SPINS

Chapter Five

Day 2 - in an Alien Murder Investigation

Let’s go home?

I had recently lived with my mother, the indomitable retired RCMP Assistant Commissioner Tracy Dominion, during her health crisis, but I now spent the majority of my off-time with Jack. After working together on the previous homicide investigation involving aliens, Jack and I had become close after he had gone back to running the Vancouver RCMP homicide department, and I to run the Burnaby homicide detachment. Was his apartment my…our…new home? A home we were making together?

****

The next morning, Jack and I drove to work separately, in case we needed to run about individually. Every investigation became a unique puzzle to solve.

After I settled in my office, I called Raj. He answered with, “Yes, Tari, the autopsy is done. So find another body for me to study, preferably an alien one.”

“I’ll see what I can do. However, I’d love this homicide investigation to be easier than the last one.” I gave Raj an inquiring look, but he didn’t respond. “So are you going to tell me what you found?”

“A report is on the way,” said the medical examiner.

“Raj!” He delighted in being annoying, even though we were close friends.

“Ah, details, you ask. Well, your Tristorian was bonked on the head and then stabbed and, as I said, I don’t think those actions happened where you found the body.”

What’s with bonked lately? “No, the body had been moved, although we have no idea by whom. I’m hoping we’ll find a camera somewhere which will give us the culprit, but that would be too easy. When did the murder happen?”

“About ten in the evening. I had one of the Tristorian doctors, who happened to be at the bowling banquet, help me with the estimate.”

“That’s wonderful. Any ideas about the perpetrator’s height or species? Maybe fingerprints on the Tristorian?” I asked.

“Nothing yet. We’ll do additional tests today. If we find anything, I’ll be sure and send you a report.” Raj smirked.

“Very funny. Somehow I’ve lost my sense of humor again,” though I did give Raj a big grin.

Raj laughed. “Well, let’s see what I can do to cheer you up. How about coming over for dinner? Suki asked about you.”

Raj’s wife was a sweetheart, and I loved their cooking. “Let’s see how the investigation goes. I need to focus on that right now.”

“Oh, and bring a friend when you make it over.” Raj continued to smirk.

My relationship with Jack wasn’t a secret. “I’ll let you know when I’m available. By the way, we found a knife last night at the Aquarium. We’re going to need to match blood and such. So, don’t be surprised when it arrives. Now, go back to work. I have a feeling we’re going to be talking a lot the next little while.”

A premonition, perhaps, but dealing with aliens never turned out to be trivial or boring.

Reluctantly, I turned to the next item on today’s list, the BPC. Dino had informed me they were staying at the same hotel as he was, and the BPC would use one of the hotel’s meeting rooms.

The BRITE Police Commission consisted of representatives from each race of the BRITE alliance. I represented humans and had been appointed to the BPC after we’d concluded our last incident. Considered quite an honor, I’d hoped I’d get a chance to travel off-planet with the BPC, but nothing had yet come about. Most likely the experience would only happen when a human had been determined to be involved in an off-planet police situation.

Dino had given me the time for the meeting and the information that he would meet me there since he had business to attend to at his embassy, which happened to also be in this same hotel building.

I left my detectives diligently working on our new homicide and traveled to Dino’s hotel. In the meeting room, I received introductions to the members of the BRITE Police Commission—five Tristorians, five Bremen, five Itlans, and five Rheinon, with me being the lone human on the BPC. Since the Tristorians had won the last bowling tournament, which cinched them the election, they were now the leaders of the BRITE Alliance. So the Tristorian, Geene Arack, led the BPC and our meeting today.

I was asked to give a summary of our current investigation. After I finished, Dino blurted out he had found a knife at the aquarium.

“Yes, the knife Ambassador Rare found is a possible item of interest in our investigation.” I glared at Dino and hoped he’d received my message to not further interrupt. Who knew if an ambassador, especially Dino, would heed my wishes?

Geene Arack spoke. “Detective Sergeant Dominion, please continue with your investigations. Please report weekly to myself, as the leader of the BPC, and since a Tristorian died, also as the leader of the Tristorians. Please also advise Ambassador Dino A Rare. Of course, Ambassador Rare will already know most of your homicide information as he will be involved in your investigation. As a member of their society has been killed, you may be asked questions by many Tristorians.”

“Of course. How shall I address you? Is Leader Arack appropriate?” Ambassadors I could handle, but I wasn’t sure about the leader of the BPC.

“Most appropriate.”

