Page 54 of Escape Velocity

Both men whirled around to see Amber standing in the doorway of the cargo bay.

“What the hell are you doing in here?” Max demanded.

“I followed you.”

“That meant you had to work the air lock.”

“Yes.”

“Kahlad. You could have gotten yourself killed. Or you could have gotten us killed.”

“I didn’t.”

Rafe looked from Amber to Max and back again. “You take chances.”

“You mean like tricking Max into not delivering me to Tudor? You get used to taking chances when you have nothing to live for.”

He answered with a little nod. “Why did you come over? Did you think we’d start plotting against you when we were alone?”

“I wanted to see the clothing. I don’t have much to wear. And I was thinking that if the things looked good on me, they’d make a nice advertisement.”

“I guess that’s right,” Rafe said.

He gestured toward the shipping containers, and she began pulling out pieces of clothing and making small exclamations. Max watched her, thinking she was acting like most of the women he’d known, reacting to pretty apparel. But she wasn’t most women. She’d had a miserable life so far, so miserable she was willing to take chances few would consider.

“These are so pretty.”

Max glanced at Rafe and saw he must be having a similar reaction.

“Take what you want,” his friend said.

She eyed the treasure trove. “That would be too much. I’ll just pick out a few things.”

Her face grew serious as she sorted through shirts and blouses, dresses and slacks. “I assume the women in the swamp wear long pants,”

“Unless they’re dressed up. Then I think they wear long skirts,” Rafe answered.

She selected several items, then glanced around, looking suddenly shy. “Where can I try them on?”

“My ship’s laid out like Max’s. You can use the guest cabin.”

“Okay. Thank You.”

When she had departed with an armload of clothing, Rafe looked at Max.

“She’s resourceful.”

“Yes.”

“I wouldn’t get too wound up with her if I were you.”

His head snapped toward his friend. “Why not?”

“She can get you in trouble.”

“We’re already in trouble.”

“A different kind.”

---