“So that’s what this is all about, why you’re so driven.” Sebastian said it more to himself than to her, Ellie thought. “You became a stickman so you could find your brother.”

Ellie nodded. “I carry that picture—it’s like he’s a part of me—with me while I’m out looking for him.”

“But why come to LA?”

Ellie had anticipated the question. “Because this is where he was taken.”

“Where, specifically?”

“I don’t know. My hope is that you’ll help me.”

“Now I know why you were so anxious to save my life.” He smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “I don’t have him, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“I wasn’t. But since you brought it up—”

“I know all of my carriers,” Sebastian said. “Every single one.”

“You’ve been doing this a long time. How can you possibly know all the carriers on your blood farms?”

“I don’t like that term. It implies that I treat my carriers as livestock, which I don’t. You’d be surprised by how well they’re treated.”

“I’d like to see how you do things.”

“Help me find Paul, and you’re more than welcome to see for yourself.”

“Thank you. Although, I should say, I don’t think it’s you who has him. The two cops I told you about, the ones my mother heard talking? She told me they were both Armenians.”

“If your brother was taken by the Armenians,” Sebastian said, “then I’m sorry to say he’s as good as dead.”

The sinking despair Ellie felt in the pit of her stomach was genuine. She allowed it to reach her face. “But I’m sure you have . . . dealings with them. Connections.”

“If the Armenians knew who I was, they’d take me out of the picture.”

“And take over your business.”

Sebastian nodded.

“But if he wasn’t taken by the Armenians?” Ellie asked. “I’m sure you know other people in the blood world—local people.”

“You said twin. Are you a carrier?”

“I am,” Ellie lied. “That’s the second reason why I got into the business. So I could work my way up, get to a position where I could afford to live somewhere safe, protect myself. Know the players, know the landscape, stay a step ahead of it, so I would never be a victim again.”

Sebastian was looking at her in an entirely different way, like he had discovered something in her that he admired but that made him wary. Guarded.

Ellie didn’t speak. Sebastian didn’t, either, just stared at her, thinking. The hum of the refrigerator filled the silence.

“While we’re on the subject,” Ellie said, “I should tell you I have no intention of becoming a part of your blood farm or stable or whatever it is you choose to call it. I will take any and every measure to prevent that from happening.”

“You don’t have to worry about me.”

“I hope not. Because if that’s your intention, we should part ways now.”

Sebastian rubbed his bottom lip, thinking.