Free Contingency by Peggy Martinez

gotten myself into. I looked up to see Elaine walking in her normal whirlwind fashion and beckoning everyone to take a seat. Once everyone got settled she cleared her throat and addressed us all.
     
    “For the past six weeks we have all worked very hard together day in and day out to prepare Sage for her mission. Travis has assured me that she has learned all he can teach her about preternaturals. I am convinced she will fill her role as a lady born to this era without flaw--even though she still has the tendency to curse most unladylike under her breath.” She said the last with a hint of amusement and affection in her voice and I felt my eyes go a little misty.
     
    “Dr. Blake has also assured me that she has a firm grasp on her abilities as a Warper and has been one of his brightest pupils in matters of combat and knife handling.” My cheeks felt like they were on fire as I glanced quickly over at Dr. Blake. The blasted man grinned at me, probably loving how uncomfortable I was with all the praise.
     
    “So,” she continued on, “we are going to celebrate by attending a house party tonight. Our plan will be put into motion starting then.”
     
    Elaine was beaming at all of us and I felt like I had been punched in the gut. So soon? Was I ready to do this already? Everyone was talking excitedly and shaking hands, oblivious to my inner turmoil. It seemed the demon of self-doubt had made camp right inside my chest.
     
    Elaine walked over to me. “Sage, if you will meet me in my room, I have a few things to show you and then we will take you to the townhouse we have procured for you.”
     
    I nodded, barely hearing her. She probably had some last minute princess advice to impart. I caught my snort just in time. “I’ll meet you there as soon as I grab a breath of fresh air.” I caught her worried look just before she masked it. I put a hand on her arm and smiled at her. “Just in the court yard, I promise. Don’t worry.” I squeezed her arm and made my way outside so I could sort out my thoughts and get my heart rate under control.
     

 
     
    Chapter Thirteen
     
    I made my way up to Elaine’s room half an hour later, a little less freaked out and a lot more calm. I knocked gently on the door and heard a muffled reply from within. I opened the door slowly, hoping it had been a
come in
reply. Her room was a pleasant surprise of colors and textures.
     
    The drapes were a deep red, and a colorful rug had been placed in front of the fireplace. She must have a thing for sitting in front of fireplaces I mused remembering our girls’ night not so very long ago. A single turquoise blue chair sat in front of the window with a huge fluffy pillow adorning it.
     
    I couldn’t tell what color her bedspread was, because it was completely covered in clothing. It looked like her dresser had thrown up. She stood next to the bed her hands on her hips and a huge grin spread across her face. “What’s going on?” I asked. Need help with some spring cleaning?” She couldn’t have missed my smirk.
     
    Her grin only got wider. “No...this is all for you.” My smirk quickly faded and she laughed at my distress.
     
    “What do you mean this is for me?” I asked staring at the ungodly amount of frilly under things and skirts hanging off her bed.
     
    “Come on over, Sage, these were all specially made with your mission in mind.” I walked over to the bed, my doubts clear for anyone to see. I spotted a corset and nearly cursed out loud. Luckily all the foulness I wanted to spew stayed locked away in my happy little mind. She noticed my look and clucked her tongue at me. “Really, Sage, you should see your face. You shouldn’t be so quick to judge.”
     
    I picked up a cream-colored corset and noticed a difference right away. It was made out of a buttery soft suede-like material with tiny seed pearls stitched all around the neckline. It had one inch straps and hooked up the front instead of tying in the back. The