Justin stepped out of the noisy bar into the cool evening air, his fingers twitching the moment his phone vibrated. He didn't need to check the screen, some names echo in your spine before your eyes catch up. He sighed and answered.
"Didn't expect to hear from you, Lyth," he said, his voice smooth, laced with a forced calm. "Everything good in the dark world you belong?"
Lyth didn't waste time. "Cut it. I want to know what you know about Lisa."
There was a pause, just enough for Justin to consider pretending the call had dropped. Instead, he chuckled dryly. "Lisa? That's a name I haven't heard in a while. She selling pastries now or something?"
"I said cut it," Lyth growled. "You were close to her. You know something. Talk."
Justin's voice stayed light, but there was a sharpness under the surface. "Close is a strong word, my friend. We passed like ships in the night. One of those ships had secrets. The other just sold tires."
