Fred slipped a cigar from his pocket and lit it up. "A bad guy, you say? What makes him so bad?"

"He..." Mya hesitated, her lips parting for a single word before she changed her mind. "Look, we hardly know each other. I'd rather keep it to myself and handle it my way."

A subtle softness crept into Fred's otherwise intimidating face. "How can I help if you don't share the details? If he's done something awful, I can take care of him for you."

Mya was still somewhat skeptical of him. She pursed her lips, uncertain whether to voice her concerns.

Perceiving Mya's dilemma, Fred switched gears. "What's your relationship with the person you're concerned about?"

"Madelyn's my best friend," Mya blurted out. "But she's miserable right now. That jerk has her all cooped up and won't even let her step out of the house."

Fred was intrigued. 'Zach Jardin, who runs the whole of Ventropolis, was unable to control a woman? That's interesting.'

Mya's words piqued Fred's curiosity. He wanted to see