Twisted Deviant

March 16, 2005 Las Vegas The faux deck that served as the sidewalk in front of the Treasure Island Casino was crowded as the first showing of the nightly pirate battle drew near. People pushed into the front crevices of the deck, trying to get the best possible view, pressing against one another to create a human gridlock. Josie moved through the crowd, squeezing past a group of Japanese tourists, taking pictures of the opulent city. She scanned the area for the young Englishman she’d met the day before, hardly daring to believe that he’d show. She twisted, hiking up on her tiptoes, wondering why her brain had come up with this place, at this time of day. There were far too many people. Just as she was about to give up and head back, Josie felt a hand on her shoulder. She whipped around, and caught sight of her intended date standing a few feet from her. “You made it,” she yelled over the din, scooting around a heavy set man in shorts with black tube socks pulled up to his knees