Burr is home, icing his face when the email comes. A small stab of something like excitement, followed by shame. He shouldn't want to go. He shouldn't get attached to clients. And certainly not people like Jefferson--a higher class, than people like Burr. In a roach-infested apartment in the bad part of town. No air conditioning, no hot water.

He should say no. His face, bruised and swollen in the mirror. Dark skin, at least, will cover the worst of it. And it shouldn't be too bad, by the time Jefferson wants him. The agency takes care of violent men--but if they offer Burr something extra to hit, and they have that look in their eye, the one that means they won't take no for an answer. Well. A little extra money never goes amiss.

But it doesn't make up for the way Theo looks at him, when he stumbles in early in the morning, half-drunk and smelling like warm bodies. A rushed shower, cold, to sober him up. Making her breakfast and running her to school on no sleep, before driving to the law offices. Making time for her those evenings that preceded. Helping her with her homework. Watching a movie or playing a game. Calling off work on nights they couldn't afford it.

He types his reply quickly.

That sounds wonderful. I'll arrange it with the agency.

-A.B.

Lets Jefferson handle the details.