Maxar (The Mating Games Book 4) Read online

“Take a deep breath, Ernie. Tell me where you are.”

  “Home.” It was all she could say and she was proud it came out clearly.

  “I’m leaving right now. Just stay there and wait for me.”

  How did he know where she lived? She started to freak out thinking the factory wanted her gone and someone in a position of authority had caused this to be done. Then she noticed the blood again. She had to clean up the smeared blood on the floor and wash her PJs. What if Shandra got up and saw it? Thinking more clearly by the minute, she took off the PJ pants then washed the floor. Stripping, the PJs went into the laundry tub. Running to her bathroom she took a quick shower, dressed, and went to start some coffee.

  Something was going on here even beyond the trouble at the factory and someone had put her in the middle of it. It was time to fight back because this time they had put her daughter in it too. A knock at the door told her Maxar was here but she was cautious about checking to be sure it was him. When she saw it was, she unlocked the door opening it for him to step in.

  “What the hell? You have a dead bleeding hurmog nailed to your door. Those are a protected species.”

  “Are you saying you think I did it?”

  “No, of course not. I can’t believe anyone did it. Did you see them or hear them?”

  “No, I was sleeping soundly when Shandra woke me. She was frightened by the sounds at the door. I sent her back to bed assuring her I would deal with any danger for her. Not expecting what I found, I was upset when I called you.”

  “Never hesitate to call me when you’re in trouble. I will always come.”

  “As sweet as that sounds, you are forgetting I won’t be here much longer.”

  “You are innocent and we’ll prove that. Someone is trying to run you away. Don’t let them win.”

  “It’s easy to urge someone to stand and fight, Maxar. That wouldn’t be a hard decision to make either if I were alone. I have a young one to look out for which is hard to do if I purposefully put her in danger.”

  “Come stay with me.”

  “Are you forgetting that you live with your family?”

  “Yes, I did for a moment. My house is being built right now.”

  Ernie knew what that meant and it made her heart contract. Maxar was getting a mate but it someone other than her. Where had such a thought even come from? Now or in a dozen years it would never be her. “I’m glad for you.” She said stiffly.

  “Ernie.” Maxar said as he reached out to touch her but she pulled away. He was standing right in front of her but he was as good as gone. This wasn’t the best time to admit to herself that she had held out hope in some small corner of her heart that they might be a couple. It was for the best anyway all things considered. “Don’t run from me.”

  “I’m not running. Where would I go right now anyway? It’s the middle of the night and I have a small child.”

  “You know what I mean. Don’t pull away and don’t hide your heart.”

  “We aren’t a couple, Maxar. I won’t be pulled in where there is no future. Regardless of what some think, I’m not that kind of girl.”

  “I have never thought otherwise. My faith in you is unshaken, the truth will be discovered in the end.”

  “So you say, but Razar doesn’t seem to care about the truth. He only seems to want someone to blame.”

  Maxar looked away which told her he’d seen that too. “He’s not usually like this. Maybe it’s the pressure, there are other problems too.”

  “So you are being sabotaged in more than one area? I rarely go outside of my area.”

  “He says that just proves you have help.”

  “He really wants it to be me, doesn’t he?”

  “It would make it easier to contain future problems but we both know after a small break the saboteur will do more harm than ever.”

  “Who could it be?”

  “My first thought was Jerry but is he smart enough?”

  “Maybe he has concealed his intelligence behind that offensive and lazy shell?”

  “If true, that would make him an exceptional actor.”

  “There’s no one else in my area I would suspect.”

  “Maybe we should sit down and discuss this. Drafting a list of suspects would be wise.”

  “Have a seat, I’ll get you a cup of coffee.” Once he sat down she left coming back with two steaming mugs. “Here’s yours.” She placed one in front of him. Hers was set down across from him and she sank into the chair.

  “Black, just like I drink it.” He arched a brow at her questioningly.

  “I’ve seen you drink coffee before. That’s one of the things I notice.”

  “Thank you. It’s just right.”

  She knew what he meant. Ernie had noticed early on that Mazlans liked their coffee strong. Adding a teaspoon of instant to the usual brewed fare made it perfect for them. “I’m glad you like it. Now let’s get down to this. Do you wish to write the list?”

  “I have a small pad and a pen.”

  “You do and you’re the only one I know who carries that.”

  “Let’s start with Jerry. He has the mechanical skills to do the damage.”

  “I hate to tell you this, but anyone could have cut that part with a laser. It took no skill.”

  “That opens our list up to factory workers too. Even the males who bring in the product. This isn’t narrowing down anything. What would be needed to do something like that?”

  “Only access to the area, access to a laser, and nerves of steel in case you get caught.”

  “Well even you, the supervisor don’t have access to all the areas sabotage occurred.”

  “Razar already pointed out it can’t be just one person. Let’s just concentrate on my area. The person would have to be someone who others expect to go anywhere in my area. Regular workers are mostly stuck in their spots. If they are caught moving around too much, others would be suspicious. Neither of the girls, Doxy or Bella, have been to my area in a while when I was there. Jerry has, he was there the day before everything fell apart.”

