"Of course I do," Police Chief Goeller said. "We sent men to the school. There was no sign of any violence."
"I suggest you," Mycos said looked up as Lydia walked in.
"We have bullets," Lydia said interrupting the two men. "Four of our men and the administrator of the school were hit with bullets. Our medical personnel have retrieved several bullets."
"Bullets could come from anywhere," Police Chief Goeller said.
"Exactly what are you saying," Lydia demanded stepping next to Mycos.
"Ms. Witter," Police Chief Jonathan Goeller said. "We have no proof of an event occurring at or near the school."
"My mate is Lady Lydia," Mycos said eyes narrowing as he demanded respect for his Lydia.
"Of course," Police Chief Goeller said. "As things stand now, we don't have enough evidence to…"
"We have vid," Mycos said interrupting him. "Our transport has video proof. Will you send someone now?"
"Very well," Police Chief Goeller said. "I'll send someone to take your statements and view your evidence. I'm not making any promises."
"I see," Mycos said. "See to it they arrive with the appropriate identification."
"Of course," Police Chief Goeller said.
Mycos cut him off. "How are the men," he asked Lydia.
"They’re stable," Lydia said. "Emily wouldn't allow Justinian or Trinity to treat her until all four men were treated."
"You took charge," Mycos said pulling her close to his body, needing to feel her close to him.
"I did what was needed," Lydia said. "They looked shattered. Are you aware the men's vital signs are better the nearer their mates are to them?"
"We are aware of this fact between mates on our world," Mycos said. "We were not sure mates from here would have the same effect."
"Now you know," Lydia said. "Mycos, this isn't the gangs."
"How do you know," Mycos said.
"I've seen the victims of the gang fights," Lydia said. "They beat. They have knives sure but not guns. Trinity says the caliber is from the high powered guns like the police and military use. The gangs don't have those types of guns."
"If they do, this city will fall," Sheila said walking into the office. "My source is only half reliable, perhaps less, I'm thinking."
"It would seem," Lydia said. "Are you all right?"
"I'm mad," Sheila said. She shook her head. "I arranged for food and drinks to be taken to the injured. Do you think this is a prelude to a bigger attack?"
"It might be," Gregor said as he entered Mycos' office. "We should inform Colonel Brown."
"Go ahead," Lydia said. "I want to check on the injured. It’s gonna be a long night of statements and police." She said the last word with such contempt Mycos chuckled.
"You do realize you are not living on the streets anymore," he murmured.
"Yes, but the police haven't improved since I was," Lydia said.
***
Keeping a close eye on Lydia, Mycos saw her cringe away from the police as the detectives arrived. “She lived on the street,” Colonel Brown said. “The police in most cities have not been at their best since the plagues.”
“I will not have her upset,” Mycos said.
“Too late,” Colonel Brown said as Lydia stood across from the Detectives. Elaxus lay on the bed between them.
Flushed, Lydia said, “Exactly what are you implying detective? Do you honestly think these men shot and stabbed themselves?”
“I didn’t say they did,” Detective Trenton said. “These aliens are known for fighting. They are easily riled up and…”
“Tell me exactly how many incidents you’ve dealt with involving the Hylatians,” Lydia demanded. “At a guess, none. In fact, I’m sure since I’ve been with them, there have been no problems or confrontations requiring the police.”
The Hylatian men gathered, guards stepped into the hall near the healing room to see what caused Lady Lydia distress. Mycos strode over with the intention of throwing the man out of his home for bothering Lydia.
“What he means, ma’am,” Detective Costos said, the younger of the two men tried for charming. “Is they have a reputation.”
“I thought you police dealt with fact, not rumor,” Lydia said. “We have bullet casings. We have video and eyewitness statements from nine people.”
“We’re taking the statements,” Detective Trenton said. “It’s out of our hands what happens next.”