“Leader Arack, I have a question.” I had no idea how readily they would welcome questions from a lowly human.

“Of course, please continue.”

“Why are there five members from each of the BRITE Alliance members on the BPC, except for humans? I am the only one.”

“We have not decided how to choose further members—further human members, I mean. Perhaps you can help us. Please forward your recommendations to me when you have a moment to study the issue, of course. We realize how busy you are.”

Arack continued. “I have questions of my own. First regards the presence of Detective Sergeant Jack Naven. Can you tell us why he is involved in this investigation since he is a personal friend of yours?”

Damn, I knew this situation would arise and smack me in the forehead. “Detective Sergeant Jack Naven is the head of the RCMP homicide detachment in our sister city of Vancouver. Our leaders felt having two heads of homicide detachments would help assuage any uneasiness offworlders might have. He’s a capable and distinguished investigator. In addition, your ambassador Gyle Stark asked for Detective Sergeant Naven specifically as he knew of his work during the previous investigation.”

Arack tried to hide a smile, so I suspected he was on our side.

“And my other question. Detective Sergeant Dominion, you come from a fine line of Canadian investigators. Your mother, Retired Assistant Commissioner Tracy Dominion, is known throughout the galaxy, and the exploits of the two of you discovering the listening post is not far behind.”

For some unknown political reason, he flung compliments our way.

“My question is, do you think your mother would help this investigation?”

Surprise, surprise. “I’ll certainly inquire. In what capacity would you like her help? That is certainly a question she will ask.”

Surprise traveled over Arack’s face. “Of course. Very analytical. We would like her to be an adjunct to the BPC. With all rights and privileges of a full member. We are in awe of her capabilities.”

I laughed. “You’re certainly sending out all the right vibes, Leader Arack. I’ll discuss the situation with her this evening, and I’ll have her contact you with her answer. Appropriate?”

“Most appropriate,” said Leader Arack.

We were throwing around the word appropriate a lot but the situation seemed to require the word.

“So to summarize: you want me to continue investigating and report weekly, and you wish Retired Assistant Commissioner Tracy Dominion to be an adjunct to the BPC. Do I have the details correct?”

“I was unclear, and this is not your misunderstanding. The BPC had discussed and decided upon daily meetings starting tomorrow. Thus, we would like you to join us, as you are a member of the BPC. Will you do that?”

I glanced at Dino. Apprehension covered his face. He was unclear as to how I would respond.

“Of course, Leader Arack. Part of my duties as a member of the BPC.” Even though I was a member of the BPC, I had not been part of the conversation, but I decided not to point that fact out.

“And if you could talk to your mother regarding our inquiry that would be delightful. Thank you for your time.”

I was dismissed.

Dino and I left together and, wordlessly, traveled to our vehicles. Wordless was a challenge for Dino, and the situation lasted until we found my car.

“Tari, I thought you did well at the meeting. The committee is seeing you in a more positive light.”

“It wasn’t positive before? Then why did they invite me to be part of the BPC?”

Dino sighed. Something every race seemed to do. “They were neutral, and now they are positive. Do not be so hard on yourself. You answered questions quickly and succinctly. And they even believed you about Jack.”

“What do you mean about Jack?” Dino started, okay, continued, to annoy me.

“I misspoke. Your answer about his credentials was to the point, and appropriate. I was impressed with your oratory.”

“Big words, Dino. We shall see how the situation unfolds. I’ll meet you back at RCMP headquarters.” At the moment, I wanted no more of Dino.

While I traveled back to the office, I reflected on the BPC meeting. I had almost felt like a second-level player; like I was there to receive instructions, not be a full member. I supposed since Earth was the newest member of the BRITE Alliance—so-called because of the first letters of Bremen, Rheinon, Itla, Tristor, and Earth, at least in English—we needed to prove our way. Something to think about, and something to annoy me.

My com rang. “Sarge, I’ve finished at the aquarium with the techs, and I’m just about to leave,” said Harrison.

“Got everything we need, this time?” I reminded Harrison the techs had screwed up yesterday.

“I believe so. I noticed a bundle of contriteness floating amongst the fish, so to speak.” Harrison grinned.

And so there should be. “Was Tyler there?”

“Yeah, he watched our every move this morning.”

“Unless you have any objection, let him have the aquarium back. I can’t think of anything else we need. Can you? We have our holocam footage and, I assume, any aquarium camera footage available?”

“Yup. Everything is on the way back to the office, so we can start perusing. I’ll just go back inside and let Tyler know the aquarium is his again. I’ll be back at the office, shortly,” said Harrison.

