A boy of about 17 was sitting in a hospital bed. He had black curly hair and was wearing a Rolling Stones T-Shirt.
"Robby, focus, up here," said a voice and snapping figures. He looked up and saw the boss.
"Hey boss, why am I in the hospital?"
"You ODed on something. You told me you were clean."
"Ace, you know this kid?" Cameron looked at her.
"Yea, look, in school I'm the leader of this group of kids. We call ourselves the SPADES. We place all the bets of the school. Football games, poker games, cafeteria fights, we are in charge. And I'm in charge of that. This is Robby, who is one of my faces. Most people call me Ace, but my faces call me boss."
"Faces?"
"Three of each King, Queen, and Jack," Ace said, "like a deck of cards, and I'm the only ace, and the only spade. I give tasks to my faces, and they distribute between there cards. Jack: 2,3,4; Queen: 5,6,7; King: 8,9,10. Higher numbers pick their job first. It ain't easy to get in my club. No addictions of any sort allowed. If they get in trouble, I get interviewed because I'm their 'friend'.
"Robby, you were supposed to be taken bets at Tony's game. Why aren't you there?"
"I came in yesterday for an appointment, but some crazy sarcastic doctor, I think it was that House on you was sayin' about, didn't give a…" he paused looking at the doctors in the room, "and sent me home. But I feel worse. I haven't felt this bad since Juvi." He was talking with a 'ghetto' accent.
"Why were you in Juvenile Hall," asked Cameron.
"Growin' of weed."
"What," she said.
"Possession of marijuana," Ace supplied, "He said he didn't take any, but now I'm not so sure."
"I didn't, I swear."
"Well, I have your tox screen. You're out of the SPADES."
"What? No fair. I worked hard to be a Jack, and I'm almost a queen. You can not kick me out."
"I can't believe a druggy got to a Jack. I knew shouldn't have trusted him…"
"You have no proof."
"I have your tox screen."
"Damn. I can't be out."
"Yea, you are. End of story."
"I need the pay," he said.
"For what, your joints?" He frowned.
"Question. How does marijuana make you…"
"Have a seizure? It was laced with something. Duh, we have had this conversation at least 40 times in health class."
"Hate that class. I don't pay attention."
Ace stormed out.
"Boys," she said. She walked to the conference room. They didn't have a case after all.
Cameron walked in the room right after her.
"So, Ace, my niece and nephew are coming up tomorrow. They are about your age."
"Don't worry, I won't be cruel. Well, I'll be better than House anyway."
"I was just gonna say, don't bring the pregnancy thing."
"Don't worry. I don't think I would get to close to them."
"Why?"
"You reek of goodness. They can't be that much different."
Cameron made a face.
"Don't worry; we love you for being the perfect catholic school girl, well, minus the belief in God."
