There was still plenty for Ann and me to do. We had been concentrating on aliens, but there were plenty of home-grown scoundrels, thieves, and murdere...s scattered over the thousands of timelines to keep us as busy as we wanted to be. Lars pointed out that there was a conman who preyed on widows who were desperate for male companionship. He had wanted to get rid of the guy for some time, but the pressure of the aliens had overridden any other targets.I was reluctant to murder the man in cold. I'm carrying Mom'slittle pink shoulder bag. Nothing is in it but my powder compact andlipstick,but I feel fabulous carrying it. It's my first purse and itmakes me feel just that much more the girl. I can't stop smiling.Our hostess shows us to our table. There is a pretty candle in themiddle of the white tablecloth. A folded blue napkin sits in front ofeach of the four chairs. I smooth my skirt and sit. Jennie sits next me,and Mom on the other side. Our hostess hands us each a menu,and we. "You're the picture guy huh?" Seeing my nod, she went on, "I see all those leggy models going in and out. They're not afraid of throwing us a few bucks... not like some... what's your name anyway?" Rod... Rod Scouries..." Do ya get to fuck em?" Go back to Kansas or wherever you came from sweetie," I said, dismissing her as I stood to go."Hey, hey I'm sorry," she shouted to my retreating back, "and it's Chicago." I knew you had to be a Midwesterner," I said shaking my head as I looked back.. Gretchen minds worked rapidly. "What if there was a way to save yourfamily name. What would you give up?" Anything! Anything!" I can save your family honor, and your honor. Under certainconditions." You what can you do, you little bastard child?" First you must swear not to remove a blind fold or some bonds and Iwill show you."He laughed and agreed in his grim humor. So, with the Graf bonded andblind folded she led him first to the wise woman and then the three wentto one of her hidden caches.