17
When Malkin finished speaking, the group got up, each shook his hand, then went back up the hill toward the camp. Deuce passed by Ray without a nod. Ray watched them go, Reggie pulling up the rear of the group as they disappeared into the woods and snow. He and Malkin were alone.
Neither man moved. Ray remained on the edge of the circle and Malkin on his worn stone seat.
“My name is Xavier Malkin. But I suppose you surmised that already. I expect you have a lot of questions.”
Ray noted Malkin’s accent. The first hint of a Ukrainian connection in the camp. Though it wasn’t quite as low and intimidating as The Bear’s had been. It was warmer. Slick. Practiced.
“Only one,” Ray said, saliva caught in his throat. “Why me?”
“Right to it. That’s what I like about you, Ray.”
“You don’t kn
