SPINS - A BRITE Alliance mystery

Chapter One

Day 1 - in an Alien Murder Investigation

“Tari, Tari, I need you!” yelled Dino, after I’d answered my com. Waking up to the sound of the excitable Rheinon ambassador wasn’t my favorite way to start a day but other options could have been worse.

Since I had decided to leave my screen off, I couldn’t fathom Dino’s expression, so I asked, “Ambassador, what’s happened? Are you hurt?” Six months ago, Dino A Rare had been assigned by the BRITE Alliance to help me in my investigation of a murdered alien. A yappy, tiny alien hadn’t been at the top of my list of potential sidekicks, but we’d managed to survive and become friends.

“Detective Sergeant Tarine Dominion, you are supposed to call me Dino. We have discussed this before.” He practiced patience.

“Well, I haven’t seen you for a few months, so I’m out of practice.” The best reason I could utter at short notice. “So, what seems to be the problem?” I didn’t want to tick off an alien ambassador—especially one who’d always been on my side during conflicts with the other alien races we humans had recently met—well, almost always on my side.

“I am at the Burnaby Aquarium. The Tristorian Ambassador, Gyle Stark, called me. You remember him, do you not? The official that gave you Tristorian citizenship so you could play in the Intergalactic Bowling Competition?”

“Yes, Dino, I do remember Ambassador Stark. Quite an exciting time, one I’ll never forget.” No truer statement had ever been uttered by me. “So, Ambassador Stark called you? Would you like to tell me why?” Rheinon citizens loved to talk, so getting to the point could be difficult.

“Sorry, sorry. The head of the Burnaby Aquarium called him, Ambassador Stark I mean, because his security staff called him, Tyler Gannon, the head of the aquarium, I mean.” Dino took a deep breath. “Aquarium security found a dead Tristorian. Quite sad. So I went there to give my condolences.”

I understood Dino’s last words. “Let me talk to the police.” Being an RCMP homicide detective made me itch to be involved.

“Ah, there is no one here,” said Dino.

I heard confusion and guilt, and then I fathomed the situation. “If the incident has not been called in, contact 911 right away, and then tell them I’m on my way.”

“I will call now. I wanted to talk to you first.”

Of course, he did. “Dino, I’m relying on you to keep everyone away from the potential crime scene. You know how to do that.”

“Yes, yes. I am so happy to be working with you again. See you soon.” He abruptly broke our connection, for which I was grateful. I needed to get an official investigation underway, and then I remembered what Dino had said.

Why was Dino happy to be working with me? What did his words mean?

I nudged my bedmate. “Up and at’em, Jack. We have a possible alien murder.”

Detective Sergeant Jack Naven of the Vancouver RCMP mumbled but rolled out of our bed.

****

Jack and I arrived at the Burnaby Aquarium just seconds after the first responders. We saw them jump out of their vehicles and rush into the building. The Greater Vancouver Aquarium’s relocation from Vancouver to Burnaby’s Burrard Inlet, for the greater comfort of the marine animals, had delighted me. The facility had moved closer to my home and now made my access easier. And the renaming to the Burnaby Aquarium had also been a delight, for some reason.

Before Jack and I had a chance to follow the responders, the rest of my Burnaby RCMP homicide detachment showed up. Our group was small—Burnaby didn’t get a lot of homicides.

My partner, Harrison Cost, greeted us. “Sarge, what’s happening? Dispatch just said to get over here as soon as possible.”

Harrison had become my partner after my previous one, Brian Chen, had murdered an alien during the Intergalactic Bowling Congress competition six months ago.

“All I know is that Ambassador Dino called me from here, and said there was a death. So we’re here to determine if it was a homicide.”

Harrison took a speculative glance at Jack but tactfully refrained from commenting. Jack had been loaned to the Burnaby detachment from the Vancouver RCMP for our previous incidents, but he hadn’t worked with us on a professional level after the conclusion of those investigations. He had returned to supervising the Vancouver RCMP Homicide department.

“Okay, let’s go inside.” Our technicians had arrived in their van, but I asked them to wait outside, for a moment. My team walked inside the aquarium’s entrance and we were greeted by the Rheinon ambassador Dino A Rare, my boss Inspector Hayden, the Tristorian ambassador Gyle Stark, and an unknown human.

A sweeping glass ceiling caught my attention. During the day, the foyer must glow from the sunlight streaming through the glass panes. Okay, okay, skeptics, Greater Vancouver got lots of rain, but what did you expect from a rainforest?

The ticket machines, gift shop, and customer information counter blended in beautifully with the wall murals and my glimpses of underwater attractions. I needed to make an effort to return more often.

Turning my attention to the problem at hand, I glanced at Harrison and Jack, giving them the I wonder how much evidence has been destroyed homicide glance. And where were the Aquarium’s security staff?

Gesturing at a human I’d never met, Dino said, “Tari, I’d like you to meet Tyler Gannon, the chairman of the Burnaby Aquarium.”

My first impression of a black-skinned, gray-haired, chubby academic, made me think he was the perfect appointment for a chairman of an institution. Of course, I had no idea about his background, and I knew I needed to look into it because of the murder. We shook hands. “What do you know about this situation at your Aquarium, Mr. Gannon?”

