Page 166 of Alien Haven

“It could be better,” he sighed. “O’Neal…the man who was caught spying on you? He committed suicide this morning.”

Only Detodev failed to gasp. The Nobek’s eyes widened in shock, however.

“I’m sorry to hear it,” Ilid managed. “We were hoping for answers for his actions rather than him coming to harm.”

“A troubled man.” Wilkes stared at the street, his expression regretful. “He’d been brought in for minor offenses in the past, but he showed no inclination for serious mischief. I guess you never know the thoughts in a person’s head.”

“Wow. Does he have family? They must be devastated,” Charity said.

“Maybe on Mercy, where he came from. We’ve sent inquiries. Since they’re in a rather messy state these days, it could be several days before we know for certain.” He drew a deep breath as if to set aside the unpleasantness. His smile when he gazed at them again was genuine. “What’s on the agenda? Detodev, I almost never see you in town during the day.”

When the Nobek merely shrugged, his usual reserve kicking in, Mitag answered. “We dragged Mr. Sociable out for a day off. I actually convinced him to buy a nice shirt for tomorrow’s show.”

“Oh, you’re attendingCow Patties in Paradise? I’ve heard it’s hilarious. I might have to see it myself, if any tickets are left. I’ll leave you to it, then. Have a good day.” Wilkes nodded and continued down the street, his steps quicker and demeanor lighter than before.

Charity watched him go. Big guy. It reminded her of the size of her attacker in the barn. Wilkes would have been scary if he hadn’t spoken to them with such friendly ease and no sign of judgment. If three Kalquorian men hanging around an Earther woman offended him, he hid it well.

“It’s wonderful to be around so many non-Earthtique types,” she marveled. “Haven is a different world in the best way possible.”

“Despite the lack of culture and predominance of natural fertilizer?” Mitag teased.

She tossed her napkin at him. “No place is all bad. Or all good, for that matter. As accepting as the university on Jedver was of diversity, thanks to it being in Galactic Council space, I occasionally ran into anti-Kalquorian types among my fellow Earthers. Some were obnoxious to other species too, holding onto Old Earth’s crap about being ‘God’s Chosen.’”

“I’m glad you aren’t among those kinds of people,” Ilid said.

At the looks they gave her, crazy longing filled Charity again. She covered it by smirking and speaking in a flippant tone. “I think I’m becoming quite the Kalquoriphile.”

Charity and the gang were beginning to talk dinner plans late in the afternoon when she received a message from Nobek Groteg insisting she return to the farm for the evening meal. Because he made no mention of the men being invited, she grouched, “I guess you’ll have to do what you can to have fun in my absence.” She flung the back of her hand to her forehead for melodrama’s sake. “I must leave you. Go on without me, if you can manage.”

“It won’t be easy,” Ilid said, his palm to his heart and expression woebegone as the others chuckled. More seriously, he added, “I guess we can’t be too greedy, having enjoyed last night and today together.”

“Ha! Greedy is my calling card.” Mitag playfully pawed at Charity’s shoulder. “I’ll be plotting how to steal you as soon as possible.”

“You do that,” she grinned.

Too soon, she was walking in the back door to find Sara and Groteg in the kitchen waiting. She could hear Utber elsewhere in the house telling James to “wash those grubby hands now, or I’ll wash them for you.”

“Spaghetti?” The delightful scent eased a small portion of Charity’s regret she wasn’t having dinner in the company of her friends instead. Impulsively, she hugged Sara. “It smells divine. Thanks so much for the day off to play. Oh, and for bringing us breakfast. Best day ever in a long while.”

“I’m glad.” Sara hugged her in return, but her expression was cautious. The manner in which her gaze darted to Groteg warned Charity all wasn’t well.

The Nobek wasted no time getting to the nitty-gritty. “The man who was spying on you last night is dead.”

“I heard. Suicide.”

“Maybe.” Groteg’s expression was dark.

Charity’s heart skipped a beat. “Assistant Chief Wilkes seemed pretty sure.”

“He would have presented such an attitude because you’re a civilian and he preferred you not to worry.” Groteg’s demeanor eased for sympathy. “I wish I could do the same, but some of us are concerned Kelly Kirk…O’Neal’s real name…wasn’t acting alone. He certainly doesn’t fit the description of the man who came for you on our property.”

“You think his co-conspirator took him out to silence him?”

“It’s the theory we’re working from.”

“He would have to be in law enforcement to get to him in his cell.” Charity’s blood chilled.

“Ifthere’s a co-conspirator. Who knows how many are involved in trying to abduct you? Or if they’re acting independently or as a group?” Groteg drew a deep breath. “Charity, Kalquor believes you’re in too much danger on Haven. They plan to transfer you so you’ll be safe.”

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