Chapter 6 – The Business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Edith had only just flipped the sign on her caf\u00e9 door when she received her first customer, one she had never served before: a short, rough-edged teenager with brick-red hair and almond-shaped eyes, who bustled inside with nervous urgency and moved straight to the far end of the counter. She didn\u2019t think much about it at the time; nervous teenagers were always bustling about, eager to get into or away from some kind of trouble. His black eye and split lip weren\u2019t necessarily out of place, either. He ordered a coffee and a hard boiled egg, and Edith was feeling just charitable enough in the early hours that she added a slice of toast for good measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He mumbled his thanks and gobbled it down, then afterward stayed restlessly in his seat, trying to make the coffee last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rest of the caf\u00e9\u2019s morning regulars filtered in over the next hour, already grumbling about the day ahead. They filled in the stools toward the front first, so that when Cheshire entered, tousled and bleary-eyed but still in good spirits, he went down the line greeting and laughing with each as if they were all friends. He ordered a cup of coffee and settled on the last available stool, which just happened to be right next to the first-timer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnusual to see you this far north this early,\u201d said Edith as she filled his cup. \u201cCan I get you some eggs?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMm! No, thanks, I\u2019ll start with this.\u201d Cheshire grinned and winced together. \u201cWe celebrated a little too long last night after the job\u2014I need to burn some fuel off before I fill the tank, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I see,\u201d Edith replied, amused. \u201cAnd how did that job go?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNever better! We beat the Foleys to the take again<\/em>.\u201d The teenager next to him lifted his head at the mention, but Cheshire didn\u2019t take notice. \u201cJust a few more pushes and they\u2019ll be in <\/em>the river instead of on <\/em>it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edith nodded. \u201cGood, good. Glad my daughters could help. Let me know if you decide to take a risk on breakfast.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She moved on, and as Cheshire sipped gingerly at his coffee, it was the stranger trying to shrink out of his notice that drew his attention. \u201cWow, buddy,\u201d he said loudly enough to turn a few heads. \u201cYou\u2019re worse off than me. You okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t I look it?\u201d the teen shot back in a thick Brooklyn accent, but then he pulled a face and tried again with dryer sarcasm. \u201cYeah, \u2018m fine, thanks. Peachy keen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, good,\u201d said Cheshire, turning toward him. \u201c\u2018Cause for a second there it looked like someone pounded your face in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2018S fine, really.\u201d He rolled his eyes. \u201cThanks for the concern.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire took a napkin from a nearby stack and passed it to him. \u201cYou\u2019ve got blood on you,\u201d he insisted. \u201cMight wanna\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFuck, sorry, thanks, okay?\u201d The teen scraped the napkin across his lip and was surprised to realize that the rest of the caf\u00e9 had already abandoned interest in the conversation. He lowered his voice to keep it that way. \u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire left him alone for a bit, but not long. Soon enough his curiosity had him back at it. \u201cSo did you get in a fight?\u201d he pressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, with a garage door,\u201d he retorted. \u201cAnd I won.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire laughed while the teen dug through his pockets for a cigarette. As soon as he spotted it, his eyes lit up and he leaned in. \u201cNeed a light?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUh\u2026.\u201d The teen leaned back to get Cheshire out of his space. \u201cSure,\u201d he said, and immediately the end of the cigarette flamed up. He was so startled he dropped it on his plate, and Cheshire chuckled some more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Cheshire said, a little sheepish. \u201cDidn\u2019t get your fingers, did I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He plucked the cigarette back up, eyes wide as he glanced between it and his company. \u201cYe\u2019re Cheshire Bloom,\u201d he said incredulously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His accent faltered just enough that Cheshire cast him a sideways glance, and he gulped. But then Cheshire grinned, any suspicion that might have flashed across his eyes gone. \u201cOh, you\u2019ve heard of me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho hasn\u2019t?\u201d He took a puff on the cigarette, bouncing his heel against the stool. At long last he offered his hand. \u201cEdward Burke.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire shook his hand, his grip firm but friendly. \u201cSorry, can\u2019t say I\u2019ve <\/em>heard of you<\/em>. But glad to meet you now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLikewise,\u201d said Burke, and after another long moment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

spent considering, reconsidering, and gathering his courage, he leaned closer and lowered his voice. \u201cActually, there\u2019s something you should know. About the Foley\u2019s you were just talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire ducked in as well, all ears. \u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

It was half past ten when the truck rolled in. The crew of a small Astoria textile mill was still wrapping bolts of fabric, and they looked to each other with concern as Tiny Gi ran to tell the boss. She emerged from her office with her .22 strapped to her thigh and moved through the warehouse, reminding everyone to keep at their work. By then the truck had already backed into position beyond the garage door, and she slipped out the side door with Tiny Gi in tow. As the driver shifted into park, she swept her long hair back and unholstered the pistol. \u201cYou\u2019re early!\u201d she called out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The driver side door opened, and a man stepped down. He was as tall and broad as she would have expected of a Foley, with honey-blond hair and well-manicured sideburns tracing a stern jawline. But then he smiled, and the flash of his teeth coupled with the handsome cut of his suit convinced her she wasn\u2019t dealing with some dime a dozen grunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAm I early?\u201d the man asked with a hint of an unplaceable accent, and he checked his watch\u2014just as expensive as the rest of his attire. \u201cBloody thing must be off! My apologies.