^{“Is that what you tell yourself when you’re alone at night?”}

^{Val flashed him a grin to let him know he was only joking. He finished counting for the second time, satisfied at last that it was all there. He slipped the bills into his jacket. He leaned back his chair and gestured as he spoke, his movements vague and loose.} 

^{“Listen, I’m not saying you should depend on people, just that you should use them.”}

   _{it didn’t matter what he said at night. in-fact, all that truly mattered was that ky got exactly what he wanted. people were frail, they could be bought, and they could be sold. their sides changed quickly – even more so these days. all the same, he kept away from them for a reason; why risk more than you’re willing to give in the first place? it just wasn’t his style. not anymore.}

      _{“an’ i’m saying it’s not worth it.”}