"I've been hurt before," Max says. "And the doctors here said it looks worse than it is." The bruises will heal, the marks on his arm, well, there's always skin grafts, or a new tattoo if he decides on a design. The point is that it can be hidden.

He gives her a startled look when she talks of pressing charges. He hadn't really thought that far ahead. "They are... were, friends. I can't just hand them over."

He pauses for a moment and then looks at her. "You're going to find them even if I don't tell you, aren't you?"