"Whew! That's a tough group there," Emily said.

"Yeah. The cops say they can't get anything on 'em. But they're sure those guys are part of the trouble around the beach," Don said, glancing back as they turned onto Venice Boulevard.

"Who are they?" Traci asked, aware of Don's lingering stare. Why was he doing this to her? Why was he purposely coming on to her when he knew she wouldn't do anything.

"They call themselves the Huns… a good name for 'em. They used to be outta Santa Rosa. They've been hanging around Venice for the past month or so. Seems like everything in California winds up in Venice sooner or later," Don said sullenly.

None of them spoke too much on the way east to Lincoln Boulevard.

"Well, someone's home. Why don't you two come in for awhile," Emily asked as they stopped in front of her home.

"I'd better not. My mom's going to be worried if I don't…" Traci began.

"Oh, Traci! Well, goodnight, Don," Emily said, hugging the big man playfully. Traci looked the other way. It was shameful the way her friend threw herself at men. If she could only see how cheap she looked doing that!

They left Emily running up the front walk. Traci felt suddenly vulnerable, alone. Of course, that was foolish. Don turned out to be a perfect gentleman, someone trusted by Emily's mother and father. Still…

"Oh!"

Traci stopped in front of her house. Every window was dark. Of course! This was Wednesday night. Her mother wouldn't be home until eleven, working late at the office. She had taken her keys, hadn't she? Desperately she searched her bag under the bright light of a streetlamp.