Chapter Seventeen
Detodev felt amused chagrin as Mitag stopped in front of a shop’s window in the middle of Sunrise. Given the day off by parents, guardians, and supervisors, the young people had decided to wander and goof off. They had no particular plans in mind.
The store in question boasted men’s dress clothes, for both Kalquorians and Earthers. Mitag had his eyes on a teal tunic-style embroidered jacket and pants set. “This would be nice for our theater night. I deserve something new for getting through tomorrow’s haybale wedding reception.”
The Nobek thought of his modest account and the less-than-dressy state of his wardrobe. “How fancy are we supposed to be for the show?”
“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 nice shirt 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 therefore 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. “ If he 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 at some point 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 was. “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 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.”
His 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, Kalquorian-centric functions, the like.”
“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 easy on the eyes, too. Groteg snorted at the instant of lust he usually experienced when Dolgra showed up. Dismissing the momentary lascivious turn of his thoughts, 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 smiling owner.
Wilkes stopped and beamed at the group. “Good afternoon, all. Enjoying the day?”
They answered in the affirmative. Charity thought the officer appeared troubled despite his cheerful response. His tone sounded forced.
“Everything okay?” She wondered if the Kalquorian-big bruiser appreciated such niceties. His strong features were more brutish than a number of Nobeks she’d come across.
“It could be better,” he sighed. “O’Neal…the man who was caught spying on you? He committed suicide this morning.”
Only Detodev failed to gasp. The Nobek’s eyes widened in shock, however.
“I’m sorry to hear it,” Ilid managed. “We were hoping for answers for his actions rather than him coming to harm.”
“A troubled man.” Wilkes stared at the street, his expression regretful. “He’d been brought in for minor offenses in the past, but he showed no inclination for serious mischief. I guess you never know the thoughts in a person’s head.”
“Wow. Does he have family? They must be devastated,” Charity said.
“Maybe on Mercy, where he came from. We’ve sent inquiries. Since they’re in a rather messy state these days, it could be several days before we know for certain.” He drew a deep breath as if to set aside the unpleasantness. His smile when he gazed at them again was genuine. “What’s on the agenda? Detodev, I almost never see you in town during the day.”
When the Nobek merely shrugged, his usual reserve kicking in, Mitag answered. “We dragged Mr. Sociable out for a day off. I actually convinced him to buy a nice shirt for tomorrow’s show.”
“Oh, you’re attending Cow Patties in Paradise ? I’ve heard it’s hilarious. I might have to see it myself, if any tickets are left. I’ll leave you to it, then. Have a good day.” Wilkes nodded and continued down the street, his steps quicker and demeanor lighter than before.
Charity watched him go. Big guy. It reminded her of the size of her attacker in the barn. Wilkes would have been scary if he hadn’t spoken to them with such friendly ease and no sign of judgment. If three Kalquorian men hanging around an Earther woman offended him, he hid it well.
“It’s wonderful to be around so many non-Earthtique types,” she marveled. “Haven is a different world in the best way possible.”
“Despite the lack of culture and predominance of natural fertilizer?” Mitag teased.
She tossed her napkin at him. “No place is all bad. Or all good, for that matter. As accepting as the university on Jedver was of diversity, thanks to it being in Galactic Council space, I occasionally ran into anti-Kalquorian types among my fellow Earthers. Some were obnoxious to other species too, holding onto Old Earth’s crap about being ‘God’s Chosen.’”
“I’m glad you aren’t among those kinds of people,” Ilid said.
At the looks they gave her, crazy longing filled Charity again. She covered it by smirking and speaking in a flippant tone. “I think I’m becoming quite the Kalquoriphile.”
Charity and the gang were beginning to talk dinner plans late in the afternoon when she received a message from Nobek Groteg insisting she return to the farm for the evening meal. Because he made no mention of the men being invited, she grouched, “I guess you’ll have to do what you can to have fun in my absence.” She flung the back of her hand to her forehead for melodrama’s sake. “I must leave you. Go on without me, if you can manage.”
