Patrolling the Stars Read online

  Drako was really suspicious. The alien left shortly after, but he’d had a bag with him when he entered, and he came out empty-handed. Drako would have to question him about what had gone on; he hadn’t been inside long enough for Carolina to service him as a prostitute. The Squid was wearing a steward’s uniform, so he could ask Turk to identify him. Drako continued to watch, until he figured she’d gone to bed and there would be no more visitors that night.

  *****

  When Carolina got home from her date, Thesos was standing at her door. “Miss Carolina, I brought some clothes for Melanie. I just didn’t want to wake anyone,” he said, his expression earnest.

  Carolina had a creepy feeling that she was being watched as she stood there. “Why thank you, Thesos, that’s so kind.”

  “I was also wondering if I could talk to you about something?” He sounded nervous.

  “Sure, why don’t you come in?” Carolina felt uncomfortable talking out in the hall.

  She walked in and found Mary sitting on the couch, reading something on a tablet. “Mary, Thesos brought some clothes for Melanie. Is she still awake?”

  “Yes, I just put her to bed, but she’s still awake.” Mary said, getting up and taking the bag from Thesos, with a shy smile. “Thank you.”

  Thesos’ cheeks turned bright red as he watched Mary walk away. “What did you need to talk to me about?” Carolina asked.

  “Can we meet somewhere else to discuss it?” Thesos asked quietly.

  “Of course, I’m free tomorrow morning. We could meet for breakfast,” she answered, very curious now. “Say around nine, after Melanie goes to her lessons?”

  “Perfect. But keep it confidential, please?”

  “Of course.” They both fell silent and Mary came back out of her bedroom.

  She flashed a grateful smile at Thesos. “Thank you so much, Thesos. But these clothes look too new to be found in someone’s luggage!”

  “I haven’t found any lost luggage yet, but I get an employee discount at the stores on board, since I’m a crewmember. I didn’t want Melanie to go without,” he explained, shrugging.

  “Thesos, you didn’t have to do that.” Mary looked up at him through her lashes, her cheeks flushing red.

  “It was my pleasure, Mary. I like Melanie, and she deserves to have what other children her age have. I need to go, unfortunately. I have to cover a few hours on the evening shift for someone else. Goodnight Mary, Carolina.” Thesos’ eyes lingered on Mary’s face longer than necessary before he left the suite. His attentions to Mary did not go unnoticed, by Carolina at least. Mary didn’t seem to pick up on his interest.

  “That sure was nice of him,” Carolina commented, starting to get an idea of what Thesos wanted to talk to her about. “Those dimples of his make him downright adorable.”

  “He does have nice dimples. He has a very nice speaking voice, too,” Mary commented still staring at the door.

  “We should get some rest.” Carolina said, standing up.

  “Yeah, I have to be up at seven tomorrow for work,” Mary agreed.

  “Good night, Mary.”

  She lay down on her bed and started reading through the new applications for liaison services. One in particular kept creeping up to the top of the pile. Drako, what kind of man are you?

  *****

  Drako woke up to his phone vibrating on his nightstand.

  “Hello,” he answered gruffly, not recognizing the number.

  “Hi, Drako?” a woman’s voice said over the phone.

  “Yes.” His eyes opened, and he sat up fast. Drako recognized that beautiful voice.

  “This is Carolina Andiva. I’ve accepted your application for my liaison services, and I’ll be in touch with you as soon as I have an opening. Do you have any scheduling preferences?”

  “No, anytime is fine.”

  “I’ll be in touch, then.”

  He heard a click, then got up to look at the screen of his monitor. He saw Carolina leaving her suite, in dressy slacks and a blouse rather than her usual gown. Drako quickly pulled on some clothes, and left to shadow her.

  He followed her into the restaurant where she usually met with clients. Finding a booth, he picked up the menu, trying to hide himself from her even though she was only a table away. The same Squid who had been at her door last night sat down opposite her, looking nervous.

