Page 128 of Haze of Obedience

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"Sorry, I couldn't resist. You should have seen your face."

The gate stops moving, and I pull through and continue on the dirt path. Trees line both sides.

"This is freaking me out. And don't do your scary move right now."

"Aww. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you later."

She scoffs. "I think I should cut you off for your behavior."

"You wouldn't last ten minutes."

"Is that what you think?"

"Yep."

"Arrogance will get you nowhere."

"You love all things about me, including my swagger. Admit it."

"Don't be so—"

A bright light shines in the vehicle.

Zoe grabs onto my arm and ducks. "What is that?"

I stop the vehicle. "Stay calm. I'm sure it's only Tinker's friend." My heart pounds. I'm sure it's safe, Tinker warned me about this, but I unlock the safety of my gun and put it on my lap.

The light stays lit, blinding me, but I put my hand over my eyes.

There's a tap on the window, and Zoe screams.

A bald man in military fatigues, with a long beard and dark eyes, stands outside the van. My guess is he's maybe in his sixties.

I roll it down a few inches and hold my gun with my other hand, hiding it, but ready to use it if necessary.

"Omega eighty-nine," I say, which is the code word Tinker gave me.

"Dirk?"

"Yes, sir."

"Roll the window down so I can shake your hand, son."

I roll it down and stick my hand out the window. "You're Mickey?"

"The one and only."

"Nice to meet you. Thanks for letting us pass."

"You pulling over for the night?"

"If you'll allow us, sir."

"No problem. There's a hidden area a few kilometers up that's in the woods. You should be fine back there."

"Perfect. Thank you."

"You served with Tinker?"

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