Free Alien Eyes by Lynn Hightower Page B

him. If the office complex had a back door, it would likely be to the left and down the hall. Instead, David crossed to the side doors that led to the quadrangle gardens.
    It was getting late for lunch, and the benches and walls that had been clotted with students, faculty, and staff were free now. A pink paper napkin was picked up by the breeze and swept past David’s foot. The sun was high, but it might be semipleasant in the shade. David shed his jacket, unknotted his tie, and unbuttoned the top, tight button of his dress shirt. He took a breath. If he remembered right, there was a fountain and a statue down the worn brick walkway, and a thick knot of tulip trees.
    The fountain was still there, and water rose and circled in a fine spray. The tulip trees, ancient and lush, arched over a concrete bench. David sat down. It wasn’t till he was settled that he saw the Elaki.
    She was extraordinary—coal-black from the back, side pouches loose enough to indicate a female who had borne children. She stood under the trees, swaying slightly. She turned suddenly and saw him.
    Angel Eyes.
    Her inner coloring was rose-petal pink, the scars that laced her belly stark white. Her eye stalks were close to her head. She was holding a brown bag with the sides turned down. David smelled popcorn.
    â€œExcuse me,” David said.
    â€œGood of the afternoon.”
    He knew the voice, of course. Too young and strong, for her supposed great age. Actually, no one ever said she was old, exactly. Just that she was retired. But if she’d been active in the bad old days the Elaki never liked to talk about, she’d have to be at least … He had no idea. He’d have to ask String.
    She moved steadily toward him, moving off the grass to the brick walkway, and David wondered what age meant in an Elaki.
    She swept by him. She was graceful, he thought. He stood up.
    â€œI’m sorry,” he said. “But—you are Angel Eyes, aren’t you?”
    He wondered if he should use a title of some kind, the Elaki were sticklers. Did she have a PhD? Dr. Angel Eyes sounded ridiculous.
    She gave him a second look. “Do I … I do know you, don’t I?” She turned and faced him.
    He had never seen eyes like hers on an Elaki. Not the Angel scars on her belly, but the purple-brown eyes on the stalks.
    David frowned and shook his head.
    â€œI do not know you? But—” She moved slightly to one side. “Ah. You are the police captain who rescued the Elaki Mother-One. You brought her from the house of bullets.”
    â€œDavid Silver,” he said. “ Detective . Saigo City PD.” He took out his ID.
    Her belly rippled and she made little noises, like laughter. Except Elaki didn’t laugh.
    â€œNot necessary, David.” She held up the grease-specked bag. “If you like it salty with butter, please have some. You have caught me. I was supposed to lunch on red snapper at the faculty club. But I had this urge to eat popcorn and be out of doors. Please.” She pushed the bag toward him.
    David took a handful of popcorn. It was crunchy and sun warm, and a piece fell through his fingers to the ground.
    â€œIt is easier with fins,” Angel Eyes said.
    David smiled.
    â€œAre you here to see me?” she asked. “How did you know where to look? This intrigues me. I did not even know where I was going, until I got here.”
    David gave her what he hoped was a mysterious smile. He wondered if an Elaki would recognize a mysterious smile.
    â€œI have some questions to ask you.”
    â€œI imagine so,” she said. “Please, let us sit.” She folded in the middle and perched on the edge of the bench.
    David cocked his head to one side. “I’ve never seen an Elaki sit before.”
    â€œAnd it is most uncomfortable. But so rude to tower above people when talking, and so uncomfortable for the hu … person to be always standing on the feet. I have heard