  Drako tried to eavesdrop, but they spoke too quietly for him to hear. He eventually caught himself staring at her breasts, even though they were fairly well covered. He watched as she giggled and laughed with the man sitting in front of her. When they were finished, Carolina picked up the check. He’d never heard of an escort paying for a client’s meal.

  The waitress brought him the breakfast and coffee he’d ordered, just as Turk sat down across from him in the booth. Drako paid no attention to either of them.

  “You’re still following that female?” Turk asked, chuckling at him.

  “I saw that same Squid get invited into her room last night, and now she’s paying for his food,” Drako whispered.

  “You’re digging for something that’s just not there my friend. That male is my steward, Thesos. He’s befriended Carolina and her friend Mary. That’s all there is,” Turk explained with frustration.

  “It’s my job to dig into every detail, Turk.”

  “I know, I know,” Turk said. “I got a date set up with her for tomorrow night.”

  “Already?” Drako was surprised.

  “Yeah, she called me this morning.”

  “She called me too, but we haven’t made an appointment yet.”

  “Give her time; she’s very popular. She told me that she had a last-minute cancellation.” Turk came around the table and slid in next to him.

  Drako didn’t like the idea of Carolina spending time with his friend. Turk was known to be very appealing to females. “Aren’t you supposed to be flying the ship?”

  He snorted. “Are you trying to get rid of me so you can concentrate on your spying?”

  “Yes.”

  “Fine, but just so you know, I think you have Carolina all wrong.” Turk stood up and left the restaurant.

  Drako went back to trying to listen in on Carolina’s conversation with the Squid while he ate his food and sipped his coffee. He tried to make it look like he was reading a book. He saw Carolina leave out of the corner of his eye, and he stood up, paid his check, and left to follow her.

  This time the Squid walked Carolina back to her place. She stood on tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek, and then went inside, alone. Drako watched from around the corner, until the Squid started heading in his direction. Drako turned around and strolled down the hall.

  He had no clue what to think about the ‘liaison’ service Carolina was running. He’d investigated several similar businesses before, but the one that haunted him had involved children. Drako would never forget that case for as long as he lived. He’d shut them down, got the children the care that they seriously needed, and was even able to find homes for them. He couldn’t walk away from this investigation until he knew for sure that everything was legitimate.

  So far, he hadn’t seen anything that could be considered illegal. Drako turned back toward his room, so he could continue watching the video feed. He knew he’d become a bit obsessive about this case, but he needed to figure it out. Someone had to be behind it.

  Just then, his phone rang.

  “Hello?” he answered.

  Chapter Four

  “Mr. Drako, this is Carolina Andiva. I wanted to let you know that I had a change in my itinerary, and I’m now free for tomorrow night. Would that work for you?” she asked.

  Tomorrow night was supposed to be Turk’s night. “Umm, yes.”

  “If you could meet me at the restaurant, say around seven?” she suggested politely.

  “Yes, seven sounds great,” Drako answered.

  “Alright, see you tomorrow.” The call ended with a click.

  Drako hit Turk’s n
umber on speed dial.

  “Hello,” Turk answered.

  “You didn’t have to cancel your appointment,” Drako said gruffly as he started rummaging through his closet.

  “I asked for her to accompany me to a lunch I’m having with some of the VIP passengers instead,” Turk explained.

  “Well, thanks,” Drako said.

  “I didn’t do it for you; I have things I have to attend to tomorrow.” He could tell when Turk was lying, even over the phone. He also knew that Turk didn’t usually attend VIP events.

  “I’ll talk to you later.”

  Drako hung up and went to his closet, pulling out a nice pair of jeans and a blue button-up shirt. He couldn’t help but ask himself whether Carolina would like it. Why was it suddenly so important that he look good for her?

