After lunch, Estelle met up with Lambert.
Lambert eyed her white T-shirt and jeans with a slight frown. "That doesn't quite scream 'my date', does it?"
Estelle retorted, "I doubt anyone's surprised by the kind of dates you have!"
Lambert burst into laughter. "Why is it that everything you say is just so darn likable?"
He opened a small leather case beside him. "This is for you!"
Curious, Estelle peered inside and found the latest MP22 handgun, capable of holding 20 rounds and maintaining stable performance in both scorching heat and bitter cold. It was equipped with a self-illuminating aiming system for pinpoint accuracy even at night.
She picked it up, comforted by its cold touch, and nodded her thanks.
"Don't mention it. It's for my own peace of mind, too," Lambert said, extending his hand. "Here's to a fruitful partnership!"
They shook hands lightly. "Just make sure you play fair," Estelle said with a hint of warning.
"Play fair?" Lambert looked puzzled. "We won't have time for games, but if you're up for a bet, I can accommodate. I'm pretty good with cards. So far, my odds of winning are better than losing."
Estelle didn't want to engage in small talk. She inspected the gun in her hand and only when he finished rambling did she ask, "When do we head out?"
Lambert raised an eyebrow, "Now!"
He glanced at his watch and grinned. "To be precise, in three minutes!"
The two drove towards Zion, with Lambert at the wheel.
He watched her for a moment before reaching out to her.
Just before his hand touched Estelle, she abruptly caught his wrist. Her voice was cold, "What do you think you're doing?"
The pain in his wrist was excruciating, almost causing his other hand to lose control of the steering wheel. He quickly explained, "Relax, I was just trying to loosen your seatbelt. You looked uncomfortable."
"No need," Estelle released his wrist and turned away, leaning back in her seat to continue her nap.
Lambert looked at his bruised wrist and muttered, "Definitely not the usual date material."
An hour later, the car came to a halt. Estelle opened her eyes and looked outside, "Are we there?"

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Carson kick Giselle to the curb as a gentleman. He never fails to explain himself to Marina and he always rises to the occasion to come to her rescue. Now that he's assured her that he won't do as his father had done. The ice is breaking. Thank you for the updates....
May we have updates please. Thank you...
Carson can be jealous too. More updates please and thank you for the updates....
More updates please....
Oooowweeee! This THREW ME COMPLETELY for a loop. Thank you for the updates....
May we please have updates. Thank you...
It's time for Carson and Marina to commit further than the engagement. Looking forward to the updates....
Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. I thoroughly enjoy your writing....
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....