“Still, I’m going to contact Barbara and the postmaster and get permission to search that cave system. There’s no reason not to, after all.”
She called Barbara but there was no answer. Then she tried to call Barbara’s husband, Paul, and also got no answer.
She and Jaspar and Sterran got in Jaspar’s hovercraft and headed to the post office.
A harassed-looking Barbara was working there, waiting on a long line of customers.
Liza and the Drakken pushed their way to the front, to the annoyance of the customers waiting in line. “Barbara, we need permission to explore the cave system on your property,” Liza said.
“No way,” Barbara said quickly, frowning at her. “I heard that you and the Drakken have been tramping around on our property already, and you never asked my permission. That is trespassing, and until the property transfer occurs, we are still the owners.”
Liza stared at Barbara. Why was she acting this way? “Well actually, you told me that the Drakken can tramp around on your property all they want.”
Barbara met her gaze, her pale gray eyes steely with resolve. “All right, I see that I should have been clearer. The Harbingers can tramp around on my property all they want.”
“Now, that sounds suspiciously as if you’re taking their side in the dispute,” Jaspar said.
Barbara glared at him. “I don’t have to speak to you. Your crew is the one that took over this planet, and as for picking sides, Liza and her family have clearly picked yours.”
The line of people began grumbling in agreement and shooting resentful looks at the Drakken.
“Marjan is with them,” Liza said angrily. “She’s one of us.”
“Is she?” Barbara snapped. “Maybe she shouldn’t have been hanging around with Drakken if she’s really one of us. I guess she picked a side too.”
Liza was frustrated and angry and worried. However, she could see that the crowd was not at all sympathetic, and pushing the matter further wouldn’t accomplish anything.
As she and Jaspar left, she muttered to him, “This isn’t over. Can your long-distance surveillance drones keep an eye on their house?”
“Yes,” he said. “What do you suggest we look for? We have been watching the Harbinger clan, and have not spotted them visiting Barbara’s house, ever.”
“I don’t know.” A thought occurred to her. “I haven’t seen Barbara’s children in days. Or her husband either, for that matter.”
That afternoon, Jaspar confirmed her suspicions. “We checked the heat signature of Barbara’s house. Only her husband is there.”
“I’m going to go back to town to talk to her,” Liza said.
Jaspar and Sterran stood up.
Liza shook her head. “No, it’s better if you don’t come with me,” she said. “There’s a lot of resentment from the colonists about the fact that you bought our planet. If I go alone, I might at least have the possibility of getting her to speak to me.”
“Stay in touch with me the entire time,” Jaspar said. “Contact me the minute you know anything.”
But Liza was already running for the door. “I will!” she yelled over her shoulder.
La La insisted on tagging along with Liza. They arrived just as Barbara was locking the front door of the post office. When she saw Liza, she flashed her a look of alarm and started to hurry off. Liza set off after her at a dead run, and grabbed her arm.
“Your children aren’t here and they aren’t at home. Something’s up,” she said accusingly.
“My children are home sick,” Barbara said indignantly. “I already told you that. Get away from me!” Passersby stopped and looked at Liza strangely.
Liza didn’t care. “Bull,” she said. “The Drakken ran a heat scan of your house. Only your husband is home. Where are your children, and why are you cooperating with the Harbingers?”
“I don’t have to listen to this!” Barbara’s face went red, and she yanked her arm out of Liza’s grasp and stalked off. More people were staring at them now.
“I’m going to report you to the authorities and demand that they investigate why your children are missing!” Liza yelled at the top of her lungs. People clutched their packages to their chests, murmuring to each other.
“I said they’re sick!” Barbara cried, her eyes going wide and frightened now. She hurried back to Liza and hissed, “You keep your voice down, and you keep your nose out of this!”
