"Look, Kevin," I said. "I came out here because you said I could see the streets. I admit the view is not bad. But I should be clear that this doesn't mean we're back to being like before. You're right about the fact that this place is unfamiliar for me. And you're one of the handful of people I know. It doesn't hurt to stop and chat or... even hang out now and then. It doesn't mean anything, alright?"
He laughed briefly, though his eyes remained hard.
"You sound bold, babydoll. Why's that? I'm genuinely curious."
And he was. I could tell from the way his eyes narrowed as if he was trying to figure me out.
"Well, I'm glad you asked. Here's why. This is not the Night Storm. You are not a Deputy Chief here neither are my employer. No one knows or cares about my roots here, so..." I tr
