Page 129 of Haze of Obedience

"Yes."

"Crazy S.O.B., isn't he?"

"Always knew my back was covered when I was with him."

He snorts. "That you did. Okay. I'll lead the way and show you where you can stay."

"Thanks."

"Nice meeting you and have a good journey."

"Thank you again."

He leaves, I roll the window up and follow him. It only takes a few minutes, and he pulls into a small open area surrounded by trees, blinks his lights several times, and leaves.

I turn the van off. "Looks like we're home sweet home for the night."

"Why is this creeping me out more than the jungle?" Zoe asks.

I slide the curtain back. "Don't worry. I'll protect you. After you."

"Bring your gun," she mutters and double checks the doors are locked.

"Yes, ma'am." I slap her ass when she crawls back then join her. I strip down, and she watches me. "Are you enjoying the show?"

"Yep." She removes her clothes.

I take the first aid kit out of my bag. "Let me put more cream on your arm and change your bandage."

She sits next to me, and I turn the flashlight on. "Hold this."

She stays quiet as I unwrap her arm.

"It looks a lot better. How does it feel?"

"Not as bad as last night."

I sanitize my hands, reapply cream, and wrap her back up.

We settle into the mattress. She curls into my chest and traces my Fernanda tattoo on my arm.

"My grandma loved your music."

She tilts her head up in surprise. "She did?"

"Yeah. After the first concert I saw you perform, my brother and I went back to Texas. She heard you singing Insatiable You. Her exact words were, "That woman has the voice of an angel."

Zoe smiles. "Really?"

"Yeah. She introduced all her friends to your music. They would get together and make Tamales on Fridays. Every new record you released, I would buy two copies—one for her and one for me."

"That's sweet. Do you miss her?"

"Everyday."

She strokes my cheek. "She sounds very special."

"She was."