I pulled the phone out and opened the screen. When I scrolled through the contact list, I noticed that most of my numbers were already loaded, plus a mystery number saved as ICE. My guess was that number got hold of Director Hall if things went south, and she confirmed as much when I showed her the screen.
“It’s not a direct line, but the people on the other end know how to get me if you need me. Try not to need me though.” She winked.
I invited her in to sit, but she turned me down.
“I can’t stay, unfortunately. Director stuff. But I’ll be glad to help your investigation in any way I can. Is there anything you need before I go?”
Since she asked, I brought up my list.
“Oh! Of course. We can arrange for some agents to take you to town. Get yourself something on the AARO’s dime. Although …” she paused and flashed a wry grin “… perhaps I shouldn’t let you handle the finances. I seem to recall some rather odd charges on our account while you were in Detroit.”
I figured I earned that jab with my convention spending. “Fair enough.”
“Well, I have to be off. Lots to do now that we have Xalanite royalty in house.”
Did she have to phrase it that way? Every time I remembered N’kal’s royal standing, it set my nerves on edge. I wasn’t entirely comfortable with it yet, and I wasn’t sure I ever would be, especially since it was likely the reason someone wanted him dead.
Chapter 21
N’kal
Since Timber did not think me safe around the other Xalanites, she instructed me to stay in the cabin until she returned from her shopping trip. Though I found it quite dull, I did as she asked. As she pointed out, I could not mate with her anymore if I was dead.
Motivation enough to behave.
After quickly discovering that mating programs no longer gave me the thrill they once had, I changed the television to something that reminded me of Timber: the police drama,Blue Line Divided.
I’d purchased many small toys bearing Timber’s likeness at the convention, and they all were labeled with this show. I wanted to see my love in action, without her actually being in danger. What better way than to watch a fictionalized account of her lifestyle? It certainly couldn’t hurt anything.
Hour after hour I watched the show, unable to tear my eyes from the screen. Timber’s doppelganger, a character namedEmily Tiff, fought evil foes at every turn, yet somehow she found time for a family life away from the crime scenes. This alternate life was not without its own dangers, as proven by the adolescent daughter being kidnapped by criminals, or the young son finding her service weapon during the night.
By the time I’d watched three episodes, I was hooked. I became fully invested in the characters and the gritty world they lived in. I got so caught up, in fact, that I nearly jumped out of my scales when someone knocked on the door.
Who was it? As far as I knew, no one had been awake when we arrived at the cabin the night before to know we were there, save the AARO agents on duty. Had someone seen us?
I crept to the door with one of the kitchen knives in my hand, ready to strike if my erstwhile guest tried to push their way in. With my other hand I flipped the bolt lock open, though I kept the chain hooked for the time being. It wouldn’t stop a Xalanite attacker, but it might buy me some time to react.
“Who’s there?”I shouted in Xalan, hoping the fear in my hearts didn’t reach my voice.
“A friend.”
The voice, a male, carried no emotion. No warmth, no camaraderie, as stiff and rigid as agrnniroot. Still, it was a familiar voice, one I had known since I was suckling on my mother’s teats.
“Ty’shal!” I unlocked the chain and threw the door open to find a middle-aged Xalanite, at least thirty planetary cycles older than I, standing on the front step. He had streaks of white in his black hair, and his scales had lost some of their original luster. Despite his age, his back remained straight, his broad shoulders deceptively relaxed. For an old warrior, he looked hale and healthy. “Old friend, it is good to see you.”
He paused at the sight of the knife in my hand.“You would greet a friend with a weapon drawn?”
I chuckled, tossing the knife on a nearby table.“Apologies. Many strange things have occurred in recent cycles. Attempts have been made on my life. One cannot be too cautious.”
Ty’shal nodded with his lips pressed into a thin line.“Indeed. Caution is warranted.”
Glancing around, I saw no one else nearby. I breathed a sigh of relief. No reason to be concerned. Ty’shal had served alongside my father in the uprising that unseated the elders. If I could trust anyone here, it would be him.“What brings you to my door, Ty’shal? For that matter, what brings you to Earth? Last I heard, Father had allowed you to retire to the northern continent after he settled onto the throne. Earth seems a strange place to find you.”
Ty’shal shrugged with careless nonchalance.“I do not see why that would be. Many Xalanites are choosing to visit Earth in their later years. This planet is suitable for weaker bodies like mine that have seen better days.”
I chuckled at his jest.“A weaker body? Ty’shal, I pity the human who crosses you. Even the strongest among them would fall.”
“If only that were true. Appearances deceive, as the humans claim. Wounds of the past haunt me to this day. I ache when the rains come, and the cold of human winters is not for the faint of hearts. I do not look forward to the time when the Earth cycles bring it back.”
