Alien Blues by Lynn Hightower

experienced professionals.”
    The Elaki swayed backward and sagged. “If as you say.”
    Mel grinned and licked his finger, chalking “one” in the air.
    â€œCaptain,” David said. “We could use some uniforms on the legwork. Help cover the Elaki restaurants.”
    â€œSorry, David. Wish I could.”
    â€œCould have a cop killing here.”
    â€œConfirm it and I can swing the people. Until then, no. Dyer was working maverick and his people are pissed.”
    The Elaki inched closer to David. “You said Elaki restaurants. I would be valuable there. To help in this work of legs.”
    Halliday spread his hands. “I don’t think—”
    â€œYou ain’t got legs,” Mel said.
    Halliday glared at Mel and took a deep slow breath. “You know, Mr. String, I appreciate your being willing to help out. I think you might be a big asset in this area of Elaki restaurants, and I think Detective Burnett in particular would be glad of your help.” He stood up and stacked papers. “Okay, people. You got work to do.”
    Chairs scraped across the floor and loud conversations broke out. Mel followed Della out of the office, admiring the bracelet on her wrist.
    Pete Ridel was talking to Dawn Weiler and David waited for them to finish. He had a question for Dawn.
    â€œDavid?” Halliday motioned him over. “Hey, Pete, shut the door on your way out, okay?”
    Pete and Dawn walked out into the squad room. David saw Dawn laugh, then head out. Damn. He’d call her later.
    Mel stuck his head back in the door. “I forget, Captain. You said stay around?”
    Halliday leaned back in his chair. “Sit down, Burnett.”
    Mel shut the door, but did not sit. He held up a hand.
    â€œLook, Captain, you don’t got to apologize about the Elaki. I already know what you’re going to say—you know what I’m going to say. Let’s just cut to the chase and consider it said.”
    Halliday scratched his chin. He looked tired.
    â€œAnything else?”
    â€œNo, Burnett.”
    Mel slammed the door shut behind him.
    David leaned back in his chair. “You’re lucky he decided to be big about this, Roger.”
    Halliday smiled.
    â€œIt may be a mistake, you know.” David stared at the wall.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œLetting that Elaki in on the staff meeting. Sending him out with me and Mel.”
    Halliday shrugged. “He’s not hurting anything. He’s only on the edges of the investigation, something I have no choice about, so neither do you. We have to make sure nobody can accuse us of not cooperating. We got sensitive information to discuss, the Elaki won’t be at the meeting.”
    â€œWhy send him out with us?”
    â€œHe might be able to help on Elaki turf. The restaurants.”
    â€œI don’t understand his interest, Roger. That worries me.”
    Halliday nodded. “Okay, David, that’s a point. I don’t understand his interest either, and the official justification is crap. Take him along and watch him. See if he helps, or gets in the way. Give you a chance to check him out.”
    â€œSomething comes up I don’t like, I’m ditching him.”
    â€œYour call, David.”
    â€œI won’t jeopardize Dyer.”
    â€œPoint taken.”
    David stood up, but Halliday waved him back to his chair. David sat. He didn’t like Halliday’s look of concern.
    â€œI just want you to know, I appreciate the work you been putting in on this Machete Man. You didn’t take your week when your mother died. How are you doing, by the way?”
    â€œI’m fine.”
    Halliday leaned back in his chair. “See, here’s how it works. You’re supposed to get a week, compassionate leave. When you don’t take it, the computer red flags the department shrink, not to mention the union guys.”
    â€œCaptain …”
    Halliday held up a hand.