Chapter 4 – The Wedding Can Wait<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After having known him for two years, Cheshire was pretty sure that Jakub hated him. But he wasn\u2019t about to let something like that get in the way of their friendship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSlim <\/em>used to be the style,\u201d he explained as he buttoned Jakub\u2019s dark suit coat for him\u2014a wool three button with a high lapel. He would have preferred something with a pattern but he wasn\u2019t about to push his luck. \u201cNow everyone is going for a bulkier look. Loose-fit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub held very still as Cheshire straightened the creases at his shoulder. He looked not unlike a feral alley cat that had been cornered, weighing the values of fight and flight. The expression, if it could even be called that, was a tiny variation on one of the very few faces Jakub seemed capable of making, which Cheshire had yet to fully tease a meaning from. Still, better than a scowl, he supposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI guess it\u2019s to try and look more imposing,\u201d Cheshire continued to chat as he finished his fussing. \u201cPuffing up, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou <\/em>don\u2019t really need a larger suit for that,\u201d said Jakub, the very definition of deadpan, so that Cheshire had no idea if it was a compliment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He decided to take it like one anyway. \u201cMaybe not! But a little extra can\u2019t hurt, right?\u201d He grinned as he stepped back, admiring his handiwork. \u201cIt looks good on you\u2014look at the great angle on your shoulders, now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub looked, but he didn\u2019t seem to take any measure of interest in the well-fit proportions. \u201cIt\u2019ll do,\u201d he said, earning a miffed look from the shopkeeper. \u201cAt least if it fits big, I won\u2019t have to get another anytime soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re breaking my heart,\u201d Cheshire protested. \u201cThis should be opening a door for you.\u201d That didn\u2019t seem to move Jakub in the least, so he added, \u201cAt least look in the mirror\u2014see how handsome you are in it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub turned away, red with irritation, but he did seek out the mirror. When he spent more than a few seconds looking himself over, Cheshire considered that a victory. \u201cIt\u2019ll do,\u201d he said again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI guess that\u2019s the best we\u2019re getting out of him,\u201d Cheshire said to the shopkeeper, who was shaking his head. \u201cPersonally, I think it\u2019s outrageously good work.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou would know,\u201d the shopkeeper replied, only slightly less deadpan than Jakub as he opened his sales book. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen a kid your age with a better eye. Though I would have expected you to go with a better known brand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFiscella brand is up and coming,\u201d Cheshire said knowingly, taking his wallet out. \u201cYou\u2019ll see. In a few years, everyone will be wearing it. Jakub and I are ahead of our time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn that case, I\u2019ll keep stocking it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub finally turned away from the mirror when he noticed Cheshire handing over a handful of bills. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d he asked sharply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPaying the man?\u201d Cheshire smirked to himself as the shopkeeper counted out the sum. \u201cThat\u2019s how commerce works, Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub hurried over. \u201cYou\u2019re not paying for my <\/em>suit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a birthday present,\u201d said Cheshire, leaning against the counter to prevent Jakub from interfering with the transaction. \u201cIt\u2019s next week, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s February,\u201d Jakub protested. \u201cMy birthday is in Ap\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He cut himself off, but it was too late\u2014Cheshire was already beaming. \u201cApril!\u201d Cheshire repeated excitedly. \u201cFinally! Now I just need to narrow down the day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ah, now there was Jakub\u2019s famous scowl. Cheshire had found that in certain contexts it was actually kind of endearing. \u201cI\u2019ll pay you back,\u201d Jakub said. \u201cI\u2019m the best man\u2014I can at least buy my own coat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s because <\/em>you\u2019re Barney\u2019s best man that I\u2019m buying,\u201d Cheshire insisted. \u201cIf I left it up to you, you\u2019d pick the cheapest, drabbest coat in here. You ought to be at least this fashionable.\u201d Jakub continued to grumble as he took off the coat and handed it over to be folded and bagged. Cheshire couldn\u2019t have been happier. \u201cHe\u2019s much more excited than he looks,\u201d he said to the shopkeeper once their business was finished. \u201cIt\u2019s just that, you see, it\u2019s hard to admit you care about your looks when you\u2019re a trained killer. Jakub the Kosiarz <\/em>they used to call him back in Poland. \u2018The Reaper.\u2019 So please excuse him.\u201d The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. \u201cSure, sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire looked for Jakub\u2019s reaction, who didn\u2019t offer so much as a twitch as he wound his scarf around his neck. Too outlandish to acknowledge, or too close to the mark to admit? Cheshire was reasonably sure that if he tried enough different stories he was bound to guess right eventually. Whether or not Jakub would give that away was less certain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They left the shop together and wandered the streets a while, finding themselves at the riverfront. A pair of women with a pushcart were selling yams for a nickel, so they each bought one and sat by the water, eating slowly to let the food keep their hands warm as long as possible. Despite the cold weather it was peaceful, and Cheshire couldn\u2019t help but smile to himself as Jakub stayed closer to him than he normally would have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s funny, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he said between bites. \u201cBarney, of all people, getting married.