Page 84 of Hero's Prize

He then proceeded to get serious and point out the pros and cons of different brands—he’d had experience with a lot of them. When a salesclerk came to ask if Ella wanted to try any on in her size, Ella was careful not to pick the most expensive brand. She knew Colton had plenty of money—hell,shehad plenty of money—but somehow, it just didn’t feel right.

“I see through you, by the way,” Colton said when the shop worker walked away to get the shoes. “I noticed you didn’t want to try on the most expensive ones. Good for you. They’re overpriced anyway.”

“I know money is not an issue for either of us, but I still don’t want to waste it. And it’s not like I’m out in the wilderness as much as you are.”

“True, but?—”

“Excuse me, but are you Colton Harrison?” A second store worker interrupted them with a sheepish smile.

Colton handled it in stride. “Yes, I am. What’s your name?”

The young man looked like he would burst from pride. “My name is Terrence. I work here.”

Colton didn’t mock him at all for pointing out the obvious. “Nice to meet you. I’m just doing some shopping.”

“I don’t want to disturb you, but we are all big fans in here, and I was wondering if you’d consider letting us take some pictures of you over by a display we have on the second floor.”

Colton glanced at her before shaking his head. “I’m not really here to?—”

“Colton, it’s fine,” she whispered. She didn’t want him to miss a chance to interact with fans or disappoint the employee who wasobviously thrilled at the thought of getting some pictures with Colton.

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

She smiled at him. “Go.”

Terrence’s eyes lit up at her words, and she thought he might actually giggle when Colton stood to follow him.

“Five minutes,” he said over his shoulder as he and Terrence walked away.

Ella decided to go ahead and try on the different hiking boots while she was waiting. One type, she liked pretty well and would probably go with them—midrange in cost but still completely adequate for what she needed. She decided to try on one other brand, but she needed a different size. But when she tried to find the salesclerk to help her, the girl was nowhere to be found.

Actually,nobodywas around.

It’d definitely been more than five minutes. She texted Colton.

Need more time?

She got up and looked at some of the other boots as she waited for him to respond, but there was no reply.

Everything okay?

Once again, no response, and there didn’t seem to be any employees around either. Hell, there were hardly any customers around.

Taking the box of boots she’d decided on, she made her way up the escalator to the second floor.

No wonder there hadn’t been anybody in the shoe department. They were all here, trying to get pictures with and autographs from Colton. It looked like the whole store was here.

She managed to catch his eye, and although he didn’t look panicked, the scene around him was definitely chaotic. He grabbedhis phone and held it out toward her. She muscled her way through the crowd so she could grab it from him.

“Text Tony:Public 9-1-1and give him this store’s address.”

She did so immediately. And then sent the text. Tony responded just a few seconds later.

You okay?

This is Ella. I have Colton’s phone. He wanted me to text you.

I’m already on my way. I’m nearby. How bad is it?

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