babysitting room so parents can attend panels and the like without disrupting them. All we had to do was get her a day pass to the con." The elevator arrived and they suspended the conversation until they arrived at lower lobby two and debarked. As they threaded their way through the crowd toward the ballroom where costume contests were held, Cade spotted the Brooklyn Klingon woman yet again. She carried a blonde wig and seemed in a hurry. "That's Chandra," said John. "When she saw us bringing in a vanload of blondes, she got curious. We put her on the payroll for this event to keep her quiet." "This is where I get off," said Mandi, pointing at a side door. "See you later, guys." As Mandi headed for the door, John said, "She'll put on one of our homespun uniforms and join the other contestants after Phyllis fixes her face." Cade gave John the fisheye and asked, "There's no way she can win, is there?" Shaking his head, John smilingly said, "Sorry, but no. The best she can hope for is third or fourth." "Have the judges already picked the winner?" Again shaking his head, John said, "No, just one loser in particular. We didn't see any need to fix things past that." "What's the prize?" "There are three. First is five hundred bucks, a free pass to next year's convention, and some publicity. Second prize is a free pass and two-fifty. Third is one-fifty and a free pass." He shrugged and added, "And our actors are getting a hundred bucks each, win or lose." Stopping by the second set of ballroom doors, John said, "This is your station." He grinned and added, "Since you slept through the regular briefing, here's your update, Cade. We're here to watch for bad guys." "Ha, ha," Cade said flatly as he put on the 'staff' badge and installed his radio gear. "I'll catch 'em for you, but you have to clean 'em." "Fair enough. We have people at the hallway doors upstairs, so anyone who shows up in this lobby is a bogey until proven otherwise. Carter'll let you know if she sees anything on her screens. All set?" "All set." Nodding, John said, "Later, Cade." Returning his nod, Cade said, "Later, John." Chapter Sixteen