\u201d He extended his hand. \u201cYou must be Miss Zoe Raptis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoe hesitated a moment before holstering her pistol so she could shake his hand. \u201cI am,\u201d she said. The side door of the truck opened, and she regretted taking her hand off the weapon; she tried to disengage from the man\u2019s handshake. \u201cAnd you are\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCharlie Tighe, at your service.\u201d He let go just as his partner rounded the front of the truck: a woman also dressed in a fine suit, with a head of blonde hair beneath her broad-brimmed hat and a face full of freckles. She was carrying a purse under her arm. \u201cThis is my sister, Millie,\u201d Charlie introduced. \u201cBoss Foley sent us to fetch the threads.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust the two of you?\u201d Zoe said with eyebrows arched. \u201cI may not look like much, mum,\u201d said Charlie, squaring his shoulders. \u201cBut I can handle plenty of sixty inchers, believe me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millie glided past him to settle beside Tiny Gi. \u201cBesides,\u201d she added, \u201cI\u2019m sure you\u2019ve got a half dozen more of these <\/em>hanging around inside, right, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She offered his hand to him, and with a glance at Zoe he accepted, blushing back to his ears. \u201cThey call me Tiny Gi, ma\u2019am,\u201d he introduced shyly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy! But you\u2019re not tiny at all!\u201d She giggled, and Zoe just managed not to roll her eyes. \u201cAnd not ironically enormous, either. But I suppose every gang has to have one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow that we\u2019re all acquainted,\u201d said Charlie, \u201cshall we take a look at the merchandise?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoe glanced between the pair. She\u2019d never met the Tighes but they weren\u2019t nobodies, and they weren\u2019t quite a match to the stories that had reached her ears. But she wasn\u2019t about to cross or question a Foley if her gut was wrong, not with the lot of them already itchy on their triggers. \u201cOf course,\u201d she said, and she motioned for Charlie to head inside first. \u201cThey\u2019re still finishing up with a few bolts, since you\u2019re early.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPerfect.\u201d Smirking, Charlie showed himself in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crew kept at their work, as instructed, but they still snuck many glances at their visitor as he strolled down the line of tables. Each was rolling lengths of colorful wool fabric onto wooden bolts sixty inches long, pausing a few yards short of finishing to sneak broad envelopes between the layers. Charlie viewed their efforts with a critical eye, and when he paused at one of the stations for a closer look, Zoe reached again for her pistol. But he paid no interest in the envelopes or their contents, instead plucking off one of his gloves so he could test the wool between his fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs this Super 70s?\u201d he asked Zoe without looking up. \u201cSuper 90s,\u201d Zoe replied, but when Charlie cast her a doubtful look, she crossed her arms and relented. \u201cYes, 70s. But that\u2019s not what\u2019s driving the price up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, I know.\u201d Charlie smiled to himself as he continued to peruse. \u201cBut as long as they come together, might as well make the most of it, eh?\u201d He moved on, toward the back where new bolts were stored on racks, while Millie paid no attention and continued chatting with Tiny Gi. \u201cAha! Now this <\/em>earns the title \u2018super.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoe frowned as she joined him at the rack; he\u2019d stopped in front of a bolt of worsted wool, dyed burgundy with a plaid pattern. \u201cThat\u2019s not much higher count than what they\u2019re wrapping with, you know,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, but what\u2019s the point of 90s when 80s is more durable? You want a suit to last, after all.\u201d He tugged on the edge of the fabric. \u201cSee that beautiful elasticity? And the pattern, so subtle.\u201d He replaced his glove and turned to Zoe with a grin. \u201cWould you mind terribly if I add it to our order?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoe blinked. \u201cYou want the whole bolt?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes.\u201d He gave it a pat as if it were a pet. \u201cPlease.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019ll be another five dollars to your total.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d Grinning, Charlie hefted the bolt off the rack; Zoe had to duck out of the way as he swung about to head back toward his sister. \u201cOh Millie, dear! Pay the woman, won\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millie made a face at him, but he only smiled sweetly in return, and with a huff she reached into her purse. \u201cI suppose it\u2019ll be $255, then,\u201d she said as she pulled out a wad of cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though not happy about her lack of caution for the sum she was flashing about, Zoe quickly joined her, watching the bills being counted out. Once in her hands she fingered the edges and ran her fingernail over top, but she didn\u2019t detect anything unusual enough to think it fake. She slipped the amount into the front of her brassiere. \u201cIt\u2019ll just be a while longer as they finish the wrapping.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot a problem,\u201d said Charlie as he waited for Tiny Gi to open the garage door for him. \u201cAs long as we can get it to The Cherry before midnight, we\u2019re golden.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He loaded the extra bolt, and true to his word helped the workers with the rest as they were completed. Once the last of the lot was secured and the truck door closed, Zoe shook hands with both of the Tighes again. Millie offered the back of her palm to Tiny Gi, who blushed furiously as he kissed it. Zoe sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was a pleasure doing business with you,\u201d said Charlie, and with a wave and a smirk, he and his sister hopped into their truck and drove off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThink we\u2019ll see\u2019m again?\u201d Tiny Gi asked once it was out of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI doubt it,\u201d Zoe replied, not without sympathy. \u201cThe streets are saying that the Foleys are losing ground. It\u2019ll be the Kozlows that show up next time.\u201d She gave him a pat on the arm. \u201cCome on, little brother. Let\u2019s close up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t ten minutes later, as they were locking the doors, when another truck pulled up to the garage, and a stout boy and his female partner hopped out of the cab. Three thick- necked mafia goons emerged from the rear and Zoe had her gun out long before they reached the door. \u201cI\u2019m Charlie Tighe,\u201d the boy introduced himself. \u201cBoss Foley sent us for the bolts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Zoe saw red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\u201cI can\u2019t believe you talked me into that,\u201d said Grace, bracing her feet on the dash as they passed a cemetery, heading from Astoria into Maspeth. \u201cI can\u2019t believe it worked!