Ray sat down on the couch and stared at the wall in a daze. She hadn't been there. She was gone. Where had she been taken?

Behind him, Vincent and Denise were inspecting the spoils of their break in. There were quite a few valuable items.

"Nice job, Ray," Denise complimented, "guess your kid sister is useful after all."

"She wasn't there," Ray muttered.

"Hm?" Denise asked, "you say something?"

"She wasn't there," Ray said more loudly, "they took here somewhere else. She's gone."

Vincent scoffed. "Probably ditched her and gave her to another family." He held up a gemstone and studied it appreciative. "Maybe the next family is as rich as this one. You should try and find her again."

Ray narrowed his eyes and stood up. Clenching his fists, he walked up to Vincent. "Is that all you care about?! Your next big hit?! This is my little sister!"

"And she'll be fine," Vincent growled, "lots of kids grow up in the system. Let it go and move on. Do something useful. Like getting these stones to Alec. He has connections."

Ray gritted his teeth and made ready to take a swing at Vincent, but Vincent caught his fist and pushed him up against the wall. Grabbing Ray's collar he brought his face close to the younger boy's face. "Careful, punk, don't start what you can't finish. Or do you want me to tell Alec what happened to his stash?"

Ray's eyes widened a fraction of a second. "That was only once," he choked out, "and I made up for it. You said we were cool."

"Yeah, I'm not sure Alec would feel the same," Vincent said in a low voice, "so unless you want him to find out the truth about that, you'll do exactly as I tell you." He pushed Ray towards the table. "Deliver those. And I'll know if you try to rip me off."

Ray gritted his teeth and held in his anger. He gathered the jewelry and pulled up his hood before walking out the door. There were days he wished he had never met Vincent Burke, but at that time there hadn't been anyone else to fall back on. It was Vincent that had offered him a place to stay when things were rough at home, Vincent that had introduced him to Alec and Marco so he could make quick cash. Vincent, who now controlled every aspect of his life.

He knew it wasn't a good place for Alyssa, but at least that way he could keep an eye on her. He could protect her, make sure she wouldn't fall prey to someone like Burke without someone to watch over her.

He found Alec at his usual spot at the bus stop, counting money. Ray casually strolled up to him and gave a slight nod. "I'm lookin' to sell somethin'," he said quietly.

Alec barely even looked at him. "Scram kid. I'm busy."

"It's worth your while," Ray said.

Alec sighed. "I'll be at the carshop at two. Don't be late and don't waste my time."

Ray shifted nervously. "Vince said now."

Now Alec did look up. "Did he now? Well, perhaps I should remind him who's running the show here. Two. Take it or leave it."

Ray cleared his throat and nodded again. He didn't want to get on Alec's bad side. The man was unpredictable. Without another look, he walked away. He might as well kill some time before he was supposed to meet up with Alec.

Under the bridge at the river, he ran into two familiar faces. Sarah Martinez was only one year older than him. He had seen her around a few times. She was currently busy graffitiing the tunnel wall. It looked really pretty, Ray thought, she had talent.

Not far from her sat her friend Darren. Ray had seen him hang around Marco's carshop and he was one of Alec's runners. They were close in age and the two had struck up a friendship. "Hey man," Darren greeted, "sup?"

"Not much," Ray shrugged, "the usual." He sat down next to Darren and studied Sarah's artwork. "Nice piece, Martinez."

Sarah smirked. "Thanks, Scott. What brings you to this part of town?"

Ray sighed and leaned back against the wall. "Meeting with Alec."

Darren whistled. "Fancy. Vincent letting you handle things on your own now?"

Ray smirked. "It was my contact, so technically my spoils."

"Sure," Darren rolled his eyes, "but if Vince doesn't get the cut he planned for himself, you'll be nursing a few cracked ribs."

"I didn't know you had contacts," Sarah now mingled in the conversation, "who are the exactly?"

Ray sighed and fidgeted with the hem of his shirt "My sister."

"You have a sister?" Darren quirked an eyebrow. " You never told me that. Is she hot?"

Ray glared at him. "She's five."

Darren and Sarah both blinked at him and then laughed. "Good one, Ray," Darren grinned, "you had me there for a moment. No really, who's your contact?"

"It ain't no joke," Ray said, "she was placed into foster care. Those people are loaded."

"And you're talking to Alec about business opportunities huh," Darren nodded in understanding.

"Just looking to sell," Ray answered, "no use in goin' back there. She's gone."

"Gone?" Sarah asked, "as in..."

"They took her and placed her somewhere else," Ray growled, "now I have to look for her all over again. Next time I'm takin' her with me."

Darren snorted. "And then what? Bring her to Vince's place? He hates kids. Besides, foster care ain't so bad. The folks I live with, they don't care where I'm at all day, as long as they can cash the cheque every month. And Services don't care as long as they give me food and clothes. I can do whatever the hell I want. It's perfect."

"Good for you," Ray scoffed, "but I'm gonna to take care of her. She's my family."

"Well, I think it's great," Sarah said, "Darren may be lucky with his foster people, but you hear all kinds of things. Ray's right for wanting to take care of his sister. I'll even babysit."

"For a price, of course," Darren rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

"Of course," Sarah stated matter of fact, "this equipment doesn't come cheap." She motioned towards her spray cans.

"I gotta find her first," Ray said, "I doubt I can break into Social Services again."

Darren stared at him. "You actually did that?"

