In Sweetwater, noble families carry on a legacy of unique powers, known as "sweets," passed down through bloodlines. These abilities, woven into the city's daily life, define status and influence. Among these families, the Graves were once a respect...
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Ash bought me lunch at one of the local deli places called Bear Moon. I got an Italian Club, and he got his usual, a large meatball sub. He got right to the point without me even speaking. "This is about Kane, right?"
This is what I meant—it was no bullshit with Ash. I didn't have to think about small talk; he got right to the point. I smiled. "Exactly. I'm not here to waste your time. I just would like to have a word or two with him. Nothing crazy, just a bit of info—even a tidbit."
Ash leaned back in his chair, chewing thoughtfully on a bite of his sub. His gray eyes studied me carefully, as if weighing whether to entertain this conversation or shut it down. "You know he and I don't see eye to eye," he said finally, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Kane's his own mess. I stopped cleaning it up a long time ago."
I tapped my plate as I chewed, thinking up a good response. I decided to dig a bit. "Well, you are a police officer, and he is... well..."
He sighed. "A gangster. You can just come out and say it. You know I hate being jerked around."
I smiled. "I get that," I said quickly. "I'm not asking you to fix anything for him—or me. I just need a lead, Ash. One lead."
He grunted a bit the gears in his head working. "You really want information from him? What for?"
I offered, "A case. A very important case. Something gang-related, that's all I can say at this time."
He chuckled. "You've worked on your lawyer bullshitting, haven't you?"
I laughed with him. "Well, all that studying law wasn't for nothing, I hope."
Ash pointed a fry at me. "That lawyer crap won't do you any good with my brother. He isn't running a little club; he's running a very dangerous gang. You'll be putting yourself in danger."
His warning rang clear. I remembered Yuri's warning from this morning: You'll get hurt. I slurped my drink, a bit annoyed. I was aware of the dangers; I wasn't a kid. I asked again, "I know how to handle myself. I need the information. My client is in big trouble, so it's worth the risk."
Ash smiled a bit again. "Ah, the usual routine then. Criminal is always innocent until proven guilty?"
I shot him a well-humored laugh. Technically, the police and defense attorneys are on opposite sides of the legal system. I pointed out, "Innocent until proven guilty is the law, Ash. I just need to provide them with the best defense I can and trust the system. No hard feelings."
Ash snorted. "Devil's advocate."
I mused, "In some cases, yes. In this case? No. I do believe my client is innocent, but putting that aside, let's not sidestep the issue. Can you get me in contact with Kane?"
Ash nodded, stirring his drink with a more serious expression on his face. "Alright. I'll give you something, but only because I know you won't quit until you get it anyway."
