Duncan watched Ritchie duck into Amanda's apartment, then pulled a tissue out of her purse and handed it to her. He had dealt with pregnant women a few times in his centuries, starting with his mother sometimes acting as a midwife back in Glenfinnen. He had ever been put in the position to be the primary helper in a birth on a few occasions. But this was different. This was an immortal. This was Amanda. He would have to bring an outside consultant in on this. And fortunately, he DID know a doctor who knew the secret of Immortals, and whom he could trust for her discretion. He made a note to himself to contact her at the nearest opportunity.
Duncan looked over Amanda's shoulder; she was just sniffing occasionally now. Ritchie was peeping around the corner, his face asking, and "All clear?" Duncan nodded, and Ritchie approached. With a quizzical look, he said, "I can't feel you, Duncan. Or Amanda. It's like something is drowning it out.
"It is." Duncan confirmed. He turned to Amanda, "You ready?"
Amanda nodded, and asked, "Is all the extra security really necessary?"
Duncan's face became grave, as he nodded. He smiled and said, "But we're going shopping, we'll be in public, and you are with the two of us. I don't think there will be a problem. Shall we?", he offered his arm...
Amanda picked up her purse and slung it over her shoulder. She took Duncan's arm and handed her keys to Ritchie. After locking the door Ritchie gave Amanda's keys back.
They walked to the elevator and rode from Amanda's penthouse to the bottom floor. As they started toward the front door Duncan asked, " Where do you want to go first?"
Amanda thought for a second and decided, "Let's go to the shoe store."
Both men groaned.
Ritchie looked at Duncan and wondered, "What is it with women and shoes?"
Amanda grinned.
Duncan just shrugged and headed up the street toward the shopping district and the new mall.