Ebony and steel

mories blurred together: his pale eyes, the sile

shift at the café, maybe finding a second job-but th

learly, but I could feel it-like a storm bui

k to the café manager. The weather had turned colder o

alf-hidden under an awning-a man, broad-shouldered, in a dark co

ll of men in dark coats. But as I walked away,

olai

imly lit office, Nikolai

or said quietly. "And so

jaw tight

rozov crew. Saw him

ing. Then he spoke, voice low. "

murmured, "sometimes th

ed with something dark. "Kee

. "And if they

hen they'll learn what happens

ara

k to the café manager. The weather had turned colder o

alf-hidden under an awning-a man, broad-shouldered, in a dark co

ll of men in dark coats. But as I walked away,

offered me a trial shift for the afternoon. It wasn't much, but it w

ing back to the man in the black coat-and the other man who had watched me across the street. But every time I

him-this one was different. Shorter, bulkier, with sharp eyes

me. I tried to hide my unease behind a polite smile, but

y on a corner seat where an older man pretended to read a newsp

d under neon signs and taxi headlights. I told myself I'd walk straig

that older man with the newspaper-only th

. Then, as if on cue, he folded the pape

ching in my throat. Why me?

s in the café, and a strange question ros

w. I hugged my pillow tight, trying to convi

ere deep in

s beginning

rstand why... someone had

g, the city's hum vibrating through the walls.

be careful, okay? Don't

romise. It's probab

te it, I didn't fu