Las Vegas was by far the most populated area of the state. In recent years the city’s rapid development had propelled Clark County to the status of fastest growing county in the nation. While gaining acceptance as a teeming metropolis, Vegas remained, arguably, the worlds largest resort town. ‘Sin City’ was still an applicable title.

Outside of Reno and surrounding areas, the rest of the state remained sparsely populated, mostly due to land issues. A great deal of it was practically uninhabitable, anyway. To its credit, Nevada did contain a wide diversity of environments. Some of which included The Sierra Nevada Range, fertile agricultural lands and some of the best glider country in the world. Most of the world still knew it for only three things; Las Vegas, Area 51, and Lake Tahoe.

Active conversation from the driver made the trip seem short and lifted spirits. It didn’t hurt the cab had air conditioning, either.

Maranatha had offered to put them up in a newer resort. It was no secret these resorts came with every convenience to keep people trapped within. Jones wanted something central, with easy access to the city and less security.

Maranatha suggested a hotel/casino in old downtown. Large and alabaster white, it shone from afar, rising high above the street. A distinctive architecture, which did not fit neatly into any category, set it apart from its contemporaries.. Close up, the glory faded. Time has no respect for persons or property.

The cab rolled up to the curb near the front doors, which were at the center of a semi-circular drive. The refreshing sound and smell of water playing filled the air, springing from a fountain at the middle of a small courtyard.  Degraded and obviously patched together, it still performed the function of its original design. It was not cooler there than anywhere else on the street. It just seemed that way.

As the driver unloaded the luggage, Jones reset his watch. Pleased with his progress, he smiled and tipped generously.

 “Keep a tight fist on your wallet, boys,” the driver said in earnest as he pocketed the cash and rocketed away from the curb.

End Segment

Chapter 11

Peter Gunn’s stood in an area laying part way between old downtown and the newer developments. An appropriately named restaurant and bar, it served career people who worked nearby. Many of the better homes had been remodeled as professional offices. Peter Gunn’s also catered to another less tolerant brand of professional.