tric, but my apartment felt like a tomb. My cousin, Andrew Lester,

he begged, his voice cracking. "

was the frontman for a band that never made it out of the local dive bar circuit. He

time, Andrew?" I a

avoiding my eyes. "I borrowed money. A l

hark. Of

e meeting with someone who matters." He look

a meeting with him was like getting a private audience with the Pope. But I had a connection, a frag

possible," I starte

nly way out. The loan shark.

mily only took. Against my better judgment, I pulled out my phone. I called in the biggest favor of my career. It was a long, tense conversation, but

d. He scrambled up and hugged me. "Thank you, Nic

cheap, glossy photo of him leaning against a brick wall, trying t

tle something for you to pass around. These are exclusive.

back at his smug face. I h