Chapter 6Daniel and Paul met George in a back booth at Tap Out. Loud punk music played in the background, only broken up with sounds of heavy breathing from the dance floor and other darkened corners. After exchanging pleasantries with George, he agreed to tell them all they wanted to know about the ins and outs of the magical and illegal animal trade. “Off the record, of course.”
“Of course,” Paul said. When a waitress with blue skin came by, he ordered three vegan cocktails all around and handed over his credit card.
“Good man,” George said, and then leaned close to Daniel to whisper something in his ear. Paul was on the other side of George and heard nothing; he only saw Daniel’s neck turn cherry red and a marking close to George’s hair become visible under the low lights. The phrase
