"You're not here to reminisce," said Harriet, closing the doors. "What do you want?"
"I need to speak with David Birch. Is he here?"
Harriet gestured towards the inner door.
"Have you been trained with that thing?" asked Darting, eying Harriet's weapon. "Only I'm not sure I trust you with it."
"If it goes off, your next of kin can file a complaint with my superior," said Harriet evenly.
Darting's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing and walked through to the office proper. Harriet heard a curse, and when she walked through the door she saw everyone on their feet, staring at Darting in horror. Birch had his gun out, the muzzle pointing directly at Darting, his finger on the trigger, his face a mask of anger. "Tell me why I shouldn't end you right now," he said hoarsely.
"Shoot me, and you'll be committing murder," said Darting coolly. "I served my sentence, Birch. In the eyes of the law, I'm an ordinary citizen."
"Put it away, Dave," said Harriet. "She's here to talk."
McCluskey gestured. "You're not going to trust her?" she said incredulously. "Have you been listening to a word we've said? She's—"
"I heard, but we're going to hear her out. Dave, your gun."
Slowly, Birch lowered his weapon, and Darting snorted. "I never thought I'd see Sergeant Birch obeying a raw recruit. Things certainly have changed around here."
"Shut up, or I'll let him shoot you," snapped Harriet. She pulled out a chair and gestured at it. "Sit down and say your piece."
"I can see why they put you in charge," said Darting, taking her seat. "You're the only one with any balls around here."
"Any more smart remarks and you're done," said Harriet. "Now talk."
Darting looked around the table, and if she was disconcerted by the angry gazes levelled at her by the retired officers, it didn't show in her face. "When I was released from prison, I never wanted to see or hear about Chirless again. I thought I was done with the place. Then my nephew told me the Peace Force had departed, and the city was vulnerable." She looked around the table. "I know you all think I'm here to cause trouble, but I'm not. I decided to set up a private security force. A legal, respectable, authorised business protecting the people of Chirless."
Harriet saw Alice's jaw drop, and she almost had the same reaction. Was this woman deluded? "Your people are extorting business owners, and beating them up when they refuse to pay!"
Darting frowned. "A rogue element who got greedy. They've been dealt with."
"Sure. I bet you promoted them," muttered Birch. He turned to Harriet. "I'm sorry, but I'm not sitting here listening to—"
"Please, Dave. I need you to stay."
Birch's lips thinned, but he kept his seat as Darting continued. "We're offering people security. Certainty. For a small monthly fee they can live their lives free of trouble and violence."
"So you're suggesting I walk away from Chirless?" said Harriet. "You want me to leave the city in the grip of a criminal gang?"
"My dear, do you know how many years I spent staring at a prison wall? I've learned my lesson. There is no criminality. There is no gang."
Sure, thought Harriet, as she remembered the tough-looking bodyguards Darting had brought with her. "So that's your plan? Take a payment off every business in the city, and use the proceeds to protect them?"
"It's not unheard of. On other planets it's called taxation and good government. Chirless has neither."
"But you're the danger! This place was safe until your thugs showed up."
"And how long will that peaceful situation last?" Pointedly, Darting looked around the derelict station. "I heard this planet was wide open, and you can be sure others are getting the same idea. In a few months you could be up to your necks in violent criminals, and — no offence — a couple of trainees and a washed-up pensioner will not be able to hold them back."
Harriet smiled at her. "But we're not up to our necks in criminals, are we? Maybe you should have a think about that."
"A temporary lull, I'm sure." Darting leaned forward. "A whole lot of trouble is heading your way, and I'm the only one who can stop it."
"Have you heard the expression 'the cure is worse than the disease'?" said Birch quietly.
Darting frowned at him. "For a bent copper, you sure have a lot to say."
"I never took a bribe."
"That's not what I heard. Do you know, my people used to call you the drain, because no matter how much cash they poured in, you always took more."
Birch jumped up, and like magic the pistol was in his hand, the muzzle inches from Darting's nose.
"Still the same short fuse, I see," said Darting calmly. She seemed unaffected by the weapon, and Harriet was forced to admire her calm.
"Dave, for the last time—" she began.
Muttering an oath, Birch turned and strode away. "Do whatever you want," he called over his shoulder. "I will have nothing to do with that woman."
"He always was a hot head," said Darting genially. "Now, shall we continue?"
"No, I've heard enough. You claim you're setting up a legit business, but we all know it's a lie. You might as well save your breath."
"Trainee … Walsh, isn't it? You do know that planet Vasquez has a private security force?"
Harriet did know. She'd met the commander recently, and the security on Vasquez had been efficient, well-resourced … and legal. "Yeah, but you can't just turn up and appoint yourself sheriff."
"Why not? Nobody else wants the job." Darting smiled, and casually dropped a bombshell. "I've already spoken to the Chirless Residents' Association, by the way. They intend to make this official at an upcoming meeting."
Everyone at the table stared at her in shock, and with that Darting stood up. "Thanks for the sit-down, it was most illuminating. And please, have a safe trip back to Dismolle. I like your spirit, Harriet, and it would be tragic if something awful happened to such a promising young officer."
— ♦