“Good. I’m on my way back, too. We need to start interviewing everyone who was at the banquet last night.” I decided I also needed to talk to Dino about the bureaucratic nightmare I suspected dealing with the BPC might become.

After I settled in my desk chair, I called Jack into my office. “Any interesting news?”

“Nothing yet. I have a pretty complete list of who was at the aquarium last night, though. The Itlans were very accommodating regarding who had been invited, and who had been involved in the catering, and such. I also talked to Tyler about his staff. He was forthcoming and informative. You know, I suspect he just doesn’t like dealing with women.” Jack took a couple of steps backward after he uttered his words.

I laughed. “Don’t worry; I don’t bite.” We both laughed at my double meaning.

“Jack, I’d already received that impression about Tyler,” I continued. “We’ll play it by ear, though. No reason to rile him up whenever we want information, so you may become our liaison. We shall see.”

Then I asked Harrison to join us. “A quick summary on my dealings with the BPC, guys. They want lots of reporting. Reporting to the BPC committee, and Dino, and the Tristorian head of the BPC, who is Geene Arack, and …. My time is being eaten up, as you can imagine. For the near future, Harrison, I want you and Jack to team up. I’ll interact with each person or team under my jurisdiction, but it may become messy. I want you and Jack to be the primary investigators of the Tristorian murder—along with me, of course. I’m hoping to streamline my activities, but who knows when that’ll happen. Don’t worry, I’ll interfere and give orders, ah suggestions, whenever I feel like it.”

“Won’t let go, huh?” suggested Harrison, trying to hide a grin.

“Not with the BPC hanging over my shoulders,” I commented.

Harrison and Jack laughed, thank goodness. They understood politics. “Okay, go away and decide on your plan of action and individual jobs. That should keep you busy for a couple of hours. I need to write reports, and, and … more reports.”

Laughing, they disappeared. I was glad someone enjoyed my discomfort. Realistically, I was happy I had the two of them to back me up. I knew they were on my side.

My reports were slightly tricky to write because I didn’t yet have a lot of data. However, I sweated through most of them before I received a call from my mother.

Oh, damn, I hadn’t talked to her about being an adjunct to the BPC.

However, my discomfort disappeared after she announced, “Tari, I’m at Burnaby Hospital. I wasn’t feeling well this afternoon—not well at all—so I called 911. I threw up, and couldn’t stand, so I thought calling 911 was for the best.”

If my mother thought so, then it must be so. She never gave in to discomfort unless the symptoms were frightfully bad.

“What have the doctors figured out?” What should I worry about?

“Nothing. They’ve kept me in the dark. Can you get over here and see what you can find out? They might respond to a police officer.”

“Did you tell them who you were?” My mother did have an ace-in-the-hole.

“Retired Assistant RCMP Police Commissioner doesn’t get very far, I’ve found. So I didn’t try. Can you pick up Deepy? I left him at home, and he’s probably upset.”

“Of course. I’ll be along soon. Take it easy until we get there.”

I rushed to my office door. “Jack, I need help. Mom’s in the hospital, and I don’t know how serious her situation is.”

“Of course. What do you need?” Jack jumped up.

I took a key off my ring and threw it at him. “I’m going to run over to Burnaby General right now. Can you pick up Deepy and bring him to the hospital? He has a carrier somewhere in the house. Probably in the mudroom.”

Jack grabbed a few items off his desk.

“Harrison, I’m leaving you in charge. Call me if you have any questions. The hospital is pretty good about allowing phones these days.”

“Will do. Good wishes for Tracy.”

“Thanks.” I gave him a weak smile and ran out to my vehicle.

The ER at Burnaby Hospital was bustling as always. There never seemed to be a shortage of emergencies in our local area. I soon found my mother in a small cubicle. I studied her but she didn’t look seriously sick.

“They’ve given me an anti-allergy shot, so I’m feeling a lot better. You can relax now; I shall survive. Where’s Deepy?”

She worried about her dog, of course. “Jack’s picking him up, and the two of them will be along shortly. Now, what happened? Tell me about your day.”

Mom laughed. “I went to an afternoon banquet held by the Bremen ambassador. I still haven’t quite figured out the reason for the banquet. There were all sorts of different people there, and the majority didn’t seem to be connected in any way.”

“What do you mean?” A strange comment from my mother, the ultimate diplomat.