“What happens next,” Lydia said leaning over the table. “Is you find out who did this and why. Don’t you come back here and try to tell us the gangs did this because the gangs don’t have semi-automatic weapons like these bullets come from. You will make a concerted effort to get to the bottom of this violent and senseless crime.”
“Or what,” Trenton demanded snarling at her. Elaxus started to move. Lydia looked down, put a soothing hand on his shoulder.
“Or what,” Lydia said. “Or I’ll see to it the entire city knows how worthless and corrupt the police force actually is.”
"How dare you,” Detective Trenton said.
“Let’s all calm down,” Detective Costos said. “We’ve got copies of the vid at the scene. We’ll finish taking the statements here. We’ve got the list of injuries and the bullets as evidence.”
“You can’t..” Trenton said.
“Why don’t you take the evidence bags to the car,” Detective Costos said handing the last of the bags to Trenton. “I’ll finish getting the statements.”
“Fine,” Detective Trenton said grabbing the evidence and storming out.
“He’s having a rough week,” Detective Costos said.
“Your job is to serve and protect,” Lydia said. “You’ve done neither.”
“I understand you’re concerned for your people,” Detective Costos said. “We’ll look into this matter.”
Lydia stayed while he finished questioning and making notes. As they walked away, Elaxus reached for Lydia. “My lady,” he said softly.
With her eye on the detective, Lydia stopped walking away. “Elaxus, I’m sorry,” she said. “They were…”
“Indeed,” Elaxus said one arm wrapped around Emily. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t do anything,” Lydia said. Mycos walked in his brow deeply furrowed, grew deeper as he saw another man touching Lydia.
“Milord,” Elaxus said letting go of Lydia’s arm and started to rise.
“Stay put,” Emily grumbled.
“Lay still,” Mycos ordered. “The detectives have gone. The mayor is hedging.”
“Lady Lydia fought for us,” Elaxus said.
Mycos smiled, put his arm around her. “Is this why you are unhappy,” Mycos asked.
“They are fools and idiots,” Lydia said. “In all likelihood, someone paid them to be disinterested.”
“Many within the force are up for sale,” Mycos said.
“Yes, but milady fought for us,” Elaxus said again.
“You could have died,” Lydia said her temper rising as she thought of it. “They shouldn’t be for sale. They shouldn’t let money influence how they do their job.”
“Forgive me,” Elaxus said. “Corruption is expected in such a primitive race. My lord, I apologize. When I came here, I expected this to be a fool’s errand. When I met my mate, I was happy but I did not expect this.”
“I’m sorry you were attacked,” Lydia said.
“You misunderstand, milady,” Elaxus said. “Ladies of our families are fierce, determined, and to be feared if crossed. You have only known us a short time yet, you fill this role admirably. You are a true lady of the Hylatian people.”
“Oh,” Lydia said surprise and pleasure swept through her. “Thank you.” She looked at the other men, noted their looks of admiration. “You’re dear to me. All of you. If it weren’t for you coming to this world, my life would be … awful isn’t a strong enough word. I can’t fight like you do. But I can stand for you.”
“It is an honor to serve you,” Elaxus s
aid. The other men murmured similar words.
Chapter 8
“There’s a lot of security,” Tasmine said looking around the hotel. “Are you expecting trouble?”
After the initial meeting, Tasmine connected with Lydia and Sally to help with the speed dating events. Over the last month, attacks occurred at any publicized or habitual event like when the teachers left school. The transport now landed on the playground to remove the teachers and prevent any attacks.
“We’re being cautious,” Sally said. Gregor wrapped his arms around her rubbing her belly. “There have been a lot of little incidents the Hylatians have been coping with.”
“Really,” Tas said. “What?” She shifted a table slightly to make more room to walk between them.
“The shelter was vandalized,” Sally said. “Several times. We have vid each time.”
“Don’t the police do anything,” Tas said. She signaled a waiter. “The table there needs water glasses.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the young man said. He hurried away.
