"I'm going to check out of here and secure other accommodations. I'll give you a call as soon as I nail something down."

"You going to be okay by yourself, Lizzie?"

"I think so, Ted. I'm a big girl."

"You know what, I liked the old gal. I'm a pretty good judge of character, Lizzie. She hurts. She's in pain. I think you and the vigilantes should help her. And the daughter. Don't look at me like that. I know, okay? So don't try feeding me any of that bullshit about being left holding the bag that day in court when you represented the vigilantes. From that day on you were one of them. Like the old lady said, your secret is safe with me. Hard to believe but true. Go get 'em, Counselor," Ted said, as a cab slid to the curb and he climbed in. "Call me."

Lizzie walked away from the entrance, then turned her back as she whipped out her cell phone and scrolled down until she found the number she wanted. She pressed in the digits and waited a moment to see if she'd get a message or Rena Gold herself. When she heard the soft-voiced greeting, she said, "This is Lizzie Fox. I need a place to stay while I'm in town. I have a male associate with me. Right now I'm outside the Babylon, but when I finish this call, I'm going to check out. Can you help me out?"

Without missing a beat the soft voice said, "Give me an hour, and I'll pick you up in front of the casino. How is. . .?"

"Everyone is fine. They all send their regards. See you in an hour."

Lizzie powered down, then fired up a cigarette. She usually didn't smoke, and when she did light up, she never inhaled. Most times it was just a ploy until she got the lay of the land. Before she could even take one puff on the cigarette, three men were on her like stink on a skunk, asking her to put out her cigarette. She thought about giving them an argument but decided against it. They let guests smoke inside while they gambled, but they wouldn't let them smoke outside. She chalked up the encounter for use at some point in the future. She crushed out the offending cigarette and sashayed into the casino, a wicked smile playing around her lips.