5 Dry Land

 

Abby

“It’s so good to put on dry clothes.” Abby pulled her stiff t-shirt over her head, giving it a sniff in the process. Not too dank.

“With how warm it is, I’m surprised they took so long to dry,” Ash commented as he wrapped his wayward tail around his waist and pulled on his cargo pants.

“The humidity’s to blame. You can tell how much moisture is in the air by how curly my hair is. It’s like a living barometer.” She shook the mass of tangled ringlets atop her head. She wasn’t shocked when a twig and several leaves came tumbling out.

“I like how much variety your people possess. Most Cadi have black straight hair. Anything else is considered a flaw.”

“So, did you dye your hair silver?” She gestured to Ash’s shoulder-length locks.

“No, this is my natural color. I used to get ridiculed when I was young, so I dyed it black. But with you humans and your variety coming to our world, I decided it was time to stop hiding it.”

“Good for you. Fitting in is overrated. Besides, it looks great with your red skin, and gives you an ethereal quality.” She admired Ash. It was a real shame he felt the need to change it.

I guess every culture has their critical assholes.

“Acceptance is the new cool thing. Did I say that right?”

“Yeah,” she laughed, and Ash grinned at her.

“Let’s get going.”

She walked behind Ash as they made their way toward the mainland. Clothed or mostly nude, the man had some savage finesse. She admired the swagger of his tight ass, and the way his broad shoulders pushed through the brush.

Yes, I will have seconds and thirds. She grinned then shook her head at her crazy thoughts. The man was an alien. She refused to date guys if they got lit all the time or didn’t take things seriously. Yet here she was swooning over a foreign guy. Real foreign.

But the view was nice, and she was in a far better mood than when they trekked into the dense brush. Chatting with Ash put her at ease, although now that they were heading toward civilization again, she was becoming nervous. Hiding out like Jane and Tarzan was almost preferable to what they were about to face.

The pair stuck to the brush for as long as possible, following the causeway. Eventually, though, they were forced to emerge. It had to be past eight, but it was still light enough to see.

“Just a minute. Ash, look at me.”

Ash stopped and bent over so she could reach him. She adjusted the hood of his sweatshirt, pulling some of his bangs down to obscure his face.

“Better?” he asked.

“It’ll have to work. Try to keep your head down and hide your hands in the front pocket. Let me do the talking.”

“Agreed.”

“There’s gotta be a pharmacy or something a few blocks up this way. I’ll get us some supplies and try to reach my mom.”

Ash nodded, and they headed down the sidewalk. The closer they got to the main strip, the more people they passed. She couldn’t help tensing up each time someone gaped at Ash’s immense height. He played his part well, pretending to admire something in the opposite direction, so no one saw his face. Abby felt a hand on her shoulder after passing yet another group.

“What’s up?”

“I did not realize that your people also come in very dark skin tones. June is light brown, but I assumed that was the extent of your variations.” He glanced back at the people continuing down the sidewalk.

“June’s the engineer you mentioned.”

“Yes.”

“We range from pasty white like me to very dark. It depends on where your ancestors are from. But you won’t find vibrant colors like blue and green. If someone’s as red as you, it’s probably a sun burn.”

“Ah.”

His curiosity satisfied, they moved on, till a gas station came into view. She glanced up and down the block, but nothing else stood out that was close. If they were further north, there’d be more options. Then again, there’d also be more people. She studied the cars in the lot. None of them were obviously cops or military, so they ventured forward.

“How about you wait around back, while I grab us a few things.”

Ash nodded and headed around the side of the building, avoiding the security lights. There was an ATM inside, so she pulled out as much cash as she could, then walked the aisles, grabbing anything that captured her attention. She would’ve liked to go to a fast food joint, but there weren’t any nearby.

As large as Ash is, I better get several packets of beef jerky. That man probably eats meat by the truckload.

She frowned as she stared at the shitty selection of electronics. They had chargers, cards for minutes, but no cheap phones. Apparently, that was too much to ask for.

