"Because you're new. Still clean. And because..." he looked at his empty glass, "because I'm drunk enough to be honest and sober enough to know it doesn't matter. You'll either become like us or get eaten by us. There's no third option in this world."
"Master," ARIA whispered urgently, "Helena just received a text. Vincent Castellano wants an emergency meeting. Something about 'financial irregularities.' Oh shit, they're starting to notice the shadow money."
I watched Helena check her phone, her face going even paler. She stood abruptly, swaying slightly, then headed for the exit with the determined stride of someone walking to their execution.
"Your friend seems to be leaving," I observed, my voice a low, smooth purr.
Webb turned to look. "Not my friend. My handler. And if Vincent's calling her at this hour, something's gone very wrong."
"Vincent Castellano?" I asked, playing innocent.
Webb's eyes sharpened despite the alcohol. "You know him?"
