I consider consulting the bartender, but one look at the queue of thirsty drinkers in the way changes my mind. I decide to case the joint instead. The music becomes even louder as I shuffle through the parlor and into a dance hall. The band must be somewhere close by, but the lighting is too dim, and I can't see much through the crowd.

A young guy spins in mid-dance and bounces off me so hard it nearly knocks him off his feet. The kid turns around, sleeves rolled up, looking sore and ...