Stryker eyed the blond thing. He still didn't like him but he couldn't help but wonder what trauma the kid had gone through. Was he like Jamie? A pet shop urchin that had been abused by master after master?

He tried not to think about it. He didn't want to sympathise with it.

"Okay," Stryker said, not knowing what else to say.

Jace nodded. "He will be dealt with for hurting him. He was supposed to be going to the zoo next week with his... with Skyler's brother. He's just lost that privilege."

"Nooo!" Addy wailed, his happiness draining instantly. He rounded on his Daddy, going limp once more as...