Page 9 of Klora (Mates of the Mylos #6)
CHAPTER 9
KLORA
“So they’ve confirmed it’s the human teacher and our missing young?” I asked as we flew towards the outskirts of the large city.
“Yes, indeed. The female who was there was detained, but I’m afraid the two males drove off. State police have been notified,” Xeranos informed us both. “I’ve provided them a live feed via satellite and they are laying some strips across the roadway to disable their vehicle.”
“Awesome! And the young is unharmed?”
“They say he is fine, as is the teacher, though he’s a bit worse for wear as they used a strong adhesive tape to fasten a blindfold with.”
I winced. That sounded unpleasant.
“Richie will be happy to know we’ll make it to the wedding on time,” Sachuu commented.
“I imagine the bride and grooms will be even happier,” Xeranos replied archly.
“Well, yes,” the L.T.C. admitted. “But they aren’t the ones very angry with me.”
“True,” the AI responded. “Speaking of duties related to the wedding, you’ll be relieved to know the meet and greet for the guests went off without a hitch. Kimo has reported that everyone had a really good time and remained unaware of the incident.”
“Excellent. Oshar picked up Jimmy without any issues arising?”
“Yes, and they will be touching down in Hawaii within the hour.”
A frisson of excitement went through me. We’d solved this part of the case with our hostages safe and Oshar had gone to pick up Jimmy?
“Wow! What happened? How did they get Chris’s parents to agree?”
A wry chuckle came over the comms. “I wasn’t going to say anything so we could focus on Tyrone, but young Jimmy called 911 and told dispatch that his parents had said they’d be getting a kid from the picnic.”
“What? Are you kidding me? Chris’s parents were involved in this?” That was incredible and most unexpected. Though perhaps I shouldn't be quite so shocked, seeing as Chris’s parents ran a regional chapter of the same hate group who’d orchestrated all this bull shit.
“We’re here,” Sachuu said and I disengaged the autopilot, preferring to land my ship myself.
Once on the ground, I hopped out of my drop ship. I jogged the short distance over to the L.T.C.
“Lotta people here,” I observed.
“Yes. Local and state police, reporters, the fire department, and a bunch of ordinary people hoping to share the video online,” Sachuu sighed. “And the FBI and Homeland are on their way.”
“Can’t we just pick up the kid and the teacher and go? We can question them on the flight back up and deal with the perps when we get back.”
“That’s more or less what I intend for us to do. A prisoner transport is on its way and will collect the prisoners from the human authorities. The young’s family has been waiting for news and we’ve let them know he’s safe and sound. They are on their way in a shuttle to collect him. He and his parents will return on that same shuttle, along with Peterson, who will take the boy’s initial statement. He will also oversee the interrogation of the prisoners. You and I will fly to the wedding, my friend. I’ll request our ceremonial swords and dress uniforms be delivered later tonight.”
He really had thought of everything. No doubt, he’d planned this before our feet even touched earth today, one of many ‘what if’ scenarios. Maybe he really had learned from his Cat-tastrophe! Always think ahead to what current happenings mean for one’s personal life events, as well as professional.
“I totally want to be you when I grow up,” I told him sincerely.
He gave me a sharp look. “I should hope you’ve fully matured by now, given your rank and responsibility.”
I turned to look at a bemused state policeman staring at us. I gave him a fanged grin. “See that? He’s totally Gibbs to my inner DiNozzo.”
The officer snorted when the L.T.C. lightly swatted me on the back of my head.
“You did watch it like I suggested!” I called after him delightedly as he strode away.
We reached an ambulance that had both young Tyrone and a male who could only be Mr. McDuffie on a gurney.
I let the L.T.C. handle the introductions to the officials there, taking my time to study the human male. Something about him made my scales itch.
“How did you say you got away?” I interrupted.
“Oh! He told me to say I needed to pee and vomit and that I only wanted him with me,” the young replied.
“It will all be in the report once we get their statements,” Sachuu told me tersely.
“And the kidnappers just let him go with you?” I pressed ahead.
“Sort of. Louise came in to make sure we didn’t try to run,” the male said.
My scales itched, my battleform wanting to progress. I knew it had to be my gut telling me that something was off, and it had to do with this male.
“What is wrong with you?” Sachuu hissed, tugging me off to one side.
“Something’s not right,” I insisted, pointing at McDuffie. “He makes my scales itch!”
The L.T.C.’s eyes widened. “Does he now?” he drawled. “And how close were you before this occurred?”
“As soon as I clapped eyes on him, then when I got closer and asked about how they got away, the answer made it worse.”
“Mmhmm,” he hummed, nodding to himself. “You’re right. That bears further investigation. Follow my lead.”
Relief washed over me at him not dismissing my instinct.
“Three shuttles will be arriving shortly,” he announced. “One with two pilots who will take our drop ships back to the Fleet for us as well as Tyrone’s family and one of my senior security officers. The shuttle will fly them home, with my officer taking young Tyrone’s initial statement on the flight up.”
“I get an official debriefing!” the young shouted excitedly.
“Indeed you do,” the L.T.C. smiled at the young boy. Then, turning his attention back to the state policeman in charge of the scene, he continued, “One of the other shuttles will be a secure prisoner transport. As this involved the Mylos, we claim jurisdiction. If there’s any quibble about us taking them straight away, complainants may accompany the transport to the Fleet and go from there.”
The officer spread his hands. “Nope. All yours. The feds might complain, but this is way above my pay grade.”
“No complaints from us, either,” the local police department’s on-site supervisor agreed. “And the third shuttle?”
“It will be taking myself, Klora here, and Mr. McDuffie.”
“Me?” the male asked, sounding shocked.
“Yes, you. We feel there is more to you than meets the eye, and with that in mind, you are being placed in the custody of Klora until further notice.”
I stared at my superior officer, stunned. We were taking him to Hawaii, to the wedding? I had so many questions about that.
“Could someone please call my mother and let her know I’m okay?” he asked. “And my boss? I was supposed to work tomorrow, after all. It’s not a school break period.”
“Xeranos will take care of that.”
“Okay. Please ask him to ask my mom to water my plants if I’m not back in a couple of days. She has a key.” He sounded resigned. “This is because some of those Humans First are still out there, isn’t it? It’s a protective custody thing.”
The L.T.C. looked at him gravely. “Something like that, yes.”
“How long do you think I might need to be away?” he asked fretfully.
“Oh, probably indefinitely.”
I wanted to give the L.T.C. a high five. He was definitely channeling McGarrett now. Subtle sarcasm to the unsuspecting perp while we undid his web of lies, against the beautiful backdrop that was Hawaii. I could practically hear the “Book em, Danno!” in my mind, only really it would be, “Read him his charges and explain his rights, Klora!”. Which was even better, because it would be real. Real and very, very awesome!
I scratched at my jaw absently, feeling satisfaction at both the scenario playing out in my imagination and how the scraping of the tips of my claws relieved some of the itching.