"Looks like it," he agreed, though he was only half-concerned about the new person (mostly because he'd been expecting him sooner or later). They were both on his very short list of people to watch out for, and now that he'd confirmed their presence, it was clear there was something more happening than just your general heroin addict swooning.

Vial concealed loosely in his hand, he turned to Mars and lowered his voice. "Do me a favor? Gonna get a closer look, but if someone looks like they're 'bout to throw some fists, I could use a distraction," he explained, all the while turning up the cuffs of his jacket. "Nothin' too crazy — break a glass, knock over the table, just somethin' simple and non-invasive. Do that and I'll send you flowers on your birthday," he finished, and whether he was being serious about the specifics or not, Blake guessed it was enough to illustrate his point: He'd owe her.