Page 24 of Capture of Capricorn

They ditched the stolen car and hiked to the motel his friend rented for them. Capricorn went inside the office and returned with a single key. Guess they’d be sharing, not that she’d complain. Let him handle this part of her escape since Zora dreaded calling her mama and trying to explain what happened. She’d likely show up with a sandal in hand to throw at Crius. The woman had excellent aim but not much spare cash. Zora usually sent her mama a bit each month to help her get by.

The room actually came with two double beds covered in comforters made to look like the night sky.

“Dibs on the shower,” Zora crowed, heading for the bathroom.

He chuckled. “Go ahead. I’ll be back in a few. I’m going to wrangle us some food and clothing.”

Apparently, a lack of wallet didn’t impede his plan. By the time she emerged in a thin towel, which she clutched tight over her ample chest, showing a little too much cleavage and thigh, he had a paper bag on the table that emitted a delicious smell, a tray of waxed paper cups, and a pile of fabric sat on one of the beds.

“Burgers and fries,” he pointed. “And since I wasn’t sure what you liked to drink, I’ve got Coke, water, iced tea, and coffee. The clothing isn’t stylish but better than what we’ve got. Oh, and I got a bag to carry the relic.”

She grabbed a T-shirt and snickered at the message on it. “I survived being probed.” She arched a brow. “Guess we both did.”

His lips quirked. “At least now we’ll fit in until we get out of here.”

“Which is when?” she asked.

“Soon. Before we go anywhere, I need some tools to get these bracelets off. I’m worried they might have a tracking device.”

Her eyes widened. “Shit. I never even thought of that. Do you think they’re already closing in on us?”

“Possible. But given the clusterfuck we left behind, I’m hoping we have a few hours before we have to worry. Just in case, though, keep an eye outside while I rinse off.”

She quickly dressed in the shirt and track pants, even slid on the flip-flips he’d managed to acquire before she parked herself in the window, burger in one hand, the other stuffing the occasional heavenly greasy fry, sucking the straw of the cola. The food tasted divine.

Capricorn didn’t take long. He emerged with a towel slung around his hips, showing off those insane abs. She stared, longer than was polite. He noticed judging by the sudden lift of the fabric in his groin area. She forced herself to glance away.

“Spot anything suspicious?” he asked as he rifled through the pile of garments.

“A few folks dressed as aliens and a man wearing an intricate tin foil hat, but nobody that seems to be looking for us.”

“Good. Once I’ve eaten, I’m going to track down a hardware store.”

She eyed the bracelet on her wrist. “Gonna be tough snipping these off, given how snug they fit.”

“I’m aware, but we have to do something about them.”

“Agreed.” Her head tilted and lips pursed. “You know, if you grab me a torch, we can probably melt them off.

“Or, at the very least, fuck them up so they can’t be used against us. Good thinking.”

“We’ll have to grab some gloves and try to shimmy them under these bands to protect the skin,” she stated, wiping her greasy fingers on a napkin. Only an idiot would try to melt metal, while wearing it, without protection. “I’ll come with you.”

“Worried they’ll come while I’m gone?”

“No, more that you’ll get cheap on the gloves and I’ll end up getting burned. This is one time when we need quality.” She learned her lesson early on in her welding career.

“Money is no object,” he mentioned as they left the room, Capricorn having devoured his meal even faster than her.

“You rob a bank?” She only half-joked.

“No need. My buddy Venmo’d some dough to the clerk, who was more than happy to hand over some bills in exchange for a generous cut. Speaking of whom, Bobby can probably tell us where the nearest hardware store is.”

Bobby did indeed know. “Yeah, I know a place, but it’s too far to walk. I can give you a lift, though, since I’m finished with my shift in like five minutes. Just cost you a few bucks for gas.”

“Sold.” Capricorn pulled out a few bills and handed them over with a murmured, “Thanks for your help.”

As they waited outside for Bobby to trade spots with his replacement, she asked, “Why do I get the impression this isn’t the first time your friend has bailed you of trouble?”

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