Page 66 of Kissed By the Alien
“You like my art?”
“I’ve not seen Earth artwork before. Most of my time on your planet has been spent in back alleys chasing down leads to the people who stole blasters from Galactic Intelligence.”
“I’ve been very fortunate. Before, during, and after the occupation. I’ve made myself useful, no matter the regime.”
Regime. An odd choice of words. I sense this male doesn’t like answering to anyone, even his leaders.
“You do not support Earth’s government?” I ask as he leads me to a room filled with books. Archaic, but an impressive collection given the Coalition usually destroys books and other education materials on the worlds they conquer. It makes me question how he survived not only with his family and wealth intact, but when andhowhe obtained these priceless articles.
“You speak as if we have only one government, Warrior. That is a fallacy, even though the United States spearheads communications with Galactic Intelligence. We’re a collection of nations which fight amongst ourselves, except when we have a common enemy.”
“The Coalition.”
He nods. “And now the og’dals who continue to steal women and bring in illegal weapons to supply the Brotherhood. They’re the biggest threat. The Brotherhood. And the sheep who follow them.”
How did a male this cold-blooded raise a daughter with such warmth and heart as Lexi?
“That’s why I was assigned here. To stop the influx of blasters and work the trail backward, to the source.”
His fingers trail over a pile of papers on the large wooden desk. “I know all about you, Warrior.” He taps a folder that he flips open. Inside, my picture is attached on the left, with pages of what I assume is my personnel record on the right. That information should be private. By law, the ZDC, Zyan’s Defense Command, does not share a warrior’s information with anyone outside Galactic Intelligence.
“You were involved in an incident a few months back. One that resulted in the death of a civilian. Your brother, no less.”
My horns rise and I struggle—struggle—to keep them from pitching forward as I remind myself this man is not my enemy. I need his help to find Lexi.
“And now you’ve involved another civilian, my daughter, in an operation.”
“I have not.”
“But you know where my daughter is.”
“Only who took her. I cannot find the gang’s most recent lair.”
“Mr. Barrington,” a female calls from outside the office. “The Japanese foreign minister is on the line.”
“I’ll be right there, Jackie.” He rounds the desk, heading toward the door. “We must cut this short, Warrior. I’m a busy man. If there’s anything else, speak plainly and quickly.”
I thought this male would want to find his daughter, but he seems uninterested. More concerned with business.
“Tell me everything you know about a gang leader named Moses.”
“I do not get involved with local politics.”
“This isn’t politics. A gang took her. Males who will do anything they can to achieve their goals.”
“And what goals are those?” he asks, pushing up the wire-rimmed glasses that slide down his nose.
“Money. Power. Control.”
With a pen, he scribbles a name on a piece of paper then hands me the note. “The captain in charge of the local police department. He might be able to help you… if you feel you must pursue this matter. Tell him I sent you.”
I slam the note on the desk without reading it and lean into Barrington. “This is your daughter. Don’t you care what happens to her?”
As calm as can be, Barrington leans back in his chair, and says, “She has a history of running off, slipping her guards, and causing trouble. More than anything, my daughter has a flare for drama. She seeks attention, from anyone who will give it. A man of your training and experience shouldn’t let himself be fooled so easily. I’m surprised a warrior with your record can’t see past her little games.” He sips from a glass of gold-brown liquid, taking his time before locking his eyes on me again.
“To gather information for you.”
“Is that what she told you?” He chuckles. Not a full laugh, but forced, like he’s been through this before. “Lexi has a flare for dramatics. She’s seeking attention, nothing more.”