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course it worked,\u201d replied Cheshire, laughing as he stole her hat for himself. \u201cDidn\u2019t I say it would? It\u2019s not as if anyone north of Newton Creek knows Chuck Tighe<\/em>, dear lord. Did I tell you that little punk almost got me arrested once?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, over a year ago. Isn\u2019t it time to move on?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire tsked her. \u201cIt\u2019s not about paybacks,\u201d he insisted. \u201cHe\u2019s just a convenient patsy. Besides, I look more like a \u2018Charlie\u2019 than he does, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grace shook her head, but at least she did look amused. He liked that look on her. \u201cI can\u2019t believe you talked me into that,\u201d she said again. \u201cAnd I can\u2019t believe you got her to sell you that extra bolt! The audacity<\/em>!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat bolt was very important\u2014it is perfect <\/em>for a holiday jacket.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay maybe<\/em>, but she\u2019ll gut you if she ever sees you in it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay maybe<\/em>,\u201d Cheshire parroted, but when she turned to glare at him, he offered her a sincere smile. \u201cBut admit it, you had fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grace tried to make a face at him, but he won out, and she smiled back. \u201cWe always have fun,\u201d she admitted, and that was just what he\u2019d been hoping for. Neither of them needed anything more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They reached the Szpilmans\u2019 hardware store in Maspeth, and as Cheshire backed in, he spotted a familiar stone-face in his rearview mirror. He gulped. \u201cIf anyone asks,\u201d he told Grace, \u201cthis was all your idea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are completely on your own with him,\u201d Grace replied as she twisted her door open. Cheshire steeled himself and did the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub was leaning against the side of the building, a mostly-smoked cigarette hanging from his mouth. Though his expression was as unreadable as ever, there was no mistaking the folded arms for anything but irritation. Cheshire reminded himself that he had prepared for this, and with a deep breath he greeted Jakub, grinning. \u201cYou\u2019re here! Someone squealed on me, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub dropped his butt to the ground and snuffed it out under his toe. \u201cDid you get found out?\u201d he asked, deadpan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe would have come in a lot faster if we had,\u201d Cheshire replied, but it didn\u2019t seem to earn him any amusement. Hoping Jakub couldn\u2019t see him sweat, he rapped on the garage door and then turned back to the truck. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, it went off without a hitch. See for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He opened up the back, and Jakub moved closer to see. He even unwound the top bolt to hand over the envelope inside. Jakub peeled it open and tugged out the contents just enough for a peek: weapons blueprints stamped with the Hallorran emblem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll be safe in these until we can find a buyer,\u201d said Cheshire, watching Jakub close the envelope back up. \u201cMy guy inside Foley said they were planning on going to Diamondback for the sale. I\u2019m sure they won\u2019t mind paying us instead once the Foleys finally belly up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour guy on the inside,\u201d said Jakub, staring straight back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The garage door finally began to open, and when Cheshire glanced up at the sound, he spotted Grace standing nearby, watching him with sympathetic amusement. \u201cI know you don\u2019t believe me,\u201d he said, taking the envelope back to be re-rolled. \u201cBut how else would I have known about this deal? He\u2019s a good kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub continued to stare, unimpressed. It wasn\u2019t until the Szpilmans emerged to help unload and he and Cheshire moved out of their way that he spoke. \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me you were going through with it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause you already told me not to,\u201d Cheshire replied with a shrug. \u201cAnd you never would have passed for Irish, anyway, let alone my sister.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub snorted but couldn\u2019t argue that point. \u201cBarney\u2019s not going to be happy you included his in-laws on this without telling him,\u201d he said instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy? It was Wanda who offered them\u2014if she didn\u2019t tell him, that\u2019s on her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCheshire.\u201d Jakub fixed him with a stern look, and he just barely managed not to squirm. \u201cYou can\u2019t go over Barney\u2019s head like that\u2014he\u2019s the boss\u2019s son.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire rolled his eyes, and though he should have known better, he said, \u201cBarney can suck an egg. It\u2019s not like he can hate me more than he already does.\u201d Too nervous to see Jakub\u2019s reaction, he looked back to the truck, and thankfully had the perfect excuse: the Szpilmans were reaching for his worsted burgundy. \u201cHey, wait!\u201d he called, heading over. \u201cThat one doesn\u2019t have anything in it\u2014it\u2019s mine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the last of it, then,\u201d said Wanda\u2019s brother, Leon. \u201cOh, and the other thing you asked for.\u201d He waved one of his buddies forward, who handed Cheshire a paper bag. \u201cYou got a sweet tooth or something?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure do.\u201d Cheshire peeked inside and, satisfied, gave the man a salute. \u201cI need to borrow the truck a while longer but I\u2019ll get it back in one piece, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThought you\u2019d say that. Best of luck, Bloom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They shook hands, and Cheshire headed back to the driver\u2019s seat. Grace hopped in from the other side, and was then made to move over by Jakub climbing in after. Before he could ask, Cheshire handed him the bag and said, \u201cSee for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub did so while Cheshire started the truck up. His brow knit. \u201cCherries?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Foleys will be on to us by now,\u201d Cheshire said as he pulled away from the store. \u201cAnd assuming Zoe\u2019s as sharp as she looked, they\u2019ll know where to find us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe looked pretty sharp,\u201d Grace said wistfully. \u201cCherries,\u201d Jakub said again, and then he straightened, catching on. \u201cThe Cherry\u2019s been emptied. If you\u2019re planning an ambush, shouldn\u2019t we have brought the Szpilmans?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2018Ambush\u2019 is too harsh of a word,\u201d Cheshire protested. \u201cIt\u2019s more like…a reminder.