Mike returns
From Create Your Own Story
The door opens.
Mike steps in first. “Found him,” he says easily.
Behind him is another man.
“This is Rod—our photographer.”
Rod walks in with calm confidence. He’s a light-skinned Black man in his late forties, about the same height as Mike. His hair is shaved close to his head, clean and sharp. Up close, you catch the scent of expensive aftershave—subtle but noticeable. His face shows his age in a way that works for him, giving him a kind of handsome maturity.
With both men standing and you and Kevin still seated, the office suddenly feels smaller.
Rod’s expression brightens when he looks at you. “There they are,” he says warmly.
He steps forward and offers his hand. You stand to shake it. His grip is firm, professional. Kevin follows.
“Sorry for the wait,” Rod says. “Was finishing something upstairs.”
“Told you it was fine,” Kevin mutters quietly to you.
Mike gestures toward the hallway. “Studio’s just down there.”
Rod reaches over to the side cabinet, opens it like he knows exactly where everything is, and pulls out a small piece of camera equipment—checking it quickly before tucking it into his hand.
“Shouldn’t take long,” Rod adds. “Just some quick shots.”
Mike steps aside, holding the door open. “After you, guys.”
Kevin looks ready to move.
You hesitate for half a second, the earlier doubt flickering again.
The hallway waits.
Do you
—or
back out now
