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they had two, they split.”
    “Christ, that’s a breeding farm!”
    Kevin said nothing. His pace increased, until I had to run to keep up. I grabbed his arm, but he threw me off. “Don’t hold me!”
    I’d had a miserable day, after a worse night. “Yell at me, or hit me, or whatever you want. Just talk to me!”
    “Cool jets.” Reluctantly, he slowed. “Joey, why do you say whatever comes to your mind, no matter who it hurts?”
    “Because I’m stupid!” I spun away, fists clenched. He mustn’t see me on the ragged edge. He’d despise me.
    “No, you’re not.” His mood had turned, and he was the gentle Kev I craved. For an instant, his hand flitted to my shoulder. “I bet you’re starved. Let’s get dinner ready.”
    I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
    “A shed isn’t a great place to sleep.” His tone made it an offering.
    I essayed a smile. “Ever try it?”
    “I camped out at Grandpa’s a couple of times, when Dad and I weren’t speaking.” At long last, we turned onto his block. “That ever happen to you?”
    “No.” Dad and I always spoke. Derek Carr was the finest man who’d ever lived. I’d kill anyone who said otherwise.
    Later, in the shower, for some reason a tear or two swirled down the drain along with the cool, refreshing soapy water.
    In the morning, Kevin poked his head into my bedroom. “Dad’s gonna put you to work today.”
    I blinked away sleep. “What about you?”
    “School.”
    “Can’t you do that later?”
    “Not virtual, dummy. I gotta be there.”
    I made a face. At my school, physical presence wasn’t always required; three days a week we just netted.
    “Hey.” Kev’s tone was elaborately offhand. “Here.” He tossed a ten-Unie note on the bed.
    “What’s that for?”
    “Just because.” He shrugged. “Case you need lunch or something.”
    “Kev, I can’t take your—”
    “Then it’s a loan, ’til you’re settled.”
    I said with wonder, realizing it was true, “You’re my best friend.”
    In the doorway he hesitated, as if reluctant to leave. “You don’t mind helping Dad?”
    “Course not.” Did he think I expected a free ride? I was no trannie; the Carrs paid their way. I’d see Kev was repaid too. Sooner than he thought. “Does your father want me now?”
    “He’ll be leaving in a half hour.”
    “I’ll be ready.” I bounded out of bed, grimaced at the clothing I had to don. The only pants of Kevins that fit me were shorts that emphasized my gangly legs. And the shirt was something only a really young joeykid would pick. I sighed. Next time you leave home, Randy, pack a suitcase.
    “Ah, there you are.” Mr Dakko greeted me from the breakfast table.
    “Good morning,” I said cheerfully.
    His lips tightened.
    Inwardly, I sighed. “Good morning, sir. ” It was his house; if I wanted to live in it … Was I better off with Anthony? Odd, that I was willing to tender this stranger more courtesy than I’d show my own—
    His steely eyes locked on mine. “Last night, what you most needed was a good meal and bed. Now we ought to talk.”
    I nodded, apprehensive. He passed me oatmeal, cold boiled eggs, bread. I dug in.
    “Kevin really likes you, joey. I’ve always felt…” A frown. “Walter didn’t always approve of my friends, but—”
    “Walter?”
    “My father. We settled here together, with my mother, Galena. She’s gone now. Walter didn’t care for Greg Attani, or some of the others …” For a moment, he bobbed in a sea of memories. “But he never interfered with my friendships.”
    Is that all I was—his son’s friend he disapproved of?
    Again, he read my mind. “Of course, I’d rather see Kev with you than some of the … well. You know. My point is, his friends are for him to select. So if he wants to help one of them, naturally I’m inclined. But you’re a special case.”
    “Because my nephew is the Stadholder.” My tone was bitter.
    “Of course.” His blue eyes seemed to penetrate my