And sure enough, a few moments later, Rutus was getting a quick kiss. On the lips, no less. Rutus strutted back to the table and pocketed the money. Dresden said it wasn't a real kiss, and it didn't count. He put some more down and bet she couldn't get a 'real' kiss from the woman.

Rutus went over there and they could see a lot of gesturing, and laughter, then Rutus got up on the bench and pulled the woman close. Then they kissed for a few moments. I mean deep, personal, cleaning the back molars kind of kiss.

Afterwards the woman sat there fanning herself, and Rutus once again came back and pocketed the money. This went on for a while, and Dresden and Rutus won and lost money and neither came out ahead at the end of the night.

They paid their tab and went upstairs to try and sleep for the big day ahead of them. At the base of the stairs, Rutus said I think I get it now and Endermon and Shiloh said they were proud of her and they left it at that.

Stolen novel; please report.

The next morning they were armored up and made their way to the empty alligator building. Or at least they tried to. No one seemed to know anything about it. Finally there was an old man in a rocker that said they were going in the wrong direction.

He pointed which way they should go, and they thanked him and were off. They were walking for a while until they saw a massive wooden structure that had the appearance of what used to be an expensive building.

They searched for a way in but the place stayed closed. Dresden leaned against the wall, and there was a click, and a door opened in the wall. It seemed to be waiting for them. Summoning up all her courage, Endermon went inside. The others followed, then the door closed.