Page 37 of Barron

Shifter frowned. “What about it?”

“Are you allowed to buy facial recognition software or do you have to hack a law enforcement agency to findsomeone?”

“You can always check a database. The software speeds up the search, but it depends on what it’s for,” Shifter said slowly. “It’s very tricky. Some states regulate the use of facial recognition software, especially without the consent of an individual. That would ruin the privacy reputation the agency is trying to build. But something tells me you have a specific person in mind. Spit it out.”

Sighing, Barron folded his arms. “Dude, it’s this thing with Yoanni. I have this weird feeling, an itch in the back of my neck…like I’m missing a big clue. What if I give you someone’s photo? Could you check a person’s real identity or find out if he or she has a record?”

Shifter nodded thoughtfully. “It’s possible. As long as we’re not publishing the person’s identity or anything like that.”

“No. This information would remain in-house. For our private files. To figure out who this person really is and should I worry or let it go.”

“Do you have anyone in mind?”

“I do, but I don’t want to jump the gun just yet.”

“Take your time.” Shifter straightened. “Someone’s at the door.”

“Heard it too. Hey, Johnny G,” Barron called out to his friend, who was moving and arranging equipment in the next room.

“I’ll get it,” Johnny Gun answered.

Moments later, several voices reached Barron’s ear. Smiling, Shifter stood and walked to the doorway.

A good-looking, gray-haired man with bright blue eyes somewhere in his mid-forties, and a pretty girl in her early twenties with a curtain of silky shoulder-length black hair appeared at the threshold. The guy’s faded leather cut had seen decades of road miles, but the front Deacon and Founder patches kept the Spawn colors.

Shifter and the newcomer embraced warmly. This guy had to be Deacon.

“It’s good to see you, man,” Shifter said. “How long has it been?”

“Years, dude,” Deacon replied. “I don’t care to count them.”

“Well, you look great,” Shifter added. “Time’s been good to you.”

“Always the charmer.” Deacon smiled.

Shifter turned his attention to the young woman. “Don’t tell me, is this little Isolde?”

“For heaven’s sake, child.” Deacon spoke to the young woman. “Stop dragging your feet. Move forward. I tell you, these kids today… They’re impossible.”

Kids? Which kids?Barron thought as he studied Deacon’s daughter. Isolde, had a young look. He put her at twenty to twenty-two, nineteen at the youngest. But there was nothing childish about her. Isolde was a woman. The light sparkling in her emerald eyes spoke of passion and a vibrant sexual awareness focused on…

Holy fuck!

Barron swallowed. The sneaky peek she sent Johnny Gun was loaded with heat. Her father didn’t notice because she kept her place just behind him, but Barron faced her directly. Worse, Johnny G’s reaction to Isolde’s glance put Barron on high alert. His friend’s eyes locked with hers for the briefest moment, then quickly shifted to the floor. When she moved forward to obey her father, Johnny G sighed and lifted his head. Guilt and sadness enfolded him. Plus, he knew Barron had noticed the smoldering connection between him and Isolde.

“What are you talking about, man?” Shifter’s abrupt protest snapped Barron back. “Isolde ain’t no kid.” Hell, yeah. The guy had to make the point to everyone in the room, including an irritable and possessive father.

“She is to me,” Deacon grumbled.

“Don’t listen to your daddy. He ain’t changed much, always madder than a puffed-up toad.” Chuckling, Shifter held her hand. “You probably don’t remember me. I think you were five the last time I saw you. You look so much like your mama, God bless her.”

“Sorry, I don’t remember,” she murmured as a light blush covered her cheeks.

“I hope you have a good time in Savannah.” Shifter turned, extending a hand toward Barron. “This is Barron. He’ll be working with me in the agency. And the guy behind you with the long hair is Johnny Gun. Guys, this is Steven Lennox, better known as Deacon, and his daughter, Isolde.”

“Nice meeting you both,” Barron said almost at the same time that Johnny Gun nodded and mumbled his goodbyes. “Nice to meet you. If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” He pointed over his shoulder and was gone in a flash.

“Huh? Guess he’s in a hurry,” Deacon said. “He seems familiar.”

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