Page 49 of Covert Vengeance

Amber had never heard of it, but judging by all the tourists running around, it was a popular spot to holiday at. “It’s a market?”

“There’s a farmer’s market every second Thursday, but this used to be a wool market town,” Megan said, parking along the curb of a back alley. “They’d herd flocks of sheep into the main square for auction, have fairs and whatever. Isn’t it cute?”

“Super cute,” Amber agreed as they got out. All the buildings were honey-colored stone with slate roofs with pots of flowers spilling near the doors or hanging from hooks mounted to the walls.

“Here’s the clothing shop I had in mind.” Megan crossed the street and entered the little shop nestled in the middle of a row of businesses that included a pub, an antique store and a teahouse. “You pick out some tops and I’ll get the rest.”

She was so out of her element here. “How many?”

“I dunno, a handful. Oh, and some pajamas if you see any. And maybe a robe.”

Amber hadn’t ever gone shopping. At least not in the usual sense. She either grabbed things she needed on the fly, or had everything delivered to a P.O. box in whatever city she was in at the moment. She bought for comfort and practicality, and the bulk of her money went to computer parts and other electronic goodies.

It felt foreign to wander around the store to peruse various items. And kind of decadent. This was a luxury, and completely alien because she didn’t feel the need to constantly watch over her shoulder for threats. But it was impossible to shut off her innate need for vigilance.

Aware of everyone in the shop and where they were positioned, she picked out a few long tunic-style tops that would be comfortable for Kiyomi and not be tight around her healing ribs and back. She found a raspberry-colored sweater that looked pretty nice, a set of peacock-blue pajamas in a silky material that would be soft against the skin, and a cuddly red robe.

Megan walked over with an armful of items, glanced at what Amber had chosen, and nodded her approval. “Perfect. I got her some leggings, so those longer tops will be great. Ready?”

“Yeah.” She didn’t even check the prices or ask who was paying for it all, ready to pay for it no matter what it cost, but when the lady behind the counter added everything up, Megan pulled out cash from her wallet and handed it over.

“Have you got any slippers, by chance?” Megan asked the saleslady. She seemed totally at ease here, far more well-adjusted to the civilian atmosphere than Amber.

Would it ever be like that for her if she got out of the game and entered this world? Amber didn’t know if she could ever fit into the outside world.

“Over there on the shelf,” the woman said. “Cotswold sheepskin, so cozy and warm.”

“Nice.” Megan grabbed some and added them to the pile, then paid for everything and took the bag the woman handed her.

Outside on the sidewalk, the town was bustling with people going in and out of the shops and other buildings. And there were dogs. Lots of dogs, everywhere. “Wow, people love their dogs around here.” They were even taking them into the shops and restaurants.

“Big time.”

“Does Marcus bring Karas into town when he comes?”

“Nooooo.” Megan’s eyes widened. “I know you wouldn’t realize it looking at her, but she turns into a vicious killer when she sees another dog. Like, psycho. Even a teacup poodle will set her off, then she’ll be all hackles and fangs. It’s so scary.”

Amber blinked. “Wow. Then she doesn’t leave the property much, I’m guessing?”

“He’ll take her in the Rover. She loves being in the truck. But mostly she loves being with her dad and wants to go wherever he does. She’s a one-man dog.”

“Maybe it’s because he rescued her.” She slanted Megan a telling look. “I’m told that kind of thing inspires a pretty powerful loyalty.”

Megan’s lips quirked at the profound meaning in the words. “Yeah, I guess it does.”

Amber glanced around as they crossed the square. Behind the square, an old stone church steeple poked out above the other buildings. “Teashops are popular here too, huh?”

“Oh, big time. Ever been to one?”

Amber snorted. “Do I look like the tea party type?”

Megan gasped and gave Amber a scandalized look. “In all your stops in England, you’ve never been for tea?”

“No. I drink coffee. Black coffee.”

Megan shook her head and grabbed Amber’s elbow. “Come on. Couple more stops before we head back.”

“Where are we going now?” She hadn’t received any alerts to her phone, but she still wanted to get back and see if Ada had found anything more on the various searches Amber had programmed into her.

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