Shifters: A Samantha Reece Mystery Book 1 by Jaime Johnesee (libby ebook reader txt) 📕

detail, but there really is not much love for hockey here in Alabama. We are more of a college football state.

"The owner at Jamz likes me and when there are no college games on he lets me turn it to hockey. Do you like hockey?" Ben's question was one that wasn't important. I answered it, anyway.

"I do, indeed. A Yankee cousin of mine got me into it. So, tell me more about Grisly, er, the fellow you saw leaving the room. How tall would you say he was? How about his weight? Did you catch his eye color? Could you work with a sketch artist?"

"Whoa, slow down there, Sam. I'd say he was around six foot tall, somewhat heavyset, maybe two hundred and fifty to three hundred pounds. I didn't see enough of his face to actually help draw it. I just noticed his hair color, size, and how he was dressed. The smell of blood was strong on him and, sorry, but I didn't want to get any closer than I needed to. I did get part of his license plate, though. Looks like it was a vanity plate, I got the letters F-U-N. Sorry I didn't get any more than that."

"No worries, that's actually really helpful," Quinn said.

"Really?"

"Yeah, we can run a partial plate and cross reference it with the make and model of the car you described to find if he is using his own car or if the plates are stolen." I gestured to Quinn. "Q is really great at the computer legwork and finding vehicles."

"I am, it's a talent." Quinn smiled.

"Would you be up for coming to the office and looking at some mug books?"

We probably wouldn't have any luck, but you never know. Oftentimes guys like Grisly start out with smaller crimes and work their way up.

"Yeah, sure. I've got nowhere to be today." Ben shrugged and sat in one of the recliners.

"What about your client?" Quinn asked.

Ben looked a bit startled. "Oh, he's on his way home by now, I expect. Our business is over."

"What sort of business are you in with him?" Quinn was an expert at grilling people and making it seem like casual conversation.

"He owns an import/export business and I have some rugs I’m shipping out."

"Rugs?" I was puzzled.

If he was selling rugs why was his floor bare?

"Yeah, today it's rugs. Tomorrow it might be wine. I work with an auction house."

"Oh. What house are you with?"

"Sadler Brothers. Is there anything else you need to know about them? You know what, I can give you my boss's card and you can speak with him." He looked self-assured, but I smelled a tinge of fear.

Whatever was going on at that auction house he sure didn't want us to know about it. That meant I wanted to know all about it.

"That would be great, thanks. We will need to talk to him to ask some questions about your, um, client."

"Oh, sure thing." Ben stood and retreated down the hallway off the foyer.

I looked at Quinn. "I think we are being lied to."

"I think you're right. Your maker is up to something. I don't like it."

"Me, neither. Wait here." I had really hoped Ben was on the level with me. I was starting to not quite hate him, and something like him lying to me was definitely not the way for him to start a friendship with me.

I stood and followed the path he had taken. I found him in his bedroom digging through a drawer.

"What’re you doing?" At my voice he started and dropped the card he was holding.

"Getting my boss's card for you and your partner."

"Why are you lying to me, Ben?"

"I'm not. I work for this auction house."

"Oh, yeah? What do you do there?"

"Purchasing. Also shipping and receiving." He avoided looking me in the eyes and I knew something wasn't right.

"Stop fucking lying to me. I don't give a fuck what crap you're mixed up in, but I won't stand here beside you and be lied to. You want a chance to be friends? Tell me the truth or I'm done."

"I can't. Not yet. What I am doing isn't illegal. It's not something I'm proud of, but it's wholly on the up and up. Call my boss, Henry. He'll vouch for me."

"It's too bad I have to have someone else vouch for you." I picked up the card he dropped and walked out, leaving him with his mouth open and a weird mix of sadness and anger playing about his face.

The most important thing to know about me, I hate liars.

Chapter 9

I CALLED QUINN FROM MY CAR. I knew he'd stay behind with Ben and get him into protective custody. To be honest, I didn't want to spend another second in that asshole's presence. I should've known better than to start believing in him.

I had to get a hold of Q. I hadn't stopped in the living room to let him know I was leaving. He was a smart guy, and I've no doubt he knew what happened the second he heard the front door shut, but I wanted to make sure he understood I was okay. Which, I wasn't. For being the guy who turned me into a cat, Ben was acting more like a cowardly dog.

"Sam? What happened?" Quinn sounded cool and professional to anyone listening in, but I could hear an undercurrent of worry in his voice.

"Just tired of being lied to, nothing to worry about. I'm going to verify Ben's employment, can you stick with him?"

"Yeah, sure thing. Call me when you've confirmed and we will figure out the next step together."

"Thanks, Q, you're aces."

"So are you, kid." Quinn hung up.

I turned off my phone and slid it into my pocket. After a quick rant on the dangers of trusting men, I started up my baby and went for a drive. I figured I would head to the zoo and do some thinking.

I liked going to the zoo; it calmed me