Adam Rakunas

““It’s not a crime if you write the laws,” said Madolyn.“Or hire the lobbyists,” said Gricelda.“Ooh, good reminder,” said Madolyn. “We need to get us some of those. Also, more flamethrowers.””

“A look flashed across One-Eye’s face, like frustration getting pummeled by anger with an extra slap from resignation.”

““Do you know what black stripe is?” he said. “It’s a warning. It’s nature’s way of telling us what a bad idea it is to rely too much on one plant.””

“If that were true, then we were all in new territory, the kind filled with flesh-eating landmines and laser-guided crocodiles.”

“You’re working something, and I should have you arrested for impersonating a con man.”

“You have the magical combo of luck and sheer pigheadedness it takes to succeed in business.”

““Santee property law makes a hurricane look orderly. You just have to pass the bar exam.”“How tough is it?” he asked.“Depends on how much you can drink.””

““This is all completely on the level.”“Your level isn’t even level,” I said, waving for Big Lily to bring me another tea. “You’re so crooked it defies physics.””

““Now, what can I do for you? And it had better involve you turning into a giant stack of money, ’cause I’m not interested in whatever scam you’re cooking up.”“What makes you think I got a scam?”“Because you’re talking.””

“I suppose if I stuck with the union long enough, I’d be promoted to those circles, but I had other plans, and all of them involved me no longer giving a shit.”