\u201d Jakub didn\u2019t look convinced, but Cheshire knew he would understand once he saw for himself, so he decided not to waste his breath on more explanation until then. \u201cGo on\u2014have a cherry. But not too many, I need at least eight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub shook his head, but when Grace held out her palm expectantly, he passed her one, then after some consideration took one for himself. \u201cI hope you know what you\u2019re doing,\u201d he muttered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I really have thought this through, you know<\/em>, Cheshire wanted to say, but he was sure it would come out too defensive, so he only hummed mysteriously and didn\u2019t reply the rest of the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They parked along the creek and walked the shore for a block, taking them to The Cherry: a red-brick warehouse that had once been home to a cannery, recently bought out by Wanda\u2019s family to expand the oil refinery next door. It had already been cleared of most machinery, and Cheshire made a quick scan of the layout to make sure his preparations from early in the day hadn\u2019t been disturbed: a clear aisle down the center of the building, oil drums half full of newspaper lining either side. \u201cIt\u2019s a good thing you\u2019re here, Jakub,\u201d Cheshire said as he walked the line, dropping a cherry into each drum. \u201cI need you to hide outside the building, and once they\u2019re in, lock the door behind them. There\u2019s a padlock in the letterbox.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub watched him, frowning deeply. \u201cThis is starting to sound harsher <\/em>than an ambush,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be fine,\u201d Cheshire replied quickly, and he shrugged, too conscious of Jakub\u2019s heavy stare. \u201cTrust me, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When he finished there were still two cherries left over, and he offered one more to Grace. She accepted with less enthusiasm than she\u2019d shown earlier. \u201cYou don\u2019t need me to do anything, do you?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo no, you\u2019re fine.\u201d Cheshire gave her the hat back, settling it low over her face. \u201cYou should head back to the truck and stay hidden. We\u2019ll be right behind you.\u201d He chuckled. \u201cAs long as Chuck doesn\u2019t keep us waiting, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grace wished them luck, and just as she was slipping out they could hear engines roaring up to the building. \u201cDon\u2019t get seen,\u201d Cheshire told Jakub as they both hurried to the side door. \u201cJust lock that front door behind them and then head back to Grace in the truck.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not leaving you alone with them,\u201d Jakub retorted. \u201cI still don\u2019t know what you\u2019re up to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry so much!\u201d Cheshire shooed him on, and once Jakub had finally left to see to his task, he hopped onto a ladder on the side of the building, climbing it to reach the upper windows. The interior catwalks had been cleared out, but there was enough of a ledge that he could sit himself in the sil and get a good look of the whole warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019ll work<\/em>, he told himself, taking off one glove. He rolled the last of the cherries between his fingers, using the subtle weight of it to help visualize each of its brothers hiding below. Just like you practiced.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two trucks pulled into the lot, and out of them poured two sets of familiar faces: Charlie and Millie hopped out of the first with their Foley goons in tow, Zoe and her brother from the second with two large Greeks of their own. The twins already had their guns out and they headed straight for the open warehouse entrance, just like Cheshire knew they would, but Zoe held back. He could only just see her beyond the doorway, holding onto Tiny Gi\u2019s arm, carefully evaluating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust go in,\u201d Cheshire muttered, but even as the Foleys began to spread out, Zoe motioned for her men to each investigate around the outside. In moments they would be out of range and dangerously close to discovering his and Jakub\u2019s hiding spots, so Cheshire did the only thing he could think to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHeads up, Millie!\u201d he shouted, and he lobbed the cherry at her head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It struck her in the ear, and she jumped, yelping in surprise. The empty echo of the warehouse gave Cheshire a moment to duck outside the window before he could be located, and as the Foleys aimed their guns in every direction, Zoe\u2019s two men stepped inside to aide the search. But Zoe and her brother remained still, and Cheshire was considering other options when something slammed into Tiny Gi from behind, throwing him into the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zoe spun, but a moment later Jakub had her by the elbow, heaving her through the open entrance. By the time the Foleys had turned with guns raised, he was dragging down the shutter door, locking it into place before anyone could fire a shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThanks, Jake,\u201d Cheshire whispered, grinning as finally <\/em>everyone was inside, shouting and pulling at the door. \u201cBloom!\u201d Charlie shouted, spinning about with his finger close on the trigger of his revolver. \u201cWe know you\u2019re in here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s good to see you, too\u2014\u201d Cheshire started to call down, but when he peeked back through the window Millie opened fire, cracking the brick much <\/em>too close to his face, and he had to retreat. \u201cHey, hey! You don\u2019t want to do that!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI really do!\u201d Millie hollered back. \u201cShow me your face!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI thought you would have learned your lesson after the last time,\u201d said Cheshire, much more confident now that they were back on script. \u201cIt\u2019s not wise to cross a witch!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not scared of you, Bloom!\u201d Charlie retorted, but his wasn\u2019t the only voice: his men and Zoe\u2019s began to mutter to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is he talking about?\u201d asked Zoe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing\u2014he\u2019s a moron.\u201d Charlie fired a few shots at the window, but Cheshire was completely protected from them behind the wall. \u201cIt\u2019s you who\u2019s going to regret crossing Foley!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire laughed. \u201cYour boss\u2019 bakery says otherwise!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat is he talking about?\u201d Zoe demanded again. \u201cYou said he was small-time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe is! He\u2019s bluffing!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBluffing, huh?