“Listen, Arthur has the gentlest soul I've ever met. He isn't a fighter, and he's never raised his hand to anyone that I know of. He won't ever hurt you."

Jane stifled a sob.

“I'm trying," was all she could say.

"No one is asking for more than that," Talia responded sweetly.

"Jane, I have to ask something. Is there someone out there who is looking for you? Someone we could contact for you?"

Jane lowered her head.

"No. No one."

“Not even your parents?"

“My parents . . . my father is dead, and I haven't spoken to my... my mother in a long time," Jane replied.

"I don't have any brothers or sisters. I don't even have . . . have a job or a place to live."

"Surely your landlord . . ."

"My landlord is a disgusting pig!" Jane said, suddenly snarling. Then she sank back in her chair. She hadn't meant to snap.

Talia looked her over carefully.

“Jane, I can't imagine what caused you to be like this, but I want to help you. I want to ask you some questions, and I want you to be honest with me. Do you think you could do that?"

Jane looked back at Talia with something she hadn't felt in a long time . . . hope. She nodded.

Talia smiled. She sat down on the ground and began to ask Jane about her life, starting with her childhood.

Talia was sitting around a table on one of the abandoned subway cars, having a pleasant meal of ravioli when she sensed a presence at the door. Without looking up, Talia began to speak.

"So, have you finished being a bitch for this week, or do you still have some minutes left on your plan?"

“That's not fair," Red said, sitting down across from her friend.

"It's completely fucking fair and you know it," Talia said irritably.

Red closed her eyes.

"Yeah, I guess so."

Talia felt some of her anger melt away. Red had the best of intentions, but had been under a lot of stress.

"As long as we agree on that," she said smugly.