"If I'd known this was gonna be a party I'd have dressed up," Badd mumbled as he was swept along with the crowd. And now this Mike guy, for no obvious reason, with bats stuffed down his shirt. Badd was beginning to feel like the babysitter in this situation.

He took up a position near Niikura, but kept his eyes on the other two. Outnumbered three to one, but if they were packing anything severe they hid it well. Badd still favored his chances. "Basement's fine with me. I've been wanting a peek at it anyway."