Examine

Without taking her eyes off of John, the Director called, "Hey, Zydeco. Put this guy through his paces."   A man leaning on another desk straightened and wandered over with his hands in his pockets. Instead of saying anything, he circled John, looking him up and down with oddly patterned yellow eyes.   "Uh, hi," said John, shifting to keep Zydeco in his line of sight. "I'm not entirely sure if this is the pacing she meant, but--"   The other man raised his gaze to meet John's, an unholy amusement lighting his eyes. "Hit me once, and I'll make sure the kid pays you for your week's trial."   John suggested, after giving the Director a furtive look, "How about we flip that? If you can't hit me, I get paid."   Zydeco smirked. "Good at dodging, are you?"   "Well... yes, actually, but that's not what I was thinking about."   "Absolutely not," announced the Director. "Liability forbids it. Don't worry about hurting him, John. Believe me, I've tried."