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

From his station at the ballroom doors, Cade almost didn't spot Mandi among
the others when the women first paraded onto the stage. As his gaze passed over
them, one of the women flicked her eyebrows at him and grinned. Cade studied her
a moment longer, then nodded and grinned back.
Phyllis had slightly altered Mandi's face and body in ways so subtle that
Cade could only guess how she'd done it. All he could say was that she didn't
look much like herself.
When the ballroom had been filled to capacity and then some, the lobby was
cleared and all the double doors were closed. Cade and the others stood in front
of the doors.
Slightly muffled by the doors, Cade heard the announcer blather for a while
about the purpose of the event being to honor the woman who'd saved Atlanta,
then footage of the event was announced, followed by a video playback of the
previous night's car-juggling exposition.
Apologies were made that Mandi, herself, couldn't be there, assurances were
made that she'd receive a complete recording of the event, and the announcer
wrapped up his stage time by turning the show over to a woman, who announced the
three prizes to be awarded by the convention and segued the announcement into an
introduction of the contest judges.
At last they got down to the look-alike competition. Knowing the general
routine each woman would perform, Ca