“It won’t be easy,” Ilid said, his palm to his heart and expression woebegone as the others chuckled. More seriously, he added, “I guess we can’t be too greedy, having enjoyed last night and today together.”
“Ha! Greedy is my calling card.” Mitag playfully pawed at Charity’s shoulder. “I’ll be plotting how to steal you as soon as possible.”
“You do that,” she grinned.
Too soon, she was walking in the back door to find Sara and Groteg in the kitchen waiting. She could hear Utber elsewhere in the house telling James to “wash those grubby hands now, or I’ll wash them for you.”
“Spaghetti?” The delightful scent eased a small portion of Charity’s regret she wasn’t having dinner in the company of her friends instead. Impulsively, she hugged Sara. “It smells divine. Thanks so much for the day off to play. Oh, and for bringing us breakfast. Best day ever in a long while.”
“I’m glad.” Sara hugged her in return, but her expression was cautious. The manner in which her gaze darted to Groteg warned Charity all wasn’t well.
The Nobek wasted no time getting to the nitty-gritty. “The man who was spying on you last night is dead.”
“I heard. Suicide.”
“Maybe.” Groteg’s expression was dark.
Charity’s heart skipped a beat. “Assistant Chief Wilkes seemed pretty sure.”
“He would have presented such an attitude because you’re a civilian and he preferred you not to worry.” Groteg’s demeanor eased for sympathy. “I wish I could do the same, but some of us are concerned Kelly Kirk…O’Neal’s real name…wasn’t acting alone. He certainly doesn’t fit the description of the man who came for you on our property.”
“You think his co-conspirator took him out to silence him?”
“It’s the theory we’re working from.”
“He would have to be in law enforcement to get to him in his cell.” Charity’s blood chilled.
“ If there’s a co-conspirator. Who knows how many are involved in trying to abduct you? Or if they’re acting independently or as a group?” Groteg drew a deep breath. “Charity, Kalquor believes you’re in too much danger on Haven. They plan to transfer you so you’ll be safe.”
Anger sparked. Not at Groteg, though his was the voice speaking the last thing she wanted to hear. Reminding herself he was only the messenger for the spy network trying to keep her free of Earthtique hands, she maintained a steady tone. “I was supposed to be protected here.”
“You were, but they’ve caught on to your whereabouts. I’m sorry.”
He sounded sincere. Charity had no reason to believe he wasn’t. Nonetheless, as far as she could tell, those who’d promised to protect her were no closer to stopping bounty hunters and Earthtiques from trying to abduct her. Was she supposed to spend the rest of her life racing from station to planet to moon, under constant fear of being hurt?
She agonized over more than the seeming hopelessness of the situation. The faces of Ilid, Mitag, and Detodev swam in her mind’s eye. Her chest tightened at the thought of leaving them behind, for who knew how long? She’d begun to experience a sense of belonging, of connection after an extended season of loss. She’d found three men she genuinely cared for. Hell, she’d gotten invested in Clan Amgar and their children too.
She needed to think it through. Playing for a minute or two, she asked in her most reasonable tone, “Where could Kalquor send me that’s secure from the nutters?”
“The idea is nowhere is safe. A ship constantly on the move—”
“Oh, hell no.” Her fury and despair burst forth in a near shout. “Are you insane? Has the empire lost its mind? No, Groteg. Fuck no.”
“Charity—” Sara started, her features full of sympathy and concern.
“No. You can throw me from your house, but I won’t leave Haven. I’ll camp in the damned woods before anyone imprisons me on a ship again for a single day.”
“We aren’t putting you out of the house.” Sara shot a warning glare at her clanmate despite his darkening face.
“Why’s Jennifer mad?” James’ call reached her ears from wherever he was in the house.
Charity lowered her voice for the kids’ sake, but she lost none of her intensity as she stared Groteg in the eye. “I’m legally an adult. It’s my call, and I’m telling you I’m done running all over the galaxy from these assholes.”
“They won’t treat you kindly if they catch you,” the Nobek warned between gritted teeth.
“You think I don’t know it? I already lived under the not-so-tender mercies of Browning Copeland himself. My father was forced to do unspeakable things for him while he searched for a way to stop the bastard. I’m aware of exactly what those monsters are capable of.”