“It’s been reported each time,” Gregor said. Sitting in the chair nearest him, he pulled Sally down to sit on his lap.
“Gregor,” Sally murmured a slight protest.
“Doctor Carol said you should get off your feet often,” Gregor said.
“Is everything all right,” Tasmine turned to look at Sally. “Is the baby all right?”
“Yes, I rested this afternoon because I knew about this event,” Sally said.
“You can sit at the check-in table,” Tas said rearranging where she planned to use Sally. “Will Lord Mycos and Lady Lydia be attending this first event?”
“I do not think so,” Gregor said. “Abby was not feeling well.”
“She’s the seven-year-old,” Tasmine asked. She only met the sisters once.
“Yes,” Sally said. “She’s been having nightmares.”
“There were problems in their past,” Tasmine said. “I don’t know how you keep track of all of this.”
“How do you keep track of all the details for this event,” Sally said.
“Events are easy,” Tas said. “You make a list of all the necessary things and then check them off one by one.”
“Very methodical,” Gregor said with a smile. “What do you do when one of your things does not occur as you plan?”
“Adapt and adjust,” Tas said looking at her list. “I think we’re ready. When will the men arrive?”
“You mean the hundred,” Sally said. “Tall, muscular, gorgeous men.” She looked over Tasmine’s shoulder to see the men at the doorway from the back of the building. Rather than arriving through a normal route of the front door or at the scheduled time, the men wandered in throughout the day and took up space on the upper floors until now.
Tasmine turned to see where Sally’s gaze landed. “Hmmmm. Yes, those lovely men,” she said with a purr to her voice. “Are all the men from your worlds so… fit?”
“We are average,” Gregor said, kissing Sally gently.
“You are anything but average,” Sally said cupping his face with her hands.
“Are they all here,” Tas said. “I was hoping the men and women would arrive at the same time to mix.”
“It is unsafe for this to occur,” Gregor said.
“Yes, I suppose you’re right,” Tasmine said.
“You’ve got the dishes native to Hylatia,” Sally asked.
“The ones Lady Lydia insisted on,” Tas said. “Yes, they’ll make the rounds during the socializing time.”
“Excellent,” Gregor said. “Where do you want the men?”
“I guess they could start in the other room,” Tasmine said. “We’ll do the speed round in here.”
“If they haven’t all made their decisions by then,” Sally said with a twinkle in her eye.
“How did you find women,” Gregor asked.
“Through connections,” Tasmine said. “Morgan has a lot of connections with people here. I think any of the women currently connected to one of you has invited all the single women they know. How many busses of women have arrived at the compound?”
“Dozens,” Sally said. “To say nothing about women walking, being dropped at the door like abandoned puppies, coming crammed into cars, and almost any other way you can think of.”
“How many have met a mate,” Tasmine asked.
“A lot,” Sally evaded not wanting to say a number which would reveal too much.
“Will they stay here or return to their own planets,” Tas asked. “Let’s go up to the registration table. We can get the name tags for the men.”
In a flurry of activity, the men lined up. For the last two weeks, they took lessons from Sally and some of the men who had mates to know how to act when they met their mate. “What happens on your worlds when a man meets their mate,” Tas asked.
“Negotiations begin,” Gregor said. “On our world the women and men both know.”
“These men have learned this doesn’t work for the human,” Sally said.
“Negotiating,” Tas said a hint of anger hardening her tone. “It sounds like something my father would do.”
“Has he tried to negotiate for you to be with someone,” Sally asked gently.
“All the time,” Tas said. “Like I’d be with some politician or businessman simply because it benefited my father.”
“This is not how our negotiations go,” Gregor said. “The woman is in control.”
“That’s what men say,” Tas said. She saw the disbelief of the man in front of her and Gregor. “It’s what my father always says. I’m in control and then he expects me to go to dinner or let the son of some politician paw me.”
