"Right. Well, I guess the city needs money to put in a seriously high-class security system down there, and they've been negotiating with this Kaaiai guy over it."

"Okay. What's that got to do with dinner tonight?"

"The guy's got a security detail, but one of the things he does is always get a few locals to work on it. He feels like he gets a better sense of the city that way, and besides, locals recognize the real trouble."

"And he wants you?" Margrit laughed at the incredulity in her own voice. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound so surprised. I'm sure you can do it. It's just-"

"Just that I'm a homicide cop without any high-reaching connections," Tony finished. "Six brothers and sisters and none of them are in anything like this league for casual socializing. I have no idea how he came across my name."

"Have you asked?"

"I haven't met him yet. He comes in this afternoon."

"Ah-hah. So we're off for tonight. Well, damn."

"I can make it up to you."

Margrit tilted back in her chair, an eyebrow arched. "How?"

"The lieutenant says she's heard Kaaiai is generous to the people who work for him, and I guess he is. He's issued a package of invitations for the events he'll be attending while he's in the city. Theater, dinners, lunches, concerts-the guy's booked. Looks boring as hell to me, but the point is I can bring a date." Wryness crept into his voice. "Anybody who passes the security clearance and doesn't mind her date working all night and not paying attention to her."

Margrit laughed. "You know anybody like that, Detective?"

"I had a girl in mind," he said good-naturedly. "She works for Legal Aid, but I think this is probably her kind of thing. She's gotten kind of high-profile lately."