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them.  “It’s said that his ghost still haunts the building at night in search of his missing head.”
    Everyone turned to stare at the building that now seemed dark and ominous after hearing the grim history.  The building stood like an imposing figure on the street.  Kat’s gaze traveled over the white shuttered windows.  Vines were growing over the shutters, as if to guard the secrets of a past left untold.
    “You see, love can be dangerous…even when you’re in the Big Easy.”
    A few low chuckles drifted through the people standing around.
    “Well folks, this is the end of our tour for the night.  I hope you all enjoyed hearing the stories as much as I enjoyed telling them.”  Mina cocked an eyebrow.  “And remember to be careful while you’re here lest you become the next tale we tell.”
    Kat watched as a few of the guests walked up to talk to Mina and place some cash in her hand.  After most of the group had dispersed, Kat edged over to her.  As soon as the other woman saw her, her eyebrows rose.
    “What are you doing here?  Freeloading on my tour?”
    Kat shook her head with a smile.  “I didn’t mean to.  I was on my way to meet you and couldn’t resist.  But I’m glad I did.  You give one hell of a tour.”
    Mina tilted her head to the side.  “What did you like best?’
    Kat cleared her throat.  “It was very descriptive, especially the part about the…head.”
    Mina chuckled.
    Kat leaned in.  “So…was it true?’
    One eyebrow arched.  “If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it is that life needs no embellishment.  It’s odd enough.”
    Considering the recent developments in her own life, she couldn’t help but agree with that assessment.  Kat’s gaze traveled over Mina’s clothing.
    “So, do you need to go home and change?” Kat inquired.
    With a saucy shake of her head, Mina pulled open her coat to reveal a short red dress that came to mid thigh.  “I’m always ready to come,” she instructed.
    Kat rolled her eyes at the innuendo as she trailed after the other woman.  Following Mina down the street toward the club, Kat turned to look at her.
    “Why didn’t you ever tell me that you are a tour guide?”
    “I haven’t told you a lot of things,” Mina reminded, keeping her gaze focused straight ahead.
    Kat pulled her lower lip beneath her teeth as she struggled to keep up with Mina’s brisk pace.  “You’re very good at what you do,” Kat observed.
    Mina shrugged.  “It pays the bills.”
    “It must be interesting to know so much history about the buildings you live near,” Kat ventured.
    “I guess.”
    “Do you like it?”
    Mina stopped abruptly, turning to give her a cold stare.  “You know, you don’t have to do this.”
    Kat’s eyes narrowed.  “Do what?”
    “Act like you give a shit about my life.”
    Kat’s mouth dropped open as she searched for something to say.
    “Look, I get it,” Mina continued.  “I mean, we probably wouldn’t even be talking if I wasn’t a member of the club.  And despite my better judgment I’m going to let you back in there tonight.  But don’t act like you’re suddenly interested in me.  Just drop it.”
    Kat wanted to tell her that it wasn’t true. 
    But she couldn’t.  If she did, it would just be a lie.
    “You’re right,” Kat conceded.  “I’m sorry.  But that doesn’t mean that I don’t find you interesting.  We may be different, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.  Does it?”
    Mina’s gaze flickered around as she assessed the sincerity of Kat’s statement.
    “Look, Mina.  I’m not going to lie to you.  I don’t have a lot of friends, so I’m probably going to mess this up.  But I’d like to try.  If that’s okay with you?”
    The look on Mina’s face left little doubt that she wasn’t completely convinced, but in the end she shrugged.  “Suit yourself.”
    Deciding it was obviously the best she was going to get tonight, she fell into