Claimed: Gowns & Crowns, Book 3 by Jennifer Chance

Author:Jennifer Chance [Chance, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Elewyn Publishing
Published: 2016-06-21T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

They parted at their rooms to complete their separate work, and Nicki fell asleep at her table instead of in Stefan’s bed. This was less than ideal, but when she’d woken she’d at least gotten through the rest of the blogs for the next twenty-four hours. She’d be in the clear to do whatever Stefan needed. And Stefan hadn’t come for her either, which had somewhat surprised her. Then again, she supposed he was busy too.

And of course, there was the guard stationed in her sitting room. That sort of put a damper on things as well.

The next morning she learned that Stefan received notice during the night that the tour wouldn’t be possible due to a work conflict—construction involving heavy equipment would be all over the site. Visitors would be strictly forbidden to ensure the high safety standards of the construction company.

Nicki frowned as Stefan relayed the news to her over breakfast. “You think he’s clearing out evidence of undocumented workers?”

“He’s clearing out evidence of something, without question,” Stefan said. “He believes the tour is possible, only tomorrow, not today. Clearly, he doesn’t think anything is seriously amiss, or he wouldn’t be letting us get anywhere near the site.”

“Fair enough,” Nicki said. “Is it private property though, around it? Josef’s student was able to get pretty close without issue.”

“I suspect there’s probably some security within the site. As to around it, I’d doubt it.” Stefan eyed her over the table. “Why?”

“Well, I have this windsurfing thing later in the day, but I haven’t worked out in an age. Might be nice to, I don’t know, hike around the city?”

His smile was all the reward she could have asked for. “You have climbing equipment?”

“Packed it in case. I assume you have what you need here as well.”

He nodded. “Packed it in case.”

Within the hour they were decked out like any of a thousand Alaçati tourists that morning—hiking shoes, tee shirts and cargo pants, packs slung over their back that could carry anything from sandwiches to maps. In their case, it carried rope and carabiners and soft soled shoes. They didn’t expect to run into any cliffs, but it was always good to be prepared.

The walk to the edge of the city was short, and mostly uphill. It was good to get out, to feel the sun on her face while she was moving, Nicki thought. She’d let Stefan set the pace, but he hadn’t slowed appreciably for her, she was certain. Her energy was high and she’d eaten and consumed enough water. She would be fine today.

“According to the squatters, that’s the asylum, directly behind me,” Stefan said. He had a tourist map and was facing the city, while the thick, ugly building rose up from the cliff. “On the map it’s indicated as a warehouse. Possibly was at one time. Not too difficult to convert that into a makeshift hospital or holding tank, particularly if it’s broken up into small rooms.”

“Not too easy for anyone to get out of either,” Nicki said.

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