Page 23 of Kiss of Steel

“Visitors?” She glanced around the jam-packed store. “I assumed the mercantile served the people living here.”

“It does. But we’re the best-stocked store for hundreds of kilometers, so people arrive from all over to shop. Tomorrow is payday on Refuge, so the day after, they’ll swoop in and pick the shelves clean.”

Honoria did need a few things. A lot of things. A hat. Gloves. A scarf. Tea.Furniture.She would run out of toiletries soon. “Do you carry anything like herb cake tongs?”

Maven let out a boisterous laugh. “Honey, that’s our bestseller.”

“How much are they?”

“Five credits.”

She did a quick calculation. After purchasing meals for the next week, she’d have enough left for a set of tongs—except Jason would run out of credits for food. She couldn’t spend her extra if he’d go hungry. “I’ll have to wait until payday.”

“Why don’t you pick out what you want and pay for it next week?”

She hated to go into debt—it could end up a never-ending cycle, leaving her always short, always behind. “Could you maybe hold some items for me for a week?”

“Sure. Stash it behind the counter.”

“Thank you!”

“Herb cake tongs are located on the second-to-the-last aisle. I’m going to get busy restocking. Yell if you need anything or have questions.”

Maven disappeared into the stockroom, and Honoria went to find the tongs. There were sets for five credits or a set with a small bin for seven. She chose the latter. Bringing bricks made of animal shit into the house and setting them on the floor had grossed her out.

She set the tongs in the bin and brought it to the checkout counter as Maven emerged from the stockroom with a laden cart. “Oh, good! You found them.”

“Yeah. I’m glad you told me where. It would have been a scavenger hunt to find them.” There appeared to be no rhyme or reason to the placement of merchandise. The store might be well-stocked, but it wasn’t well-organized. She hesitated to criticize, but after she worked here awhile, she might suggest rearranging the store.

Maven grinned. “That’s part of my evil plot. It forces people to hunt and, while they’re searching, they spot other items they can’t live without. It’s not like they can shop anywhere else. We’re the only game in town.” She winked and began placing items on a shelf.

But maybe they miss items they would have bought because they can’t find them.

Familiarizing herself with the store, Honoria found gloves next to boxes that could have been unscented laundry detergent, cereal, or something else—she couldn’t read the alien writing. Hats hung on a rack next to a cooler containing eggs and jugs of some liquid. The scarves were located on a different aisle. Surprise, surprise—it must have been a mistake—there were warm socks beside the scarves. She grabbed a couple of pairs.

She passed by the cage of rodents and a couple of open bins of grain.

Most of the food items had been grouped together, although much was unrecognizable.We’ll continue to eat meals in the mess hall at least for the near future.She grabbed a box off a shelf.

She sought out Maven. “Is this tea?”

“Yes, but you won’t like it. Let me get you something else.” She led her to a different part of the store. “Try this. You’ll like this better.” She handed her a box.

“Okay, thanks.” Honoria hesitated. “If you really need help, Icouldstart today. Put in a few hours anyway.” She needed to unpack, but, otherwise, she had nothing to do. She and Jason hadn’t planned to meet up, and conversation with him could be spotty. Why not pass the time with someone friendly? Her new boss could be a great source of information.

“I won’t say no,” Maven said.

Honoria dusted her hands together. “Well then, put me to work.”

Maven showed her the stockroom. Although jam-packed, the inventory was well-organized, indicating that the disorganization of the shop floor was, in fact, planned.

“Grab that cart and follow me,” Maven said.

Honoria rolled it out, and the two of them worked side by side stocking shelves, Maven explaining what the unusual items were. At first glance, her boss had seemed human, but Honoria now wondered. Something about her appearance seemed off—her nose a little too hooked, her nostrils a little too flared, her eyes a tad too wide-spaced. Her ears seemed exceptionally tiny—and they were pointed!

Would it be considered nosy and rude to ask what species she was? “How long have you been at Haven Ranch and on Refuge?” she asked, chickening out.

“Ten years—ever since my father got deposed.”

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