What do you expect? It’s a damn gas station. Argh, she grumbled and headed toward the register, grabbing a couple bananas on the way.

I really hope Ash isn’t allergic to anything. She looked down at all the items spilling from her arms; pretzels, popcorn, water, beef jerky and bruised fruit. She really wanted a pizza, or maybe a steak, salad and baked potato with all the fixings. Holy Jesus, I’m hungry!

“You want a bag?” the cashier asked, while smacking her gum.

As apathetic as the chick acted, Abby was surprised she bothered to ask. But she wasn’t surprised when the six bottles of water were dropped in on top of the pretzels.

Fuck it, crumbs eat the same.

“Hey, do you think I could possibly use the phone?” She pointed at the one behind the counter.

“Not allowed. Next.” The chick turned to the next customer in line.

“Awesome. Thanks,” she retorted under her breath on the way out the door.

Abby rounded the corner of the store and instantly started to panic. Ash was gone.

Shit! I knew this was going to happen.

“What the fuck’s your problem?” a guy down the alley barked.

She looked up in time to see Ash shove past the guy and through the rear door of a neighboring building.

“Fuck!” Abby raced down the alley. She stopped abruptly when she got close enough to see the disgruntled guy was wearing a gold banana hammock. She shook herself loose of the horrific sight and looked up at his pissed face. “Sorry. My friend’s not from around here.”

“The main entrance is up front.” The guy flicked his cigarette.

“I’m just going to retrieve him.”

Abby brushed past the disturbingly oily guy, before he could object and slam the door in her face. She took two steps inside and came to a halt.

“Honest to Pete,” she quoted her nana with a snort when she saw what was happening onstage in the middle of the club.

Some guy in a G-string was jiggling his ass, while throngs of women giggled and squealed. His pelvic thrusts flopped his junk around, and she was certain she was about to get more of a show than she really desired.

It looks like ladies’ night at the strip club.

Thankfully, Ash stood frozen several feet in front of her. She grabbed his arm and Ash looked down at her with the most perplexed expression she’d ever seen. She burst into laughter as she tugged him to a dark corner near the back door.

“Why’d you take off?” She had a hard time talking over “Hot in Here” which was blaring through the sound system.

Ash put his wrist closer to her ear. “I heard several females screaming when that naked male exited the building.”

Aw, he thought he was going to help.

“That was sweet, Ash, but no one’s in trouble here.”

“Cadi females don’t do this,” he commented while still staring at the spectacle.

“See that chick with the white thing on her head? She’s getting married soon.”

“To the male dancing?”

“No,” she giggled.

Ash’s eyes swung toward her. “No warrior would let his bonded be seduced like this.”

“Well, I guess some women are turned on by this, but mostly it’s just a funny way to embarrass the bride.”

Abby didn’t need a translation for Ash’s sanctimonious grunt. She had to agree, this wasn’t her idea of a good time either, but as she looked around, the strip club started to look better and better. She quickly maneuvered Ash to the nearby dimly lit booth and tucked her shopping bag between them.

“Why are we staying here?” Ash scowled, glancing from her to the stripper on stage, then back again.

She shook her head at the implication she wanted to watch the show.

“No one’s going to pay attention to us here. And I never got a chance to use the phone at the gas station, so I’m hoping someone here will let me.”

Abruptly, Ash leaned back in the seat, obscuring himself in the shadow. All she could really make out was the reflection of the stage lights in his dark eyes.

“My name’s Natalie. Can I get you two something?” a waitress asked.

She turned to see a short brunette in a skimpy outfit carrying a tray. Her breasts were pushed up high in a bustier, and her make-up was layered on thick, but she had a genuine smile.

“Two waters, and two jack and Cokes,” Abby spoke over the music. “Do you have any food here?”

“Mostly appetizers, like loaded fries. You want a menu?”

“Yes, I’m starving, but go ahead and bring us two orders of those fries.” Abby smiled when Ash’s stomach rumbled. She had a feeling she could order the entire menu and he’d still be hungry.