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not as if he did anything,\u201d Jakub replied. \u201cThe Boss is smart. If we marry into the Szpilmans, we\u2019ll have a leg up in Maspeth. That will make it easier to chase the Foleys out of Greenpoint; we could end up taking the whole waterfront. It\u2019s a win for both families.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat would be something,\u201d Cheshire agreed. \u201cMaybe we even extend across the river?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub snorted. \u201cDon\u2019t get ahead of yourself. No one over here is taking the Lower East.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire shrugged, nibbling on the last of his yam. The Manhattan skyline didn\u2019t seem all that far off. \u201cYou never know until you try.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub stared at him. Cheshire left him to it for a bit, just to see if he\u2019d volunteer more cynicism on his own. But he wasn\u2019t one for heavy silence, and he finally couldn\u2019t help himself. \u201cWhat? You really don\u2019t think I can?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour hair\u2019s gotten long,\u201d said Jakub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuh? Oh.\u201d Cheshire reached back, feeling out the length of his ponytail. \u201cYeah, I guess it has. Think I should cut it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Jakub said immediately, and then he squirmed a little before relaxing against Cheshire\u2019s shoulder again. \u201cNo, it\u2019s…fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire wasn\u2019t sure how to interpret that reaction; he finished his yam as he tried to puzzle it out. \u201cDo you know how to braid?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub went red again, and as he sputtered over an answer, Cheshire added, \u201cDo you think that would be too feminine? Or would I look like, maybe a viking? That\u2019d be nifty, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub squirmed some more, drawing his scarf up over his nose to ward against the chill. \u201cD-Do whatever you want,\u201d he muttered. \u201cDon\u2019t ask me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll ask Hannah to help me? She has a lot of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t <\/em>ask Hannah.\u201d Jakub made a quiet, rumbly noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you care so much, just ask Grace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire winced. \u201cActually, Grace and I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something hard struck him in the back, and he jumped, yelping in surprise more than pain. He whirled and found a pair of stocky teenagers glaring at them from curbside: a boy and a girl, each with wirey, red-blonde hair. Their close resemblance made their identities clear: Charlie and Millie Tighe, of the Foley gang. Millie hefted a chunk of concrete plucked from the cracked street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe hell did you do that for?\u201d Cheshire shouted, but it wasn\u2019t until Jakub turned to glare as well that the twins actually looked intimidated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is Foley territory,\u201d said Millie, jutting her chin at them. \u201cYou\u2019re trespassing!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re the ones that\u2019re too far south!\u201d Cheshire shouted back. \u201cBuzz off!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It looked like she was winding up to throw her other rock, so Cheshire beat her to it: he wadded up the paper his yam had been in and flung it at them. It wouldn\u2019t have come anywhere near either, but flick of his hand exploded the wad in midair. The fireball it made was a lot more impressive than he\u2019d really intended, and both teens jolted back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire was grinning to himself until Jakub said, \u201cChesh<\/em>,\u201d in that unmistakably displeased tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey were asking for it,\u201d Cheshire said with a shrug. \u201cWe\u2019re nowhere near their turf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can poke them all you want after the wedding,\u201d said Jakub. \u201cBut for now\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub pitched forward. Cheshire heard something shatter, but it wasn\u2019t until he smelled the booze dousing them both that he realized the little shits had thrown a bottle at his head. He grabbed Jakub across the chest to keep him steady, his heart suddenly in his throat. \u201cHey! The hell\u2014\u201d He caught a glimpse of the twins turning to run and then focused on Jakub. \u201cDamn, are you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub wavered dizzily and touched the back of his head. His fingers came away red, but he managed to sit up by himself. \u201cShit<\/em>,\u201d he hissed. \u201cI\u2019m okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, are you all right?\u201d one of the pushcart women called, heading their way. When Cheshire looked past her he could see the Tighes turning down an alley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStay here,\u201d he said, making sure Jakub was stable enough before climbing over the back of the bench. \u201cI\u2019ll be right back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Jakub said, just like Cheshire figured he would, but he was too slow to stop him. \u201cDon\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire charged after the fleeing teenagers, through a narrow alley. They hadn\u2019t run nearly as quickly or as far as they should have\u2014he could already see them huddled at the alley mouth, arguing with each other. He should have found it suspicious, but all he could think of was Jakub\u2019s fingers red with blood, and how he couldn\u2019t let them get away with that. When they finally noticed him approaching they tensed, looking to run in different directions, and he picked up his pace. It was just enough that he was able to throw himself at Charlie before he could escape, tackling him full on out of the alley and onto the sidewalk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They landed in a tangle, but Cheshire had plenty of size and muscle over the smaller boy, and he had no trouble pinning the little cretin. \u201cYou think you can mess with Kozlow?\u201d he growled, and he punched him right in the nose. He hadn\u2019t meant to really hurt him\u2014just to bloody him a little, so he\u2019d think twice about picking fights away from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Charlie jerked and howled like he was being murdered. He covered his nose and began to wail, \u201cOh God, help me! He\u2019s gonna kill me!