Page 118 of Lethal Vengeance
“It does if you’re using this information to create a passport and driver’s license. A mistake like that will prompt customs or law enforcement to look deeper,” I coolly inform them both. “Do you want a cop to start questioning you?”
She shakes her head vigorously.
“Then you need to give us the correct information. I’ll put five feet eight inches for your height. Now, about your birth date.”
She changes her birth date to the correct one.
Bill stomps off to speak to Zane, while I continue to take down information. Most of the people give me the correct info. There’s only a couple who try to fudge something or outright lie in the case of one girl who didn’t want to tell me her country of origin because she was afraid we would send her back.
Zane comes over with a wry smile on his face. “Bill quit, which means you’re manning this station the rest of the day.”
“At least you’ll know the information is correct,” I remark with a wink.
He bends down to whisper in my ear. “I’m looking forward to our date tomorrow night.”
I can’t help but smile. “Me too.”
After he walks off, I finish the last two people, then sit there waiting for the second group.
Henley comes over and plops down beside me. “You were a cop, weren’t you?” She props her elbow on the table and waits for me to answer.
I debate telling her, but since she trusted me enough to share her story, I feel I can do the same. “Eight years a cop. Almost four years as a Texas Ranger.”
“Thought so. Nobody but law enforcement cares about details. I’ve been correcting Bill’s information for two weeks. The documents have to be correct, or they aren’t worth the fake paper they’re printed on,” she states, with a roll of her eyes.
I laugh. “Exactly. How are you doing today?”
She yawns. “Tired. I’ve been working on a new prototype at night, and I’m working here during the day. It’s taking a toll.”
“What kind of prototype?”
She looks around to see if anyone is nearby. “It’s a new cybersecurity app that will turn any smartphone into a secure phone. With one tap, text messages and calls will go out encrypted, and all ancillary functions or open doors like Bluetooth will shut down. Some of this is available now, but only if you buy an expensive secure phone. I want to make this available to everyone who needs security.”
“A bit dangerous to the public, but most of the world’s master criminals have a secure phone. Will making it more attainable help the smaller criminals be more successful? Doubtful,” I tell her. “In my experience, they usually get caught for lack of common sense, not because law enforcement tapped into their phone.” I smile wryly. “Do you mind if I ask you something personal?”
“Within reason,” she replies.
“How do you make your relationship work? I mean, is there a trick to it or some kind of agreement?” She’s the only person I know who’s in the type of relationship I’m entering.
She laughs. “I see. Good for you. Zane and the rest are good men. Even Raider, although he’s also a bit scary. Transparency and communication are your best tools. You can’t be shy about talking about… things like threesomes or whatever. It’s hard to find time for everyone and yourself, but it’s important to make sure nobody gets left out.” She yawns. “Sorry.”
When she yawns for the third time, the three men from yesterday come over. She swings around and introduces each of them to me.
“Nice to meet you,” I state firmly.
All three are polite, but their focus is entirely on the pink-haired woman in front of me.
Thiago crosses his arms. “Henley, you’re going home to rest.”
When she protests, Mateo steps forward. “I’m quite capable of inputting data. You can finish the documents to your standards later.”
Grayson smoothly reaches down and helps her stand. “Come on. I could use a nap, too.” He gives her a conspiratorial wink, and she blushes.
“Sorry, Quinn. We’ll talk more another time, I promise. And you can always text me with questions,” she says pointedly.
Thiago narrows his eyes at her. “But not today. Today, you’re going to rest.”
A spark of defiance enters her eyes, but then another yawn hits her. “Fine. Take me home and put me to bed. Good night, Quinn.”