“You got it.” Natalie took off, then quickly returned with a menu and the drinks.

Ash sucked down half the glass of water in one gulp then reached for the cocktail. She put her hand on his thick wrist, halting him.

“It has alcohol in it. Do you know what that is?”

Ash nodded, lifted the glass and took a hesitant sip. She saw a brief flash of his fangy smile before he took a larger drink. Apparently, it passed inspection. Abby took a big swig of her drink and sighed as she slumped into the seat. It was strong and good. She really needed a drink, or several, after all the crap they’d been through. She leaned into Ash.

“Can you eat most anything?” She flipped open her menu, and his too for appearances.

Ash nodded again.

The waitress came back around with two plates of fries, and she could barely concentrate to order. The plate of cheesy goodness was calling her name.

“We’ll take two orders of wings, sliders, nachos, and two more of these.” She tapped her glass.

Natalie’s eyes widened.

“He can eat a lot,” she quickly supplied, nodding toward Ash.

The waitress looked at how Ash filled the booth and gave her an exaggerated nod. “Were you planning on opening a tab?”

“Sure.” Abby fished the credit card she usually saved for emergencies from her purse and handed it to Natalie.

“Coming right up.” The brunette smiled, mollified she wasn’t going get stiffed on the bill.

“Oh, hey, Natalie,” she said before the waitress walked off. “Is there a phone I can use? Mine got wet and he forgot his.”

“Not really.”

Abby noticed the cell sticking out of the pocket of the chick’s short shorts.

“You think I can borrow yours? I know it’s a lot to ask, but you have my credit card, so you know I’m not going to take off with it.” She crossed her fingers and held her breath, while the waitress seemed to debate it.”

“Yeah, sure. Here. I’ll go get your drinks and come back for it.” Natalie unlocked her cell and handed it over.

“Thank you so much. You are a life saver.” Abby slid out of the booth. “I’m going to head toward that back hall, so I can hear. Eat, but don’t run off again,” she admonished Ash.

Abby dialed her mother while heading toward the back of the club.

“Dammit,” she cursed when it went straight to voicemail.

She forgot how early her mom went to bed and wasn’t about to leave what she had to say in a message. Before she got locked out of the waitress’s phone she dialed her sister.

“Come on, Hope, I know it’s a weird number but pick up.”

“Hello?” Hope answered.

“Thank God! Hey, it’s me. My phone got wet and I’m borrowing a stranger’s.”

“Hey, Peanut, are you coming to visit Nana with us?”

“No, listen up, Hope. We had some visitors yesterday. They had info about Providence. Dad sent me out of the house, but I was like screw that and came back around. Anyway, men in black took Dad and one of the visitors.” She glossed over who the visitors were, not wanting freak Hope out.

“What the hell are you talking about? It sounds like you’re in a bar. Are you drunk?”

“I’m not drunk, Hope,” she hissed into the phone. “I saw the Spec-ops. They shot out Dad’s window when I was driving away with one of the visitors. Dad has been taken and I think Frank is the only one who can help us. Providence is alive, and I need you to stop asking questions and get your ass up here to pick us up.”

“Abby, this isn’t funny. You’re really freaking me out.” There was a tremor in Hope’s voice.

“I know, but please, I’m not joking. I really need you.”

“Okay, I’ll go through Mom’s phone and get Frank’s number. Are you still at the beach?”

“Yeah.”

“It’ll take me a few hours to drive up there.”

“All right. Thank you.” She gave her sister the location of the club then hung up.

 

Ashtoret de Origa

Ashtoret kept an eye on the corridor Abby disappeared down. He hated not having eyes on her, particularly with the nude males prancing about attempting to seduce females. He glanced toward the stage and growled under his breath.

What male would let his female take part in this rite?

