“Are you ready? I will be with you.” Smiley studied her eyes. She knew he looked for any show of emotion and tried to gauge her mood.

She nodded, forcing herself to relax. Smiley opened the door and kept hold of her hand as she slid out behind him. The NSO officers surrounded them, putting her and Smiley in the middle. A car passed, the driver openly gawking at the team. The woman nearly hit another car before slamming on the brakes.

“So it begins,” Jericho sighed. “Expect the cell phones to come out.”

Smiley released her hand and pulled her against his side, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Just smile. They tend to want to take photos with us but we’ll keep them back. I don’t want anyone getting too close to you.”

“Don’t snarl at anyone,” Slash warned, his gaze locked on Smiley. “You smile. I don’t care what your instincts say. Got it?”

“I know.” Smiley complied. “See?”

“You look constipated but trying to look happy about it,” Flame muttered.

Vanni laughed. Smiley actually smiled then. It reached his eyes and transformed his features. He hugged her tightly as the human task force team members opened the doors but stayed outside. They took positions as if they planned to guard the entrance.

Customers and employees turned to gawk at them. Vanni straightened her shoulders and felt gratitude that Smiley was beside her. His arm around her waist was comforting.

Flame strolled over and yanked a cart free from a line of them and chuckled. “I love carts. I always want to jump inside one and be pushed.”

“You’d break the thing. No playing,” Jericho said sternly. “Keep a sharp eye out but look happy about it.”

Vanni noticed one of their group was missing. “Where is Wager?”

“He’s staying with the SUVs. No one will be able to tamper with the vehicles without him knowing.”

Smiley’s explanation killed some of her joy. She tried to hide her distress. Are they paranoid or has it happened before? She didn’t want to ask. They were supposed to be there to have a good time and be seen together in public to prove Gregory Woods a liar. That returned the smile to her face. She really hated him, his son and that church.

“Just toss everything at me,” Flame offered. “I’ll follow behind.”

“You’re having too much fun,” Jericho said and sighed. “You remind me of a hyper child.”

“You remind me of a grumpy father,” Flame shot back.

Slash shook his head. “Humans are watching. Behave!”

Vanni laughed and looked up at Smiley. “Are they always like this?”

“Yes.” He eased his hold on her and lowered his voice. “We have twenty minutes before this could get out of hand. We have to stay for at least ten to make sure enough photos are taken. Relax and buy lots. You’ll need everything from the skin out.”

In less than twenty minutes? She tried to hide her dismay. It was a reminder though, that he was a man, New Species or not. That amused her. He had no clue how long a woman could shop. She nodded. “Power shopping. Got it.” She turned her head to stare at Flame. “You ready? Stay close and I’ll just toss stuff in the cart.”

Flame gripped the cart handle. “You lead and I will follow.”

Vanni swept her gaze around the store, spotting the area where they kept her size. Smiley stayed at her side as she walked purposefully down the aisles. She even managed to make direct eye contact with other customers. They continued to gawk but one woman dug her cell phone out of her purse and lifted it.

Smiley gripped her arm and turned her in that direction. “Smile for her, Vanni.”

She posed with him. The stranger approached cautiously and took the photo. “Can I get a picture with one of you?”

Slash stepped forward. “I’d be honored.”

The woman beamed. “Thank you. You’re so tall.”

He chuckled and crouched down a bit next to her. “Say cheese.”

Vanni was amused, watching the woman take a selfie with the New Species. He made sure she liked the picture and then backed away.

“We appreciate your support,” Slash rasped.

“My daughter and sister are going to be so jealous,” the woman gushed.

Slash beamed. “I’m glad.”

Smiley leaned down a little and whispered in her ear. “Let’s shop. I hate to remind you but we have to rush this a little.”

Vanni nodded and headed toward the clothes racks. Flame stayed right behind her with the cart. She just grabbed things that caught her eye, quickly putting together about eight outfits.

“That will do it.”

“You need panties and bras,” Smiley reminded her.

She blushed, gazing up at him with dread.

He winked. “Not that I’d want you to wear them but Miles had me memorize a list. People might talk about what you buy.”

She glanced away from him to the other New Species hovering around her. “In front of them?”

“They aren’t shy about those things.” He chuckled. “Only you are. I’ll help.”

She wasn’t sure if that made it better or worse as he clasped her hand and led her to the intimate-apparel section of the store. Vanni released his hand, located her size in bras and just grabbed a few that looked pretty. She was usually pickier about fabric and comfort but just wanted to get it over with.

She grabbed some boy-shorts-style panties but Smiley chuckled, drawing her attention. He held up a bright-blue thong. “I like this.”

Vanni just spun around and grabbed a few more pairs of underwear. “Done!” She turned and dumped them in the cart.

Smiley placed the thong in the cart, adding a few of the same style in other colors. “You should see your face.” He looked amused. “You’re so cute, my Vanni.”

She liked the way he called her that.

“You should never be shy about anything with me.”

It’s not just him though, she reminded herself, darting a look around. They had gathered a small crowd of customers who seemed to have nothing better to do than follow them around taking pictures with their cell phones. She quickly looked away from them and forced what she hoped was a smile.

Smiley approached her and offered his arm. His other hand brushed a few loose strands of her hair back from her cheek as he leaned in closer. “It’s almost over. You’re so brave.”

She didn’t feel that way.

“You can do this, my Vanni. I’m right here. Now we just need to get you some shoes. The ones you’re wearing make you a little unsteady on your feet.”

The heels weren’t the problem. It was her nerves and feeling as though she were on stage in some play. She refused to look at the other people again but could sense their stares. She gratefully allowed Smiley to lead her to the shoe department. One pair of flats, a pair of tennis shoes and a pair of black two-inch pumps later and she was done.

“Can we go now?” She really wanted to leave.

“Yes.” Smiley led her to the front of the store.

She looked up and skidded to a halt. The sight in the parking lot shocked her. The NSO team they’d left outside kept them back but at least a hundred or more people were blocking the parking area along the front.

“It’s not bad yet,” Slash rasped. “It’s still manageable. Only two news crews have set up. They demanded an interview but were told no.” He reached up and tapped his ear, drawing her attention to the device he wore. “I’m in contact with the team outside and Homeland is monitoring.”

Only two? Vanni panicked but Smiley seemed to realize she was about to lose it. He spun her to face him and lowered his head, staring deeply into her eyes.

“It’s okay. I’m right here. Slow your breathing a little.” He took a deep breath and blew it out, as if to show her how to do it. She mimicked him. He grinned. “That’s my Vanni. They are just curious people. That’s all. They mostly just want to observe us, if that helps. You’ll adjust to it.”

She doubted she ever would, not that she’d have to. She silently vowed there would be no more outings. She really didn’t like being the center of so much overzealous attention.