“All I have been told is that a Tristorian was found on the floor in our main viewing area, and he isn’t moving.”

Since the four-legged, centaur-like Tristorians seldom lay down, I had a pretty good idea death was involved.

“Dino, you and the other civilians, stay out here. The rest of us will take a look around the crime scene,” I said. “Harrison, call in the first responders and techs from outside, please. It’s their turn.” We needed to get going on this before anything further compromised the crime scene.

“Tari, a moment, please,” said Inspector Hayden.

I motioned my team forward and stayed back with my boss.

“Tari, this will be a high profile case, as I’m sure you can imagine. Even if it’s not a murder, the ramifications of another dead alien on Earth are immense and could be damaging to our reputation. Ambassador Stark asked that Detective Sergeant Naven be assigned to the case, and work with you. He was impressed with how well our team worked together last time.”

Oh dear, we could have a problem. “Inspector, there’s an issue you…”

“Tari, what I don’t know, officially, and what you don’t tell me about, means I know nothing about what we’re not talking about.” He smiled. “Kind of a garbled sentence, don’t you think.”

I took a deep breath. “Well, I’d better get inside and see what’s happening. I’ll report as soon as I have anything, Thomas.”

He patted my shoulder and sent me on my way. His comments indicated everyone knew about the relationship Jack and I had.

With my thoughts in a whirl, I caught up to my crew in a big open area filled with tiered seats facing a large windowed area behind which varied sea life watched our antics.

“What do we have?” I asked the medics.

“Our recent training on alien life forms reveals this Tristorian is certainly dead,” responded Raj, his black, short, curly hair glistening in the room’s spotlights.

“Raj, what’re you doing here?” Raj Inder was the chief medical examiner for Burnaby, and I hadn’t expected to see him here tonight. I had expected to consult with him about this death, but not so soon.

“Oh, I hang around the ambulance bays every once in a while. I need to keep up on their techniques and experiences—especially when they involve aliens.”

Since his experience had been invaluable during the situation involving aliens, six months ago, I was glad to see Raj on site.

“What did the Tristorian die from?” I asked as I walked over to view the body.

“Most likely a blow to the head.” Raj pointed to an area on the Tristorian’s scalp. “But I’ll need further tests to confirm. Who knows? Maybe he was also poisoned. Anything is possible.”

“Are there any Tristorian doctors around to help you out?” Then I gave myself a mental smack. I didn’t want to suggest Raj didn’t know what to do, but there had been numerous alien doctors available during the previous bowling competition.

“Not to worry, Tari. I’ve recently had lots of training. And since we’re in the middle of another bowling competition, each race has team doctors with whom I can consult. So, all is well.”

Such a sweetheart. I was glad he and his wife Suki were my good friends. “Was the Tristorian killed here, in this room?”

He shook his head. “No. From what I can determine, and I’m sure your detectives will confirm the body was dragged a distance after being killed. For what reason and from where I don’t know. Not my department, and I haven’t had time to investigate anyway. Can the paramedics take him away now?”

Harrison shook his head.

“Not quite yet. We need to take pictures, samples, and such, in situ and we’re not finished. Wait outside, and give us a bit of time. We’ll let you know when he’s yours,” I said. “It should be soon.”

The medical responders gave us our space, so I motioned to my team to continue their activities while I took a good look around the area surrounding the Tristorian, and at the Tristorian’s body.

Did I know this Tristorian? He looked familiar; I went back to the lobby.

Luckily, Inspector Hayden, Dino, and Tyler Gannon were still there. The night security staff hovered around them. I wondered where the Tristorian ambassador, Gyle Stark, had disappeared to.

“Mr. Gannon, at what time did the aquarium close last night?” I needed a clearer picture of the murder timeline.

“After the bowling banquet,” he replied. “It was about ten-thirty before all attendees had left and the caterers had packed up and exited. Quite a busy evening, and very exciting having so many aliens in our aquarium.” A wide smile graced his face before he remembered why we were here.

“Why was there a bowling banquet, Dino? What’s going on?”

Usually, I knew everything happening in the bowling world. After all, I’d been on Canada’s team during the first Intergalactic Bowling Congress competition on Earth. Then aliens had started getting murdered which caused havoc and I’d been pulled off the team and back to my real job. I’d recently drifted away from my bowling friends and all their news.

“Just one of the many banquets we have when there is a bowling competition. You remember those, do you not? The Itlans hosted last night, and since they are from a water world, they decided the aquarium would be the perfect place to hold a celebration.”

Why didn’t I know another bowling competition was going on? I should have been doing a better job of keeping up with my friends.

Dino must have noticed my confusion, as he added, “This is the start of the new five-year cycle of competitions which will determine the next leader of the BRITE Alliance.”

I’d forgotten our previous bowling competition had ended the cycle. We’d finished the last leadership cycle with the final point count for BRITE leadership for the next five years being determined by a bowling competition on Earth. Very bizarre and, as it turned out, extremely close.

“Which bowling teams are involved this time?” I asked.