\u201d And for a moment Cheshire felt like a total ratfink for hitting him at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey there!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Someone grabbed Cheshire by the elbow, and without thinking he shoved back, sending the stranger nearly off his feet. He still had Charlie by the collar and was trying to figure out what to do with him when he suddenly realized there were more people gathering around, shouting at him. And they were all wearing navy trousers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uh oh<\/em>. Cheshire lifted his head and blanched. He was surrounded by half a dozen cops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A pair of them grabbed him by his jacket, hauling him off the still squealing Charlie. They weren\u2019t strong but with so many he knew better than to fight, only grimacing as they shoved him up against a parked car. Don\u2019t panic<\/em>, he told himself as he tried to put his thoughts in order. What would Jakub do? <\/em>He shrank into his shoulders in embarrassment. Not fallen for such an obvious trap, that\u2019s what.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat the hell is going on here?\u201d demanded one of the cops. \u201cYou trying to kill this poor kid?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe started it!\u201d Cheshire retorted. \u201cHe threw a bottle at\u2014\u201d He cut himself off; the last thing he wanted was to get Jakub involved, innocent victim or no. \u201c\u2014At me. Right at my head!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The officer touched the back of his head, feeling around for a bruise or lump. \u201cYou\u2019re fine\u2014want to try again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not\u2026\u201d Cheshire squirmed in frustration. He couldn\u2019t see the cops holding him, but there were people on the other side of the street that had stopped to stare. The shop beyond had many of its windows smashed in, hence the number of police around. Someone really worked for this<\/em>, Cheshire thought, squashing a wholly ridiculous feeling of accomplishment. Am I really that important to them? <\/em>Then he remembered who was really behind it, and he quickly sobered. Do they know about Shane\u2026?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cops pulled him away from the car and turned him around. A few had their billy clubs out, and Cheshire put his hands up in surrender. \u201cHe was throwing rocks and bottles at me,\u201d he insisted while another cop helped Charlie to his feet. \u201cJust ask him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t doing anything,\u201d Charlie said piteously. He faked like he couldn\u2019t stand without the officer\u2019s help, gladly accepting her handkerchief. \u201cHe called me a filthy mother- fucker and just went at me!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe hell I did!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d said a very deep voice, and even the teen shut up as everyone turned to look. The officers parted for the arrival of a new man in a long overcoat and wide-brimmed hat, African American with strands of silver in his beard and at his temples. He took in the scene with a calm sweep of his gaze and finished at Cheshire. His long stare of thoughtful contemplation was infinitely unnerving, but Cheshire did his best not to fidget; his mouth, on the other hand, he had no control over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re in charge?\u201d Cheshire said, offering a hint of a smile he hoped the gentleman might find charming, or at least, maybe innocent? \u201cI\u2019m sorry for causing a scene\u2014he and I are square now, so\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou said you\u2019re one of Kozlow\u2019s,\u201d the man interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire prayed his expression didn\u2019t falter as he debated how to respond. They can\u2019t even nab Barney without evidence, and everyone knows who he is. These coppers have nothing on me<\/em>. But the continuing pressure of the man\u2019s heavy scrutiny wore at his attempts at confidence. \u201cI was just having a scrap with the kid here,\u201d he said carefully. \u201cThat\u2019s it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man considered that for another long moment and then reached out. Cheshire went stiff, even holding his breath as the man fingered a lock of his hair. Then he reached lower, giving his necktie a short, gentle tug. Cheshire\u2019s stomach turned with confusion and he was fresh out of wits by the time the man pulled his hand back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a nice suit you\u2019re wearing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire gulped. \u201cI didn\u2019t steal it, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re\u2014\u201d But the man had already turned away. \u201cTake him to the station,\u201d he told the officers. \u201cI want to have talk with him in private.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, detective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey\u2014\u201d The officers pulled Cheshire away from the car so the back door could be opened. \u201cHey, I didn\u2019t do anything!\u201d he protested. \u201cYou\u2019re gonna arrest me over\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not under arrest,\u201d said the detective. \u201cYet. You and I are just going to talk.\u201d He fixed Cheshire with a stern look. \u201cDon\u2019t you want <\/em>to talk to me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWha\u2026.\u201d Cheshire glanced between the officers, as if one of them might hold the answer to the test being administered to him, but they looked just as mystified as him. Mystified, but obedient\u2014they resumed ushering him into the back of the car. He couldn\u2019t have resisted without a great deal of effort, and judging by how closely the detective was watching him, it would have been a waste anyway. Helpless, he let them shove him into the back seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as the door was closed he caught a glance of Jakub ducking back in the nearby alley. His face was hard and Cheshire had to look away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub watched, head and chest both pounding, as the cops pulled away from the curb with Cheshire in the back. There\u2019s nothing you could do<\/em>, he told himself, over and over, as the crowd began to disperse and the remaining officers went back to the storefront that had brought them there. The police have nothing on him. He\u2019ll be all right…if he can keep his mouth shut.