“Well, there were bowlers I recognized and many ambassadors. I also saw security personnel from many embassies. By the way, Neer E Know was also in my view.”

She sighed. “So you see what I mean about diversity.”

“Yes, I do. Perhaps I should talk to the Bremen ambassador—after all, it was his banquet.” I studied Mom as I spoke. “So tell me why you got violently ill. For example, did you try any food you shouldn’t have?”

“Well, I don’t think so. Most of the dishes I sampled were human. Although I did try a dish the Bremen ambassador brought especially over to me. Quite delicious.”

“Do you remember what it was?” asked Raj. He’d startled both of us.

“The food?” Mom appeared disoriented.

Raj nodded and studied her as discreetly as he could, I noticed.

“Not really. A meat and vegetable dish is all I remember. Lots of green vegetables. Very tasty sauce. I’d like to get the recipe.”

Mom was an incurable recipe collector, and I knew I’d acquired my rampant desire for recipes from her.

“Well, Madame Commissioner, that dish is what did you in. One particular ingredient of the Terratite is poisonous to humans. The Bremen ambassador probably didn’t have any knowledge as the dish is new to Earth.” After recognizing confusion on our faces, Raj said, “What I mean is the one dried vegetable culprit of your dish has only been recently imported to satisfy Bremen tastes. So stop taking risks, Madame Commissioner, the next one may be fatal.”

“Raj, if you don’t stop calling me Madame Commissioner, I’ll have to talk to your boss. I do have some clout in this hospital.” Mom grinned as she uttered her words.

“I’m so scared,” replied Raj, an old friend to both of us.

“You know who should be scared is that ER doctor I dealt with tonight. His bedside manner is inappropriate. He had the nerve to suggest I seek psychiatric help, and I don’t know why. Perhaps you should have a little chat with him before I have to pursue his behavior with his superior.”

Raj paid attention to Mom’s words. “Of course, Tracy. I know who you mean, and this is not the first time a complaint has been voiced. I’ll talk to his boss because I know the director quite well.”

“And, by the way, don’t you think Customs, or whoever is in charge of importing alien items, should decide whether an item is safe for humans? And I’m not only thinking about food. Things need to be labeled.”

Mom had a valid point, especially considering this recent medical emergency.

“Oh, I agree. I have already started inquiries regarding your experience. Perhaps this item fell through a loophole. I don’t know. Rest assured, an investigation has begun.”

“Thanks for your help, Raj. Now, let me out of here. I have things to do.”

“Sure. Walk over to the closet and get your clothes,” suggested Raj. “See if everything’s there.”

Mom rolled out of her bed and stood. She then promptly grabbed onto the bed as she started to collapse.

“Back into bed,” said Raj, adding a hand. “You’ll be here at least overnight. You’re not as young as you think you are, young woman.”

“You have all the fancy words, young man. Now, go away so I can rest and leave this hellhole tomorrow.”

Jack arrived during her tirade and put Deepy on her bed. Mom opened the carrier and fussed over Deepy for a few moments, and then lay back exhausted.

“It’s time for us to go, Mom.” I gave Jack the signal to pack up her puppy. “We’ll take care of Deepy. Don’t worry. Get some sleep and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

We traipsed out of her cubicle and reconvened in the waiting room. “Raj, will she be okay? She seemed pretty weak.”

“Tracy will be fine. Allergic reactions can be quite debilitating, though. Hopefully, she can go home tomorrow. However, the next day, at the latest.”

“What about this ER doctor she complained about?”

“He’s known for being abrupt. However, I’ll look into the situation; study her reports; and such. Such behavior is uncalled for, and I may take it up with his superior. However, before that happens, I need to research.” Raj shook his head. “Although unlikely, she may have misinterpreted his words. I can’t see the retired assistant commissioner doing that, though.”

“I appreciate your efforts. Mom does too, as I’m sure you know. Thanks for being here.”

“My favorite place because the people are still alive.” Raj grinned.

“I’m not sure whether to smack you or grin like an idiot. Our whole department appreciates your help. Hopefully, we won’t call upon it too often in the future.” I turned to Jack. “Time to take Deepy out of here. Let’s go.”

We said goodbye to Raj and reconvened outside ER. “Why don’t we take Deepy back to Mom’s place. He’ll be comfortable there. We can stay the night in my old room.”

Jack batted his eyelashes at me, so I turned away to my car, without another word.

We ended up ordering dinner delivered. The day had been remarkably short of calories, and I was starved.

Deepy was happy to be home in his bed, and Jack and I enjoyed mine.