Page 40 of Klaz
A few stalls down, the glint of metal caught my eye. Knives of all shapes and sizes were laid out on a velvet cloth, their blades wickedly sharp. I remembered Klaz’s story about the Festival ofBlades, how it had been a rite of passage for young Vinduthi warriors.
An idea began to form in my mind. A way to show Klaz that I was committed to our partnership, that I trusted him.
We continued through the market, gathering supplies under the guise of preparing for our “date night.” A spool of high-tensile wire here, a bottle of industrial-grade adhesive there. Nothing too suspicious on its own, but together, they formed the beginnings of a toolkit that would serve us well during the heist.
As we approached the electronics sector, Klaz’s eyes lit up with interest. He began examining a complex-looking device, engrossed in its intricate circuitry.
“I’ll be right back,” I murmured, squeezing his arm. He nodded absently, barely registering my words.
Heart pounding, I slipped away into the crowd. My feet carried me swiftly back to the weapons stall we’d passed earlier. I made my purchase quickly, tucking the small package into my coat.
When I returned to Klaz’s side, he was still absorbed in the electronics. I slid my arm through his, as if I’d never left.
“Find anything useful?” I asked, keeping my voice light.
Klaz blinked, coming back to the present. “Maybe. We should move on.”
Another step through the market and a small booth caught Klaz’s eye. ‘Wait here,’ he murmured, disappearing into the crowded stall. He emerged moments later, slipping something into his pocket. At my questioning look, he showed me a two tiny silver balls nestled into a sleek black case.
“Communication devices,” he explained quietly, showing me the case. “Short-range, but secure. Could come in handy.”
I nodded, understanding the need for caution. But there was something in Klaz’s eyes, a spark of an idea forming, that mademe think these little silver balls might be more than just comm dots.
“Anything else catch your eye?” I asked, scanning the market stalls.
Klaz’s hand brushed his pocket, where he’d stashed the comm dots. “Just keeping our options open,” he replied, his voice thoughtful. “Never know what might prove useful.”
Clearly there was more to his purchase than he was letting on, but I trusted him.
I had to.
Whatever he was planning, I hoped it would help us get out of this mess alive.
Finally, we reached a clothing store nestled between two larger buildings. The window display showcased an array of formal wear, perfect for a night at the casino.
“Shall we?” I asked, gesturing towards the door.
Klaz nodded, his expression unreadable as we entered the shop.
The interior was warm and inviting, and racks of dresses and suits lined the walls, a rainbow of fabrics and styles.
“May I help you?” A saleswoman approached, her smile just a touch too wide to be genuine.
“Yes,” I said, slipping into the role of excited girlfriend. “We have a big night out planned, and I need something absolutely stunning.”
The woman’s eyes lit up at the prospect of a sale. “Of course! I have just the thing. Follow me.”
She led us to a dressing room area, pulling dresses from the racks as we went. “I’ll leave these here for you to try on. Let me know if you need anything else.”
As soon as she was out of earshot, I leaned closer to Klaz. “Keep an eye out,” I whispered. “I’ll be quick.”
I ducked into the dressing room and slipped on the first dress, a sleek black number with strategically placed cutouts. The fabric clung to my curves, leaving little to the imagination. I stepped out, watching Klaz’s reaction carefully.
His eyes widened, roaming over my body, making heat pool in my belly. “You look...” he trailed off, clearing his throat.
I grinned, twirling for him. “Cat got your tongue?”
Klaz’s lips quirked up in a small smile. “It’s certainly... eye-catching.”