Billy stared back up at the man defiantly. "So what if I would?"
The man broke into a smile as he laughed, making him seem much less imposing. "You've got guts, kid! Alright, how about this? You tell me your name and I'll give you a trial run to see if you have what it takes to work for me. You'll have food to eat and a bed to sleep in if you do whatever I say, no questions asked."
No questions asked? That sounded a lot like life with Charlie and Jean had been. He knew how to do as he was told and keep his mouth shut.
"Fine. I'm Billy…" He didn't want to tell the truth in case news about the Bay Area Blade had made it this far south and ended up saying the first word that came to mind. "Gold. Billy Gold."
The man smirked, obviously not believing his made-up last name. Billy internally cursed himself for hesitating. He should have come up with an alibi earlier.
