Not all of that made a whole lot of sense to Billy. Designed?! Removed? He'd run into all manner of twisted social conditioning, but rarely so severe in the heart of an American city. Despite not understanding it all, there were still a few key elements in there that he could grasp. And something in his expression softened toward concern.

"Whoever she is, she's got quite the task on her shoulders." He leaned a bit toward Cain as if about to share some secret. "But just between you and me? Skulking around crowded streets does little to improve such things."