We drink in silence for a couple of minutes, then Vidocq says, “You should let him go. There are things that can only be settled a certain way.”
“I have a better idea of what to do about the Legion,” says Julie.
“We weren’t really talking about the White Lights, but what is your idea?”
“If not the case, what were you talking about?”
“A tourist. I’m going to show him Hollywood Forever cemetery.”
If Julie gets what I mean, she doesn’t show it.
“That can wait,” she says. “I have an idea of what to do about the White Lights and the fight club.”
“What?”
“I owe friends in the Vigil a favor. Shutting down the Legion and getting proof about what they and Burgess have been doing would be quite a feather in their cap.”
“A raid? Tell them I’ll go along.”
Julie laughs.
“Yes, they’d love that. No. They’re done with you.”
“They’ve seen what I can do. They need me.”
“They don’t need trouble, and that’s what you always bring with you. Forget about it.”
“I promise to play nice.”
“It’s not going to happen.”
“If you say so, boss.”
She starts to say something, but gives it up.
“Do you really think there’s a way out of my contract?” says Brigitte.
“There’s a way out of anything,” I say. “Let us handle it.”
I look at Julie.
“When do you think the Vigil can move?”
“They don’t like to waste time. If there’s another fight tomorrow night, they’ll probably go then.”
“Okay.”
“Stark, I’m telling you to stay away from this.”
“I understand. I won’t interfere with the Vigil or the raid.”
“Thank you.”
“Who wants another drink?”
“You haven’t finished that one,” says Allegra.
I swallow the rest. Odds are I can drink these lightweights under the table, go back to the club, and peel the skin off one sharp-dressed dead man.