\u201d Cheshire said under his breath, and he closed his eyes a moment to concentrate. He wished he hadn\u2019t thrown his last cherry, but when he rubbed his fingers together he remembered the shape and the weight of it, could picture one just like it sitting in the bottom of a metal can furthest from the entrance. Just like you practiced<\/em>, he told himself again, and with a deep breath he imagined lighting a flame in the tiny fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cherry exploded in a burst of fire, and Cheshire could hear everyone inside shout with alarm. By the time he peeked back through the window they had all backed away and were at the warehouse entrance, cursing and shoving at each other as they tried to pry the door open. It wasn\u2019t the most impressive explosion Cheshire had ever been responsible for by far, but the dry paper it ignited sure made for a lot of menacing- looking smoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhoever you are,\u201d Zoe shouted, \u201cthis isn\u2019t how to do business! Let us out!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOnly if the Foleys swear to stay out of Astoria!\u201d Cheshire shouted back. \u201cQueens is Kozlow territory now!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe hell it is!\u201d screeched Millie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuit yourself,\u201d said Cheshire, and he blew the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone ducked, their swearing turning to panicked cries as the men threw their shoulders into the door. Cheshire left them to it\u2014the smoke from the barrels was already making his vantage window rather stuffy. As he climbed down, he easily spotted Jakub nearby, who was eyeing the swirling black with concern. Not that Cheshire had been honestly expecting his wholehearted approval, but he would have at least liked to have seen a glimpse of acknowledgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSee?\u201d Cheshire said, replacing his glove as he joined Jakub in staring up at the building. \u201cNothing to worry about.\u201d Millie\u2019s screaming rose above the others, and Jakub fidgeted. \u201cYou said this wasn\u2019t an ambush,\u201d he said disapprovingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not\u2014they\u2019re fine.\u201d Cheshire waved at the side door nearby. \u201cThere are three other exits that aren\u2019t locked, they just haven\u2019t figured that out yet. And it\u2019s a lot less fire than it looks like\u2014you don\u2019t really think I\u2019d burn down a Szpilman building, do you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub frowned, considering that. \u201cWhat if they kick one of the cans over by mistake?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen…that could burn down the building, I guess.\u201d Cheshire shoved his hands in his pockets and shrugged. \u201cBut that would be their <\/em>fault, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub sighed, but he didn\u2019t offer any more complaints for a while, just watching the smoke billow out. He sure seemed to have something on his mind, but as usual wasn\u2019t going to make cracking it out easy. Cheshire waited as long as he could stand to; his habit had always been to plough through, and he wondered if going against instinct would prove any more successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it didn\u2019t, so he gave another shrug. \u201cC\u2019mon, Jakub, didn\u2019t I say to trust me? The Foley\u2019s are way out of line to be doing business this far north, now that we\u2019ve got family up here\u2014I wasn\u2019t gonna let them get away with it. And now they know better. Didn\u2019t even have to kill any of them to prove my point.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, I guess not.\u201d Jakub looked to him, his expression tight with something Cheshire couldn\u2019t quite identify. \u201cIt\u2019s just strange to hear you talk like that. You didn\u2019t used to be the \u2018make examples of them\u2019 type.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hearing him say so made Cheshire\u2019s skin crawl. For some reason he thought of blood in a dark alley, and he shook his head to clear it. \u201cYeah, well…you used to be more fun,\u201d he retorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub started to reply, but was cut off by the side door banging open. The two of them quickly retreated far out of range to be seen, and stayed there only long enough to watch the Foleys and Raptises escape their ordeal into fresh air. Charlie was in tears and Zoe and Millie furiously arguing with each other while Tiny Gi did his best to hold them apart. None of them seemed eager to charge off in search of their tormentor, and Cheshire smirked to himself as he and Jakub made their way back to the truck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grace was stretched out across the cab, hidden from sight, but she popped up as soon as she heard the pair of them approach. She opened the driver\u2019s side for Cheshire and offered a hopeful smile. \u201cDid it work?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPerfectly. Well, with some help from Jakub.\u201d Cheshire settled behind the wheel while Jakub climbed into the passenger side. \u201cI don\u2019t think the Tighes will be giving us trouble again anytime soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNext time, just tell me the plan,\u201d said Jakub. \u201cI\u2019m more <\/em>help if I don\u2019t have have to guess what you\u2019re up to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire started the truck. He wanted to reply with something witty, but the thought of having Jakub properly at his side for the next one churned sincerity out of him. \u201cOkay. I will.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo you won\u2019t,\u201d Grace teased, elbowing him. \u201cYou\u2019d much rather have him as part of your audience, you ham. Just like the rest of us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true!\u201d Cheshire protested exaggeratedly, though he did mean it. \u201cI always want Jakub to be in on it\u2014he\u2019s <\/em>the one that keeps turning me down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub turned to look out the window. Apparently he was Done, leaving Cheshire and Grace to chatter among themselves as they headed back to the Szpilmans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Wanda\u2019s brother was waiting when they returned with the truck. He heard only half the story of the smoked-out Foleys before declaring that it was a tale fit for the whole family, and he insisted on leading the three of them into the shop\u2019s basement, where a small but cozy lounge housed a collection of colorful Szpilmans and associates. The booze was weaker than the Foucher brew they were used to, but there was plenty of it, and it didn\u2019t take much to convince Cheshire to regale them with his triumph. Grace did an admirable impression of the shrill Millie Tighe, to everyone\u2019s delight. But when Leon sat down behind the piano, that was when it became a party. Couples took to the floor, bumping into each other as they danced in the close space, switching partners at random. With the help of the drink soon everyone was singing to the music, none louder or better than Grace and Cheshire themselves. They were a perfect match to the jovial Szpilmans and couldn\u2019t have appeared better pleased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub stayed back, nestled in a corner while watching them pass the night. He drank a little more than he should but it wasn\u2019t his fault\u2014he couldn\u2019t think of any other way to try to drown out Cheshire\u2019s sing-song voice. Of all Cheshire\u2019s ticks and traits he\u2019d managed to work out from under his skin, that laughter was the worst. He could bear Cheshire\u2019s arm across his shoulders without blushing now, could stoically accept a compliment without his heart skipping in place. But that laugh? That singing<\/em>? It was cruelty itself, and Jakub had too few defenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Leon slowed the piano down for a ballad, Jakub was forced to retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I just need a little more time<\/em>, he thought determinedly as he leaned against the side of the building, the fresh air helping to clear his head. And then I\u2019ll be over it and we can go back to normal<\/em>. If he even wants anything to do with me by then.