The first thing next morning I called Inspector Hayden about the interracial rumor Brian had brought to my attention. I’d forgotten to mention it when I spoke with Thomas last evening.

“These rumors are out of control,” said Thomas.

Apparently, someone else got irritated at six-thirty in the morning.

“I agree. But the number of rumors is probably natural given the different attitudes mixing together. However, this rumor surprised even me.”

“I’ll look into it, but I don’t see how it’s even possible—but I’m not an expert on anatomy.”

I suspected Thomas wished the competition would hurry up and finish, and go away.

Currently at the office with my crew for our seven o’clock morning meeting, we would convene at Starlight a little later for the second half of Round Two. Today’s bowling action would be incredible. After the first half of Round Two, Rheine and Bremen were in the lead.

“Harrison, did you find anything in the evidence boxes?” I said.

“I’ve only gone through about half of the items. However, I did have a chat with Dr. Inder. I wanted to confirm the height of the assailant at The Peak.”

“What did Raj have to say?”

“The assailant was approximately six feet tall, and right-handed.” Harrison gave me a telling glance. Brian’s characteristics fit those stats.

“Of course, given the variety of aliens we’re dealing with, his description could be a little off,” conceded Harrison.

“Okay. Continue going through the physical evidence, please. By the way, I am considering everything you’ve pointed out to me.”

I checked the holographic pictures I had taken of the crime scene. The splatter patterns were indeed consistent with Raj’s estimates. My doubts grew.

“Sarge, the tapes from The Peak have revealed how Ugon left the restaurant,” said Harrison.

“Really? Do tell.” Evidence always cheered me up.

“The Rheinon security chief, Neer E Know, escorted Ugon out the door when we were all initially in the washroom downstairs—before we’d told everyone to stay put.”

“See if you can interview Neer E Know, and get an explanation.” Sneaky security officers.

I glanced at my notes. “Brian, have you found any candidates for our weapons that cauterize?”

“A few. I have a couple of scientists from Simon Fraser University working on the problem.”

“Good.” Scientists seemed to love to help the Mounties.

“So, Jack, have you decided to become a politician?” I thought my statement funny but, from Jack’s scowl, I’d only succeeded in irritating him.

However, all he said was, “My research into alien politics has reached an impasse. I’ve found huge gaps in the information available on Earth. I’m not sure where to go from here.”

Jack, admitting to uncertainty, surprised me.

“Perhaps you should try talking to the diplomats. They’re always hanging around the bowling alleys.”

Jack nodded.

I wondered…are we being deprived of pertinent information? “By the way, everyone, I’ll be going to Starlight a little earlier than the rest of you. Apparently, there are some star-crossed lovers—and I mean star-crossed—meeting behind the alley this morning. I’m going to have a little chat with them.” I heard a combination of laughs and chatter throughout the squad room.

“The rest of you wander over to Starlight for the start of the competition.”

I went back to reading reports but I gleaned nothing new from them so I decided to make my trip to the bowling alley. The time for my surprise visit had arrived. Dino had called earlier and said he would meet me there.

“I’m off guys. I’ll see you later. Oh, Harrison, I know I’ve given you a lot to research but anything further on the vet clinic?”

“I have nothing conclusive but I talked to Dr. Inder and he confirmed that Maori was indeed killed by a Rheinon poison. And the only Rheinon on the tour was their security chief.”

Bingo! And from the look on Harrison’s face, he agreed with my thoughts.

“Okay, we’ll have to figure out some way to prove it. Talk to Dr. Cabin and his staff. Maybe someone saw Neer E Know touch Maori, or get close to her.”

“Now I really need to take off and catch those lovebirds.”

During my trip to Starlight I tried to think of various topics to discuss with the pair but, other than the obvious— How does it feel?—I found no words.

I went through the kitchen at Starlight and then out the back door just after eight o’clock. It slammed shut behind me. The lovebirds were nowhere to be seen.

So much for Brian’s rumor.

* * * *

I became conscious of being carried, and that my head throbbed.

“Stop wiggling,” said Jack.

Then I realized Jack held me in his arms. “Let me down!”

“I’ll let you down when we’re in the ambulance. No sooner. So stop making it difficult for me to carry you.” At least Jack uttered his words in a reasonable tone.

I said, “What happened?” I couldn’t remember anything. My head hurt and my skin felt clammy.

“It looks like someone bonked your head,” said Jack.

“Bonked is a scientific term, I presume?”

“At least you’re getting your sense of humor back. Some of the things you mumbled a few moments ago were strange. Now, the question is, do you remember what happened?”

Before I had a chance to answer, Jack deposited me on a bed in the ambulance parked outside Starlight’s entrance.

“Detective Sergeant Dominion, what have you done to yourself?” said Dr. Kyne Barb. Every time I spoke with him he appeared to be in ever-increasing good humor. Perhaps he’d started to like humans.

