KELLAN WARD
The two captured assailants sat cuffed in the safe house's utility room, backs pressed against the cold, cinderblock wall. Harsh overhead light revealed faces that were ordinary. One younger, more fearful. The other older, resigned. Both had the aura of men who'd made so many wrong choices, they had no consciences left.
Kellan entered the room, the hard soles of his shoes ringing against the concrete. Jingyu trailed behind, silent, watchful.
Kellan fixed his gaze on the younger man. He wore a threadbare hoodie, hands shoved into pockets. "Who hired you?"
The kid shook his head, eyes darting from Kellan to Jingyu. "We don't know names, man. Cash job. That's all."
Kellan knelt, voice low and controlled. "You set up a military-style roadblock, with automatic weapons, in the middle of the city. You expect me to believe you don't know who you're working for?"
