Alien vs. Alien

looked ready for me to get seriously mad.
    “Correct,” Chuckie said. He looked at Jeff. “Let her go to the police and handle this with Mister Joel Oliver, who also hasn’t taken the HSAC test. It’ll keep him out of our hair, keep Kitty occupied, and possibly get that problem fixed before we have to worry about the bigger issue.”
    “She shouldn’t be doing that,” Jeff argued. “It’s not a good idea for an Ambassador to head to police headquarters to show off naked pictures of herself. And I don’t want those getting out.”
    “Guys, I’m in the room. Still. I clearly have to mention. And, the pictures are already out, Jeff. Since I can’t do anything else until I’m all alone in another special room with another android trying to kill me while I take a ridiculous test that makes no sense, let me handle this. Chuckie’s right. It’ll distract me.”
    Jeff gave me a look that said he knew I was up to something and, even though he had no idea what it was, he didn’t approve. “I don’t like it.”
    “I don’t like your new avian mistress, but I’m dealing.” I looked to Chuckie. “That plan sit okay with you, Secret Agent Man?”
    “Yeah. Take Len and Kyle.” He looked at Buchanan. “You’ll go back to being her shadow?”
    “Yeah. I don’t care about the other issue, whatever it is.”
    I got the distinct impression Buchanan was lying like a wet rug, but I was also fairly sure the others weren’t picking this up. Jeff might have been, but if so, he didn’t say anything.
    “I’ll accompany Missus Martini as well,” White said. “I’m sure I’ll be more helpful there than here.”
    White was lying, too. Well, it was always nice to have backup.
    “So I won’t be alone.” I went over to Jeff and gave him a quick kiss. Bellie cawed and squawked indignantly. “I love you. Do something about that bird before I get back, because she’s dancing on my last nerve. I’m going to take Jamie to Denise, so Pierre’s free. I’ll check in as needed.”
    Jeff stood up and hugged me. “Be good, baby, and be careful. Call if you need anything or think you’re being followed by anyone other than Buchanan.”
    I hugged him back and went to the door. I contemplated suggesting that, barring Bellie having taken and passed the HSAC, they refrain from talking about whatever was going on in front of her.
    Then I reconsidered. Bellie was a bigmouth. I’d find out what was really up one way or another, even if it meant giving my feathered nemesis bird treats.

    Yi

CHAPTER 19

    W E WERE NEAR THE FRONT DOOR when the doorbell rang. I could have waited for Pierre to race over to get it, but I was right there, so I opened the door.
    A tall, blond-haired man who looked to be somewhere in his mid-to-late thirties stood there. He was dressed like every other go-getter in D.C. seemed to be—expensive, tailored navy suit, nice wingtips, official political haircut that was just this side of a Marine high and tight. He also radiated a look I’d gotten used to from spending over half my life around Chuckie—intelligence.
    He looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place him at all. “Can I help you?”
    He nodded. “I’m looking for Charles Reynolds.”
    “And you’re looking for him at the American Centaurion Embassy why?”
    He smiled. “I’m sorry. I’m Cliff Goodman, the Head of Special Immigration Services for Homeland Security. Chuck told me he was here.”
    “Oh! Sorry, come on in, Mister Goodman.” Per Chuckie, I’d met him already. I was thankful he didn’t bring it up, since he still wasn’t looking anything more than vaguely familiar.
    “Thanks. And please, call me Cliff. You must be Kitty. Chuck’s told me a lot about you.” He was going for the polite pretend, I assumed because it was clear I’d had no idea who he was.
    “Has he?”
    ow?and had n“Yeah. He’s very proud of you. I can’t blame him. You’ve really moved fast in your career.”
    “Thanks again.” I had no idea which career or careers Cliff was referring to, and figured Chuckie would appreciate my not sharing in case Cliff wasn’t in the know about everything.
    Buchanan, who’d been nearby and witnessed all this, went down the hall, presumably to get Chuckie. White extended his hand. “Richard White. Nice to meet you, sir.”
    Cliff smiled again as he shook White’s hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Former Pontifex White.” Well he knew enough to know who White was. Whether this was good,