Page 31 of Escape Velocity

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“He spent some time on Ameti. He’s no fan of the system.”

“What, what’s Ameti?”

“A very nasty prison asteroid.”

“What did he do to get there?”

“He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, like I was in the pilot training program,” Max answered, apparently unwilling to elaborate. “Come on. We’d better stick to business.” He turned to her and pulled some of her long hair to the front, partially hiding her face. “Keep your head down when we’re in the crowd.”

“Okay.”

They retraced their steps, heading for the dress shop called Ilina’s. Glad that it wasn’t too far away, Max whisked her quickly inside.

A slender woman wearing a bright blue dress that flattered her pale skin tone glided up to them. She was aging, Amber thought, but she wanted to stay as attractive as possible. For her job? Or for her vanity?

She gave Amber’s clothing a doubtful look, and her voice was questioning as she asked, “Can I help you?”

Max ignored her reaction to the scruffy disguise. “We want to buy a cloak. And some practical outfits,”

“What kind of cloak? And what kind of outfits?”

“A cloak that will cover her head.”

Amber was struck by the way Max had just walked in here and decided to buy a bunch of clothing. On Naxion, you made your own or hired a seamstress.

She saw the woman’s attitude change. If these were legitimate customers, she would do her best to make a sale. This time her gaze was appraising on a different level as she studied Amber’s face and figure.

“You would look stunning in evening attire.”

“We don’t need any,” Max snapped.

Amber kept her voice steady. Wondering if she was testing Max, she said, “I have my own money. I can buy something pretty.”

“Save your credits for something you really need,” Max snapped.

“A woman is entitled to look her best,” the woman said in a knowing tone.

“Are you Ilina?” Amber asked.

“Yes. And I do have some very nice half-price sale items that you might like.”

“Why are they half price? Is something wrong with them?” Amber asked.

“No, they are six months old, and I need to make room for new inventory that has just come in. Would you like to see them?”

Max shrugged. “Okay, I guess we’ve got some time. Look at them if you want.”

She longed to say she didn’t need his permission, but perhaps that was going too far. If he hadn’t rescued her, she wouldn’t be here at all. Had she won a victory, or did he just think that her spending her own money wasn’t an argument worth winning? She flashed him a little smile, as the shopkeeper pointed toward the back of the establishment.

As Max turned toward a rack of blouse and trouser outfits, movement at the door caught Amber’s attention.

A new customer? Someone who was a better prospect for Ilina?

She turned, just as two men stepped smartly into the shop.

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