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub sighed, pushing his hair back. \u201cFun, huh,\u201d he muttered. Not a label he ever would have assigned to himself anyway, and he was fairly certain no one else ever had, either. He had no idea what he\u2019d done to earn it in the first place, let alone how to gain it back. He grumbled to himself as he dug through his pockets, only to realize he\u2019d already smoked his last cigarette down waiting for Cheshire to come back from his misadventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A car pulled up to the shop, and Jakub went still, straining his ears. He wasn\u2019t in great shape to be fighting off a Foley retaliation if that\u2019s what it was, but he was sure in a mood to make a ruckus enough to warn Cheshire and the Szpilmans. But it was Hannah that hopped out from behind the driver\u2019s seat, her manner rushed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJakub!\u201d She marched over to him. \u201cWhat the hell are you doing way out here this late?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She didn\u2019t look like she was in any better mood than he was, and he wasn\u2019t sure he trusted himself to answer. Turned out he didn\u2019t need to\u2014Hannah grabbed him by the elbow and started pulling him back to the car. \u201cCome on,\u201d she said. \u201cWe need you back home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was so insistent that she almost threw him against the passenger door before he could open it. \u201cThe hell is going on?\u201d he asked as he shook free. \u201cBloom\u2019s downstairs with the Szpilmans, shouldn\u2019t we\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust get in the car,\u201d Hannah snapped as she moved to the driver\u2019s side. \u201cI\u2019ll tell you on the way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She got behind the wheel, and Jakub had to hurry into his seat before she could drive off without him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

It wasn\u2019t until the song was finished, and Cheshire was bowing modestly to the drunken cheers of his audience, that he glanced up and realized Jakub was gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He wasn\u2019t surprised, but it still dampened his mood enough to want to sit out on the next round. Luckily, everyone was finally starting to reach the limits of their energy, and they all stretched out on the sofas and chairs, chattering simple inanities about the drink and the weather and how stupid Charlie Tighe must have looked, crying all the way home to his Foley boss. Cheshire helped himself to one last drink as Grace nestled beside him, taking note of the very pointed, very inviting <\/em>looks the round-faced Leon Szpilman was tossing in his direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNow there\u2019s <\/em>a bad idea,\u201d Cheshire thought aloud without meaning to. \u201cI\u2019d get an earful from Jakub for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy do you care so much what Jakub thinks anyway?\u201d asked Grace, startling him. \u201cHe\u2019s just a great big sourpuss.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire squirmed, suddenly wishing he had either a lot less or a lot more<\/em> alcohol in his stomach. \u201cBecause we\u2019re friends! I mean\u2026.\u201d He frowned, and deciding that more <\/em>was the answer after all, he took a long gulp from his bottle. \u201cI dunno, he\u2019s been…different. I think I did something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re always doing something,\u201d said Grace. \u201cMaybe he got sick of it, like I did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire sank deeper into the sofa, frowning harder into his booze. \u201cYeah, but…you\u2019re here now, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, yeah, I got over it.\u201d Grace rolled her eyes at him. \u201cDon\u2019t worry about him and just be fun<\/em>, Chesh. It\u2019s what you\u2019re good at.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFun, huh.\u201d Cheshire glanced across the room for Leon again, only to find him missing, too. He was about to start feeling exceptionally sorry for himself when he spotted the man only a moment later\u2014he was near the exit, hand over his ear as he tried to listen to a telephone. His eyes went wide, and once he hung up he turned to the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, quiet down!\u201d he called, and everyone in the small assembly turned to look. \u201cIt\u2019s Boss Kozlow. He\u2019s in the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

\u201cThey said it was some kinda apoplexy,\u201d Hannah said as she led Jakub through the hospital. \u201cWe were just going over the books and he stopped talking, couldn\u2019t focus. Fell over.\u201d She shook her head; he was used to seeing her irritated, but agitated less so, and he struggled to match her pace. \u201cAnd then I was at your apartment, but you weren\u2019t there, and even Bloom\u2014at least he would have had an easier time carrying him! Where the hell is everyone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d said Jakub, still somewhat dazed. \u201cThere was a job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA job Barney and I didn\u2019t know about?\u201d Hannah glared back at him. \u201cYou want me to pretend I didn\u2019t hear that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter. It\u2019s good profit\u2014the boss won\u2019t complain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hannah snorted. \u201cNo, he\u2019s not going to be doing much of that for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It occurred to Jakub that he should have found her concern more rattling. He had no idea yet what condition the man was even in, and seeing Barney at the end of the hall, leaning against the wall with his hat in his hands, should have flooded him with worry. But he just continued to match Hannah\u2019s gait, numb with no clue what to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hannah stopped in front of Barney, and when he didn\u2019t notice her right away she gave him a hard tap on the shoulder. \u201cI found him,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barney looked up; he was pale, and he didn\u2019t seem any clearer or steadier than Jakub felt. \u201cWhere were you?\u201d he asked, his voice hard but shaky, as if trying to convince himself he was angry. \u201cWe needed you here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Jakub said automatically. \u201cHow is he?