  Drako put the clothes out where he’d be able to find them in the morning, only glancing at the monitor once every few minutes. He hadn’t seen Carolina leave her suite, and he wondered if maybe she took days off like a normal employee. A few minutes later, he saw the two women and Melanie leave the suite. Since all three of them were together, he decided not to follow them. They were probably just going shopping or something.

  He uploaded the monitoring app to his satellite phone, and left his quarters to go and question the rest of the crew and the passengers. He checked periodically to see whether Carolina had returned to her rooms. Since he was also in charge of all the investigations on other ships, Drako spent the afternoon reviewing the other officers’ reports and sending them follow-up questions.

  The next day went by slowly. Eleven-thirty rolled around, and Carolina left her suite. Drako stayed in his room, since he knew that she was going to meet with Turk. He took a quick shower, putting his pants on as soon as he got out, but leaving his shirt off.

  He lay down on his bed, just waiting for seven to roll around. The time seemed to be taking forever to go by. He checked his messages, and was relieved to see that her background check was available. Drako passed the next few hours reviewing it.

  Carolina Andiva had a fairly straightforward history: She went to college, graduating from business school, and then she opened up a liaison service. She was engaged for a little bit, but then the engagement was called off. There was nothing in her background that suggested she would do anything illegal. One thing he found interesting was that Carolina’s family had left Terra before she did. She was traveling alone.

  Finally, it was time for him to go. He put his shirt on, leaving three buttons at the top unbuttoned, and pulled his hair back into a tight ponytail.

  He sat down at the table he had reserved for then, and waited. Carolina Andiva showed up right at seven, wearing a baby-blue dress that came down to her knees and showed quite a bit of cleavage. Her hair was put up in a bun, but she wasn’t wearing her glasses like she usually did. He stood up and pulled out her chair for her.

  The waitress brought them their menus. They looked over them quietly for a minute. “You don’t mind if I have a drink, do you?” she asked.

  “No not at all. I might have one with you.” He gave her a reassuring smile.

  “Thanks. It’s been a very busy day today, and I need a drink to unwind.”

  The waitress came back moments later and took their orders. They both ordered a shrimp salad; Carolina got a daiquiri while Drako choose a rum and Coke. The waitress brought them their drinks quickly.

  “So, if you don’t mind me asking,” Carolina started as she sipped from her drink, “why do you need a liaison? You don’t seem like the type who would struggle to find companionship.”

  “I haven’t had much time to meet women,” Drako answered.

  “But you have the time and money to go out with a liaison?” she asked curiously.

  He had to think about what to say. “I work a lot, and I don’t have time or the energy to spend on building relationships. With your escort — liaison service, I don’t have to worry about trying to impress anyone or the pressure of trying to keep in touch,” Drako answered, trying to not say too much.

  “With your looks, I wouldn’t think you’d have to look for women; I figured they’d be falling all over themselves for you,” she said.

  “Do you find me attractive?” He wanted to know what she thought of him.

  “Of course.”

  He was silent as they waited for the waitress to bring them their food. Carolina picked at hers like she wasn’t really hungry, while he ate quickly.

  “Is something wrong?” Drako asked finally.

  “First liaison dates are usually awkward like this; some people just don’t know how to open up to me. I usually ask my clients questions to ease their fears, and I encourage them to ask me questions. You can talk about anything, or ask me anything,” she said.

  “Why do you do this?” Drako asked.

  “I had a liaison service on Terra. It was very successful, with high-profile clients like government officials and celebrities. I had to cash it out using my insurance’s emergency relief fund to pay for a suite on board the evacuation ships. Having been used to keeping busy, I found myself bored out of my mind without a job. I noticed that there were few interactions between the Terrans and the other aliens, and I had the idea of starting a new liaison service catering to those on board and hopefully helping to bridge that gap between species,” she explained enthusiastically.

  “It sounds very humane of you, but you do charge for your services.”

