Page 30 of Rock Hard Alien

“The Authority removed the digital footage showing Cairn and you leaving the castle. Your apprentice told his supervisor that you became unwell and went home.”

“I didn’t tell him that.”

“He apparently decided it was the most sensible explanation after receiving your message. We encouraged everyone to accept it.”

That sounded ominous. “He decided that? You didn’t wipe his memory, did you?”

“No. We’re matchmakers, Georgie, not supervillains. I've arranged for scaffolding and conservation sheets to be placed around the Guardian’s position. Officially, serious cracks were found yesterday and the area is closed until a full inspection can be completed.”

“But...how?”

“We have built up a lot of resources since we started working with aliens. There's always a risk of discovery and we do our best to mitigate that. We don't lack for cash because the exchange rate for Intergalactic Standard Credits to British Pounds is very favourable for us. We charge aliens for the pleasure of finding human mates and trust me, it's not much for them but a lot for us.”

I would have to talk to Keiran at some point. He wasn't stupid. He might see the holes in the explanation given to him. But for now, I was somewhat reassured.

“I still need to go to Stirling to get my car and tools. I can't take Cairn with me on the train and he can't stay here. He had another small petrification incident last night.”

“Tell me more.”

I shook my head before realising she couldn't see that. “Not now. He can tell you himself at some point.”

“Okay. I can arrange a car.”

“No limousine. It was really cool to ride in, but it attracted enough attention outside my cottage yesterday.”

“I’ll book a taxi. A people carrier, obviously. I’m also sending you a C-suit.”

“A what?”

“Camouflage suit. The Albyans use them to hide their second set of arms and antennae. We lend them to the Vikingar when they need to pass as human. It should hide Cairn’s skin, horns, wings and tail, provided he keeps everything pressed close to his body.”

Cairn folded his arms. “I do not like the sound of this.”

“The Vikingar don’t either,” Pam said. “Apparently, the fabric itches. Tell him not to scratch too hard. The projection starts flickering if the suit is damaged.”

“He can hear you.”

“Excellent. Then I don’t need to repeat myself. The courier will arrive within the hour. I'll book your taxi for ten.”

Pam ended the call before I could ask any more questions.

I finally got to bring the pot of tea to the table and sit down.

“Albyans, Vikingar, alien eggs in a library,” I muttered. “This is ridiculous.”

“You've been living a very sheltered life,” Cairn said gently. “Your species is still in its infancy. You've barely reached beyond your own moon, if what I heard from my wall is true. It must be quite a shock to find out like this that you're not alone in the universe.”

“You can say that again. But if I think about it any further, my head might explode. So let's have breakfast so we're ready for our lift to Stirling.”

His expression darkened.

“What's wrong?” I asked.

“I am not sure I'm ready to see the place where I was trapped.”

“You can stay in the car. Don't worry. I won't go very far. Or maybe you'd like to see parts of the castle you didn't get to look at from your perch on the wall? The palace is beautiful inside; they restored it a few years ago. A few friends of mine were involved in the project.”

“Maybe. I will decide when we get there, if that is alright.”