Page 68 of Alien Haven

“A chance to dress up? I’m in,” Charity declared.

Mitag grinned, no doubt noting Detodev’s growing concern. “Don’t go by our example. I’d dress up for a feed store’s grand opening. I’ll take any excuse for a new outfit. This is Sunrise. Wear your best jeans and a clean shirt.”

“What are you wearing?” Detodev asked Ilid. He didn’t want to be too casual if everyone else was fancy. He did have one niceshirt and a decent pair of black slacks he used for the occasional wedding, clanning ceremony, or funeral.

“I suppose I can wear the dress trousers I brought so I don’t feel too underdressed in the company of these two. I don’t have a jacket. I could get one, but if you’re going casual, I’ll skip it for now.” The Dramok shrugged, his attitude unconcerned.

“I’ll definitely be dressed casual.” Detodev was relieved, both that he wouldn’t have to dress up and he wouldn’t be the only one.

Mitag couldn’t resist teasing him. “I can come by your house and help you clean up beforehand. You might be a pacifist, but you’re still an uncouth Nobek.”

“Oh, sign me up for clean-up duty,” Charity snickered. She grabbed Detodev’s ass as she walked past to go in the shop.

Detodev rolled his eyes. However, as the group entered the store for Mitag to claim the suit he was salivating over, he caught the Imdiko by the arm. Since Charity and Ilid preceded them in, they failed to notice him leaning in close to whisper in his surprised friend’s ear. “Thank you.”

Mitag blinked at him, his smile uncertain. “Why are you thanking me?”

“You refused to give up on this standoffish Nobek. Most would have.”

The Imdiko bumped against him affectionately. “Most don’t have the sense to look beneath the exterior to find buried treasure. I’m a smart guy, in case you haven’t noticed.”

Detodev’s cheeks ached a little. He’d been smiling a lot in the last few hours, and his face wasn’t used to it. Mitag was smart, all right. Too smart to act mushy at Detodev’s admission, which would have made him self-conscious. Smart enough to hide a compliment in a joke.

Detodev squeezed his arm and stepped away. He retreated into his typical comfortable distance but remained close to those whom he regarded with growing warmth.

* * * *

Groteg entered his office stomping, his expression thunderous. He ordered his door closed and locked.

A silver ring appeared in midair, flying toward his shoulder. He caught it, recognizing it and the blue sapphire in its setting. He wasn’t surprised when Dolgra unphased next to his desk.

“You said it was urgent,” the spy said.

“Kelly Kirk, a.k.a. Scott O’Neal, was found dead when his lunch was delivered to his containment cell,” Groteg tossed the ring back to his visitor, fuming. “Initial tests indicate syntranide poisoning.”

“Fast and lethal in miniscule doses. He could have hidden it in on himself where it would have evaded a search,” Dolgra mused. “Ifhe were the type to commit suicide.”

Groteg’s fury at having lost an important witness quieted at the unspoken suspicion he shared. “You also believe he was killed to keep him quiet?”

“I’ve been through the Earther security roster, specifically those in Sunrise. Half the officers lived on Mercy or New Bethlehem at some point. All have been in the Earther police headquarters since Kirk was brought in.”

“Most of the officers now employed asserted they were at odds with the Earthtique bent of Mercy’s and New Bethlehem’s leadership.” Groteg recognized it for the convenient excuse it would have been. “A law enforcement career for an Earthtique would afford plenty of opportunities to gather information on Haven’s residents. Connelly recognized the issue. He said he’d thoroughly investigated each and every candidate.”

“If anyone came here to spy within law enforcement on behalf of Earthtique governments, they could have laid the groundwork carefully to get an operative through the process. I’m going to investigate the entire bunch. Given Matara Charity’s description of her first assailant, I’ll start with those of Kalquorian size. Maybe from the top down.”

Dolgra’s plan made sense, but Groteg pointed out, “Assistant Chief Wilkes has never shown signs of being an Earthtique. I can’t tell you how many clannings between our species he’s attended, along with other Kalquorian-centric functions.”

“If you’re vouching for him, I’ll save him for last. I’m leaving no stone unturned now that our one connection to those hunting Matara Charity is dead. If I have to look closely at Wilkes, I will.” Dolgra disappeared before Groteg could answer.

The Nobek had no problem with that despite his surety the spy would be wasting his time investigating certain members of Connelly’s staff. He approved of the man’s thoroughness. Dolgra certainly knew his business.

He’s the epitome of a Dramok.Groteg snorted at the intense camaraderie he usually experienced when Dolgra showed up. Dismissing the momentary yearning for a clan leader as steady as Amgar had been, he directed his attention to his own work.

* * * *

“Hi, Assistant Chief Wilkes,” Charity called to the passing officer as she and the guys relaxed with beverages in front of the coffee shop. They’d loaded up on caffeine after Ilid had secured an appointment to discuss his business trade with the shop’s friendly owner.

Wilkes stopped and beamed at the group. “Good afternoon, all. Enjoying the day?”

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