Page 135 of Haze of Obedience

"You aren't—"

I put my finger over his lips. "Let's go."

He hesitates but finally opens my door. I put my hand on his chest, over his rattlesnake pendent. "Thank you for showing me."

He kisses my forehead and pats my ass.

I get in, and he walks around the van and slides on his seat. He puts his gun in his bag but keeps it nearby. After he starts the engine, he reverses out.

We're on a trail for several miles. There are woods on both sides until we come to the main road.

For several hours we drive, bantering back and forth, and learning more about each other. The only stops we make are for gas and a few bathroom breaks. Each time, Dirk instructs me to keep my hat and sunglasses on and look at the floor. He escorts me to the restroom and waits then leads me back to the vehicle. It doesn't even seem like we've been driving long when we get to the El Salvador/Guatemala border.

We sail through another one of Tinker's friend's properties and continue our journey.

"We need gas. Climb in the back while I'm fueling up. I'll have to go inside to pay, so keep the doors locked."

I do as instructed. I shouldn't feel anxious, nothing has happened, but my chest tightens and heart races while I wait.

When Dirk gets back inside and calls out my name, I breathe in relief. "You're good to come back up."

I resume my position in the passenger seat.

"Are you okay?" he asks.

"Yeah. I'm just glad nothing happened to you."

"I've grown on you, haven't I?" He waggles his eyebrows.

"I might keep you around."

"Ouch."

"So...Dirk."

His eyes twinkle. "Yes, my Little Diva."

"Let's play, I Bet."

"How does it work?"

"I say something such as, 'I bet you love snow.' Then you say if I'm right or not. But you can't cheat, and I'll keep track of points."

"All right. But take your slippery elm. You haven't had any tea since yesterday at Tinkers."

I dig into his bag and pull out my lozenge and pop it in my mouth. "Done. While I'm sucking on this—"

"Don't get me excited."

I slap his arm. "Funny. Okay, are you ready?"

"What does the winner get?"

"Explicit favors tonight."

His face lights up. "I'm in. Let's start."

"You're too easy."