Chapter 2

A Chapter by mamachansensei

A Romance with a Science Fiction twist.

   Conrad sat next to the boy on a creamy leather sofa. “Was that your father?”
   “Yeah, what of it?”
   “What was his name?”
   “Didn’t you know him?”
   “Never met him. I was hoping to talk to him. It frustrates me that someone killed him before I could ask my questions. I talk like a foreigner don’t I? The boy nodded. “I’m from Earth. I left because everyone I loved on earth is now dead. My parents were shot in their hotel room while they slept. My partner and fiancé were killed just a little while ago. It was just too much to stand so I left to find a new life.”
   “His name was Jack.”
   “What?”
   “His name was Jack Danube.” The boy hastily wiped away a tear.
   “You know, it’s okay to cry when someone you care about dies. I still cry sometimes.”
   The boy turned to Conrad and sobbed into his shirt. Conrad hugged the boy; lightly resting his chin on the boys head. A tear rolled down his cheek.
   Conrad took a clean handkerchief out of his pocket. “Here blow your nose.”
   The boy grabbed the cloth, rubbed his face hard, and blew his nose. Then he handed the handkerchief back.
   Conrad tucked it into a jacket pocket. “I can’t just call you boy. What is your name?”
   “Ben.”
   “Short for Benjamin?”
   “Yeah, but don’t call me Benjamin. I’ll think I’m in trouble or you’re gonna hit me. You got a name?”
   Conrad thrust out his hand. “The names Conrad McCabe. My friends call me Connie.”
   Ben laughed. “Connie! That’s a girly name!”
   “I said my friends call me Connie. I haven’t given you permission yet Benjamin.”
   “You wanna fight? I’ll fight with ya?”
   “I’ll pin your ears back.” Conrad ruffled Ben’s wavy blond hair. “Time to straighten up boy. The police have finally made an appearance, but you better let them in Ben. They’re pickier about breaking and entering than I am.”
   Ben opened the door. Homicide Detective Dana Laurette stood in the doorway. His shoulder length ebony hair was straight. His face was long. His nose and chin sharp. His blue eyes looked through the surface straight to the soul. He looked down at Ben who was staring at him. “Who are you?”
   “Ben.” Ben tried to slip out the door.
   Dana grabbed him by the collar. “Not so fast kid, come back inside.”
   Dana looked from Ben to Conrad who was now standing. “This kid belong here?”
   Conrad nodded. “He’s the victims son.”
   Dana pushed Ben into the room with Conrad. “Don’t go anywhere I want to talk to both of you.”
   Conrad wrapped his arms around Ben’s shoulders as they watched Dana and his team walk to the crime scene. “Tried to escape didn’t you?” Ben pulled away from Conrad’s grasp and plopped on the sofa stuffing earphones in his ears.
   Dana returned to the living room. He eyed Conrad. “Who are you? You my caller?”
   Conrad held out his hand. “The names Conrad McCabe, Private Investigator.”   He handed Dana a penny size business disc.
   “You’re not from Cressia are you?”
   “No. I’m from Earth.”
   “So, what are you doing here?”
   “Here as in Dock Central or here as in this house?”
   “Here as in this house.”
   “I came to ask a few questions. Instead I found the victim.”
   “I assume your purpose for questioning the victim is for a client?”
   “Naturally.”
   “Your client is?”
   “I’m sorry officer, I’m not at liberty to divulge that information.”
   Dana stepped closer to Conrad. They stood toe to toe. Their faces almost touched. “I could take you in for questioning?”
   Conrad smirked slightly. “You will anyway.”

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