"Hey, Sketchy, whatcha got?"
"I overheard another reporter here talk about covering some crack snake cult story."
"And?"
"The guy claims to have a manuscript with text that somewhat resembles that quote you gave me and some other really crazy stuff. Or at least that's what he says; he probably can't even read it. Anyone who believes this cult is real has to be whack."
"Can you get it?"
"Not a chance. This guy's a real jerk and won't even let me see the cover. So wait a minute: you think this cult is the real deal?"
"Fraid so." Sketchy had proven to be a useful ally to the transgenics, rallying readers to their cause with his journalism, but Logan still didn't trust him with their dark secrets. He was as likely as Alec to screw up as much as he helped.
"I knew it!" Sketchy breathed, though he had just scoffed at the idea a moment earlier. He felt a thrill run through him. These stories were real, and he was right in the middle of them!
"Sketch, we have to see that manuscript."
"I'm not stealing it, man."
"You don't have to. Just tell me where it is, and one of Max's will grab it."
"It'll come back to me, man. I just asked to see it today, and suddenly it disappears?"
"This is important. We'll figure something out so you'll be protected."
Sketchy thought about it, but only for a moment. Max had bailed him out of trouble many times of the years he'd known her. She stuck by him despite his lame pickup lines and ability to attract trouble. It was only right to help her out for once. Plus, imagine the scoop he'd have! Sketchy quickly gave Logan a name and office number. His friends were so cool.