He'd fed Elaina and now she slept with her face smashed against his chest. A dark damp spot of drool stained the front of his shirt, and he could feel each quick breath she took.

The goggles dangled from the fingers of his left hand, while the right spun a glass of amber liquid around and around on the polished wood of the bar. He wasn't drinking it. The rest of the bottle was there, still full. His gaze was on the goggles, as though they'd give up the location of their owner if only he hit upon the right incantation. Made the right deal.

Even if Vax hadn't been the stealthiest motherfucker on the gods damned planet, it was doubtful that Percy would have noticed he was being watched. As it was, it took Vax appearing at his side before he finally looked away from the goggles.

"The most obvious path is to ask the desk clerk."