"I know a hotel that’s out of the way,” said Cece, leading the way down the empty street. Ava could hear the sounds of the city’s nightlife in the distance, but this block was, for the moment, clear of any traffic.

“What makes you think you’re coming with us?” Ava retorted. “I can’t help you until we fix the watch, remember? That’s going to be a while.”

Cece scoffed. "You think I’m just going to leave you with a phone number and blindly trust you’ll come back? No, mademoiselle, I will be joining you. I will make sure you fix the watch. And I will make sure you keep your word once it is fixed.” Abe and Ava exchanged a glance. They could just quietly drop into side street, try to lose her-- “And if you do not want my help,” Cece added, as though reading their thoughts, “I would be happy to find someone who does. Someone who might pay.” She held up the golden watch coyly and dangled it delicately.

Ava felt such fury she could have clawed that stupid smile right off that horrible pickpocket’s face. “Give that back,” she growled.

Cece handed it over with a shrug. “That’s how easy it is for me,” she purred. “Remember that.”