Out of Time 01 - Out of Time

more than solicitous. A demure smile laced with batting eyelashes and an appreciation of their gallantry was all she needed. The heaving bosom was a bonus.
    “We’ll keep it out of the way in the corner,” he said, as he gently placed the jar on the floor.
    Elizabeth sat down on the bed and picked up one of the tent stakes and tried unsuccessfully to twirl it in her hand. “I still don’t get it. Acid’s a good weapon, I suppose. The flesh it burns and all that, but it isn’t exactly practical to carry around.”
    “We need to be prepared for all situations.”
    It was no use trying to talk sense into him. If he could have walked down the street with a broadsword, he would have.
    “We should think about acquiring a gun,” Simon said, giving one last glance at the jar in the corner. “But I’m afraid we’re a little short of funds.”
    “I’m not very fond of guns. And besides, we already know from practical experience that it won’t stop him.”
    Simon frowned. “Yes, but he has men who work for him. We need to prepare for every contingency. Perhaps we can acquire some silver bullets.”
    “No guns. They make me nervous.”
    “Well, for now we’ll have to make do with what we have,” he said and sat down next to her. He picked up one of the wooden stakes and slipped it into his inside breast pocket. “You’ll have to start carrying a purse. I’m afraid your dress doesn’t leave much room for concealed weapons.”
    “I thought that’s what you liked about it,” she said coyly. Before he could sigh and remind her, yet again, that this was serious, as if she needed reminding, she stood and smiled triumphantly. “I’ve already worked that out.”
    She put her leg up on the bed next to him, lifted the hem of her dress, and slipped a stake neatly under her garter belt. “What do you think?”
    He blinked a few times and then narrowed his eyes. “That is...disturbingly sexy.”
    “Is it?” she said and knelt on the bed, moving to straddle his lap.
    His arms snaked around her waist and pulled her closer. “Very,” he said, and leaned in for a kiss, but stopped just short of her lips. “You will be careful, won’t you?”
    “One more week and hopefully, it’ll all be over.”
    His forehead creased with worry, and Elizabeth reached up to smooth away the lines. “I’ll be careful. And you, try not to rile King.”
    He gathered her hand in his and brought her fingers to his lips. “I won’t start anything,” he promised, leaving unsaid the vow that, if need be, he would finish it.

Chapter Twenty Four
    T he air was thick with sweat and smoke in the club that night. The sweltering heat from the day hadn’t dissipated, and seemingly every denizen of the city was out looking for a place to slake their thirst. Charlie’s club was more crowded than ever before. It didn’t seem to matter that the room was stifling, or that the booze just made people thirstier; they came in droves. They crammed extra chairs up to tables meant for two, and pulled up crates when the chairs ran out. Shoulder to shoulder, hot and sticky patrons crushed against the bar, until it was nearly impossible for Elizabeth to maneuver from table to table.
    Around ten o’clock, King arrived. His customary table emptied quickly as the people scurried out of his way. With as much calm as she could muster, she walked to his table. “What can I get for you?”
    His dark eyes danced over her body in smooth appraisal.
    “We’re kinda busy tonight,” she said and nervously shifted her tray from one hand to the other. Courage, Camille, she told herself. One more week. Play it cool.
    “I can see that,” he said without taking his eyes from her.
    “So, you want something or not?”
    “I hope you’re feeling better today.”
    “I’m fine.”
    “Mmmm. And I imagine you feel more secure with your... protection.” There was a hint of anger mixed with the amusement in his tone.
    Did he know everything they did? “Yes. I do.”
    He took a dramatic breath and leaned back in his chair. “I can see where your husband has his. The bulge in his coat is quite telling. But, where, I wonder,” he said and ran his gaze up and down her body, “have you hidden yours?”
    “You forget yourself,” she said tightly.
    He leaned forward and eyes sparked. “I think it’s you who’ve forgotten who I am.”
    “No, I haven’t,” she said, taking a long breath that calmed her jangled nerves. How was she supposed to play it cool