“The same ones in the last competition here on Earth. A decision was made to rewind to that momentous time. We wanted memories of the last competition not to be forgotten,” said Dino.

In other words, they hadn’t had any bowling competitions since that time—at least, any that counted.

“There must have been a full house here last night,” I said, changing the subject as tactfully as I could, and then I thought for a moment. “I’m going to need the names and contact information for everyone at the banquet. Also caterers, aquarium staff, and anybody else who was in the Aquarium during, and before, the banquet.”

“Tyler and I will take care of that,” said Dino, adding a wide grin.

The ambassador loved being my assistant. I suspected Dino thought humans had forgotten all the political antics of six months ago and were enjoying the beginning of the current BRITE Alliance cycle.

Glancing at Tyler, I decided he wasn’t pleased to be included in our procedures.

“Ambassador, come to my office and we’ll get started,” responded Tyler, as he continued to glower at me.

I waved at a technician and interrupted Tyler and Dino’s retreat. “Wait until your office has been inspected, Mr. Gannon, and then when you’re given the word to go, please wear booties.” I grabbed a couple of pairs and gave them out. “We don’t want any transfer of evidence throughout the building. Of course, you’ll be fingerprinted to eliminate any anomalies.”

After glancing at his face, I decided Tyler wouldn’t be inviting me to any fancy parties. “Inspector, may I have a word?” I motioned him out of earshot.

“Thomas, how does this all work, now that I’m a member of the BRITE Police Commission?” I’d been invited to join the BPC after the successful conclusion of our last run-in with alien deaths and murderers. While quite an honor, I still didn’t know how everything fit together. I had hoped to get off-planet with the BPC, but my wings were still tied to Earth.

Joining an alliance of alien worlds had been an exciting opportunity for Earth. The Bremen, Rheinon, Itlans, and Tristorians had invited Earth to join their alliance five cycles ago. Of course, humans needed an acronym and the BRITE Alliance designation had been created.

“I have no idea. I don’t know whether you’re working for the RCMP or the BPC. Now that this murder happened, I have a ton of calls to make. Don’t worry; you’re in charge, one way or the other.” A small smile appeared on Thomas’ face, and then he gave me another pat on the shoulder and took off.

Being in charge wasn’t a surprise given the incident involved aliens and my home turf of Burnaby, but the situation still disconcerted me.

I didn’t want to interfere with my staff, however, I needed a good look around. I wandered over to Harrison and Jack since they were close by.

“Sarge, are you in charge? I saw you talking to Inspector Hayden,” asked Harrison.

“I am one way or the other. A few jurisdictional issues still need to be worked out.”

Jack gave me a questioning look.

“Hayden doesn’t know if the investigation will be run by the Burnaby RCMP or the BPC, but he said I was in charge nonetheless.” I laughed. “Sorry, Jack, but you’re back under my command. The Tristorians think we work well together, so they asked for you to join the team.”

The innuendos flew, and even Harrison clued in. However, being Harrison, he tactfully said nothing. Such a sweetheart, and a great partner, and I was sure he knew the situation between Jack and me.

“Any interesting evidence so far?” I asked, hoping to get back on topic.

“Too early to tell since the aquarium is a public area. People mill about and lose items every day. However, this does remind me of our Tristorian incident at Revolutions. At least this body wasn’t found in a washroom. However, the Aquarium’s public areas are probably just as full of evidence.” Harrison sighed. “Why don’t we ever get an obvious case?”

“Because this is the way you expand your brain.” I smiled. I had great empathy regarding his complaint. Muddied was the only word I had to accurately describe our alien cases.

“Okay, back to the evidence. The bagged and numbered samples are being piled on that table.” Harrison pointed to the back of the amphitheater. “The photographs of the in situ objects and their numbers will be sent out to the appropriate personnel a little later today.”

“Perfect. I’m going to do a walk-about. I need to see the big picture. Which rooms have the techs finished?” Harrison and Jack gave me the overall picture.

The aquarium was an amazing place, and I wanted to study its inhabitants, but I would have to wait for another time. So I took my detective stroll and made copious notes.

Hours passed, and lunchtime arrived. Somehow, we’d all missed breakfast. Before I had a chance to organize a break, a message from Harrison asked me to meet him at the Aquarium’s entrance.

“What’s up?” I asked after I’d arrived.

“We’re finished. Time to pack up and go.”

I looked around and saw various technicians leaving toting their equipment. “What’s left to do?”

“Just pack up the samples, and send them to the lab,” said Jack, pointing to the table I had yet to examine.

“Give me a minute. I haven’t seen these; I want a quick look.” I walked over to the evidence table and started rummaging through the plastic bags. Not really looking for anything in particular, I just needed a feel for what had been collected.

My techs and detectives had been unusually thorough, I decided. Mounds of properly labeled plastic bags covered the table. Not that I expected anything else—I had the greatest crews.

So I rummaged for a few moments, while Jack and Harrison waited patiently. Everyone else disappeared except for one technician whom I suspected was in charge of getting the samples back to the appropriate labs.

Then I came upon an item I recognized—Chrissy’s charm bracelet.

REVOLUTIONS is the first novel in the BRITE Alliance mystery series.