“I think it’s more like what someone did to her. Take a look. The back of her head has been hit with something and she has a concussion, I believe. Although, she is coming out of unconsciousness remarkably well,” said Jack.

“Yes, I can see that. Please step back, detective,” said Dr. Barb.

“It’s all right, Dr. Jack,” interjected Raj. “Let us take a look at Tari.” Raj had noticed Jack hovering.

“Ah, a human doctor,” I mumbled.

“The best there is,” said Raj, while he poked and prodded. “The notice of your arrival was broadcast everywhere. Do you remember what happened?”

“I went looking for some star-struck lovebirds, and then the next thing I remember is being carried by Jack.”

“Jack?” said Raj.

Although I still felt groggy, I thought I saw a grin trying to escape Raj’s face.

“So far, Detective Sergeant Dominion is coherent. She told us, at our morning meeting about the mixed couple— human and alien I mean—who are having a relationship. Brian had alerted us to this possibility.” Jack paused for a moment as he looked at me. “Detective Sergeant Dominion announced this morning she was going to confront the pair.”

“I didn’t actually use the word confront.” I remembered

that much.

“Shut up, Tari,” said Raj and Jack, in unison.

What is this? Everyone’s against me now?

“Anyway, I decided to follow her,” said Jack. “I don’t know what happened to her but I found Sarge on the pavement behind Starlight, out like a light. And here we are.”

“It’s a good thing you were on the spot. Concussions can be quite dangerous,” said Raj. “Although perhaps summoning us, rather than carrying her, would have been more appropriate. Nonetheless, Tari will be spending the rest of the day with us.”

I tried to sit up. “I don’t think so. I’ll stay for a couple of hours then I need to get back to the competition,” I blurted.

Raj gently pushed me back down. A lot of people exchanged glances—human and alien alike. “Jack?” said Raj.

“I’ll keep a close eye on her. A couple of hours are probably all you’re going to have with a hard head like hers.”

I didn’t know whether to be annoyed with Jack, or grateful. My new found attitude made me consider grateful—at least for the moment.

By the time they allowed me out of the ambulance, the bowling teams had started the second batch of three games. The scoreboard indicated the closeness of the top three spots. The Bremen, Rheinon, and Tristorians should be biting their nails—if they had any.

Dino and I stood at the side while he brought me up-to-date on the morning’s activities.

“Detective Sergeant,” called Takka. “Would you come over here, please?” Ambassador Takka stood behind the lane the Itlans bowled on.

I approached and he said, “I was wondering if you would like to watch the Itlan team play? It would give us great pleasure.” Then I noticed Itlans streaming towards us from the bleachers.

Something about his request made me uncomfortable, so I hesitated.

“I do not think Detective Sergeant Dominion will be able to do that, Takka,” said Dino. “She needs to watch all teams. She is in the middle of a murder investigation, and needs to observe everyone. Tari is also recovering from a concussion she experienced this morning.”

“I am so sorry, Detective Sergeant. I did not realize you were ill.”

“Well, I am recovering nicely, but I’m not allowed to overexert myself. Perhaps later today,” I said, “when your team is practicing.”

“Of course.” Takka shooed the Itlans back to their seats, and Dino maneuvered me away.

“What was that all about?” I asked. I had no clue what’d just happened.

“You may not have noticed but you have a group of aliens who like to follow you around.”

“I have groupies?”

“You have citizens who like you,” clarified Dino.

Citizens—alien citizens—who like me? I didn’t know what to think.

Before I had a chance to pursue the thought, my com rang. Inspector Hayden said, “Tari, I’ve looked into this human mating rumor. As far as anyone can tell, the two beings may be able to interact in some interesting ways, but no viable offspring would result. And, for a change, no one else has heard this rumor.”

You’re a little late, but I didn’t say that out loud. “Apparently, no one called you. I was attacked this morning after I went to check out the rumor.”

“Are you okay?” Thomas sounded breathless.

“The ME let me out of the ambulance after a couple of hours. I have a lump on the back of my head, but I’m back on the job.”

“Thank goodness.” Inspector Hayden sounded concerned, but was it about my head or the continuing investigation? I second guessed everything these days.

I decided to change the subject. “If these two beings are found, is interaction allowed?”

“That’s entirely up to the participants. However, I must say this rumor has created an uproar in diplomatic circles. Interracial relationships have never happened before amongst the other four races. Needless-to-say, humans are being eyed with scepticism. And, for once, no one heard about this rumor before you brought it to my attention.”

“Thanks for looking into it, anyway. However, I think it was just to get me out of the way for a while. Hopefully, that’s the end of rumors for a very long time.”

“Agreed. Now, take care of yourself and get the final murder solved.” Hayden’s good humor had disappeared.

Dino and I walked over to watch the human bowlers.

“Ma’am, I have solved the asylum problem,” said Dino.