Page 143 of Haze of Obedience

He answers.

"Sorry, did I wake you?"

"Yes, but come in," he says.

A light turns on, and we go inside the house.

He's a medium-sized man, half bald, and his voice sounds like he smokes cigars. A white sleeveless undershirt stretches over his beer belly, and he's only wearing underwear. He sticks out his hand. "Clayton Shepard."

"Dirk Zamora and this is—"

"Well, I'll be damned if it isn't Zoe Diego standing in my living room."

I protectively pull her into me. "No one can know she's here."

His eyes travel from head to toe over Zoe, and I have the urge to punch him.

Who the hell did Tinker send us to?

"You can get passports, correct?" I ask.

He doesn't break his gaze from Zoe. "Yep."

She sticks her hand out. "Nice to meet you. Thank you for helping us."

He takes her hand, kisses it, but doesn't let go right away.

"What's the procedure for the passports?"

He seems to remember I'm still in the room. "Pictures." He points to a wall. Stand over there, and I'll take them now.

Zoe puts in her contacts, and we move to the white space.

He snaps one picture of me and a few different pictures of Zoe.

Anger flares through my bones. I growl, "Why are you taking extra pictures of her?"

"Need to get the right angle. Her orange hair is throwing the light of the camera off."

"Take your pick of whatever picture you're using, and then delete the others."

"Sure." He snaps another photo.

I step in front of Zoe. "Pick one. Now."

"Settle down, don't go all macho on me."

I move toward him. "Show me which one you're using."

He scrolls through the photos and finally decides on the third one he took.

I yank the camera out of his hands and delete the other ones.

"Watch it, son. I know you're Tinker's friend, but don't disrespect me in my house."

"Don't—"

Zoe steps between us. "Thank you for your hospitality. Is there anything you would like me to autograph?"