  “Yes, as it says on the release letter that I sent to you. In return for my fee, I liaison my clients to events or simple dinners. If they are unsatisfied, they must tell me immediately after the date for a partial refund.”

  “Is it all about the money, or do you care at all for these … clients?” he asked.

  “I do care. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t do this. I thought that it would help aliens and Terrans learn how to deal with one another. I hoped to make it less awkward for them if they practiced with me,” Carolina said. “What I don’t understand is why you feel you need my services. You’re handsome, and you don’t seem to have a problem talking to me.”

  “I’m really terrible at these things. The last date I had was almost a year ago, and it’s been years since I’ve been in a serious relationship.” That was all true. He’d been way too busy with his job to commit to anyone, and he hadn’t really found anyone that made him want to change that.

  “Ok, well, what do you do for a living?” she questioned him, leaning closer to the table.

  “I’m involved in an investigation company of sorts. I haven’t investigated anyone as beautiful as you before, though,” he answered with a wink.

  She giggled, and pushed a stray lock of hair back behind her ear.

  For the first time, Drako noticed her beautiful eyes. They were a soft brown, and seemed to hide both pain and happiness in their depths. Carolina was open and mysterious, all at the same time. No wonder she was successful at being a liaison.

  Drako signaled for the waitress. “Refills, please,” he said, handing their glasses to the waitress. “Daiquiri for the lady, and rum and Coke for me.”

  “I should really be going,” Carolina said, looking at her watch. They’d been there for an hour and a half. “I usually keep the introductory liaison dates to an hour.”

  “One more drink?” He asked with a charming half-smile.

  “I suppose I can stay a little while longer.” Carolina smiled back at him.

  Damn, her smile could light up the whole room. Drako had felt the chemistry building between the two of them since she first sat down. He didn’t want this night to end, even though he knew it had to. At least he’d gotten her to agree to another drink.

  They sat there and just chatted, as one drink turned into two. They were getting along great. Drako had her laughing. He wanted to take her bun down and see just how long her blonde hair was. He loved a woman with long hair. He kept telling her funny stories and plying her with more drinks, until he checked his watch and realiz
ed it was midnight already.

  “Shit, Carolina, I kept you too late,” Drako apologized as he stood. He reached out a hand to help her up. “Let me walk you back to your suite.”

  “Alright,” she agreed.

  They walked along in companionable silence until they stood outside of Carolina’s door. Drako smiled down at her. He leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her head, and his lips landed on her cheek. He pulled away, a little disappointed.

  “I know that it was in the details of your contract, but I will emphasize that I’m not actually dating you. I don’t date my clients, and I don’t sleep with my clients. This is about companionship.”

  “Okay. When can I see you again?” He tried not to sound too eager; he didn’t want to frighten her off.

  “Usually, the client requests when and where I’m needed. The first time I arrange everything, but after that, you will need to let me know when you want my services.”

  “Are you available Saturday evening?” He leaned closer to her, but she stepped away again.

  “Yes, I’m free Saturday evening,” she answered, sounding a bit breathless.

  “Okay then. I’ll pick you up here.” He pulled out his wallet to pay her.

  She reached out to clasp his hand, halting him. They both jumped at the sizzle their touch created, and she let go of him quickly.

  “The first time is pro-bono.” When he frowned, not understanding, she explained further. “The first time is free for all new clients. Also, I prefer it if you transfer the credits to my account. An exchange of cash can be...misleading to some people.”

  “Okay. Until Saturday.”

  “Good night,” she said, looking back over her shoulder as she opened the door.

  “Goodnight, Carolina.”

  *****

  Damn, he was hot! She’d had to fight her instincts all night not to reach across the table and kiss him. The man was just so gorgeous. Carolina closed the door and sighed.

  This was a mistake. She was too attracted to him. How was she supposed to remain professional, when all she wanted to do was jump his bones? She shook her head and went into her bedroom. She lay down on her bed, wondering if she should see Drako again or cancel.