"Sure. Nothing else to do."
They set up the game at the table and resumed their competition, with Tristan chatting and asking questions while they played.
"So, I'm guessing you still don't want to tell me how you got into this business, huh?"
"Nope," Cade responded, popping the 'p' and making a particularly bold but strategic move. He really was getting good at this game.
Tristan hmphed but moved his own chips, then rested his chin on his hand as he watched his opponent contemplate his next turn.
"How many people do you work with?"
Cade's deep brown eyes flicked up and narrowed before shifting back to the game.
"Several."
"Like how many?"
"Why does it matter?"
"I don't know. I'm just curious."
The lack of response irritated and exasperated him; getting information out of this man was more strenuous than chopping wood.
"You don't trust me," he guessed, not sure why that hurt.
That annoying shrug made a spectacular return, causing Tristan to silently scream inside his head.
He tried to allay Cade's fears. "I get it that you don't want to tell me to protect yourself and them, but you're helping me find Nat. It's not like I would use that information against you. Plus, I believe in what you guys do …"
"Your turn," was the frustrating response.
After momentarily concentrating on the game, Tristan asked, "What are they like? The guys? I mean, are they all guys?"
"Except Annabeth, yes."
"What's your boss like? He was pretty cool when you messed up with Wilson."
"I did not mess that up!" Cade hissed.
"Okay, fine. So what's your boss like?"
"I dunno. Tough, smart, fair."
"What about the other guys?"
"They're okay. Except Tag. Are you gonna move or not?"
Huffing again, Tristan rolled his eyes and the dice. He moved his pieces, then studied Cade as he took his turn.
"Do you guys, like, kill a lot of people?"
"What?"
"Like, how often do you, you know, do that? Like with Wilson?"
"When I'm told to."
"How often is that?"
