So when she left after visiting only to see Emiliano De La Cruz heading her way she almost sighed. Almost. It was an interaction she could have done without, the mirror he'd held up to her threatening the superiority complex that she moved through life with. Hair was brushed lightly back from her face, just in case she looked anything less than immaculate. Light hum left her lips, dry agreement to his borderline ridiculous statement. "Because there's absolutely no other reason I'd be here."

Glance was cast over the box under his arm, curiosity piqued though her expression remained carefully nonchalant. Or at least, nonchalant was what she was aiming for, she was certain there was a linger frown threatening to cloud her features. "Did your lack of sympathy finally get too much for them?" It wasn't truly meant as a barb, not when she considered it just repackaging what he'd already confessed himself.

CLOSED FOR: @imanixkline

LOCATION: silverlake hospital (emil's last day)

Whatever people think is bittersweet about last days is nowhere near what Emil feels like. Spring and Summer specifically were awful in the hospital, if it wasn't a new type of flu or summer vacation giving kids the most random injuries, it wasn't normal. His last shift was finally over now though and he's relieved as he steps out of the locker room, a box of his belongings under one of his arms. That's when he spots Imani walking in his direction. At the hospital. At the hospital, in his direction. The fuck?

Emil doesn't even try to hide his side-eye, instead makes it obvious he's weirded out by her being in the building, a teasing tone in his voice. "Be honest. Should I get a restraining order? This is getting creepy."

[imanixkline]

with Giada Donatelli @giadaxoxo

Forming connections had long been a part of the way she operated, finding that coupling what you know with who you knew was always something of a deadly combination. There was no denying that Giada was a valuable contact but their relationship had easily strayed into something of a more genuine friendship rather than the polite rapport she offered most. They both shared an unapologetic enjoyment for the finer things in life, their mutual expensive taste bringing them closer than she allowed most. So when she realised it had been far too long since they'd seen one another it was only natural she suggested their favourite spot. The wait was leisurely, enjoying the peaceful view of the ocean as she waited. When she saw Giada approaching sunglasses were lowered playfully, rising to her feet to bestow a kiss upon each cheek. "Giada." Was all that was said, name said warmly in greeting as she pleased to see that the waiter appeared to pour the wine she'd ordered ahead of her friend's arrival as they took their seats. "Only the best." It'd be almost sinful to have their afternoon accompanied by anything else.

[imanixkline]

with Cami Barone @camillabarone

While it wasn't unusual for the sender of a text to surprise her, she tried to make herself accessible to everyone after all, she wouldn't have put money on receiving one from Camilla Barone. But she wasn't in the habit of denying her company to anyone, especially not when her curiosity was so piqued over the requested meeting. Her suggestion for the meeting place was made - exclusive, classy and neutral. She'd arrived early, she always did out of a desire to keep no one waiting. It hardly got dealings off on the right foot if someone was already feeling impatient. But the waiting had never bothered her, not in this scenario. It just gave her time to prepare, to settle herself in so she would look nothing but comfortable and at ease. Smile touched her lips when she saw the blonde arrive. "So nice to see you." She wondered if the Barone would be quick to get to the point like her brother. "Somewhat of a surprise but I assume it's not just a catch up over mimosas."

[imanixkline]

Pixel Perch with Dee Riley @dee-riley

When it came to those she had recruited, Imani did have favourites. She'd sought all of them out for a reason but there were undeniably some she held in much higher regard. Whether because of their talent or their discretion or even just because she enjoyed their company more. Diana Riley checked all of those categories and so when she had a task that required someone she could trust to carry it out subtly there was almost no hesitation in seeking her out. "Busy in here today." The place was bustling and she meant it as a compliment, it was always nice to see others succeeding. But she hadn't come just for compliments or words of encouraging, barely a beat before she cut to the chase. "Sorry to drop by announced, do you have a minute?"