“This is dishonorable,” Glavar said eyes widening, jaw tightening and fists clenching.
“Do you really think so,” Tasmine said assessing the man.
“I could not have a woman on our worlds,” Glavar said. “My oldest brother negotiated for his woman. She made him prove he was worthy.”
“What did this entail,” Tasmine asked.
“He fought with her family’s top warriors,” Glavar said. “He had to prove he could support her through his intelligence and his skills. It took over a month.”
“I don’t want a man to jump through hoops,” Tasmine said. “I want a partner, an equal.”
Glavar’s golden brown eyes clung to her like she was his lifeline. “I feel the same. Perhaps we could discuss this over a cup of coffee,” he said. Sally smiled and leaned on Gregor’s shoulder. He smiled at her, remembering their first moments together.
“Aren’t you here to meet your mate,” Tasmine said pleased with his attention.
“I believe I have,” Glavar said without thinking.
“Oh,” Tasmine said flushing as she realized he meant her. “Oh. Really?”
“Too fast,” Glavar said. “I’m sorry. Coffee. I am only supposed to do simple slow steps.” He flushed, hung his head.
“We can start with coffee,” Tasmine said. “Let’s see how it goes from there.”
“Perhaps Glavar could help you in the other room,” Sally said. “Gregor and I can handle these tables.”
“Excellent idea,” Tasmine said. She stepped from behind the long table to take Glavar’s arm. “Tell me about yourself.”
“I would rather hear about you,” Glavar said. “I am a fourth son of a vintner.”
“Your family makes wine,” Tasmine asked.
“It is one of the products from our land,” Glavar said leading her away.
“Let’s hope the rest of the evening is as successful as this was,” Sally said.
“With no incidents,” Gregor added.
***
“How are things going with Glavar,” Lydia asked. Tas and Glavar connected nearly two weeks earlier at the latest speed dating event. By the end of the evening, Tas agreed to date him.
Tas smiled as she looked up from the reports in front of her. “He’s… it sounds so sappy but he’s perfect,” she sa
id. “We talk, really talk. I’ve had better conversations with him than any human male ever. He listens when I give my opinion and even when he disagrees, he doesn’t act like I’m a stupid woman.”
“It doesn’t sound sappy,” Lydia said. “I’ve been contacted by a number of people around the world.”
“This is why you wanted me here,” Tas asked.
“Yes,” Lydia said. “Three of them are ambassadors but there are several businessmen.”
“What do they want,” Tas asked.
“I’m not really sure,” Lydia said. “Except I think they want us to take some women off their hands.”
“You’ve been really successful matching up the Hylatian men with their mates,” Tas said. “In the speed dating and other social events, I’ve seen at least three hundred matches.”
“We need to match up more,” Lydia said.
“How many men are actually… no. No, I don’t want to ask that question,” Tas said. “So you need more. Can we just say a lot more?”
“Why don’t you want to ask how many,” Lydia asked.
“If I don’t know, you don’t have to worry I might let something slip to my father,” Tas said. “I don’t want to put the Hylatians at risk. I don’t need to know.”
“We can say a lot more,” Lydia said. “Thank you for understanding.”
“With the influx of women, have they all found their mate,” Tas asked.
“No, but most want to go to the home worlds anyways,” Lydia said. “If they have all their belongings, they go to the ship above.”
“Do they get a chance to meet the men there,” Tas asked. She sipped a cup of coffee as she leaned back on the couch in the little blue sitting room.
“Yes, they do,” Lydia said.
“Once they’ve gone to the ship, do all the women find their mate,” Tas asked.
“All but a very few,” Lydia said.
“Those who haven’t, do they still want to go to the home worlds,” Tas asked.
“They say they do,” Lydia said.
“It’s like the mail order brides of the old west,” Tas said. “You need more women. Let’s get more women. Ambassadors are trickier. It’s harder to meet with them but they might have more pull to get more women.”
Seven Sisters Page 28
