I READ IT through twice. He wasn't just getting me off the hook, he was warning me. For the last time. Never show them your soft spot. Everyone in the street knew mine.
Wesley checked out and took a bunch of kids with him. Seeds. Cards in a stacked deck. They dealt them- the monster played them.
I held the pages in my gloved hands. Knowing the last word Wesley never said to me.
Brother.
I waited until my hands stopped shaking. Then I called Morales.
"It's Burke. Let's play some more nine ball."
"I get off at four."