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub grimaced and rubbed his eyes, telling himself one more time that following Cheshire to the station wasn\u2019t about to help anything. So he turned his sights on Charlie Tighe, who was sneaking away down the street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He wasn\u2019t difficult to tail, with so many people who had stalled now moving on in their daily routine. Jakub slipped through the milling pedestrians with ease, and soon enough he spotted the girl from earlier, Millie, waiting on a street corner. They met up, laughing and chattering excitedly. Their good humor had him seeing red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They started to move on, heading north, likely ready to meet up with even more of their crew to share the good news. Jakub waited only long enough until he could see a familiar caf\u00e9 sign ahead. With a deep breath he increased his pace, catching up to them just as they reached the entrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie turned, but he wasn\u2019t fast enough to defend. Jakub grabbed him by his coat and swung him around, throwing him up against the front door of the caf\u00e9. With a twist of the handle the kid was spilling inside, and Jakub followed, shoving him into the small room of sparse diners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat the hell\u2014\u201d Charlie started to swear, but then he recognized his attacker, and his face went white just before Jakub punched him straight in the nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before he\u2019d even hit the floor Millie lunged, leaping onto Jakub\u2019s back. She only got one good hit on his ear before the cafe\u2019s patrons jarred from their seats, dragging her off and into one of the booths. Between the two hollering teens and everyone else asking questions at once, the room was in chaos until a shrill whistle split the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edith, the owner, glared from one to the next with steely impatience until she spotted Jakub. \u201cWould you like to tell me what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It took Jakub a while to answer. Even with his head swimming he should have been fine, but he couldn\u2019t stop thinking of Cheshire wilting in the back of a police car, being sped off to an unknown fate. They have nothing on him<\/em>, he thought again but it wasn\u2019t doing any good. His fists were trembling and he wanted to beat the little punk senseless. But then Edith cleared her throat, and he straightened up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI need a minute,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edith nodded knowingly, and with a wave of her hand the patrons began to clear out. As soon as Millie was free of them she rushed to Charlie\u2019s side, and they gaped at the retreating men and women with shock. \u201cAre you really just leaving?\u201d she sputtered. \u201cAfter he\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like Cheshire said,\u201d Jakub cut her off. \u201cYou\u2019re too far south.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last guest out flipped the door sign to CLOSED. Edith took up a guarding position in front of it, her hand in her apron, but Jakub shook his head at her. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, Edith,\u201d he said. \u201cYou won\u2019t have to use that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Tighes glanced between Jakub and the stone-faced woman with mounting dread. Finally they seemed to understand just how much they\u2019d risked for the sake of whatever game they were playing. \u201cYou don\u2019t scare us,\u201d said Millie, eyes cold but a tremor in her voice. \u201cYou\u2019re not so dumb that you\u2019d kill us in broad daylight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a basement,\u201d Jakub replied, and he was glad to see her shudder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie sat up, holding his freshly-bleeding nose with both hands. \u201cWhat do you want? It\u2019s your friend\u2019s fault he got caught!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou targeted him specifically,\u201d said Jakub. \u201cOn purpose. Tell me why, right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The twins exchanged a look. Neither looked ready to give anything up, until they quite clearly heard the click of a revolver hammer being thumbed back from inside Edith\u2019s apron. She couldn\u2019t have known anything that was going on, but she\u2019d been in the business since before Jakub was born and he was grateful for her keen instincts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBoss Foley put us up to it,\u201d Millie admitted. \u201cThe cops finally caught wise to your safecracking trick\u2014they know Bloom\u2019s a witch, or whatever the hell it is. They\u2019ve been asking around for him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub\u2019s fingernails dug rivets into his palms. He\u2019d known all along that it was only a matter of time, but he still fumed at having not paced themselves better, at having encouraged Cheshire to take it back up after avoiding for a while. There would be time to blame himself for it later, though, so he focused instead on the two teenagers shrinking beneath his glare. \u201cCops can\u2019t prove magic in court,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019d have to catch him in the act.\u201d As long as he keeps his mouth shut.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millie shook her head. \u201cThey\u2019re not looking for proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re looking for a snitch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub saw red again, and he took a step toward them. \u201cWho would snitch on him?\u201d When they didn\u2019t answer swiftly enough for him he bent down, grabbing Charlie harshly by his ear. \u201cWho do the cops have to rat him out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Charlie yelped but he didn\u2019t fight, and he motioned for Millie not to, either. \u201cThe boss just told us to get him pulled in,\u201d he said through a grimace. \u201cIt could be anyone! The river, the south\u2014even one\u2019a your own. Anyone who doesn\u2019t want to see Kozlow get any bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub ground his teeth as he considered those options. Certainly the Foleys had the most to lose if Kozlow gained turf along the river, but he and Cheshire had tangled with plenty of the other gangs, even family members of Barney\u2019s soon-to-be bride. And even if there wasn\u2019t some mysterious snitch hiding in the wings already, there would be. There\u2019s no real precedent for magical crime, <\/em>he thought, letting go of Charlie\u2019s ear. What if they just do what they want and make an example of him?