Page 39 of Haze of Obedience

"Something isn't right. None of those women should be going back, according to Penelope."

"But she isn't saying why?"

"No."

"Did Penelope mention anything about the Global Leaders?"

"No. What's that?"

"Zoe mentioned them several times last night. She thought we worked for them. She was freaked."

"But she wouldn't tell you more?"

"No."

"Something is going on behind closed doors then."

"Now you sound like Malin."

Axel shakes his head. "I wish I didn't have to say this, but I think Malin's theory is right on this one."

Malin's theory is that something is always going on politically behind closed doors.

"Yeah, but why would this be political?"

"Naomi is going to the U.S. and has dirt on crooked politicians. Penelope worked for the British embassy. Vanessa's fiance is a cabinet member in Belize. Zoe was singing at embassies all over Latin America."

"Point taken."

"We need to figure this out. I'm not letting Penelope get dumped into a bad situation."

"Ditto on Zoe."

The market is a good hike. The entire way I stew with rage over the little I know about Zoe's situation. We pull into the market, and I say to Axel, "Can you work on the clothes? I want to see what I can find for Zoe's voice."

"Sure."

We split up. I do a quick search on my phone about what could help her. The market we are at is pretty extensive. I find slippery elm lozenges, lemon, honey, ginger root, and aloe vera juice. There's also an entire herbal tea selection that I sift through. Several boxes have ingredients that I think might help, so I take those too. After that, I find a herbal cream with arnica in it to put in my first aid kit.

After I buy the items, I join Axel. He has a cart full of clothes and is pulling bikinis off the rack.

"What are you doing?"

He slyly grins. "I don't know about you, but it's hot, and we have another night in this place. Good day for a swim, don't you think?"

I pat him on the back. "Smart man."

We finish shopping and head back to the camp. When we pull everything out, I say, "The other guys have the perimeter secured. I'm bored, hot, and going for a swim. Anyone want to come?"

Zoe snags a brown bikini out of the bag. "I'm in."

She heads toward the tent, and I follow her.

"Are you going to watch me change?" she smirks.

I wish.

"No. I come bearing gifts."