They stood glaring at each other for a at least a minute. Groteg finally growled, “You’re going. It’s the only way.”
“You’ll have to tie me up, maybe hurt me to make it happen,” she promised. “I won’t go without a fight, Groteg. Count on it.”
He swelled like a tick, his frustration on the brink of overwhelming him. Rather than give in to it, he stormed out, leaving the two women. Sara stepped close and squeezed Charity’s arm. “He’s frightened for you.”
“I’m scared too, but I can’t do this the rest of my life. I’ll find another place to stay. Maybe Mitag will take me in. Not Detodev…I won’t put him at odds with your clan.”
Sara shook her head. “I won’t hear of it. If you can convince Groteg and the powers that be to let you remain, I want you where I can see you’re okay.”
I belong. Tears prickled Charity’s eyes. “My presence puts you and the kids at risk. I can’t endanger your family.”
“I took you in my home. You’re an adult, but you’re one of us now.” Sara was adamant in her conviction. “You stay on Haven, you stay here.”
Charity threw herself in the older woman’s arms. She let the tears of heartbreak and gratitude fall.
* * * *
In her bedroom, Charity sent a com message to the guys. If you’re still together, com back asap. If not, let’s set up a group session.
Ilid’s frequency buzzed her unit seconds later. “We’re at Mitag’s. What’s up?”
She reported the conversation she’d had with Groteg. “I told him I wouldn’t leave. I can’t run forever.” She didn’t add the trio were a huge part of the equation holding her on Haven. She still had to examine her feelings on the matter, but she needed to square away the question of her departure first.
“I’d hate it if you left, but if you have multiple people coming for you…” Ilid wavered. “Detodev, give us your take on the situation.”
“Her safety comes first,” the Nobek said after a couple seconds’ pause.
“I’m not going,” Charity growled.
“You didn’t me finish. Constantly living on the run isn’t healthy. The emotional toll of the constant changes in location have to be taken into account.”
“Not just location,” she admitted. “I keep losing people I care for. If I agree to board this ship on which they’d send on a never-ending voyage, I won’t be able to speak to you for fear of my whereabouts being traced. I’m not ready to lose you guys.”
Another lengthy pause. Ilid spoke again. “Charity, I can hear how desperate you feel about the matter. It’s a question of your emotional well-being besides your physical safety. Groteg must consider that angle.”
“Then let’s figure something out,” Mitag urged. “We were able to stop the guy outside Detodev’s house. We can watch for trouble.”
“Maybe we can help Groteg guard you so you can remain on Haven,” Detodev agreed. “You can stay close to me in the fields during the day. If Sara agrees, I’ll teach you the work I do. You’ve already proved you’re a quick learner and capable of the work. At night, all three of us can stick close to you.”
“I’m willing,” Ilid said. “She can spend some days at the bakery helping me, if she wishes. My parents will be on Haven until after the grand opening. Any bounty hunters who dare my father Gruthep would have their asses handed to them in a hurry.”
“I may be an Imdiko who likes to dress nice and throw fancy parties, but I don’t mind kicking ass when the occasion calls for it,” Mitag asserted.
Tears streamed down Charity’s cheeks as they rallied to her cause. “I can’t have any of you hurt because of me. I couldn’t stand it as much as I can’t stand to leave.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Ilid said. “We’ve each visited hell and made it through. For you, any threat would be worth it.”
Her heart stuttered at the feeling in his tone, then again when Mitag said, “More than worth it.”
Detodev didn’t add his agreement to protect her at all costs. Charity hadn’t expected him to. Playing bodyguard meant him confronting the rage he feared he had no control over should her enemies pay a visit.
When his strong, determined voice abruptly broke the silence following the other men’s insistence, she nearly dropped her com in shock. “I’ll be here for you, and I’ll keep you safe. I promise it on any honor I can claim to have. I’ll tell Groteg myself you don’t need to go.”
Her heart threatened to burst. She couldn’t go now. Not when she had such amazing people ready to remain at her side. People who showed no sign of disappearing.