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo back to your boss,\u201d Jakub told the pair, conveying as much of his seriousness as possible. It must have worked because they all but cowered from him. \u201cAnd tell him that if a Foley snitches on Bloom\u2014or any of Kozlow\u2019s\u2014they\u2019re going to regret it. He\u2019s more powerful than you know. Tell him that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The teens nodded, but they remained where they were even after Jakub had stepped aside and motioned for them to go. It wasn\u2019t until Edith relinquished her position at the door that they bounded to their feet and dashed out. As soon as they passed a few of the diners peeked their heads in, and at Edith\u2019s encouragement returned to their tables to finish their meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake a breath, honey,\u201d said Edith as she moved to Jakub\u2019s side. \u201cYou look like you\u2019re about to do something stupid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub scrubbed the back of his palm across his face as if that might clear away whatever expression she was referring to. \u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he said, and without any time to lose, he turned to leave. \u201cThanks for the help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out on the sidewalk, Jakub\u2019s mind grew a little clearer. He fetched a cigarette out of his pocket, and the first breath, devoid of what had become a familiar tang, sharpened determination in him. If the coppers figure out what he can do, they\u2019ll find any excuse to put him away, <\/em>he thought, his feet already carrying him north. But to do that they\u2019ll need someone to testify against him. That can\u2019t happen. <\/em>He picked up his pace. It\u2019s not stupid, it\u2019s what needs to be done.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire had seen the inside of the station a few times before, though not for any trouble he\u2019d gotten into himself; he\u2019d accompanied Jakub to retrieve Kozlow comrades from lockup when they got into petty trouble, smoothing things over with a bit of charm. He spotted a few familiar faces among the officers as the mysterious detective guided him toward the rear, and even got one to smile back. Then the man stopped abruptly, and Cheshire did, too, very careful not to bump into him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were standing in front of a desk cluttered with folders and paperwork, occupied by a young woman who was making a focused attempt to rein in the mess. Her black hair was braided close to her scalp in intricate patterns, and she was wearing a thick muffler with bright colors that Cheshire was instantly envious of. She glanced up when they approached and flashed a brilliant smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour desk could use some work, Dad,\u201d she teased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The detective gave a short sigh and then motioned her out of his chair. \u201cWait for me up front, Sally,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re going to be a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She stood, smoothly taking up one of the folders from the desk as she did so. \u201cNot a problem.\u201d She winked at Cheshire. \u201cWhatever you did, good luck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sally started to move past them, but her father stopped her, plucking the folder out of her hand. \u201cNot this one,\u201d he said sternly. He shooed again for her to leave as he replaced the folder on his desk and then removed his hat and coat. \u201cSit down, kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire shrugged meekly as he maneuvered past her for the chair opposite. \u201cI like your braids,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d Sally regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, and then her demeanor changed: Her eyes grew wide and expressionless, and it wasn\u2019t until the detective cleared his throat that she jarred back to life. With a sudden urgency she hurried off; Cheshire had no idea what to make of the reaction, but it sure didn\u2019t help his already tight nerves any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The detective sat down, shoving some of his papers to the side while Cheshire took a seat as well. \u201cWhat\u2019s your name, kid?\u201d he asked without looking up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire stalled, glancing around the room. It wasn\u2019t an office so much as a corner of the station walled off by a few short file cabinets. He could see other cops casting glances in their direction from all over. \u201cIsn\u2019t that…kind of rude?\u201d he asked, trying to sound flippant. \u201cArresting me before\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not under arrest. So tell me your name.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire refocused, and startled when he realized that the man was staring at him now\u2014glaring, even, which he was somewhat used to, but not quite at this level. What would Jay do <\/em>in a situation like this? <\/em>he wondered desperately, and he blurted out, \u201cYou, first.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The detective reached across his desk, and Cheshire tensed, despite the distance between them somehow thinking that he was going to have his tie tugged again. Instead, he moved the nameplate from one corner to the center where Cheshire could more easily read it: DET. D. ALICE.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, no<\/em>, thought Cheshire, sweat under his gloves as he met the man\u2019s steady, expectant glare. A parade of Hannah\u2019s 49th Precinct ghost stories marched between his ears. I\u2019m in trouble.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t look like an Alice,\u201d Cheshire said with a half grin that probably looked as helpless as it felt. \u201cWhat does the D stand for?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDaniel,\u201d Alice replied, startling him. He hadn\u2019t actually expected him to answer. \u201cAnd you\u2019re Cheshire Bloom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026not\u2026?