The human male was currently upside-down gripping the legs of a chair some poor female was sitting in. He was jiggling his tail at the crowd of inebriated females, while shaking his shaft in the seated female’s face. Abby insisted the females were fine, and most of them appeared amused, but the one in the chair looked like she wanted to crawl in a hole somewhere.

This was not something he wanted Abby witnessing, however, she was right, it was dark in the pub, and they had food. He repressed another frustrated growl by shoving a handful of the fried sticks into his mouth. By themselves they weren’t very flavorful and kind of pasty. But the gooey orange covering, bits of meat, and tangy red sauce added good flavor. It was a welcome relief after going so long without food.

He smiled and relaxed when Abby exited the back hall.

“Did that even make a dent in it?” she asked with an amused snort as she stared at the plates.

He glanced down and realized one platter of the fried sticks was empty. He grinned sheepishly at her from beneath the hood and nodded.

“Sorry.” He pushed the other plate toward Abby, glad he hadn’t inconsiderately consumed that, too.

“Thanks. My sister is on her way. It’ll probably be midnight before she gets here. She’ll get us out of town till we can reach Frank and figure a way to get Dad and your friend out of lock-up.”

Abby dug into the fried sticks, drowning them in the red sauce. She moaned and closed her eyes in appreciation. He sat back and watched her eat. It was so silly, but the simple act filled him with satisfaction. When she had a few, she pushed the plate back toward him.

“No, you need to eat more, Peanut,” he rumbled. Abby was way too small to go without food for so long, despite what nonsense she spouted.

“I will.”

Abby held a bite up to his mouth, tempting him. He opened and took the offering. Before her hand could retreat, his tongue swiped at the tangy red sauce on her fingertip. He couldn’t help himself.

Her eyelids drifted to half mast, her long lashes fluttering slightly, as a partial smile tipped her lips. The way Abby looked at him roused the primal side he was struggling to hold at bay. It was hard shoving down the growl building in his chest. The food wasn’t the only thing that looked good enough to eat. And it certainly didn’t help the place reeked of pheromones, the sounds of female gasps and squeals filling the air.

“Here you go.” The server set several platters down on the table.

The rest of their food came at a very opportune moment. He’d been debating doing something very foolish. He sat back and took a giant swig of his beverage, subtly reaching below the table to adjust his painfully hard shaft.

“Thank you, Natalie.” Abby passed the communicator back to the server.

They ate, and people-watched to pass the time. Ashtoret was amused and pleased every time Abby giggled at the foolish gyrating males. She certainly hadn’t laughed when she witnessed him in a similar state of undress.

Although she probably would have if you shook your shaft like that. That male should have more self-respect.

He glanced toward another stage to see a female dancing underneath the bright lights, while eager males surrounded the platform. Vintor had supposedly witnessed such a spectacle at the vile auction house, Distraho. But hearing and seeing were two very different things. To say the female was scantily dressed was kind. Her breasts were fully exposed, and the scrap of fabric around her hips was little more than a few-well tied strings. She wore more on her feet than anywhere else. He couldn’t fathom how the female could possibly dance wearing the spiky shoes. His eyes widened when she gripped a pole, spun upside-down and splayed her legs.

“Son of a metcor,” he murmured in disbelief.

“You thinking what it would be like to practice kissing with her?” Abby asked as she leaned against him.

He let out an incredulous laugh.

“Uh huh. Sure,” she replied in disbelief and took another drink of her beverage.

Ashtoret noticed she’d had a few but seemed to be handling them well. He was grateful to have a little alcohol. It helped them both relax. But he was conscious not to drink too much, considering their circumstances.

“Hey, what time is it, Natalie?” Abby asked when their server passed.

“A little after eleven. Can I get you another round?”

“Not at the moment, thanks.”

Abby stiffened as she looked past the brunette’s shoulder. He followed her gaze and saw two males in dark uniform. They reminded him of the human warriors hunting them. The pair walked over to the counter and showed a piece of paper to the server.

“How? The credit card! Oh fuck, you’re an idiot, Abby,” she mumbled. “Ash, we gotta go.”

