Sara hadn’t heard from her brother in days, since before Barney, the larcenous old catchpole, had come hunting.

Jeff was in big trouble with the Syndicate already, and now the law was getting involved. Barney made a big show of hinting that by “cooperating” with him, Sara could wipe out her brother’s debt and simultaneously square accounts with the Syndicate. Sara could no more stomach Barney than she could any other man but she played along. Drugged his wine and snickered conspiratorially when he awoke in her bed. None the wiser, Barney would brag for months.

Jeff owed her big time.