\u201d Cheshire winced; he simply couldn\u2019t get his full bearings when he needed them most. He sat up taller in his chair. \u201cI mean, I\u2019m not sure why it would matter if I was. You saw everything that happened\u2014it was just a little\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCigarette?\u201d Alice interrupted, tugging a case out of his inside jacket pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No<\/em>, Cheshire thought, but his mouth said, \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice offered him the case, but he didn\u2019t reach across the desk very far\u2014Cheshire had to get out of his seat to take one. As soon as he had a cigarette Alice sat back and returned the case to his jacket, and Cheshire stilled, suddenly feeling as if he\u2019d fallen for some trap. He gulped. \u201cUm, got a light?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice only stared. He somehow managed to be patient and judgmental at the same time, and Cheshire wondered if that was something fathers were taught, or instinctually gained upon bringing their children into the world. It filled Cheshire with a gut-twisting sensation of shame he couldn\u2019t shake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just chew on it, I guess,\u201d he muttered as he sat back down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not going to show me your little parlour trick?\u201d Alice prodded. \u201cYou\u2019ve shown everyone else.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire\u2019s heart skipped, and as he stared back at Alice across the desk he finally understood just how dire his situation was. Alice knew. He knew <\/em>what he could do\u2014had done\u2014and not just that Cheshire would have no trouble lighting a cigarette of his own, or even blowing open some rich New Yorker\u2019s wall safe. Cheshire glanced to the top folder on Alice\u2019s desk and thought of Sally\u2019s eyes growing wide in what he could now interpret as terror, of a young Foley maybe not exaggerating as he cried on the sidewalk. Did everyone know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What would Jakub do? <\/em>Cheshire thought again, but he couldn\u2019t believe that unflinching stoicism would work against the brick wall that Alice was already, even if he could have mustered the strength to hold that up. He licked his lips and squashed a sensation of dread. What would <\/em>Bunny do?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about,\u201d Cheshire said. \u201cYou\u2019ve shown everyone,\u201d Alice repeated. \u201cIt\u2019s all over town, son: \u2018The safecracker is one of Kozlow\u2019s. Blonde kid always in a suit. Cheshire Bloom.\u2019 That\u2019s you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe they only know about the safes after all? <\/em>Cheshire thought, but he couldn\u2019t even try to feel relief with Alice still watching him so closely. \u201cThat\u2019s…quite a story. But I\u2019ve never touched a safe. I think you have me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTell me about the alley,\u201d Alice said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was as if gravity reversed. Cheshire\u2019s organs crowded at the base of his throat and he couldn\u2019t help but remember that night, chunky blood sloshing against the back of his neck. It was almost enough to make him sick, and it must have shown in his face, because he could see Alice\u2019s gears winding tight between his knuckles. The detective didn\u2019t just know<\/em>, he\u2019d seen it<\/em>. There were probably even photographs sitting in the folder on his desk. Cheshire squeezed his fists against his lap as part of him was tempted to pull it open and see for himself, just to be sure if the reality matched his hazy memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calm down, <\/em>he thought, and he wasn\u2019t sure where the boost of sudden rationality came from, but he welcomed it. If he had proof you\u2019d be locked up already or worse. <\/em>He forced himself to meet Alice\u2019s steely glare with ease. He\u2019s waiting for you to give yourself away. You\u2019re the one in control here.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou mean, the alley the Foley kid and I came out of?\u201d Cheshire replied, clinging to the shreds of his confidence. \u201cWe had just come up from the river. Ask the old ladies down there, they\u2019ll tell you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know which alley I mean,\u201d Alice interrupted, and even though Cheshire had expected him to, it was still a little rattling. \u201cMay 8th of last year, north of here on the edge of Foley territory. Buckman Road.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire shrugged. \u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean anything to me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice gave him another minute to sit and stew, and then he finally leaned forward, slowly, to place his elbows on the desk. When he lowered his voice it sent an honest to goodness chill up Cheshire\u2019s spine. \u201cSon, I\u2019ve been around a while,\u201d he said, imparting his full seriousness. \u201cI\u2019ve seen all manner of the strangest things you can imagine, some of them right here in this city, even worse in the war. I\u2019ve seen men taken apart by bullets and grenades and tanks\u2014and yes, even magic. But I am never going to forget what I saw in that alley. And I don\u2019t think you will, either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire leaned hard into the chair back, but he had nowhere to go. He couldn\u2019t even begin to think of a response, only sweating as Alice continued. \u201cYou see, the safes you\u2019ve been blowing open aren\u2019t my business. Back when we all thought you were using some new, home-brew dynamite, I couldn\u2019t have cared less. But then one of our boys said, \u2018What if it ain\u2019t dynamite?\u2019 And you can bet I made it my business then, because there\u2019s no way two <\/em>witches more destructive than anything I\u2019ve seen go unnoticed in this city that long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something hard crept into his eyes, so familiar in their accusation that for a moment Cheshire couldn\u2019t breathe. \u201cMagic like that,\u201d said Alice, pointing at him, \u201cisn\u2019t supposed to exist in the world. Maybe there\u2019s not much an old cop like me can do to stop it, but I\u2019ve seen you now, Bloom. I know what you are. And I want you to remember that the next time you snap your fingers to make someone disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t know me<\/em>. Cheshire shivered beneath Alice\u2019s unrelenting intensity and wanted to shout, maybe to beg, You don\u2019t know anything about me<\/em>. The words were so potent he could taste them on his tongue, and even knowing he would be giving himself away, he could already feel them at his lips, desperate to make Alice understand that he was wrong <\/em>and\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlice!\u201d a man called from a few desks away. He was pressed up against the window with several other detectives and officers, their attention locked on something outside. \u201cAlice, come take a look at this!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice shot the man an angry look, then turned back to Cheshire. He was still waiting for his confession. But as more and more of the officers moved to the windows, his face screwed up, and he pushed to his feet. \u201cDon\u2019t get out of that chair,\u201d he ordered, and grumbling to himself, he moved to investigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as he was far enough away Cheshire let his breath out in a rush. His heart was pounding, shaking through his fingers as he gave his eyes a quick rub. He doesn\u2019t know anything<\/em>, he thought, bitter and sick with the memory of Shane Foley digging a blunt knife into his neck. He was still battling the impulse to tell Alice just that when he glanced up, and his eye caught on the folder still on the top of the desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He reached for it. He didn\u2019t know what he hoped to accomplish by looking, but he couldn\u2019t help himself. Just as his fingers brushed the corner, however, he sensed eyes on him, and fearing that Alice was already returning, he jerked his hand back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice wasn\u2019t at the window anymore, but he wasn\u2019t looking at Cheshire, either; he\u2019d grabbed the phone receiver off of the nearest desk and was talking heatedly into it. The deep, distinctive tones of his voice cut above the harried chatter of the other officers and Cheshire heard him say, \u201cI know very well where that is\u2014it\u2019s one of Foley\u2019s storehouses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Foley storehouse? <\/em>Cheshire looked to the north-facing windows that had everyone\u2019s attention, registering interest for the first time. When one of the officers hurried off, leaving an open space, Cheshire snuck from his chair to take their place. A plume of black smoke was rising above the skyline in the distance, just far enough away that Alice had to be talking about the Connell Bakery. He and Jakub had had their eyes on the place for weeks, suspecting that the Foleys were using it to smuggle Hallorran shells in the loaves. Any fire put to the basement would certainly have caused an impressive explosion. Cheshire leaned into the glass. Jakub? <\/em>He found himself pressing up on his toes, a hundred tons lifted from his shoulders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That can\u2019t be him, can it?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAdmiring your handiwork?\u201d said a young voice, and Cheshire turned. The young woman from earlier, Sally, was standing just behind him. \u201cBlowing things up is what you do, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire realized a moment too late that he was grinning; he quickly swallowed the expression down. \u201cWhat, are you a gumshoe like your old man?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m a reporter,\u201d Sally replied, folding her arms. \u201cI know all about you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t nearly as intimidating a notion as coming from her father, and Cheshire was so emboldened by the thought of distant explosions that it didn\u2019t register at all. \u201cI really don\u2019t think you do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSally<\/em>,\u201d Alice barked, and she startled a little\u2014Cheshire did, too. He hadn\u2019t know the man more than an hour but he could immediately tell it wasn\u2019t often someone heard that tone from him. He looked over expecting the detective to be angrily advancing, ordering him back to his seat, but what he found was somehow worse: Alice standing very still, his glare edged with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He\u2019s afraid of me<\/em>. The realization sent Cheshire\u2019s heart thudding again, an indescribable emotion twisting beneath it. He glanced to Sally and she took a step back, that same expression from earlier tightening her face. He thinks I\u2019d hurt her. They both do. <\/em>And though the temptation to assure them otherwise was still hiding between his teeth, Cheshire took a deep breath and headed for the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBloom,\u201d Alice called after him, the other officers making way for him to pursue. \u201cWhere do you think you\u2019re going?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re not arresting me for punching that kid, I\u2019m leaving,\u201d he said, not breaking stride. He felt like his brain was made of noodles and all he wanted was to find Jakub. \u201cYou can\u2019t hold me here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice caught up to him quickly, his hand lifting, probably intending to halt Cheshire by the elbow; Cheshire beat him to it, pausing just in time to catch Alice\u2019s hand in his. The flinch that jarred the elder man left Cheshire breathless and ill, but he somehow managed to plaster a smile over his uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was a pleasure meeting you, Danny,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alice\u2019s grip cinched tight around his. \u201cI am going to pin this to you, Bloom,\u201d he promised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adrenaline kept Cheshire\u2019s easy smile in place. \u201cNot today,\u201d he said, and when he relaxed his hand, Alice did too, allowing him to slip away. He could feel the heavy eyes on him all the way to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out on the sidewalk Cheshire leaned against his knees, taking a few deep breaths to settle his bouncing stomach. As he straightened up he was nervous about the number of people on the street, thinking against all common reason that they would have taken notice of him, that they would know <\/em>him just as easily as Alice had. However, everyone was already facing north, talking about and gesturing toward the black smoke continuing to rise in the distance. Watching