[imanixkline]

Honesty and integrity weren't often currencies she dealt in. Not when her only goal had always been to ensure her own success, and loyalty and qualms would only in the way of that. The only acceptable outcome in any scenario was for her to come out on top so when he pushed her, yet again, towards a scenario where she almost couldn't win some kind of resentment was kindled. So much for their easy trade of information. Gaze flickered over his face, expression still politely neutral, she was so good at wearing her mask after all. He knew what he was asking, knew that her hand was being forced one way or another. But she'd never allowed herself to be forced into a corner before and wasn't about to start now. The resolve isn't something she shows, instead crafting her features to look pensive as though she was weighing up his offer instead of dismissing it immediately. "You don't ask for much, do you." Dry but still playful enough, giving him nothing but the impression she was still there for their arrangement. "Alright." Just in case he needed the clarification, though she doubted it. At the mention of her price she could have scoffed, feeling vaguely insulted that he thought money would sway her when it had never been something she lacked. But instead the corner of her lips just curled up slightly. "You sure you want to give me that much leeway? I have been known to be demanding."

there would always be a line that one party in a deal would have to cross. whether intentional or not, or whether they wanted to were beside the point. for money always spoke volumes. favors even more so. and when it came to the happenings with the city, of knowing the biggest pieces on the chess board, kaan was willing to do what it took to ensure that nightshade stayed at the top. that they became the fiercest pieces on the board. and when push came to shove, he wanted to ensure that they were dealt the least amount of damage. no matter which angle it came from. " i saw the announcement. " he gave nothing more than the agreement. the understanding was there, of what he was asking of her. of where he wanted her to poke and prod, regardless of those that would feel its pressure. alliances would quickly be made, some strong. others weak, and those were the ones that kaan would exploit. for who stood a better contender, the family with their promises. or nightshade, with their guarantees. " i understand it's a substantial task. with the potential to land one in hot water. so i'm willing to make sure this deal is as lucrative as you want it to be. name your price, or prices to ensure that any information gets passed along. " because kaan wanted to make sure, that he wasn't interested in just what she considered good. he wanted all of it, every piece that she could find on the barones .

[imanixkline]

She laughed, easily and without hesitation. As though she hadn't wondered before whether or not she was redeemable. If the sins of the father were inherited by the daughter. But she'd done plenty not in his name and for the sake of herself, hardly trying to strike out towards any true redemption when it so rarely served her to do so. It wasn't something she wasted much time over and now is no exception, pushing the thoughts from her mind before they could take any kind of root. God forbid she develop any kind of real conscious.

Smile remained unshaken on her features, as though her momentary fear had never happened. Salvador had always been such easy company it wasn't difficult for her to draw herself back into the present rather than be sucked into the hypothetical. "Oh how thoughtless of me, I'll be sure not to infringe upon your honour next time." Playful words were followed by a light hum, as though it was a difficult choice for her to make. "You drive a hard bargain but I suppose it's the least I can do."

His sidelong glance was returned, trying to work out just how much he wanted her to confess. "Checking in." She clarified, as though it made that much of a difference. There was a beat of silence as she weighed her words, before choosing rare honesty over any kind of deception. It seemed counterintuitive, for once, when she wanted to provide a way for him to relax to ramp up the tension by being evasive. "I thought you might have needed the distraction. At least for a few hours."

A beat and then she continued, explaining her logic behind her kidnapping of him for the day. "I always find a little bit of time away helps me with clarity." She didn't know what his plans would be in the wake of the new Don but she did know that stewing over things rarely helped. Tackling things with a fresh mind instead of letting them consume her had always been her preferred way of dealing with things.

"Irredeemable, more like," he tossed back as he slipped his jacket on with practiced ease, the twitch at the corner of his mouth stretching into a fuller grin when she linked her arm through his. For better or worse, Salvador carried himself with an inherent solemnity — a kind of gravitas that rarely left room for levity — which meant that coaxing out the softer, less guarded side of him was a privilege reserved for the few who'd earned it. Imani, fortunately, had become one of those people with little effort. It helped, of course, that she wasn’t tethered to the Family the way most others in his life were. That alone lifted some of the weight from his shoulders when she was around.