  “Why was he there?”

  “Jerry hits on all the girls.”

  “Hits on? Physically?”

  “Hits on means he flirts with them or makes suggestive comments.”

  “Why have none of you filed complaints against him?”

  “We are all still used to the way things are on Earth. Complaining about a man could cost you your job.”

  “We’re not like that here.”

  “I’ll reserve my opinion until everything plays out.”

  Chapter 4

  Perfect

  It angered Maxar and his inner demon that Jerry would treat females that way but also that they would think he wouldn’t care. Ever since he had opened the factory he had made an attempt to get to know every worker inside the walls. His goal was to be approachable so any complaints or suggestions would be sent his way. Up until now he’d felt he had accomplished that. Speaking to Ernie like this in such an intimate setting made it easier to connect. Looking deep into her eyes the color he had heard Earth’s sky was, he saw honesty, kindness, and love.

  Somehow last night they had both ended up on her couch close together as they talked for hours. They had fallen asleep that way too so now he woke wrapped around her like a lover. It was exactly what he wished he was but might never be.

  “Who are you? What are you doing to my mama? Did you make the noises outside last night? Are you going to stay for breakfast? Is my mama okay?”

  The little person had to pause to take a breath or he might not have ever had the opportunity to answer. “I’m Maxar. Your mama and I fell asleep. I’m not the one who made the noise but your mama called me to check it out. If you show me where everything is, we can cook for your mama.”

  The serious little girl looked at him hard for a moment. “Okay.” She said with a smile holding out her hand. It made him wonder if having a strange man in the house was something she was used to.


  No, he knew better than that. Bella and Doxy tried to get her to go out with them all the time and they both bemoaned the fact that poor Ernie lived like a nun. A nun wouldn’t spend time alone with a man. Ernie was exactly what he thought she was, his perfect mate. This woman would make his demon purr if he could only find a way to get them the chance to be together. The little hand pulled him along to the kitchen.

  “Let’s wash our hands first.” Maxar suggested.

  The little girl nodded sagely. “Mama always says we clean our hands before we cook.”

  He put a dab of soap in her hands then more in his. They lathered up then rinsed. “What should we cook?”

  “I like pancakes but Mama likes bacon.”

  “Why don’t we make both?”

  “Mama does anytime she can.” Her smile lit up the room making Maxar feel good as he found bacon in the refrigerator and pancake mix in the cabinet. Getting out a bowl, he added the ingredients together. “May I mix it?” She asked with an adorable grin.

  “You may.” He let her mix it while he got out the skillet and began cooking the bacon. Getting the coffee going, he returned to check on the bacon. As soon as it was done he cooked more. Another skillet was needed then he went on to start cooking pancakes.

  As soon as he had the first two pancakes done, he found the syrup and made a face on the top of the stack. “That’s what mama does, but her faces look different.”

  “Sorry I didn’t make it the way you like it.”

  “Oh, I like it. Mama’s are funny, yours look like a dragon.” She took her plate to the table sitting down and quietly eating her pancakes and bacon. Maxar went to get her a drink.

  “I’ll take OJ, thank you.” She said sweetly. He found he kind of liked taking care of a child if they behaved as well as Shandra.

  “Coming right up.” He said as he poured then served it to her.

  “Mama is up.”

  Maxar turned looking right at Ernie. Yes, she was up and she looked confused. “I’m sorry. Did Shandra wake you?”

  “Yes, no, um, maybe?” She was in the room when I woke up but I don’t remember her actually waking me up.” He was glad he finally explained that. It was just a shame he looked stupid while he was doing it.

  “Well if you are sure.” She giggled.

  “Would you like some pancakes and bacon?” He offered pointing to a stack.

  “Thank you, I’ll get a plate.”

  Was it just him or was this awkward, something he never wanted between them. “I guess we fell asleep.”

  “Don’t you have to go to work this morning?” She asked.

  “I can go in a little late, but I think if I hurry I’ll make it.” The need to kiss her before he left was strong but he fought it. After fixing and eating the food on his plate, he said goodbye patting Shandra on the head.

  “Can’t you stay?” She asked.

  “Sorry, Little one. I have to go to work.”

  “Come back to see me.”

  “I’ll come back to see you and your mama.”

  “Okay.”

  It was time to go and Ernie seemed quiet and unwilling to talk much so he left. Maybe he could accomplish more at work anyway. It was there where he might find out who was responsible so Ernie could return. If he didn’t catch the culprit soon enough, she might accept a job somewhere else before he could. He would be miserable if he let that female get away.

  Maxar was sitting at his desk drinking coffee looking through the footage of video surveillance from the exits. Jerry had stayed late more often than Ernie and there was no documented reason for it. It added to the things that made the man look bad. Razar came in looking anything but rested.

  “What happened to you?” He asked his oldest brother.

  “Lista found out that I put Ernie on time off. She wasn’t impressed with my reasoning and she doesn’t like or believe Jerry.”

  “That’s no surprise, he probably hit on your mate.”

  “Since you said that calmly I assume you didn’t mean he hit her?”

