Page 34 of Warrior's Purpose

“And now the wig.” Natalie placed a straight blonde wig on his head and adjusted it.

Both females studied their handiwork wearing mixed expressions.

“Ash, you make a horrible drag queen.” Abby shook her head.

He glanced at his reflection and cringed. I do look different. That was the main point.

“What are we going to do about his legs? That robe only comes to his knees. This isn’t going to work,” she lamented, nibbling her lip.

“Yes, it will. From a distance, it’ll look like he’s wearing tinted pantyhose that match the dress.” Natalie grabbed their things and stuffed them into her bag. “My gray Toyota is on the street to the left. We go out and walk straight for it. The cops are looking for a redhead and a guy in a hoodie, not three employees getting off their shift.” Natalie headed for the door.

The female had a point. This was really their best chance.

“All right.” Abby took a deep breath.

“There’s cops to the right,” Natalie whispered as she ventured into the street.

They followed, and he kept his shoulders relaxed while walking slowly.

“Hey!” one of the uniformed warriors hollered and approached them.

He stiffened up, ready to grab Abby and bolt.

“Just hang back,” Natalie said under her breath as she took a few steps toward the male.

They stood just at the edge of the light above the door, so hopefully the male didn’t get a good view of them.

“Have you seen this girl or man in here tonight?” The uniformed male looked toward him and grimaced.

What? You don’t find me beautiful? He repressed the desire to laugh when the male quickly turned his attention back to Natalie. That was an obvious no.

“Nope.” Natalie took the paper and showed it to Abby. “What about you, Stacy?”

“No, sorry,” Abby replied after studying it for a moment.

He also shook his head, and Natalie handed the image back to the male.

“All right. Thanks.”

Before the uniformed male changed his mind, they headed toward Natalie’s vehicle and piled in. He didn’t breathe until the pub was retreating from view.

“We made it,” Natalie trilled.

“Thank God they sent the cops and not Spec-ops,” Abby sighed, warily watching their surroundings from the rear seat.

“Sorry my car is so small,” Natalie commented to him.

“Do not apologize. We appreciate your aid.” He was cramped in the small front seat, but that was hardly a concern.

“Where to? I live in Cocoa West, but can take you anywhere,” Natalie inquired while piloting the vehicle onto a road that stretched over the river.

“Maybe a hotel along 95,” Abby suggested. “I think we need to regroup and figure out what we’re going to do next.” Abby squeezed his shoulder.

He could feel she was shaking. He took Abby’s small hand in his own, hoping to calm her down.

“Agreed.” He nodded. They hadn’t expected the Earth authorities to show up at the pub.

“I think I know of one that doesn’t ask a lot of questions.”

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