Ray sighed and checked his watch. "I gotta go. Don't wanna be late."

"I'll walk you," Darren said, "see if Marco has a job for me." He stood up and waved at Sarah. "Later."

"Bye," Sarah said, her eyes already on her artwork.

Ray crawled to his feet as well and followed Darren to the carshop.

...

The carshop was the kind of shady place that was constantly on the cops' radar, but was never openly accused of anything. Mostly because the real shady business took place elsewhere. Also, Marco knew how to stay on their good side. Throw them the occasional bone and they were more inclined to let things slide.

Ray kept a low profile. He was only small fry compared to some of the people that frequented this place. He was just the delivery guy. And in this case, he came to meet with Alec, who was already seated in Marco's office.

Ignoring the shady characters lurking around, Ray walked over to the office.

"Make it quick, kid," Alec said when he came in, "I'm busy."

Ray gave a nod and emptied his pockets. "Vince said you know someone who might be interested in this."

Alec raised an eyebrow at the sight of the jewelry. "Looks like Vince upped his game." He examined the stones. "I might know someone, but the stones need to be sold separately. These pieces look like they're custom made. It's too risky to sell them as a whole." He pursed his lips. "They're worth less that way though. Where'd you find them?"

Behind Ray, Darren leaned in the doorway and smirked. "Wait til you hear this story. He used his kid sister. They robbed her foster family."

Alec glared at him "What are you doing here? I don't have a job for you. Make yourself scarce. I'm doing business here."

Darren scowled, but knew better than to piss off Alec. He retreated back into the workshop in search of Marco.

Alec snorted and looked back at Ray. "Is that true? You robbed your kid sister's foster family?"

Ray put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "They're loaded."

Alec chuckled. "So this was your idea? Not Vince? Should have known. He doesn't have the brains for this. I like your style, kid. Ever thought about going solo? I can use someone like you in my crew."

Ray looked down at the floor. He knew the kind of jobs Alec's crew did. It was no joke. Alec was involved in some serious organized crime. Ray wanted nothing to do with that. "I'm good," he shrugged.

Alec shrugged. "Come find me if you ever change your mind." He tossed the necklace back on the table. "I'll talk to my contact. He needs to sell 'em too, you understand. So after he takes his cut and deducting my fee, there should be a nice percentage in it for you."

Doubtful, Ray knew. Vincent would demand most of that money to be handed to him, tough Ray had learned how to hold back. He had saved up quite a sum by now. It would still take years though before he'd have enough to leave this town. And now he had Alyssa to think of too.

He needed to find her.

He nodded at Alec. "Thanks."

Alec nodded back and studied him a moment. "So, you have a kid sister, eh? Why's she in the system?"

"Why is anyone in the system?" Ray said bitterly, "I'm gonna get her out though."

"Why?" Alec questioned, "foster care isn't so bad. Look at D. Besides, she can be of use where she is." He nodded at the jewelry between them.

Ray shook his head. "She's already been placed elsewhere. But I'm gonna find her."

Alec studied him puzzled, but then nodded. "I can appreciate a man that takes care of his own. Proves he's loyal." He gathered the jewelry and put it in his pocket. "Come back in ten days. I'll have your cut ready for you then." He smirked. "I might have a job for you then too. You can go with Darren. I'll let you know the details."

Ray could only nod in agreement. It wasn't like he could refuse. This offer was Alec's way of giving him honor. "Thanks. I'll see you then." He backed out of the office.

Halfway down the carshop he was caught up with by Darren. "How'd it go?" his friend asked.

"Alec will have my money in a few days," Ray answered, "he says he'll have a job for us."

"Sweet," Darren grinned, "I'm ready for some action."

Ray couldn't help but chuckle. Darren's happy nature had always been contagious. "Think you can hold on a few more days?"

Darren sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright. I'll try to be patient, but just because it's you."

Ray shook his head amused. "You're such a dork."

"Hey, this dork happens to be the best car thief in the vicinity."

"Sure," Ray nodded, "keep tellin' yourself that."

"Hey, there's is no car I can't boost," Daren said, "ask Marco. He'll tell you."

Ray raised his hands. "I'll take your word for it."

Darren chuckled. "I'll see you, man. Take care. And don't let Vince get to you." He shook hands with Ray and slapped his shoulder. "If you find that sister of yours let me know. I'll teach her how to drive."

"She's five, remember?"

Darren rolled his eyes. "I'll teach her as soon as she can look over the wheel."

"I can teach her myself," Ray said, "I know how to drive."

"Riiight," Darren nodded, "who was it again that drove that Range Rover into that lamppost? You're lucky Marco didn't throw your ass out that time."

"It was just a scratch," Ray countered, "and I was tryin' to avoid hitting that cat."

"Well, you accomplished that," Darren smirked, "but I think I'll be the one to teach her how to avoid hitting cats properly." He tilted his head and motioned towards a house. "This is my stop. Wanna come in? I know where Duke hides his stash."

Ray shook his head. "Nah, I'll pass. Some other time. Ask Sarah. Maybe she's game."

Darren chuckled. "I think she'll like it better if you come along. She's totally into you."

Ray blinked. "Really?" He had never considered that. He had just taken her friendliness as 'friendly'. He liked Sarah, but had never thought of her that way.

"So you're coming?" Daren asked again.

Ray smiled and shook his head. "Sorry. Some other time."

Darren shrugged. "Suit yourself. Take care, man."

"See ya," Ray waved.

They parted ways.