Abby casually stood and headed for the rear door. He covered her back, casting an occasional glance toward the uniformed males, as she cracked the metal door. Flashing red and blue lights had her instantly closing it.

“We’re surrounded. Shit, shit, shit.”

“You go, and I will make sure they don’t follow you,” he rumbled.

“No.” She shook her head. “If anything, I’m the expendable one.”

He growled at the comment. Ashtoret glanced down the rear hall, wondering if there was another exit. Their waitress Natalie exited a back room, so he urged Abby that way. Quickly but calmly they approached their server.

“I know you don’t know me, but I have a little problem.” Abby crowded into Natalie’s personal space forcing her back into a room.

“Excuse me?” Natalie exclaimed.

He closed the door behind them and glanced around. It looked like a changing room, with metal cubicles, seats, reflecting glass and racks of bright clothing. There was an exit, but it led to the same road the other one did. Thankfully no one else was in the room.

“Um, Natalie, I need your help,” Abby nervously said.

Suspicion filled Natalie’s eyes as she looked at Abby. It turned to fear as she glanced toward him. He couldn’t blame the tiny female, he was a very large male by comparison, and it didn’t help he was blocking the door.

“We’re not going to hurt you. I promise,” Abby quickly added. “I’m trying to keep people from getting hurt. Particularly him.”

He couldn’t help but smile at the statement. It was endearing that she felt the need to protect him.

No, little peanut, it is my duty to protect you.

“What are you talking about?” Natalie looked very confused. She angled her head trying to get a better glimpse at him. He turned his head so she couldn’t see his face.

“We need a way out of here or a place to hide till the cops leave. They’re up front and in the alley.”

“Crap. You’re hiding from the cops. Is that credit card stolen or something?” The waitress scowled at them.

“No, it’s fine. There’s been a huge misunderstanding. Is there someplace we can hide?” Abby pressed.

“Look, I don’t want any trouble.” Natalie warily looked at them. She was growing noticeably more agitated by the moment.

He could see Abby was also getting frustrated. He wasn’t quite sure how to help her secure the human’s assistance. If a fight came knocking on the door he knew how to act, but dealing with frightened human females was not in his repertoire, despite how he attempted to prepare for this mission.

Abby casually walked behind Natalie. His eyes widened when she suddenly grabbed the server. Abby used one hand to muffle Natalie while the other restrained her arms. It was an impressive move.

“Don’t fight. I’m not going to hurt you, I just don’t want you to scream,” Abby said as Natalie struggled to get free. “Ash, take off your sweatshirt.”

He tilted his head, questioning if this was wise.

“I know. I know. But I’m betting Natalie, like most our generation, is accepting of the idea that foreigners exist.”

If this doesn’t convince the female that we’re desperate for assistance, nothing will.

He pulled off the hooded sweatshirt, exposing his bare chest, then let his tail uncoil from his waist and drop to the floor, where it flicked back and forth. Natalie instantly went still in Abby’s arms. Her eyes were so wide he thought they might fall out of her head.

“Yeah, it’s the tail that clenches it, huh?” Abby commented with an amused snort.

Natalie subtly nodded.

“I mean your people no harm,” he attempted to reassure Natalie, who was now trembling.

Natalie jumped hearing him growl, as his translated words came from the handheld strapped to his wrist.

“A year ago, my sister was abducted by some bad dudes from the plane she was flying,” Abby spoke into Natalie’s ear. “She was rescued by these guys and is now married to one.” She altered the details a bit, but he wasn’t about to correct her. “Ash came here to protect us from the bad aliens, except our stupid government wants to attack first and ask questions later. Men in black took my dad, Ash’s friend, and shot up my car while chasing us. He’s my only connection to my sister, and our only hope of keeping Earth safe. Do you understand?”

Natalie nodded as she mumbled against Abby’s hand.

“If I let go, promise not to scream.”

