“Because there has to be security cameras.” Tommy points toward the nearest building. “Not everywhere has them, and the ones that do are more concerned with keeping their buildings and goods protected rather than what’s happening on the street. There are a lot of blind spots down here.”

I can’t wrap my head around why Colin would be here in the first place. We’re not exactly rich and privileged shitheads, but we’re still on the side of rich and privileged that stops us hanging out in creepy places like this.

“Do we yell out for him?” I ask, which is a stupid question when I’m asking in a whisper anyway.

“Do you want to advertise we’re here?”

“Not particularly.”

“Then maybe no yelling.”

I concede he has a point. We make it to the end of the street with no sight of anyone, and Tommy sighs, then reaches up and turns off his comms. “Gives me a headache,” he explains. “I’ve already got too many voices in my head to deal with all of them too. I’ll check back in if we find a building we can get inside.”

“You work well together. How long have you known them?”

We take a left and walk along the side of another building. The cement path is overgrown and shadowy from twiggy trees. “A while. I knew Arlie first, then Everett not long after. Perry showed up a few years ago and never left.”

“But he’s only new at … all this?”

“I wouldn’t even call him new.” Tommy’s grinning, eyes bright. “I don’t classify him as even starting. That man is way too pure for this world.”

“I’ve seen a side of him that says otherwise.”

He runs an amused glance over me. “No you didn’t. If you did, you’d be dead.”

Well, he’s got me there. “Tell me about Arlie.”

“Why? Do you want to sleep with her? Everyone wants to sleep with her.”

“I’m gay, so no. Lars might though.”

Tommy shrugs, pushing up on his toes to look through a high window. “She’s single from what she’s told us, so he might have a chance. Super picky, though, and a very short temper.”

“I guess it’s lucky Lars is infinitely patient.”

Tommy’s attention turns back to the street and we keep walking. It’s freezing out, and I’m coiled so tight in anticipation of someone jumping out at us that my back is aching.

We’re about an hour in when Tommy stops suddenly.

“What is it?”

Without a word, he reaches under his jacket and pulls out a gun. Then hands it to me. “Just in case.”

That makes my fear spike. “Just so you know, I’m a terrible shot.”