Free Contingency by Peggy Martinez Page A

corset felt a lot lighter than the one I normally wore. I cocked my eyebrow in question at Elaine.
     
    She smiled knowingly. “It doesn’t have a bone or ivory core like most corsets, the inner is made with a material not yet available to the regular population. I have no idea what the material is, but it is lighter and much more flexible than a normal corset.”
     
    I held it to my chest, running my fingers over the soft fabric and then I spied its twin in black. I had to stop myself from kissing her smack on the mouth. It was a thing of beauty. She laughed at my obvious enthusiasm over the black corset. “These are absolutely amazing,” I said in awe. Elaine beamed at me.
     
    “I knew you’d love those. Now--here are several more items I think you will appreciate as well.” The next thing she showed me made me grin even wider, if that was at all possible.
     
    Several pairs of garters were making me all fluttery inside. Who knew I could learn to love lingerie so much? Of course I blame it on the fact that these garters would not only hold up my stockings, but would also allow me to comfortably conceal a dagger in them.
     
    I was shown several skirts made of light-weight materials, all with hidden pockets, all with the right pocket slit so I could have easier access to the dagger strapped to my garter. Man, this day was just getting better and better. I was feeling down right giddy with all these amazing items. Finally she showed me shoes. At first glance, I couldn’t figure out what was special about them besides being pretty awesome looking. I picked up a pair that had a two inch heel, were calf high and were overlaid in black lace. The bottom had a nice tread, so I wouldn’t be slipping. I looked inside and found a hidden slot sewn into the right foot shoe--just perfect to conceal a dirk. Several were clearly meant to be for evenings and several were for everyday wear, and all them were calf length...just the perfect height, and all were modified to hide a weapon. Shit kickers, Edwardian style. Me likey.
     
    “Everything has been made with you and your mission in mind. Lighter weight fabrics and materials were used so your movements would be less restricted. Your townhouse has been furnished, and several outfits and dresses have been sent there ahead of you.”
     
    I shook my head, feeling overwhelmed. “I don’t know what to say...” My voice wavered.
     
    Elaine took my hands in hers. “None of that now--we are all very glad to help you; we are not only elated to assist a Warper, but we have also all grown very fond of you, Sage.”
     
    I smiled at the woman, who under these abnormal circumstances had become one of my only friends. "Elaine, thank you--for everything.” I said sincerely.
     
    She cleared her throat, “Yes, well, I’ll send these things over right away. Dr. Blake will be taking you to your new place; he has a few more things for you as well.” An unbidden picture of Dr. Aldwin Blake showing me women’s undergarments had me laughing out loud. Elaine looked at me as if I’d lost my mind, I waved a hand as I shook my head. “Sorry, just had a funny thought.” She shook her head, but didn’t question me. Thank goodness.
     
    “Well...get going! You have a lot to do before tonight’s grand entrance.” She smiled while she shooed me out the door and shut it firmly behind me. I stood outside her closed bedroom door a few moments before walking determinedly towards my uncertain future.
     

 
     
    Chapter Fourteen
     
    Not an hour later I found myself being covered in a black hooded cloak and being ushered quickly into a small black carriage. Dr. Blake waited inside. I tried to muster a smile. “This all seems to be happening so quickly and I sometimes still feel like this is all a dream that I will wake up from at any moment.” The carriage lurched forward, and I slumped back against the cushions and closed my eyes.
     
    I sat that way for awhile, swaying gently in my seat