Page 93 of Kissed By the Alien
Seattle.
Or any other place GI7 traced Barrington’s communications to over the past few months.
My stomach twists and turns as I’m starting to suspect they never went to Japan. That Lexi’s father lied to her from the start, to hide her from me.
They could be anywhere. The male is a master of disguise, with enough money to buy whatever he needs on this world.
But why has she not contacted my embassy on her own? She knows how to reach us. She’s smart, capable, and would not let her father keep her from me.
Unless…
I sink into the seat at the navigation console of my ship deflated. It’s time I consider the one explanation I’ve ignored these past few weeks.
What if Lexi doesn’t want to be found?
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SIX
LUTAN
Two months without my sholani. And no word of her or her family.
I’m on edge.
Unable to think straight.
And short with those who try to help me.
After months of sending me on insignificant missions that a warrior-in-training could have handled, the ZDC ordered me home to Zyan. That was two weeks ago. I’ve since learned the investigation into the blasters has expanded from one of mere theft-for-profit to one that has many in Zyan’s government nervous. I’ve heard the name cendagi mentioned in the shadows, but no one is saying anything.
“When will you return to Earth?” Hunzu asks over the comm. He remains on Earth, but the ZDC ordered him to stay within minutes of the embassy.
I need to return to Earth, to resume the search for my sholani.
“The ZDC promised I could leave after one last assignment. The third lead I spoke with said it should not take long for a warrior of my skill.” I harrumph. “None of these assignments have taken long. They are drekking with me, Hunzu, and I don’t know why. It’s like they’re suddenly suspicious of anyone associated with Galactic Intelligence. I’ve been ordered not to contact Galactic Intelligence.”
Hunzu looks to his right, to someone off screen. “I have to go. Watch your back, Lutan.”
The transmission ends. I hate burdening him. Between a female who’s been playing with his emotions and an increase in hostilities from the Brotherhood, he has his own troubles on Earth.
With each day that passes, my faith dwindles and my frustration increases.
As I peer up at the bright blue sky of Zyan, I think of Narzan and how I failed him. I cannot,will not,give up on finding Lexi. I know what’s in her heart. Whatever is keeping her from me, is not under her control, and she will do whatever it takes to find her way back to me.
My comm vibrates.
“I’m Warrior Zirkov Kesk, commander of GI7 stationed on Earth. Warrior Hunzu Kovel from our embassy here contacted me. He said you needed assistance finding an Earth woman. Help me understand the situation better, Warrior. Aren’t you a tracker? Why are you not here searching in person?”
“I was recalled to Zyan before I could find her. Her father…” my fists clench and unclench as I remind myself this warrior is not the enemy. “Her father is hiding her among Earth’s population.”
The warrior’s horns rise slightly. “Finding her might be problematic. The lack of technology is one of the reasons we hide witnesses here, non-human as well as human. They can easily disappear in the population.”
He speaks my fears as if he’s reading my mind.
“I suggest you return to Earth, Warrior. My marshals are overworked protecting witnesses and your sholani has not been classified as being in danger. You may have the best chance at finding her but I will do what I can until then.”
“I will be leaving for Earth as soon as the ZDC clears me to go.”
“Understood. Zirkov out.”
