Page 91 of Escape Velocity

Chapter Nineteen

As she’d expected, the women and children watched them enter the compound. Some of them looked surprised, and she wondered if they’d expected the fugitives to be dispatched in the swamp or brought back in bonds.

Others seemed fearful. And still others looked at Amber with respect, as though she’d done something none of them would have dared.

The line behind them broke up, and many of the men went to the females, speaking to them in low voices that nevertheless made a swell of sound around the small clearing.

As the story spread, Amber felt like everybody was focused on them and talking about what had happened. She reached for Max’s hand, wishing she wasn’t the center of attention. True, she’d made these people pay attention to her twice before. But that had been her choice. This was a spontaneous expression of interest that made her wish she could disappear into the hut where she and Max had started the night.

She saw a woman detach herself from the group and recognized Camille, who had shown her to that hut the night before.

Was it only that long ago?

She spoke in low tones to Amber. “You will want to clean up and change your clothing.”

“Yes, thanks,” she said, then glanced at Max.

“Go on,” he said, then looked at Camille. “Where should we meet again?”

“She will stay with the women until dinner while the men make plans.”

Max’s eyes flashed. “No, she will come to the meeting where we discuss how to proceed.”

Into the sudden silence, the head man finally spoke. “Women do not plan attacks.”

“This whole deal was her idea. She was willing to risk her life to free herself from this man. If you can’t include her, we will have to go back to our ship. And you can keep enjoying Tudor’s presence in your territory.

Again, there was silence while Max and the older man stared at each other.

It was Gatroux who blinked first.

“If that is your wish, she may join us at the council circle,” he said stiffly.

“Thank you,” Max said just as stiffly.

“I’ll bring your wife when she’s finished,” Camille added.

One of the young men came up to Max and Rafe. “And I will show you where to wash.”

Amber followed Camille to a smaller bathhouse, where a curtain closed off the door and there were only two washstands and toilets. And in one corner, there was a shower arrangement.

“You’ll have some privacy here.”

“Thank you.”

Camille looked toward the door, then said. “Gatroux does not give in lightly.”

“You seem to know him well. Are you his wife?”

“Yes. I know his moods, his likes and dislikes.”

“You have been with him a long time?”

“Yes.”

Amber nodded, wondering if she and Max would be together for years—or only for a few more days.

Camille spoke again, pulling Amber’s thoughts away from Max. “You are brave to go up against the man in the big house—Tudor.”

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