Chapter 97 How The Mighty Sweat In Winter

• Burke's fingers did a nervous little dance on the table - like a junkie needing a fix. "Let's not go nuclear here, Vasquez. This operation's got... what's the word... nuances. The White House don't need to stick their nose in Chicago business."
• "Don't they though?" Maria felt that old South Side fire lighting up her belly. "Way I see it, this city's burning faster than a Bears season. I reckon even the Man Upstairs would need backup to keep the peace around here."
• The suits started whispering like altar boys before mass. Burke plastered on his politician smile - the kind they practice in mirrors - but his eyes were scared as a rookie's first shootout. "Now hold up." His chair squealed against the floor as he stood. "This ain't bigger than what we can handle in-house."