Page 36 of Captive

“Vermont,” Chloe said with no inflection. “At least I know where we are.”

“As I said, a safehouse.”

“For how long?”

“That I’m not certain.”

The general store was easy to locate, the facility offering gas, clothing, food, and other supplies. When I pulled into the parking lot, she shifted closer to the windshield. “How quaint,” she huffed.

“You’re going to pick out anything you need including a coat and boots, some jeans and other items. It doesn’t matter the cost.”

“Does that mean you’re rich?”

“That means we have enough money to do what we need. We’ll also purchase some groceries. I don’t think I need to tell you that you’re on a short leash.”

“Because I’m your pet.”

I killed the engine, half smiling at her continued rebellion. “Because it’s necessary. We won’t be returning here unless absolutely necessary. Do you understand?”

“Oh, I understand all right.” When she climbed out of the vehicle, I studied her expression before joining her.

While it was likely the locals were used to seeing strangers given the close proximity to Canada, I still felt the curious eyes of everyone in the place. Given my exposed tattoos, it was likely I was one scary asshole. Good. That would keep them out of our hair. I moved through the facility, uncertain of what to purchase. There’d been no time to grill Travis on what I could expect.

I kept my eye on her as she moved through the women’s clothing, tossing one piece of attire after another into a small cart. She constantly darted her eyes in my direction, the same smirk I’d seen remaining on her face.

At least the general store was all Travis had cracked it up to be, providing lanterns and batteries, even a shortwave radio. I added another box of ammo to the cart as well as medicinal alcohol and other assorted items. I certainly knew my way around developing a small bomb if necessary.

Chloe managed to do what I’d requested without fighting my command. However, I could feel the tension and knew that she was plotting some method of escape. My beautiful little pet was more of a handful than I’d imagined.

Travis was right. No one bothered us or asked any questions, simply ringing up the items as if the majority of travelers purchased eight hundred dollars’ worth of supplies every day. While the food we’d gathered would be enough for a couple of weeks, I’d need to venture out eventually.

That is if I couldn’t hunt down and kill the motherfuckers.

“Anything else you need?” the store clerk asked, darting her eyes from one of my arms to the other.

“Gas cans.”

She shifted her gaze to our carts as well as studying Chloe. I turned my head, eyeing the lovely student. Her act of disinterest was enough to provide a level of comfort to the clerk.

“They’re outside in a shed by the door, five-gallon containers. Do you want me to add one to your total?”

I held up my hand, showing her two fingers. We’d spent far too much time in the place. “I’ll need to fill them with gas.”

“Of course. How will you be paying for this, sir?”

I pulled out my wallet, tossing several hundred dollar bills across the counter. At least the SUV had been filled before leaving the small town. The amount should be enough.

For now.

The girl seemed surprised but didn’t utter a word, merely finishing the transaction. After loading things into the vehicle and filling the cans, I took a few seconds to study everyone around us.

“Do you really think they found us?” Chloe asked. “I have no idea how they could have.”

“Don’t ever underestimate your enemies, Chloe. They will strike when you least expect it.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

We remained in total silence as I navigated the rest of the way, finally pulling down a long driveway.