The colder, utilitarian side of Elijah would have argued that it was all his way of making sure Asher would be hard pressed to double-cross him. But that would have been a lie. It would have been him pushing aside all the ways his heart felt content giving in with all these little ways he did. Presents, wine, tobacco and even touching.

He had no delusions about Asher. He knew the man's rap sheet better than he knew his own file. But there was that part of him that hoped that maybe if someone were to show the man some kindness, he would make amends, he would make life better for himself.

Curse his bleeding heart, but it was the reason why he paused his stroking for a moment and then looked down at Asher. "We should get a tree tomorrow. What do you say?"