Plus — the private jet and penchant for designer digs helped.

"That's where you may be mistaken — a real gentleman would offer up his own plane, but I suppose I can allow this hit to my reputation just this once," he remarked, adding then, "as long as you let me pick up the lunch check, that is."

Once they’d pulled away from the winery grounds and settled into the quiet comfort of Imani’s private car, Salvador let his shoulders ease, just a fraction. The tension didn’t vanish entirely, but it softened around the edges as he turned to her with a sidelong glance.

“Alright, cards on the table, Imani,” he said, one brow arched with soft amusement. “You’re checking up on me, aren’t you?”

[imanixkline]

Some place painfully expensive with Nico Barone @nicobarone

There were certain people that you didn't keep waiting. Not that she often made a habit of keeping anyone in suspense but when someone like the Don of The Family reached out it only made sense to respond without hesitation. The few meetings she had pencilled in were easily moved and so the meeting had been set. She'd arrived at the restaurant slightly early to ensure their table would be secluded enough, suggested for its exclusivity that easily offered them the privacy she'd assumed they would need. "Hope you don't mind I took the liberty of ordering for us." To streamline things, if nothing else. Besides, she made a point to remember the usual drinks of those she did business with, there was no worry she'd got it wrong. "And just what can I do for the new Don?" For all things had been easy between them she knew better than to assume this was anything close to a social call.

[imanixkline]

A name. It sounded as though it should be so simple for her to provide but nothing in the city came without strings attached. It was always a decision on which ones to cut and which ones to pull tighter. The likelihood that it was someone else she had dealing with was involved was high and digging into this could produce an answer that she didn't want to deal in. The logical thing to do was say that this time she couldn't help. That she wouldn't use her considerable connections and resources. It wasn't as though she wouldn't be able to find a new medic.

But for all she'd done countless things over the years that were in heavy shades of grey and still been able to easily look at herself in the mirror, Imani couldn't help but feel like this wasn't one of them. Not when she'd see her father's face looking back at her. Eyes flickered over his face, studying him, almost as though she was looking for signs that the good Doc she was familiar with was still in there. She didn't find any, obvious grief clouding any traces of familiarity. Their usual easy rapport feeling so out of reach.

A nod was given to show she'd heard him, sip of her drink taken as she weighed her options. There was a soft sigh as she decided to worry about the outcome of all this at a later date, it wasn't as though she couldn't handle it. Another drink was poured and slid across the table before she looked pointedly at the seat in front of her. "Sit." It wasn't a suggestion. The restless energy pouring off him was drawing her focus, focus that needed to be on whatever information he could give her. Besides, he looked like he hadn't let himself have a moment's rest. Dead on his feet. "Tell me everything you know." Even if seemed inconsequential it could prove to be the key to her giving him the target he was craving.

He stood, stiff-backed, just inside the threshold. Like he wasn’t sure whether to come closer or not. He wasn’t here to play coy. "I need a name." No greeting. No preamble. No answer to her question. He exhaled hard through his nose, rubbed a hand over his mouth like he could scrub away the taste of gunmetal and ashes that’d lived there since the coroner unzipped the bag.

"I know you’ve got eyes. Ears. I know Echo’s wired into half this city and plugged into the other half. Someone shot my sister and her piece of shit ex execution style and left them to burn in a goddamn trailer. I don’t need justice. I need a target." Finally, he looked at her. Red-rimmed eyes. Bruised beneath the lids. He didn’t look like Doc Hatch — the calm hand in a crisis. He looked like a brother unraveling. A man who’d zipped the plastic body bag over the face of his own blood and hadn’t screamed once, but might now, if she told him she couldn’t help.

"You help me find them," he said, quieter now, but no softer, "and I’ll owe you one. A real one. Whatever it takes." His fingers twitched again. He didn’t sit. Couldn't. Waiting for her answer was already testing what little patience he had left.