Page 20 of King of Justice

“Nate, who?”

“Nathan. Wright.”

“Oh—Nathan. Hi. How did you—”

“Get this number? C’mon, Jones. We’re working together now.”

“Alexander. I’m gonna kill him.”

“Not your boss, and save your breath... I’m not telling.”

“Okay?” She paused. “Um—How can I help you?”

I sped up into a light run. “Is this how you talk to all your roomies?”

“Not while they’re sober.” I could finally hear a smile in her voice.

“That was also a joke. I didn’t know you had roommates.”

“I’m… currently bunking with a buddy. So, technically yeah? Hey, are you running?”

“I am.” I paused. “So, they live with you in the house I saw the other day?”

I heard her draw a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Uh—I’m not there right now. I’m in New York, actually.”

“Y’ know, I gotta hand it to you. If you’d let us be friends, my feelings would be really hurt right now.”

“But we’re not, so they shouldn’t be.”

“Paris didn’t work out?”

“Nope. Hey, can you not run while you’re talking to me?”

“No can do. Also, New York is lucky. There’s plenty of places to visit. Need a guide?”

She briefly giggled. “What do you want, Nathan?”

“I wanna know what you’re doing here. It’s my city.”

“I’m volunteering… for your city’s people.”

“Wh—Your whole job is one big volunteering spree.”

“I can do more... so I am.”

“With who?”

“Whom.”

“Really?”

She laughed. “The Youth Center for the Arts.”

“That’s in Brooklyn, right?”

“Impressive. You do know your city. Seriously, stop running.”

“Are you gonna pay for my ailing health when I’m old and have high cholesterol?”

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