He doesn’t look up from his book right away.

“Come in.”

He does, and stands in front of the desk, hands at his sides. There’s no point sitting down – this won’t take long.

It takes him a minute or two to put down the book.

“Report?”

“Swept Jewel Alley like normal. Everything’s running as clean as you want it to. Found the Red Toad ring on Broad Street, shut them down, sent the junkies to the licensed spots. And I dealt with Marlowe Ricks.”

“Remind me what he did?”

“Went to a lolita bar and started asking around for organic talent.”

“Ah, yes. The ambassador. And where is he now?”

“Hung up to bleed in the meat locker. Like you asked.”

“Well done, Cato.”

He snorts.

“Don’t give me that look. I’m genuinely pleased.”

“I do this all the time.”

“Yes, but after what I put you through last night! That’s impressive.”

“Perhaps I’m not trying hard enough. What do you think, Cato?”

“...I’m not going to be useful if I need to sit in repairs all day.”

“Of course you are. You’re very resourceful. And there are twelve more of you.”