Page 33 of Bernadette

He blinked as she rapped the words at him. He came to himself and finally noted her presence. A few seconds later, he caught up with what she’d said. “You asked him to find me? Have you and I met?” Before she could answer, recognition lit his features. “I remember you. You captain an old Earther freighter. You ran the barricade during the war and brought the colony supplies.”

Bernadette ignored the flash of frustration that she’d been in previous contact with Doljen’s Dramok without realizing it. “It’s nice to see you again. I need your help locating someone.”

“Um, okay. Who would that be?”

“Doljen.”

He rocked on his feet, freshly surprised. “Doljen?” His gaze went to Hal again. Hurt chased with another emotion as the estranged clanmates stared at each other. Yearning?

“I made your Imdiko’s acquaintance during Kalquor’s war with Earth. I’m trying to track him down. It’s important. Do you have any idea where I can locate him?”

“Coach Tumsa?”

The voice turned Bernadette and Tumsa to the teens who’d gathered at the edge of the field. They eyed Bernadette with nonchalant curiosity, nodded politely, and gave their coach their attention.

“Uh, yeah, sorry, kids. Run drills until I’m ready for you show me that play again.” As they raced off, Tumsa drew himself up and eyed Hal and Bernadette. “As you can see, this isn’t a good time to talk. My assistant’s out today, and I have to supervise practice.”

“When can we meet?” Bernadette wasn’t about to be put off. She noted Hal edging closer and fought off the urge to tell him to back off.

“Tonight.” Tumsa’s tone firmed as he regained control over himself, as his Dramok nature won out over the surprise he’d been dealt.

“Your place?” Thanks to Hal’s poking, Bernadette had the location. “I’ll bring dinner and plenty of booze for strength.”

“I don’t drink.” His gaze was steady on Hal.

“Then just dinner. Do I bring him too, or lock him in his room?”

Hal had sidled close enough to hear, but he said nothing in protest. His stare was as unwavering as Tumsa’s. They stared at each other, the atmosphere tense.

Chapter Ten

The Dramok considered for a beat. “Bring him. We’re overdue for a talk. Or a screaming match, if it comes to that. His choice.”

Bernadette pretended the air wasn’t crackling with unspoken electricity. She was breezy as she asked, “You won’t skip town, will you? If I have to hunt you, you’ll learn I’m pretty determined. Along with bitterly unforgiving about being stood up.”

His regard slid to her as if properly noticing her for the first time. She maintained her determined demeanor as he scrutinized her. Whatever he thought didn’t show on his straightforward expression.

“I can understand why Halmiko would want to crew for you. I’ll be home when you show up. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to take care of these kids.”

He stepped away, piercing the air with his whistle’s shrill call. “Okay! Let’s get back to work. Let me see that play.”

Bernadette retreated to Hal’s side. “What do you think? Will he do a runner on me?”

Hal’s haunted gaze followed his clanmate. “He’ll be there. You can count on Tumsa to keep his word. That was never a problem.”

* * * *

Haven’s sun was cut in half by the horizon when Bernadette and Hal presented themselves on Tumsa’s doorstep, loaded with carry bins filled with dinner from a local restaurant: a pileof steaks, baked potatoes, mac and cheese, baked beans, and seasoned corn on the cob. Bernadette was banking on Tumsa being okay with Earther food, given he lived with a population of her people. Hal wasn’t used to it, but she was footing the bill. She was determined to indulge on the luxury of her own race’s cuisine for a change.

Tumsa’s home from the outside was a windowless box, made of the same gray material as the school. The garden on one side was well-tended, and the first growth was showing its green shoots above the rich brown soil.

He opened an instant after she’d triggered the announce button beside the door, eliminating her concerns he’d run off instead of face Hal and a discussion about his broken clan. Once more, he and Hal stared at each other before he broke off to grab the bins Bernadette held.

“Let me take that for you, Captain Miller.”

“Thank you. Steaks are all right?”

He led them into his home. “Fantastic. Do you get to eat your native fare often?”

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