"Because I'm telling you the truth. And because Rena asked me to watch over you because she said she owed you, but there was nothing she could do personally. Rena saved my life a long time ago. There was a bad car accident, and I was part of it. She pulled me out of my truck just minutes before it exploded. She's been like a daughter to me ever since. Call her, for God's sake, ask her."

"Can we put our arms down now?" one of the men asked.

"Only if you fold your hands in your laps and behave," Kathryn said.

The big, burly men did as instructed. They lowered their heads in shame that a bunch of women had taken them on and reduced them to begging.

Nikki walked away and pulled out her cell phone. She scrolled down until she found Rena Gold's number and pressed the autodial. Rena answered on the first ring like she was holding her phone and just waiting for Nikki's call. Nikki spoke quickly. "Yes or no will do it. I don't need a dissertation."

"Well, you're going to get one. Everything Fish probably told you, and I can guess what he said, is true. And it can only mean you have them captive. It wasn't that I didn't have faith in you, I do, but I also know how those goons at the Babylon play the game. I didn't want anything to happen to you. Backup in any language is always a good thing.

"You can trust Fish with your lives. Nikki, I'm sorry if I stepped over the line."

Nikki heard and understood the anguish in Rena's voice. "Okay, but if you're lying to me, we'll come after you. You know that, right?"

"Of course I know that. Your secret is safe with Fish and with me."

Nikki slipped the cell phone back into her pocket. She walked over to the little group and leaned over to reach for Fish's hand and helped him to his feet. The others did the same for his men. "Rena said you were okay. We didn't go into details. Just stay out of our way."

Annie walked over to Fish and handed him his gun, butt first. He holstered it and looked sheepish. Annie smiled.

"You need to fix that crazy-looking wig you're wearing," was all Fish could think of to say.

This was where she probably should have said something corny, like, Thanks for the tip, and then fix the damn wig. But she yanked at it and said, "Up yours" before she walked back to the white van. The others followed her.

Fish's laughter followed them until the van doors closed.

"That was real romantic, Annie," Kathryn said.

"Shhh, I'm thinking," Annie retorted.

Chapter 19

The security room at the Babylon was swimming in testosterone as Hank Owens and his posse of goons watched the monitors.