But sensing no malice from Blackie, only an earnest, clumsy attempt at friendliness, left Blackfin more unsettled than if he had been threatened outright. The emotional whiplash was difficult to process. One moment he had been beaten half to death, the next he was being treated like a long-lost colleague. The shift was so abrupt that his mind struggled to catch up.
Blackie, for his part, was simple and unwavering. He had heard Ethan's order clearly. The Boss was recruiting, which meant Blackfin was now part of the team. And teammates were friends. It was as straightforward as that.
Ethan studied Blackfin more closely and frowned. "What happened to your face?"
