“Diplomats? What…?” I need to be tied to a bunch of aliens?

“I have agreed to only one diplomat,” the inspector interrupted. Weariness infused his voice.

One is a bit better, I thought. However, I clenched my teeth and said, “This is going to be very unwieldy. I can’t work with my hands tied. First Naven, and now someone else? What if the diplomat is the murderer?”

“I checked into that, but it’s not possible. This functionary has not set foot in Revolutions.”

“That’s what they all say,” I mumbled. After fuming for a moment, I said, “So, when does this intrusion start?”

On my com, Thomas held up his hand. He knew I would object to his words.

“Immediately. His name is Dino A Rare. He’s a high ranking Rheinon diplomat. You must be very careful. I’m getting a great deal of pressure regarding this investigation.” Hayden ran a jerky hand through his hair.

I sighed. I needed to remember the world didn’t revolve about me. “Okay, get this Rheinon to call.”

Inspector Hayden continued, “One other thing, Detective Sergeant. I have received a complaint.” From the look on his face, it sounded serious! “One of the bowling officials says you were rude. Is this true?”

My conscience had told me I would live to regret my shortness with the idiot. “Perhaps I was a little abrupt, but he wasn’t responding to my questions. In fact, he was demanding I step down. He was impeding my investigation.”

“You may be in the right but Tari you need to be more diplomatic.”

Arguing wouldn’t get me anywhere. “I agree. And I promise to be diplomatic with the diplomat.”

I received a frown from Thomas before he hung up. He gave the impression he didn’t appreciate my sense of humor.

I decided to ignore my reprimand and think about how to handle the diplomat. Ideas swirled about my mind, and then I remembered I had neglected to make a call.

Carl Hender answered immediately.

“Since you were at Revolutions today, you know about the mess with the bowling balls?”

“Yes. Although I do think the RCMP should have had security on the locker room door.” Carl scrubbed his hand over his face.

“A guard wouldn’t have helped. All bowlers have a right to access the room.” I could be snarky too. “The reason I called is to suggest you postpone the competition for a day or two until the damaged balls have been replaced and fitted.”

“Those conversations have already started. It turns out most of the alien teams brought extra stock, so we’re okay in that regard. The actual competition will be postponed; the bowlers needing new balls are going to require extra practice time. I’ll send the new schedule when it’s finished.” Carl shook his head. “I can already hear the complaints.”

“Who’s going to fit the balls?” Were the officials going to come up with new regulations or security concerns?

“The same certifying committee that approved your original equipment will fit and approve the new balls, as quickly as possible.”

“That’s good. Anything else I need to know?”

“Do you think the Itlans did it? They never use the locker room,” said Carl.

Everyone would love to blame the Itlans. “We’ll be looking into it,” I said, and ended the call.

The mention of Itlans brought a thought to mind. “Did anyone find out why the Itlans were arguing?” The blank looks in the squad room gave me my answer. “Brian, see what you can find out.”

Jack glanced at me as if to say, “You’re piling a lot on Brian.” And he might be correct; I would monitor my assignments closer …later.

I entered some notes and then looked around to get everyone’s attention again. “Apparently the diplomatic community has decided they need to keep a closer eye on us. I now have a sidekick.” No one knew whether to laugh, boo, or clap.

“Sarge, that’s not right,” said Harrison, crossing his arms. “Maybe this guy was involved in the murder.”

“I’ve been reassured he’s never set foot in Revolutions. But you’re correct; he may be involved in a more general way.” I thought about the implications for a moment. “Anyway, a Rheinon diplomat named Dino A Rare will be joining our investigation.” Murmurs bounced around the room.

My com rang. Who was interrupting me now? “Detective Sergeant Dominion, I am Diplomat Dino A Rare. I am so happy to be working with you. Where do we start?”

The Rheinon had one hand to his neck and bobbed his head. What did his gestures mean?

“I’m just in the midst of organizing the data. I should be through in an hour. Why don’t you meet me at Revolutions in ninety minutes?”

“Certainly. This is so exciting! Do I need to bring anything? Is there any detective gear I need? What should I wear? Perhaps I should bring a notebook, maybe a….” He stopped himself. “I will see you at Revolutions in a quire,” he said and hung up.

A quire? It must be the equivalent of ninety minutes, but why hadn’t the universal translator translated it for me?

“Harrison, you guys had any universal translator updates while I’ve been gone?” Harrison usually solved our technical problems and liaised with Engineering when new equipment arrived. “Mine doesn’t seem to be working a hundred percent.”

“Yes. Sorry, I didn’t think about updating yours today. Somehow I’ve had other things on my mind.”

Boos issued around the room. I had to laugh. Everyone liked and appreciated Harrison. “Jack, I want you to join me this evening. I’m going to Revolutions to do some snooping. We’ll be meeting the diplomat.” And I needed to get a handle on my first sidekick. I’d not yet had a chance to understand his style.

Jack nodded. His face revealed no expression.

It didn’t take long to organize the rest of my notes. However, before I had a chance to leave the office, I heard again from Inspector Hayden. “Is everything on board with the Rheinon diplomat?”

“Yes. I’m meeting him and Jack at Revolutions, in a short while.”

“Oh, good, you’re including Detective Sergeant Naven.” Thomas hesitated. “Now there’s a rumor floating around. It’s a bit delicate.”

“Concerning me?” At least it didn’t sound like a complaint.

He nodded. “Yes. Indelicately I have to ask ‘Are you pregnant?’”

I burst into laughter. “Not at all. The rumor probably started when Brian told me he and Suze were expecting.”

“And that’s how gossip evolves. I’ll talk to you later. Call me when you dig up something.”

I smiled in response to his sheepish grin and then my mind started to churn. It wasn’t anyone’s business if I had become pregnant—although I could only imagine the gossip that might ensue. My work might be impacted for a short time, but it always amazed me how pregnancy made some people uncomfortable. Besides, at thirty-nine, I had my career. Raising children was for the young. I did regret the lost opportunity, but only a little.

I called to Jack. “I’m going home to change. I’ll meet you at Revolutions in thirty minutes.”

My com rang, and Smith said, “I need some additional police security. The news of the murder has gotten out, and we’ve been inundated with curious spectators. It was bad enough because of the competition, but now it’s out of control.” Smith threw his hands up for emphasis.

“Let me see what I can do. Will you be around later?”

“Yes, I’m still short a staff person, so I need to cover the front desk for a few more hours.”

“I’m just leaving to go home, and then I’ll be back at Revolutions to meet with my two new sidekicks.” The startled look on Smith’s face said it all.

“Don’t ask,” I said. Smith had met Jack but he knew nothing about Dino. “I’ll see you later.”

After arranging additional manpower for Revolutions I went home. My mind buzzed with questions during the journey.

Entering the house I shared with my mother, Tracy, I expected to be bowled over. My dog, Maori, loved to run and jump into my arms, but I encountered only silence.

While I changed, I anticipated the return of Mom and Maori from a walk. When that didn’t happen I wandered into the kitchen and discovered a note on the counter.

Maori wasn’t feeling well, so I’ve taken her to the vet.

Mom