I found myself walking into Johnny's that afternoon to meet Alison for ice cream. Not because I wanted ice cream, mind you. Even I was willing to admit I only went to see if the brothers would show up.

I promised Mom, but if they started something... oh, I'd be finishing their butts right out of town.

Alison waved at me from our usual booth, big glass windows shining sunlight in on her. She wasn't alone and I was almost annoyed to find Pain sitting with her. I got over ...