<br/>Dante’s eyes narrowed as Lerissa mentioned the Halfling woman’s last words, and for a brief moment, seemed to pale slightly.  He looked up at her, and shook his head.<br/><br/>“No,” he said, chewing on his words, “No, club’s closed for now.  Mungo, get everyone out that you can, post guards around anyone still being…entertained, and see that they get escorted out when they are done.”<br/><br/>He scratched his balding head, then looked up sharply as he saw Edwin heading away.  He gave a nod to Tango, who laid a large, hairy palm on the artificer’s shoulder.<br/><br/>“Not so fast, smart guy,” Dante growled, “I’ve got some thoughts I might need your input on, and besides…you<em>owe</em>me.  I’ve been lenient on you so far…”<br/><br/>He let the rest of his threat go unspoken, but Tango smiled with an unmistakable look of anticipation at beating a too-smart artificer until his debt was satisfied.<br/><br/>“Your help will be welcome too,” he spoke, turning towards Dieza, “though I wager it won’t be what you expect…still, you’ll be well compensated.”<br/><br/>Dante looked about and frowned.<br/><br/>“Where the hell is Lita and that Sovereign’s be damned weasel?” he asked, looking about.  He turned to Merelus, and gave a nod.<br/><br/>“Much as I hate to impose, you’ve been a good bit of help so far, and you seem a bit quicker than Tango here.  Think you can track down my wayward head bouncer and bring her back to my office?  The rest of you, come with me.  Let’s go somewhere we can speak more privately.”<br/><br/>Meanwhile, outside, Lita looked about but it was clear that the balmy, humid weather, combined with the occasional short burst of rain, had erased all traces of where Pidge had come from.  It appeared she had reached a literal dead end, and the chaos in the streets outside the club had no doubt driven away any witnesses that remained.<br/>