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barney shrugged, but when he started to answer, he had a hard time getting the words out and had to try again after a moment. \u201cHe was awake a little while ago. Muttering something. He asked about you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo in,\u201d said Hannah, and that finally penetrated Jakub\u2019s daze, leaving him cold. \u201cIt\u2019s supposed to be family only, but I\u2019ll scare away any nurses that come by.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub looked to the door. His heart gave a thud and he didn\u2019t want to go anywhere near it, let alone through it. His feet carried him there anyway, his hand twisted the knob. He stepped inside and closed the door behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kasper was stretched out in a bed by the window, seemingly asleep. At first there didn\u2019t seem to be any outward symptoms of whatever ailment had struck him down, but as Jakub moved closer, he saw differently: Kasper\u2019s right arm was folded over his stomach, but the left was lying awkwardly alongside him, the palm turned upward in an uncomfortable angle. The left side of his mouth was sagging, drool seeping down his chin. As Jakub drew closer his eyes opened, but only part way, and they made no effort to properly seek him out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSon?\u201d Kasper asked, but his lips were sluggish, slurring. \u201cIs that you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Jakub, sir,\u201d Jakub replied, stopping next to the bed. \u201cI came as soon as I heard.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJakub\u2026.\u201d Kasper took in a sudden breath as if realizing for the first time who he was. \u201cOh, Jakub. You\u2019re not hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stretched out his hand, and Jakub hesitated a moment before taking it, only to urge it back down to his stomach. \u201cNo, sir, I\u2019m fine. I heard you had…some trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFuck,\u201d Kasper grunted, and he shifted on the bed. Jakub couldn\u2019t help but notice how much trouble he had maneuvering his entire left side. \u201cFuck this. Come closer, can\u2019t see you. You\u2019re not hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c…No, sir.\u201d Jakub couldn\u2019t have moved any closer without sitting on the bed, and with a sick feeling he waved his hand in front of Kasper\u2019s face. Kasper did not react. \u201cI think you should rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll get them back for me, won\u2019t you?\u201d Kasper muttered, fisting the sheets with his one good hand. \u201cGet those bastards.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course, sir.\u201d Jakub took a step back, a pit in his stomach. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Kasper sighed as he sank deeper into his pillow and back toward slumber. \u201cI\u2019m counting on you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Jakub returned to the hallway Wanda was there, talking to Barney in low tones. Jakub bypassed them and instead joined Hannah further away, who was twisting locks of hair around her finger anxiously. \u201cWas he awake?\u201d she asked, hushed and urgent at once. \u201cWhat did he say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe was confused,\u201d said Jakub. His skin crawled and he ached for a cigarette. \u201cLike he thinks we were in a fight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah. He said something like that to me, too. Shit, I could use a smoke.\u201d She forced herself to stop fiddling with her hair and stood up straighter. \u201cThe doctors said he might be disoriented for a while. It\u2019s too soon to know how well he\u2019ll recover, or how long it could take. He could be fine in a few days or weeks, or he could…not.\u201d She glanced to Barney and then quickly away again. \u201cIt\u2019s too soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe couldn\u2019t see me,\u201d Jakub said quietly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too soon,\u201d Hannah repeated. \u201cWe don\u2019t know yet.\u201d Jakub nodded vaguely. He couldn\u2019t stop thinking about Kasper\u2019s arm lying useless at his side. \u201cWe have to keep this quiet for as long as we can,\u201d Hannah was saying. \u201cWe\u2019ll call everyone in tomorrow, let them know everything is all right. If the Foleys catch wind of this there\u2019ll be trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe might not have to worry about the Foleys for a while,\u201d said Jakub. \u201cBloom taught the Tighe\u2019s a lesson tonight\u2014 they\u2019re not stepping foot out of line for now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hannah sighed in exasperation. \u201cThat\u2019s just great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asking for retaliation at a time like this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t retaliate. Even if they do, Bloom and I can handle it.\u201d Jakub took a deep breath, determined to have one of them say it. \u201cIt\u2019s our own people we have to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hannah glanced to Barney again, and then quickly back. \u201cIt\u2019ll be business as usual. I can handle the books if you can put up a strong front for the boys. They\u2019ll all feel better if they see you close to Barney. If we can get an early batch of moonshine from the Fouchers, all the better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub nodded again, but his mind was finally catching up to the severity of their situation and was starting to overtake him. There were certain members of their crew already that would have to be assured separately, and then there were the Szpilmans to consider\u2014most of them were amiable people in his experience, but he could think of a few that were already considerably less loyal to Barney than his father. They were close to driving the Foleys off the waterfront but there were other gangs to consider, any one of which would be happy to put a knife their backs if they sensed weakness. Even the police might become bolder without Kasper\u2019s influence, whether or not their pockets remained filled. Too many things for him to consider when he was still tipsy from drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go back to the apartments,\u201d he said. \u201cMake sure whoever already knows keeps their mouth shut. Do you think you can handle Barney for now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hannah didn\u2019t look happy with the prospect, but she nodded. \u201cWanda <\/em>can handle Barney,\u201d she said, \u201cbut I\u2019ll stay here with them. Who knows how many others have heard and might show up. Edith said she\u2019d come over with her girls if we need them.\u201d She took a moment to regain her full composure and then faced Jakub seriously. \u201cThanks, Jakub. It\u2019ll be all right as long as we keep our heads.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Jakub agreed, even though he wasn\u2019t entirely sure his was still on his shoulders. \u201cI\u2019ll be back in the morning to check on everything.