Back at her computer, she stared at the crazy-looking words Ted had sent her at the speed of light. She was probably the only person in the whole universe who could decipher Ted's mish-mash. She understood every symbol, every letter. All she had to do now was figure out how best to use the information to the vigilantes' advantage.

Maggie stared at the picture of what Ted had called a human tank with whom Lizzie might or might not be smitten. She studied the figure from all angles and finally saw what might attract the lawyer. "Go get 'em, Lizzie. But make him sweat first," she mumbled.

Her e-mail pinged. She moved her mouse and saw a download from Charles. As she read she got excited all over again.

Chapter 14

Retired Judge Cornelia Easter handed her small carry-on to Elias Cummings the moment they stepped off the plane. She wondered why she didn't feel nervous. Probably because her old and dear friend Elias was with her. For some reason, a man always seemed to make a difference. She corrected the thought. Sometimes they made a difference. Then again maybe she was calm because she just didn't give a tinker's damn about anything anymore.

As she walked along with her companion, she thought about the last time she'd been in Las Vegas. At least twenty-five years ago. Then it had been ricky-ticky, sleazy and decadent, and the mob ruled. Today, it was a whole different world, if you believed what you saw on television. She did wish, though, that she knew more about why Charles wanted her and Elias to come here. And maybe get married in the bargain. She couldn't decide if that was a good thing or not. An old shoe and an old sock getting together. There were worse things in the world, she decided. She liked Elias, and he liked her. They could be companions.

She looked over at Elias when he veered to the side to speak to a man who could have doubled as a soccer ball. Her brows knit into a frown when she realized the two men seemed to know one another. As the outgoing director of the FBI, Elias knew a lot of people. She waited for an introduction that didn't look like it was going to happen. Elias cupped her elbow in his big hand and steered her toward a door that said CROWN ROOM.

Inside, people milled around while drinking and eating. Laptops were open, others watching a big-screen TV. Elias handed his credit card and airline ticket to the girl in Reception, waited a minute, then stuffed both back in a jacket pocket.

"Nellie, get some coffee and a sandwich or a drink. I won't be long."