Chapter 28

Anthony Bratsey was a big man, at least six foot four, though he looked still taller in the immaculately tailored gray suit that he wore.

He was pulling the tie off when he entered the room and turned on the light, revealing Blackjack and I waiting for him in the darkness.

He looked at us for a moment saying nothing. What if my family

had been home, he asked. We'd have done this somewhere else, Jack said. Brotsey nodded, well,

he said. Do it and be on your way. Jack and I exchanged a look. I don't think you quite understand

what's going on here, Jack said. Bratsey's brows knit.

You aren't from Chick Mason?

No, sir, I said, but I can see how you might make that mistake.

Chick Mason is the only gang leader in town crazy enough to use women as gunsils, Bratsey said,

giving me the up and down with his eyes.

Cheaky, even in the face of doom.

I like that in a man.

We aren't from Chick Mason, Jack repeated,

and we aren't here to do you any harm.

We're independent operators and we're here to negotiate.

Bratsey instantly became the most important man in the room again,

though he had never felt like he was far off.

Well, he said,

you aren't off to the very best of starts, but I'll listen while you talk.' "'Will you have a drink?'

"'No, sir,' Jack said.

"'Please feel free to make yourself one,

...