Natalie nodded again. Abby slowly lifted her hand, as if ready to replace it if Natalie acted irrationally. The waitress wobbled on her heels as she gaped at him. Abby kindly helped her to a chair before she fell. Natalie stared, opening her mouth several times only to close it again.

“I know it’s a lot to take in and I don’t mean to rush you, but we need a way past those cops,” Abby urged the stunned server.

“This is, um, wow.” Natalie gestured at him.

He kept his distance and his mouth shut to keep from startling her any further.

“Fuck me! The cops probably found my credit card already and are going to search the place any minute.” Abby banged her head on the wall.

“No, I’ll help you.” Natalie got to her feet and slowly approached him, curiously looking him up and down.

Ashtoret sighed in relief. He smiled at the small female but was careful to keep his fangs hidden, since that unnerved Abby when she first saw them. It was almost like he was taming a skittish manx.

“I might be able to disguise myself with one of these wigs,” Abby mused out loud.

The door rattled, and the females stilled, horror twisting their faces. He quickly put his shoulder against the door, preventing it from opening.

“Natalie, are you in there? Joe’s looking for you,” another female spoke through the door.

“Don’t come in. I got horribly sick. Stacy, please tell Joe I need to go home,” Natalie hollered.

“Uh, there’s some cops who want to ask about some customers of yours. Some redhead named Abigail Murray and a guy in khakis and a navy hoodie,” Stacy said.

“Doesn’t sound familiar. There was this couple that ordered a bunch of stuff then skipped before I could bring the bill,” Natalie lied. “I was going to tell Joe, then this mess.” Natalie gagged convincingly.

“Thank you,” Abby mouthed the words to Natalie, who nodded.

“Okay, I’ll cover for you.”

“Thanks, Stacy. I’m gonna try to clean the floor in here, then skip.” Natalie turned toward them. “We gotta be quick. Dress in anything that will fit. My car’s parked around the corner, I’ll give you a ride.”

“What about him?” Abby frowned at him, while grabbing a black wig.

Ashtoret wondered the same thing. They could disguise Abby’s appearance, but he was going to be a little difficult.

“I have an idea.” Natalie’s eyes lit up. “Carl’s going to be pissed, but he’ll get over it.” Natalie walked to a locker and pulled out the largest sparkly red gown he’d ever seen.

“That’ll probably fit him, but it’s sleeveless,” Abby giggled.

“Are you laughing at my misfortune?” He cocked one brow at her.

“No. I’m sorry. You’ll look lovely in the dress.”

Both Abby and Natalie giggled. He smiled back, glad they weren’t panicking under the stress. That was the worst thing you could do in a situation like this.

No, my peanut’s calm under pressure. He looked at Abby with pride.

“Oh. Here.” Natalie pulled out a long-sleeve spotted robe, with furry cuffs and collar. “I can do Ash’s make-up while you change.”

Ashtoret dutifully grabbed the sparkly red dress, pulled it over his head, then tugged off his boots and breeches. If he understood correctly the oversized dress was worn by a male. Why, he wasn’t sure. He was getting his tail situated beneath the sparkly outfit when he glanced up to see Abby in her new outfit. He’d seen her wear next to nothing, but somehow the sleeveless top with ties down the back was very appealing. It pushed her breasts up, making him salivate. And the way the tiny cut-off pants cupped her bottom, had him jealous. He would’ve loved nothing more than to palm those two creamy globes.

“Ugh, you’re a big dude,” Natalie declared, capturing his attention as she tried to zip up the closure at his back. “Forget it, the robe will cover it. Here, Ash.”

He put on the robe, and Natalie ushered him to a chair in front of a reflecting glass.

“Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me,” Abby said as she applied some skin tone to cover the speckles on her nose and cheeks.

“I do. I’m not going be responsible for letting our people down, because we locked up the ones willing to help us.”

“There are many benign races, and many who aren’t. Until your people are more advanced it’s best to hide you from detection,” he replied.