it drift and curl gave Cheshire his strength back, and he hurried down the sidewalk as quickly as he could without drawing suspicion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire\u2019s gut had been right\u2014he was a block away from the bakery when he was urged back by police trying to contain the scene, but there was no mistaking the origin of the smoke. Foley\u2019s southernmost establishment was up in flames, bells clanging from approaching fire trucks. Cheshire stood watching for a few minutes, the familiarity of falling ash both comforting and chilling. He had no idea what to do with himself next until he spotted a familiar mop of black hair, spots of dried blood staining the back of a man\u2019s scarf beneath it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub was sitting on the curb. An unlit cigarette was pressed between his lips and he was watching the commotion speed past, his face calm and unreadable. Cheshire was so relieved to see him he could have whooped for joy, and he rushed forward. His humor sobered when Jakub lifted his head\u2014hadn\u2019t even been spotted yet, and still he dreaded how he would be met. At a slower pace, he took a deep breath and sat himself down next to his partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub tensed; Cheshire was too scared to look, and before the other could say a word he blurted out, \u201cI\u2019m sorry. You were right\u2014I should have left them alone. I totally fell for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub didn\u2019t reply right away, just sitting there, letting Cheshire broil in guilty silence. Finally he took the cigarette out of his mouth. \u201cWhat did you say to the cops?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Cheshire assured him quickly. \u201cThey had nothing to keep me on.\u201d His mind tried to dwell on the folder on Alice\u2019s desk, so he plowed past it. \u201cIt was that guy Hannah warned us about\u2014Alice? Det. Alice? He knows I\u2019ve been hitting safes but he\u2019s got no proof.\u201d He tugged nervously on his ponytail. \u201cMaybe I should lay low for a while\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you do, that\u2019ll just prove him right,\u201d said Jakub. \u201cYou might as well not worry about it. No one in Brooklyn will snitch on you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire risked a glimpse of Jakub\u2019s face, and interpreted his steady, almost unblinking stare toward the bakery to be grim resolution. Whatever remaining tensions in his joints fluttered off, and he watched Jakub with a sensation of awe. \u201cThis really was you, right? You took out Foley\u2019s storehouse as paybacks?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA calculated risk,\u201d Jakub said. \u201cGoing after one of us means going after all <\/em>of us. We\u2019ll never take the river from them if they don\u2019t realize that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It made perfect sense, really. Jakub thought of the gang first, always had. He didn\u2019t have personal grudges let alone settle them. But even so Cheshire grinned like a fool, and he slung his arm over Jakub\u2019s shoulders. \u201cYou blew up a bakery for me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub tensed again, but he didn\u2019t withdraw or try to push Cheshire off. \u201cBetter than letting you go to jail,\u201d he muttered, and Cheshire beamed, beside himself. After another moment he cleared his throat and held up his cigarette. \u201cGot a light?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire faltered, but only briefly. He cupped his hand over the end of the cigarette to hide it from anyone who happened to be nearby, even if they were deeply engrossed in the scene playing out down the street. The tip of the cigarette flared, and Jakub brought it to his mouth, taking a long puff. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire smiled sincerely. \u201cThank you<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub shrugged his arm off and pushed to his feet; he looked anxious, and Cheshire worried that he\u2019d misjudged Jakub\u2019s intentions even further than normal until he offered a hand. He pulled Cheshire upright. \u201cLet\u2019s go,\u201d he said. \u201cLetting the Foleys see you here is one thing, but you don\u2019t want the cops on you again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I certainly don\u2019t,\u201d replied Cheshire. \u201cLead the way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They hurried the first two blocks and then strolled the rest of the way back to the riverfront where the entire altercation had started. The potato-peddlers were still there and greeted the pair happily, handing over the paper bag holding Jakub\u2019s suit coat. \u201cFigured you\u2019d be back for this,\u201d said one. \u201cIt\u2019s very handsome.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d said Jakub, and he paid her a nickel for her trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They headed back to their building after that, neither eager to invite more eyes let alone more trouble. \u201cThink you\u2019ll have a hard time squaring this with Boss Kozlow?\u201d Cheshire asked along the way, preemptively wincing. \u201cHe won\u2019t be happy you made a move like that on your own.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Jakub replied, with such stoney self- assuredness that he could have convinced Cheshire of anything. \u201cHe trusts my judgment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay, good.\u201d Cheshire rubbed the back of his neck. \u201cI don\u2019t want you in trouble because of me. I owe you, a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub shook his head. \u201cYou don\u2019t owe me,\u201d he said. \u201cLet\u2019s just say I paid you back for the suit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire laughed, and because he\u2019d gotten away with it earlier, he draped his arm over Jakub\u2019s shoulders again. \u201cIf I buy you a suit every time you save my bacon, your wardrobe will be bigger than mine in no time!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not funny,\u201d Jakub protested. \u201cJust let me be the one to tell the boss what happened, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure, sure. And I\u2019ll have matching shoes for that jacket by the time you\u2019re done!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub grumbled, but he still didn\u2019t try to sneak away, so Cheshire kept him close. They walked that way the rest of the trip home.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\n\t