Xylar's eyes glittered with malice as he fixed his gaze on the former gang member. "Come now, Rodney," he said, emphasizing the name with mock sweetness. "Surely you haven't forgotten your old friends so quickly?"
Rattlesnake – or Rodney, as he was once known – bristled at the use of his given name.
His knuckles whitened around the hilt of his blade. "I told you, I don't know anything," he growled, eyes darting between Xylar and the shadows where he knew others must be lurking.
Xylar took a step forward, his movement casual yet somehow menacing. "Oh, I think you do," he purred. "And for your sake – and little Lily's – I hope you're feeling talkative."
The color drained from Rodney's face at the mention of his daughter's name. 'How does he know about her?' he thought, panic rising in his chest. He struggled to keep his voice steady as he replied, "Leave my family out of this. They've got nothing to do with any of it."
