The city had a lot to offer and all it wanted in return was cash. In the midst of thin stratus clouds executives made decisions that resembled games of chance as easily as plots of strategy. Men like his big brother Joe.

On the sidewalks vendors swung sticks of steaming bagels, hands reaching for cash, mouths a running tape of salemen spiel that tempted if the scent could not.

Cash passed hands over counters, in doorways, between two people passing by as if a couriered note or an eternal flame.

Joe dealt in things. Devin, in cash.