“Thank you. That translator is crazy.” Natalie admired his handheld. “It really is a shame our government just wants to lump you all together. Now stop fidgeting so I can do your make-up,” she insisted.

Natalie started slathering the cream Abby just used on his face and neck. It felt a lot like when he applied camouflage before battle, but looked much different. He watched as his red skin slowly disappeared. He wasn’t quite sure of its purpose, since it looked just like their skin.

Must be another human female thing.

Abby stepped in front of him, and he was slightly stunned to see the change in her face. The charcoal around her eyes made her blue-green irises more vibrant. And she again wore the red glossy stuff on her full lips. For some reason he wanted to lick it off.

She joined Natalie coating the visible parts of his skin. With the serious expression Abby wore as she concentrated on her work, he couldn’t help making the occasional silly face. He smiled when she muffled a laugh.

“Stop grinning at me. It’s making your eyes crinkle up.” Abby attempted to put some shimmery charcoal on his eyelids.

“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.”

“Good.” Abby sounded relieved. “I’m pretty sure the Feds found us because I used my credit card. Now I’m glad I had sense enough to pull a bunch of cash out of the ATM.”

“Sorry, that was my fault. I ran the card when your bill reached fifty bucks.” Natalie looked remorseful.

“Don’t. How could you have known big brother was watching me? I didn’t even think they’d go this far. Bastards!” Abby growled.

Ashtoret scowled. Abby was in danger because of him. The reminder soured his stomach and filled him with intense anger not only at himself but at her own authorities.

“Tell me the truth, are we about to be invaded?” Natalie looked at him, wearing a serious expression. He could see the weight of everything was dawning on her.

“Oh, fuck! Natalie, watch the road,” Abby screamed when Natalie accidently veered toward the oncoming vehicles, their lights blinding him.

Torment, he cursed as he pictured himself dying in the precarious little metal box.

“I’m sorry! This is so fucked up!” Natalie’s voice broke as she veered back into their lane.

“No. You’re not about to be invaded,” he insisted, breathing a sigh of relief when they were out of danger.

“Okay, okay,” Natalie panted, her hands trembling on the wheel that directed the vehicle. “That’s good.” Natalie cast him an unconvincing smile.

Please watch the road, female. He gripped the side of his seat.

“Do you kind of feel like somebody said, ‘Just kidding, the Easter Bunny and Santa are real’?” Abby asked.

“Yeah,” Natalie replied shakily.

“Sorry to pull the rug out from under you.”

“No. It’s better to know.” Natalie nodded resolutely.

“Yeah,” Abby replied with just about as much conviction, which was none, clearly sympathizing with her fellow human.

The trio were silent for the rest of the trip. Natalie pulled up to a long two-story building, with door after door running the length of it.

“Here you are. I will wait till you get a room.”

“Thank you, Natalie. Let me pull our clothes out of your backpack.”

“No, take it, it’s older.”

He watched from the shadows by the vehicle while Abby ran into the building and talked with a male at the counter. It wasn’t long before she came back out wearing a smile, waving a little key.

“Good. You guys be safe,” Natalie said with a hesitant smile.

“My sister’s number is in your phone. You get in a bind, call.”

“All right,” Natalie said as she pulled away.

“It’s not the greatest motel, but I like that we don’t have to go through the lobby,” Abby commented as she led him down the long row of doors, to an unoccupied area near the rear of the inn. “I didn’t see any cameras, paid cash, and signed someone else’s name, so I’m hoping we won’t be located.”

“Smart.” He kept a wary eye out for others, while Abby unlocked the door. “Wait.” He walked in first and swiftly checked the room. Finding no one, he waved Abby in.

“How about you go change out of that god-awful outfit and wash up. Natalie was kind enough to pack more make-up if we need it.” Abby gave him a tired smile, which worried him. She wasn’t used to this high level of persistent stress.

“All right,” he agreed. “You should rest.”

He grabbed the bag, then headed into the small washroom. Before he shut the door, he cast Abby another concerned glance. She stood in the middle of the room looking lost.