I really needed more sleep than I’d gotten last night, but we’d returned late from the Rheinon Embassy. I’d received a call from Inspector Hayden the next morning with the information more aliens were down sick.

“Who’s sick?” Not a profound statement, but I needed caffeine.

“Numerous aliens. No humans, though,” Thomas said.

“So someone is trying to point the finger at Earth again?” This began to grow old.

Thomas shrugged. “I don’t know why they would. Earth is no longer a contender in the bowling competition.”

“No. But, again, some aliens would like us out of the Alliance.” I sighed. “I’ll let you know what I find out.”

Then I had a call from Raj telling me food poisoning caused the sickness, and it most likely had happened at last night’s dinner at Starlight.

“More food poisoning? When will this end?” I said. At least I’d become the pro at poison investigations.

Raj didn’t reply; he knew I’d asked another rhetorical question.

“Well, it’s a good thing this is a day of rest for the bowlers. Hopefully, they’ll be feeling better for tomorrow’s final,” I said.

“Most of them will be okay. However, two Tristorian bowlers are quite ill. In fact, it’s touch and go. They’re under close supervision at the hospital.”

“No more murders, please. Is it really food poisoning?”

“Yes. Different from the first poisoning but, possibly, just as lethal. The blood tests confirmed the poison.”

“Is there nothing the Tristorian doctors can do to counteract the poison?”

“They’ve done all they can. Apparently, the Tristorian physique does not respond well to, shall we say, an anti-poison, or antidote. In their cases, time is the cure.” Raj shrugged his shoulders but I knew he hurt.

“That’s sad. So I guess it’s back to work I go. And I almost had a whole night’s sleep, for once.” I sighed. “Thanks, Raj. Let me know whenever you have news.”

I made a call to the inspector to set him on the path to finding out whether tomorrow’s final should be postponed.

Upon my arrival at the office, Harrison corralled me before I had a chance to unpack my bag of files.

“As you know, Brian’s clothing was a washout. However, Brian left his badge on a table yesterday, and I sneaked it off to the lab last night. The lab found Skitem-Carry’s blood on the surface of his badge. I really do think he’s the murderer.” Harrison’s face had paled from exhaustion and worry.

Although I had my doubts, I said, “I’m not arguing with you, Harrison, but what possible reason could Brian have?”

“I don’t know. Since we’re dealing with aliens, it could be anything.” Harrison rubbed the back of his neck.

“Perhaps the blood on his badge happened when he tried to revive Skitem-Carry,” I said, playing devil’s advocate.

“Then there should have been blood on his clothes. They were squeaky clean—laundered clean.”

“He does wash clothes like the rest of us.” Harrison shook his head.

I had to admit Harrison’s reasoning rang true for me. “I’m also uneasy. However, all the evidence is circumstantial. Do you have any boxes left to examine?”

Harrison nodded.

“Then do that, and continue to work on STEP. Tonight’s my night for STEP too. When you’re finished, go to Starlight and help us with the food poisoning investigation.”

“Food poisoning? Didn’t we already solve that?” said Harrison.

“We have a new situation. I’ll tell everyone shortly. I need a few moments to think.”

Harrison left me alone. He knew Brian’s situation upset me. My thoughts swirled around but, always, always, came back to Brian. My gut said he was guilty, but I could think of no reason he would do such a deed.

I calmed myself and explained the situation regarding the poisoning to my crew, and then we took off for Starlight.

Last night’s kitchen staff and the closed kitchen awaited us. Since we needed to do interviews with everyone who had been at Starlight last night, we had a lot of research and calls to make. Most of the officials and diplomats had dined elsewhere, so the patrons at Starlight had generally been practicing bowlers and some Mounties.

Our interviews continued throughout the morning. Finally, we took a break. Since no one felt inclined to eat in the restaurant, I had food ordered in. Starlight didn’t raise any issues.

Harrison and I ate in silence.

“Where’s Brian?” I finally asked, although I really should have known.

“I have no idea. The last time I saw him he was eating dinner in the restaurant. That’s when I managed to, ah, lift his badge.”

“Well, find him for me when you’ve finished eating,” I growled. I shook my head and sighed. “Sorry, I’m not in the best of moods.”

Harrison smiled and left the table.

Such a sweetheart!

The investigation continued, but we acquired few clues.

Harrison patiently waited until I finished an interview. “I found Brian. He’s at the hospital with his wife.”

“Is she okay?” I hoped no problems had developed with the pregnancy.

“Brian told me Suze had a fainting spell. However, when he said he was at the hospital, I checked with my nurse friend, and they weren’t there. What do you want me to do?” Harrison’s distress showed on his face.

“Let me think about that. In the meantime, why don’t you continue with my interviews? I have a couple of cooks left to talk to. I need to find a quiet spot and make some calls.”

Harrison understood my thought processes.

I found an unoccupied corner of the bowling alley, and settled down. The calls were an excuse; I had a lot of thinking to do, and the main subject was Brian. I decided to do some analysis with the STEP diagram to clear my mind.

“Sarge, may I interrupt?” asked Harrison.

Slowly I realized where I was. Harrison stood before me with an Itlan by his side. I knew she’d cooked in the kitchen last night. Starlight had hired numerous alien cooks for the duration of the competition.

“Yes, Harrison?” I hoped they had some important information.

“This is Tiera, you interviewed her earlier.” Harrison brought Tiera closer.

“Of course. Hello, Tiera.” I did remember the interview, although nothing had come of it.

“Tiera has something she wishes to tell you.” Harrison bounced on his toes.

“Ma’am, I remember seeing a human in the kitchen last night. He altered some dishes of food.”

Unable to decipher the look on her face, I studied her physical movements.

“Tiera told me her story. So I showed her some photos and she picked out this one.” Harrison handed me a picture of Brian.

“Tiera, why didn’t you tell me this earlier when we spoke?”

“Because I didn’t want to upset our Goddess.”

“I’m sure your Goddess will understand. Helping an investigation is very important.”

“So you are not upset?” asked Tiera.