Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 129

Chapter Twenty–Nine: Ray Wasn’t Bored.

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Southvale’s Imperial Crest Mall was not an ordinary shopping center. It was a polished cathedral of glass and marble where luxury brands did not beg for attention. They commanded it.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling like suspended constellations, casting soft golden light over Italian marble floors that reflected every designer heel and tailored suit that crossed them.

Private security stood discreetly at every wing. Valet attendants moved imported vehicles in silent coordination outside. This place was not a place for ordinary men.

Which was why Ray Simpson and Garry Richardson did not look out of place.

Ray walked with his usual calm precision, tall and composed in a charcoal fitted T–shirt tucked into tailored dark trousers. A sleek silver watch rested against his wrist, understated, but the kind only serious money could buy. His short brown hair was perfectly cut, his brown eyes observant, and detached.

Beside him, Garry was lighter in mood, wearing a navy linen shirt rolled at the sleeves and cream tailored slacks. Effortless. Charming. The kind of man who could sell wine to a king and leave with the queen’s number.

They were pushing a cart, but not the kind ordinary shoppers used. Imperial Crest provided custom walnut carts for VIP shoppers. Ray was shopping for his house.

It had been months since he properly lived in it.

Hospital shifts. Emergency surgeries. Long nights. Empty mornings.

Now he has two weeks off. And he intended to make his house look like a home again.

They had already selected, hand–woven Parisian rugs. Sculpted Italian floor lamps. A walnut coffee table with brushed brass legs. With cotton bedding sets in muted grey.

Ray examined a set of minimalist ceramic vases, turning one slightly between his fingers.

“Too loud,” he murmured.

“It’s beige,” Garry replied flatly.

“Exactly.”

A group of women passed by them, slowing their steps almost unconsciously.

“Oh my God… look at them.”

“My world. They look like Greek gods.”

“Do you think they’re actors?”

“No, richer.”

Phones subtly angled. Whispers floated like perfume.

Ray did not look up at all. And Garry. He was used to it. He gave one woman a polite nod, and that was enough to make her nearly

melt.

But then, Ray’s eyes shifted past the admiring crowd, towards two women who stood near a display of throw pillows, completely unaware of the spectacle happening behind them.

A blonde, and a ginger haired.

They were laughing.

Chapter Twenty Nine Ray Wasn’t Bored

”

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Not the curated, soft laughter women used when trying to attract attention. This was unfiltered. It was real, loud and they didn’t even care if anyone was watching.

Daisy was animated, her hands flying in the air as she demonstrated some exaggerated martial arts move, nearly knocking over a display pillow. Aurora, elegant as ever, tried to restrain her laughter while adjusting the sleeve of her fitted blazer.

They were in their own world. No one glanced toward Ray or Garry.

Not even curiosity. Which caused Ray to stop walking.

“Strange.”

Garry glanced at him. “What?”

Ray tilted his head slightly toward them. “Look over there.”

Garry followed his gaze lazily at first.

“These are the kind of women who command respect,” Ray said calmly. “I like them.”

Garry scoffed and waved him off dramatically. “You say that every six months.”

“I am serious about these two.” Ray’s voice remained even. “I want them both.”

That caught Garry’s attention. He looked properly this time. And then his brows pulled together in irritation.

“That is Aurora,” he said slowly. “The woman I am still working on. She’s Cassienne’s friend. Both of them are.”

Ray’s expression did not change. “You know them?”

“Of course I do.” Garry turned to him incredulously. “Have you suddenly forgotten? They were at the hospital when we brought Cassienne for treatment.”

Ray blinked. Trying to refresh his memory.

He had been exhausted that night. Barely slept. Surgery backlog. He remembered shadows, voices, but not faces.

“Well,” he said after a beat, “I like the blonde then.”

Garry smirked. “You can hit on the blonde. The gingerhead is mine.”

Daisy was now demonstrating a spinning kick that nearly toppled a stack of designer cushions.

Aurora grabbed her arm. “Stop before they charge us for damages.”

Daisy laughed louder. “Relax. If I break it, I’ll fight the manager.”

Ray watched the blonde carefully.

There was something reckless in her movements. Something unpolished. But something confident. She didn’t scan the room for approval. She didn’t adjust her posture because men were watching.

She existed freely. And it intrigued him.

Just then, as if sensing something, Aurora tilted her head. Her eyes moved across the store, and landed directly on Garry.

Recognition flashed instantly. Her lips curved into a knowing smile.

“That,” Garry muttered under his breath, straightening slightly, “is my woman.”

Ray’s gaze shifted between them.

Aurora didn’t rush over. And she didn’t wave dramatically. She just held his eyes for a second longer than necessary, and then

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Chapter Twenty Nine Roy Wasl Bored

turned back to Daisy.

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Ray exhaled slowly. Very interesting.

Meanwhile, behind them, more whispers followed.

“Why aren’t those two women going to talk to them?”

“Maybe they don’t know who they are.”

“They have to know.”

Ray placed the ceramic vase back in its place.

“For once,” he said quietly, “I’m more interested in the women who aren’t interested.”

Garry chuckled. “Be careful. That blonde looks like she’ll break your jaw before she lets you touch her.”

Ray’s lips curved faintly. Not a smile. Something sharper.

“I’d like to see her try.”

Across the store, Daisy burst into laughter again, completely unaware that a certain surgeon had just decided she was his next distraction.

Or perhaps something more.

Garry adjusted his cuffs and gave Aurora one last look before returning his focus to the shopping list.

“Finish buying your furniture,” he said. “Then we’ll see if you still like blondes tomorrow.”

Ray didn’t reply. His eyes were still on Daisy.

And now, thinking about his life so far, with this woman standing over there. Ray wasn’t bored.

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