“I have cards with inspirational sayings, and I’ll attach them.I’ll also offer some for sale with no additions.It will be a test to learn which one is more popular.”
Sienna smiled at her mother’s enthusiasm.Liam’s idea had them all excited.Her joy fled when she remembered Liam’s prolonged absence.
“If the hunters have done anything to Liam and Jamie, we’ll hear about it in the village,” her mother said.“You’re worried, and so am I.I keep thinking about Hedrek and the boys.None of us is safe.Right now, our priority is to carry on and earn as much as we can.Liam’s right—we need to leave Stoneford and find a safer place.”
Sienna nodded, understanding that the person behind the hunt wouldn’t stop until he or she got what they wanted.Her mother set a plate before her.Eating was the least of her concerns, with her stomach tied in knots.But the last thing they wanted was for anyone to get sick, adding another burden to their already overwhelming difficulties.
She ate on automatic while her mind raced ahead.“How long will you be at the market?”
“I’ll stay while I have items to sell or until everyone leaves the car park.”
“I’ll stop by during my lunch break before I head to the library to research Edwin Smith.”Sienna ate the last bite of eggs and stood, taking her dirty dishes to the sink.“Are you ready to leave, or should I help you load the trolley?”
Her mother shoved her half-eaten breakfast away.“I’ve packed everything, but I can’t eat when I’m anxious.”
“Let’s go then.”
They set a brisk pace on the walk into Stoneford, not passing anyone.Birds chirped from the thickets, but the lack of noise from the carpenter’s shop concerned Sienna.Normally, the place bustled with activity.
“It’s too quiet,” her mother whispered.
Sienna understood why her mother had lowered her voice.The stillness was eerie and slightly disturbing.“Are they holding the market today?”
“They will because many of the vendors rely on the income.”
Her mother proved correct, and as they entered the village center, locals were busy setting up their stalls.The absence of the usual loud chatter and banter felt eerie, but grim faces told the story.Unease settled over the group, fueled by the news that the hunters had seen a leopard.
“The mayor told us to cooperate with them,” a woman said to her neighbor as they walked past.
“That’s true.He vouched for them, but they don’t have true authority here.”
Sienna slowed her steps to hear the reply.
“It’s easier to go along with them, rather than attract their attention to my family,” the woman said.
Yes, everyone, including her, was wondering what would come next.The leopard had slipped away, but the hunters had overstepped, barking orders at everyone like they owned the place.Life here was about to get unbearable, especially if the person in charge threw more money at them to ramp up the hunt.
“This is the site?”Sienna asked after her mother pushed the trolley past the rows of market stalls where the stallholders avoided eye contact, toward the distant car park.“I know you said it was by the car park, but this is so out of the way, you’re lucky to get any foot traffic.”
“I worried at first, but we get more pedestrians here than at our previous spot.”
Given their position, Sienna couldn’t believe that.She checked her watch.With so many shops still closed, she’d thought it was much earlier than eight.Where was everyone?The lemonade seller arrived, calling out a cheery good morning.
“Is Liam not here today?”Tony asked.“I’ve implemented his ideas, and I’m eager to learn whether they improve sales.”
Sienna glanced askance at her mother, but Tamsin shrugged.
“Liam is helping my husband with the production side today,” Tamsin said.“Hopefully, he’ll be by later.”
Tony jerked his head to the right.“Looks like our customers are starting early.Lucky for us, we’re here.Early bird and the juicy worm.”
Sienna helped her mother set up the folding table and display their stock.“How much are you charging for the hearts?”
“Liam and I didn’t discuss the pricing,” her mother said.“Twenty dollars?”
“We need money,” Sienna said.“Which means maximizing prices.What price do you have on the mugs?”
“We were selling them for ten pounds, but Liam doubled the price, and they sold better.”
