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“I’d come here if I was in trouble,” Ford said, dropping into the armchair by the window. “Strat knows all the back doors out of this city.”
“It’s not Christmas, no one’s dead,” Strat said. “What else gets you two together?”
She poured two half cups, but only took them as far as the breakfast bar. “You know a guy called Ludlow?”
“Way to ease in.”
Their father aimed his keen surprise at Ford. “Told you not to go near that asshole. Why would you let your sister—”
“His sister is the one who asked the question.” Rounding the bar, she peeked at the bedroom door. Some part of her suspected they weren’t alone. “I know you know him.”
“Then why ask?” Strat asked with a tinge of anger. “He’s trouble. You stay away from him.”
“Same might be said about you. And him there.” She jerked her chin toward Ford. “When did you last speak to him? Ludlow?”
“What is this? An interrogation. I won’t talk about him, and I won’t let you talk to him. If he comes anywhere near you—is that why you’re with your brother?” He switched to Ford. “You not taking care of business? What else I gotta tell you about him to get the message through?”
“You never told us why you cut ties. Jagg asked, but—”
“Why the fuck does it matter? Steer clear. That’s it.”
“You were friends, you used to be,” she said. “Is that what you do with your friends when you’re bored with them? Way to be loyal, Dad.”
“That guy was not a friend. Maybe once, but I—he got mixed up in shit I wanted no part of. Dangerous shit. And I don’t want you two in it.”
“Where can I find him?”
“Didn’t you hear me? I said no.”
“That’s not the way it works. Are you going to help me?”
“Get near Ludlow? No. Guy would see me coming.”
“I didn’t ask you to join me; I asked if you know where he is.”
“No.”
She glanced at her brother. “Well, this was a fruitful trip.”
“It’s important, Strat. Life or death important.”
“Which one of you’s in danger?”
“Not us,” she said. “We’re trying to help those trapped by whatever circle he runs in.”
Or his web. She hadn’t excluded the possibility it was just one crazed serial killer. Jagg said otherwise, and she acknowledged that. But one nut was easier to come to terms with than a consortium killing for kicks.
While shaking his head, Strat exhaled. “That’s the thing, Immie. His circles are sick.”
“Anyone called Bryan in that circle?”
“It’s a common name. Probably more than one.”
“Ludlow near a Manzani?” Ford asked. “Vex?”
Hmm, well, she had been the one to bring up Hustle with him in the beginning.
“Could be. You wanna stay away from that crap. Fuck, son, you know better.” Now their dad was getting mad again. “One step into that world is one step too many.”
