The Caged Bird Must Sing

Chapter 33

"Hello?"

"Think I've got some information you might like."

Law ducked his chin lower, sweeping his gaze around at the passing pedestrians on the sidewalks. No one paid him much mind though, too busy trying to get to their own destinations. The snowy weather also meant they were eager to get out of it, so they weren't going to trouble themselves over someone else's conversation. Or so he hoped.

"What have you got, Boa?"

The voice on the other end sounded pleased. "One of my girls just got a request from Buffalo for a night alone."

"Didn't think he was the type for whores." Law said shortly, dodging left and right to avoid hitting shoulders with anyone. The slick pathways made this more difficult, but at least there weren't too many people out today. He stopped at the edge of the sidewalk, waiting for the crossing sign to allow him to go again.

"Normally he's not. Or at least, that's what I've gathered so far. Never paid for any of mine, at least."

"I'm guessing there's more?" He pried, eyebrows raising expectantly. She wouldn't sound so pleased if there wasn't at least a bit more.

"Heh, as a matter of fact, I just sent you the time and address of the meeting. I'll let you decide to do what you want with it. Just consider my debt repaid to you."

His phone vibrated against his ear, and he glanced at the screen. She's texted the information he needed, as she'd said. "I appreciate it."

"You know, everyone's talking about what you're doing, Law. How you're planning on taking down Doflamingo. It's got all manner of people chomping at the bit."

He frowned, shaking his head. The crosswalk sign signaled it was ok to walk, and he began to cross with another group of pedestrians who'd been waiting. "And why's that?"

"You're dangling the possibility of a major shift in power. If you actually pull this off, there's a dozen other leaders waiting to take his place and run this city by their rules."

He let a tiny grin grace his lips. "You included?"

Boa chuckled. "I won't lie, the thought is pretty appealing. But there's too much competition for my tastes. I like the stability that neutral ground offers me. No one's enemy and no one's friend has suited me just fine so far."

"I suppose that's reasonable." Law stated with a small nod.

"But that's besides the point. You've got what you need from me. I'd appreciate if you ceased all contact from now on. Wouldn't want the others thinking I'm actually rooting for you. Might think I'm taking a side. Which I'm not."

"Right." He agreed. Boa didn't like getting involved with the city's affairs, content to run her prostitution ring in relative isolation. "I won't be seeing you then."

"Good luck, Law."

The phone clicked and he put the phone back in his pocket, pulling the zipper to his jacket up a little higher. He needed to get back to his base and plan for his next move.

__________________________

There was a tentative knock at her bedroom door. Summer opened her eyes a little but otherwise didn't react.

"Hey, Summer? I've made us something to eat for dinner if you want to come out." Shachi said from behind it, his voice slightly muffled because of the obstacle. She could tell he was hoping she'd take the suggestion, but she only sighed quietly to herself.