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub left. He glanced back one more time on the way, and was relieved that Barney wasn\u2019t looking in his direction. It probably would have been better for him to stay, but he had no idea what he would have said, if Barney had asked for reassurance or advice. He was already planning for the worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Kasper was permanently incapacitated\u2014or worse, didn\u2019t survive\u2014everything would change. No one in Kozlow was prepared for business under Barney\u2019s direction, least of all Barney himself, and they still had more enemies than friends. As Jakub stepped out into the lobby, he found himself struck by the sudden urge to run. The gnawing instinct that had in his youth propelled him across half a continent clenched in the base of his throat in an inescapable warning: he wasn\u2019t safe. There was no point in clinging to the dead and getting away was his only option. It was a ridiculous notion but he couldn\u2019t shake it, until he reached the exit and spotted a familiar figure standing nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire was leaning against the wall. He hadn\u2019t spotted Jakub yet, as he was rather distracted lightly slapping his face to stay awake. The sight of him filled Jakub with relief and panic in equal measure, and before he had any idea which would come out of him first he hurried over and latched onto Cheshire\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire startled, and when he saw who it was, he went tight as if caught in a bear trap. \u201cJakub! There you are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201d Jakub demanded, Cheshire\u2019s sleeve tight in his fist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI-I heard something happened.\u201d Cheshire shrank a size, and Jakub inwardly cringed at the thought of how he might have looked then, but he couldn\u2019t help it. \u201cYou disappeared so suddenly I figured you\u2019d be here with Barney. They said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t go up there,\u201d said Jakub. Cheshire wasn\u2019t quite tactless enough to poke at Barney at a time like this, but he was still obviously halfway sloshed and the thought of the two of them in a room together made Jakub\u2019s heart pound. \u201cIt\u2019s family only.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire shrugged stiffly. \u201cWasn\u2019t planning to. I just wanted to make sure you\u2019re <\/em>okay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMe?\u201d Jakub stared, reminded of Kasper\u2019s confused muttering. For a beat he even wondered if somehow both men were that concerned about his brief scuffle with the Raptis siblings at the Cherry. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell…you\u2019ve been with Kozlow a long time,\u201d Cheshire said, growing less and less sure of himself with every word. It turned his usually sweet voice sour and Jakub hated the sound of it. \u201cSince you were young? I thought…sorry, I know you don\u2019t like talking about it\u2026?\u201d He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand; his other arm, still caught in Jakub\u2019s grip, he kept very still as if fearful of it being wrenched off. \u201cI guess I figured he was like…your old man, in a way. So if he\u2019s sick you\u2019d be worried.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub continued to stare. Of all the nonsense that could have tumbled out of Cheshire\u2019s mouth he\u2019d never expected a reminder of his father, and it twisted his stomach up into his ribs. The sincere concern threaded through Cheshire\u2019s furrowed brow only made it worse. He didn\u2019t understand how Cheshire could turn sympathy on him when he was already poised to flee, prepared to abandon all in his wake. Just like when he was young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJake?\u201d Cheshire finally risked moving his arm enough to take hold of Jakub\u2019s shoulder; it wasn\u2019t until Jakub had that stability that he realized he was unsteady on his feet, his head spinning. \u201cSorry,\u201d Cheshire continued to prattle on. \u201cI know you don\u2019t…talk. But you really don\u2019t look good, so\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub leaned forward. It was the only thing he could do. If only Cheshire would be quiet but sturdy for a while, he could bolt his wits back together, he was sure of it. He could plant his feet and forget again everything that lay behind him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And Cheshire, damn him, played his part without question. He shut his mouth and wrapped his arm around Jakub\u2019s shoulders in a tight and reassuring hug. His chest accepted the bulk of Jakub\u2019s weight and his collar served as a perfect hiding place. He was probably misinterpreting entirely but Jakub didn\u2019t care; he\u2019d waited years to sink into Cheshire\u2019s warmth, for just a moment to feel that strength and tenderness focused on him alone, and it felt so good he forgot for a while why his hands were shaking. Even if he didn\u2019t have the strength to embrace him back, Cheshire\u2019s soft hair trapped beneath his cheek was enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Someone entered through the nearby doorway, and Jakub startled, embarrassment getting the better of him. He leaned quickly back and was relieved when Cheshire let go, only to take his elbow instead. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to worry about me,\u201d he muttered. His cheeks went red, and he tried to rub it out of them, as ridiculous as that was. \u201cI\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d Cheshire watched him, clearly mystified and quieter than normal. \u201cI\u2019m half bent, so I took a cab. It should still be out there, if you want to head home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Jakub took a deep breath and finally was able to pry his fingers off Cheshire\u2019s sleeve; his fingers ached from being so tightly wound. \u201cI have work to do,\u201d he said, and he urged Cheshire through the door, suddenly conscious of how many people may have seen his lapse and too nervous to look. \u201cBut you do look bent. Let\u2019s get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cab was waiting, and as Jakub helped Cheshire into the back seat everything already felt a little more normal. Once they were settled and driving off, Jakub gulped. \u201cIt\u2019s probably a good thing you did that job tonight,\u201d he said, refusing to look up when Cheshire glanced to him. \u201cIt\u2019ll keep the Foleys distracted while we deal with the Boss. Plus it\u2019ll be a nice score, once we have a buyer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheshire didn\u2019t reply right away, as if waiting for Jakub to qualify his praise with a scolding. When none came, he cleared his throat, and Jakub expected some manner of chipper gloating to ensue. But Cheshire only stretched his arm across Jakub\u2019s shoulders and said, \u201cI\u2019ll let the kid know it worked out. And if there\u2019s anything else you need from me, let me know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jakub tensed at first, but gradually he allowed himself to relax against Cheshire\u2019s side. The proximity left him blushing, and when Cheshire fingered the shoulder of his jacket, his heart skipped about in his ribs. But he didn\u2019t bother trying to squirm away. He just needed a little more time.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\n\t