  “No, it’s an Earth term for attempting to seduce someone. Apparently Jerry is a nuisance with all the females.”

  “Why didn’t they report him?”

  “Apparently on earth reporting a man can make the female lose her job.”

  “Why wouldn’t my mate tell me if he bothered her?”

  Maxar rolled his eyes. “She probably told him she was mated to you so he quit. There seemed no need if that was the case to start trouble. These Earth females don’t like to draw attention. It’s ingrained in them after years of being put down.”

  “That’s terrible. I’m going to call Lista and see what she says.” Razar went to the corner but Maxar caught bits and pieces of the conversation. Razar came back dropping into the chair hard. “You were right. She says he’s an obnoxious little man. He offered to set her world on fire then told her he was big but it would hurt so good.”

  Maxar laughed. Razar glared at him. “I don’t see what is funny.”

  “He’s a human and he’s telling one of our mates how big he is.”

  “It’s a little funny when you put it that way but I don’t like anyone talking to my mate or any of the other females that way.”

  “I’ve been looking at surveillance and Jerry has stayed late more often than anyone including Ernie with no documented overtime or reason for it.”

  “Okay. I’ll admit I might have been hasty but until we can clear her or find more on him, things have to be left as they are. It seems it is common knowledge that you have a crush on Ernie. We can’t be accused of favoritism.”

  “I’m looking through the exit videos in case something there might help. Why don’t you have some extra surveillance installed?”

  “I’ll go talk to Cravr. He is in charge of security although he has one of his men in charge of surveillance. Dad said he should be looking into the criminal part of this too.” Cravr was one of the younger brothers who is in charge of creating a law enforcement branch that would see to catching and punishing those that committed crimes here or against the Mazlans anywhere.

  “Good luck. Last time I talked to him he thought security below him. Maybe that’s why things are in the sorry shape they are in, no one’s minding them.”

  “That’s about to change. Cravr will manage this even if he has to use more males to do it. What use is he if we are losing time and money but he doesn’t care? This needs investigating now.” Razar was pissed but Maxar wondered if part of it wasn’t because his wife was angry at him. Lista knew Ernie and anyone that knew her would know she would never do what she was accused of.

  Maxar spent the rest of the day trying to uncover some proof of who was doing the espionage. He went through the invoices on the equipment looking for a pattern on the machinery that failed prematurely. So far they originated from several companies, were purchased at different times, but what about the ship that brought them here? Bingo, they all came in on the same ship, The Express. Getting someone undercover on that ship would be key. It was a transport owned by a large company that owned hundreds or possibly even thousands of ships.

  He was sure the company wasn’t where the problem originated. Someone on the ship had figured out a way to benefit from their bad luck or they had been hired by someone who had. Once the pieces began to fall, Maxar was sure they would fall like dominoes. It was just a matter of getting the first solid clue and that was Cravr’s job. A call to Razar got the ball rolling. Maxar had to admit he loved the colorful Earth slang when he understood it.

  Once he was done for the day he intended to return to Ernie’s house to fill her in on everything that had happened. Thinking of her made him feel good and that made him impatient to leave. He hoped he would be well received by Ernie because he was sure Shandra wouldn’t mind seeing him. The little girl had invited him back. He would use that invitation if he had to. Once he finished he was out the door with remarkable speed.

  Ernie’s house wasn’t far from the factory.
Most of the living spaces for the workers were within a five mile distance from the plant. Since the company provided them, making them nearby seemed a good way to ensure their workers would be at work every day. When Ernie’s house came into view, his heart beat speeded up. He was a goner and he knew it. This was the one for him and if he lost her he would never be happy.

  Knocking on the door, it took her so long to answer he worried that she would ignore him. She looked flustered as she answered the door. “I wasn’t expecting you today. Did something happen?”

  “Why don’t you invite me in and I’ll tell you how the investigation is going?”

  “I’m sorry. Please, come in. Have a seat anywhere. I have coffee or tea?”

  “Tea will be fine.” He sat on the couch again hoping she might sit by him but she sat across from him instead. Once he gave her all the information he had she looked surprised. “Is there any reason for him to stay after work?”

  “None that I know of. I did suspect that he was shirking some of his work. The girls were getting annoyed because he was in their areas more often than he should have had time for. That man has a way of rubbing people wrong.”

  “Why would he be rubbing people?”

  “It’s a term that means people just don’t like him.”

  “I must admit I never liked him either but I couldn’t say why. I pride myself in my logic but in this case it deserted me. As a supervisor I know I need a reason for any action I take. At least we have a clue with the ship that brings us the equipment. My brother Cravr will find something out. He’s very good once he delves into a mystery.”

  “Why wasn’t he involved before?” Ernie asked and Maxar felt his face heat.

  “Cravr is working to establish some kind of law enforcement planet wide.”

  “I see. That’s a large project so he was too busy.”

  “No, he felt security issues were beneath him but Razar showed him the error of his ways.”

  “Razar has finally decided to try to be fair. I wish I could say I forgive him but it’s hard to.”

  “I’m sorry Ernie. Two of my brothers have let you down, just believe I never would.”