[Firo knows a lot of people who'd kill a kid even if they weren't forced to. Heck, some--like maybe Ladd or that nameless creep from Alcatraz--would welcome the opportunity. The fact that she not only doesn't use it as an excuse but willingly fights it earns her some points with him.

His answer, then, isn't curt but heartfelt.]

Good. Don't know if she'll believe me, but I'll try.

Shit, I hope not. There anything else you've figured out about this? How to tell who's gonna go after who? Why?

[But he has a feeling he may know why.]