Alien Research

CHAPTER 5

ALL FIVE OF THE LAND SHARKS looked both surprised and uncomfortable. Kendrick took the lead on this one. “They aren’t a group any of us associate with, Ambassador.”

“Right, pull the other one, it has bells on. How would you know we’d been attacked by Club Fifty-One unless one of them told you they’d done so and we were in motion?”

Kendrick shrugged. “We have other sources.”

“Embassy staff?” Abigail asked.

Expressions said that they wished it was Embassy staff. Hoped their expressions weren’t being faked. “No,” Gardiner replied. “Your staff is extremely loyal. As they should be.”

“True enough. So you were advised by ‘sources’ that we were attacked and you raced on over here to have an impromptu revival meeting. Why?”

Tobin’s lips quirked. “You have an interesting way with words, Ambassador. But we’re here to preach the good word, and that word is ‘protection.’ Mutual protection, to be exact.”

Kendrick nodded. “You have an anti-alien problem. We’d like to help you fix that.”

“In return for what?”

Somerall shot me what I was now certain he felt was his Charming Smile. It really didn’t work on me. At all. “Favors. There are many things that your people could assist us with that would be helpful to all our businesses. And in return, there are many things all of us could do for you in return. It’s what friends do for each other, after all.”

“We’re friends?”

“Of course,” Gardiner replied.

Wondered where in the world my “uncles” were and if it would be totally wrong to drop them a friendly suggestion to come for a visit. With friends like these we didn’t need enemies. “Then why are you trying so hard to block Amy’s bid to take over the business her father built?”

All three from Gaultier reacted the same way—slit eyes and tight smiles. Nice to know I’d hit a hot button, not that it was a surprise.

“A multinational conglomerate isn’t something to be tossed to a child who has no training in running any part of said business,” Gardiner said frostily.

“Amy’s a lawyer and she was raised in that business.”

“Our corporate situation with her has no bearing on what we’re discussing with you,” Cross said. “But who knows? A mutually beneficial relationship between us could only help Amy’s situation.”

Wanted to argue this some more, but Naomi kicked me under the table. Considering Jamie was between us and I didn’t see her move, figured she’d used hyperspeed. Decided to let this particular argument drop.

“Just what kind of ‘protection’ are you offering us?” Naomi asked. “Because as I understand the term, it’s usually used by criminals as a way to extort money.”

The Land Sharks all chuckled. “Someone’s watched too much Sopranos,” Tobin said. It was official—I didn’t like his “folksy charm.”

“No, someone’s aware of the Mob and how it operates,” I said. “It’s a good question you’re trying to sidestep. Unless you actually have influence with Club Fifty-One, or any of the many other anti-alien groups out there, just how do you propose to protect us from anything?”

However, before any of them replied, someone I was happy to see came in.

Cliff Goodman was the Head of Special Immigration Services reporting directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security, meaning he was the guy at Homeland Security who had the most interest in all things Alpha Centaurion. He was also one of the few close friends Chuckie had and, like Chuckie, he was brilliant.

Cliff took in the scene, made eye contact with Naomi, gave her an almost imperceptible nod, and came right over. So now I knew who she’d been texting. I’d give her the big Atta Girls later when we weren’t surrounded by people we didn’t like.

“Excuse me, Ambassador,” Cliff said. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but you’re needed at headquarters. I need to discuss some policy with you that can’t wait.” He flashed a quick smile at the Land Sharks. “So sorry to interrupt. Hopefully you and the Ambassador can reschedule.”

The Land Sharks shot various looks of annoyance in Cliff’s general direction. “I’m sure whatever it is can wait,” Kendrick said.

“Not really,” Cliff said politely. “It’s quite urgent.”

“I’m sure the Secretary would agree with us,” Kendrick said a little more forcefully. “I can call her and see if she appreciates your interrupting us, Cliff.”

Cliff gave him a tight smile. “If you want to disturb the Secretary, feel free, Mister Kendrick. She’s in a meeting with the President, but if you think now’s the right time to show her who’s boss, go right ahead.”

While Cliff and the Land Sharks were having their standoff, Naomi got Jamie out of her highchair and Abigail went up front to pay our bill. Len and Kyle, meanwhile, shifted so they were flanking Cliff.

I stood, slung my purse over my shoulder, and took Jamie from Naomi. “I’m sorry, but when Homeland Security needs us, we feel it’s imperative we respond, regardless of the situation. Please call and make an appointment. I’ll be happy to see you as soon as my schedule allows.” Which would be never, but why admit that out loud?

“Thanks, Ambassador, I appreciate it,” Cliff said. He made the “this way” gesture, and we headed for the door, Len and Kyle almost shoving the Land Sharks aside, in that bodyguard way where the almost-shoved knows it’s move your feet or end up on your butt.

Naturally, the Land Sharks followed us onto the sidewalk. “We could discuss our situation while we all go over to the Homeland Security building,” Somerall suggested. “It’s not a problem for Cliff to hear what we’re talking about.”

A quick look at the rest of them said they weren’t nearly as sure as Somerall that they wanted Cliff listening in. However, the moment they saw me looking they all nodded enthusiastically.

“Sure,” Cliff said cheerfully. “I’d love to hear what opportunities you’re suggesting to American Centaurion.”

“Driving or walking?” Len asked me.

“We can take you,” Tobin said quickly. “We have a car across the street.”

There was a parking area about a block away, and I could see a Town Car with a driver lounging against it. However, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of getting into an enclosed space with one of these people, let alone all of them, and especially not with Jamie along.

“I don’t think we can all fit in that car,” Abigail said. “In fact, I’m sure we can’t.” She pulled out her phone. “We’ll get our own ride, thanks.”

“Cliff, you can take some in your car, can’t you?” Gardiner asked as Abigail called the Embassy and requested someone come pick us up.

“I walked, sorry,” Cliff replied.

Normally I wasn’t against walking, but it was hot, I hadn’t put sunscreen on me or Jamie, and if we were walking we couldn’t get rid of the Land Sharks any more than if we were in their car with them.

Len put his hand on my back. “We need to move,” he said quietly. “All of us.”

Looked where he was, which was the opposite way from the parking lot we’d all been staring at. Sure enough, there were a lot of people coming toward us, and they were all carrying signs.

“Oh goody. It’s another mob.”