Tommy watched Malone walk off to catch up with the private detective. He looked over his shoulder. “And you’re right to stay out of Queens,” Malone said. “That old woman isn’t happy with what you did to her book!” Malone walked off and Tommy Tester remained there, feeling exposed—seen—in a way he’d never experienced. “You’re a cop,” Tommy called. “Can’t you protect me?” Malone looked back once more. “Guns and badges don’t scare everyone.”
