Ron looks at her, amused. “You must be Darlene.”
“I must be tired of you already.”
He laughs softly. “Oh, I like her.”
“She doesn’t care,” I say. “Say what you came to say, then leave.”
His attention returns to me, and the smile remains in place, smooth and shining. “Straight to business. Respect. See, Sweet Tooth is in a complicated part of Halo. Lots of accidents happen around here. Windows break. Supply skiffs get robbed. Customers get scared off. Hardworking women get hurt walking home.”
My fingers curl against the counter. “Was that supposed to sound like concern?”
“It is concern. I’m very concerned.” He leans one elbow on the counter, close enough that I can smell expensive cologne beneath the rain and street smoke. “You’ve been relying on the wrong kind of protection.”
“I’m not relying on anyone.”
“No? Big ugly Vakutan isn’t your guard dog?”
The words hit something hot.
Darlene says, “Careful, boy.”
Ron’s eyes sharpen for an instant. Then the smile returns. “Relax. I’m not judging. Every girl likes a pet.”
“He isn’t a pet.”
“No? Then what is he?”
I keep my voice even. “A friend.”
“A friend who put three of my guys in clinics.”
“Your guys attacked me.”
“My guys made a mistake.”
“They made several.”
“And now here I am, correcting course.” He taps the counter twice with tattooed fingers. “You need actual friends. People with roots. People who know Halo. People who can keep the wolves away.”
“You mean you.”
“I mean us.”
“And what does friendship cost these days?”
His smile becomes pleased, as if I have finally said the line he has been waiting for. “Fifteen percent gross to start. More if there’s trouble. In exchange, Sweet Tooth becomes protected territory. Nobody steals from you. Nobody touches you. Nobody bothers your customers. Your deliveries arrive on time.”
Mrs. Pell makes a small frightened sound.
I glance at her. Then at Mr. Eddison. Then at the young couple. Everyone is trapped inside this moment with me, and whatever I do will land on them too.
I look back at Ron. “No.”
The word is small. It still fills the room.
Ron’s smile does not move, but his eyes change. “No?”
“No.”
