The yard buzzed with scattered voices and the clang of weights. Aiko sat cross-legged on the cracked pavement, notebook balanced on her knees. Ginger dropped down beside her, tossing a pebble across the concrete like it was no big deal.

  “You ever think about what you’d be doing if you weren’t stuck here?” Ginger asked, eyes on the fence.

  Aiko shrugged, not looking up. “Yeah. A lot.”

  “Me too.” Ginger smirked, but the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Difference is, I’d probably be making just as big a mess on the outside.”

  She leaned back on her palms, the sun catching her blond hair. “Used to run with this guy. Thought he had my back. Said we were partners. First job we got caught? He sold me out before I even knew what was happening.”

  Aiko’s grip tightened on her pencil.

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  “My mom?” Ginger gave a hollow laugh. “She believed him. Told me I was poison. Said she was done.” Her voice cracked, just for a second, before she shook it off with another laugh. “Guess she meant it. Haven’t heard from her since.”

  Aiko glanced up, then back down quickly. Her voice was low. “You’re not poison.”

  Ginger tilted her head, studying her. “Then what about you? What’s your story, Little Ninja?”

  Aiko shut her notebook. “I didn’t do it.”

  “They all say that,” Ginger teased, though her tone was softer this time.

  “I mean it.” Aiko’s jaw clenched. “It was Jack.”

  The name dropped between them like a stone.

  Ginger let it hang, then leaned back with a sly grin. “Fine. Keep your secrets. Just remember, liars usually talk too much. You? You barely say anything.”

  Aiko frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means I almost believe you.” Ginger nudged her shoulder with her own, playful again. “Almost.”

  Despite herself, Aiko smiled—small, quick, but real.

  The yard whistle blew, breaking the moment. Ginger stood, dusting off her hands. “C’mon, Little Ninja. Let’s go stir up some trouble before they lock us back in.”

  Aiko rose, notebook tucked under her arm. She didn’t answer, but she followed.