Hunt and Prey (Kelsey's Burden Series Book 8) by Kaylie Hunter (novels to read for beginners txt) 📕

“Mickey called you,” I mumbled through a mouthful of food.

“He did, but he wasn’t tattling. That recording you played for him, about the dentist and prostitutes, that’s a case I’ve been working. He only knows about it because I needed a special favor that I can’t talk about over the phone.”

“Okay. And?”

“I had planned on coming to Florida to finish the case, but I’m at a loss right now for someone to stay with Nicholas.”

“You should stay in Michigan,” I said, setting down my fork and leaning back in my chair. “Now’s not a good time for a visit.”

“Why?” I could hear her concentrating on my voice. She knew me well enough to read the change in my voice.

“I won’t lie to you, but I’m not ready to share all the details either—especially over the phone.”

“On a scale of one to ten…”

She didn’t have to finish the sentence. It was a game we’d played during our rookie year in the police department. On a scale of one to ten, how worried were we that we might not survive.

“Seven,” I answered, honestly.

“And how much of the problem ties back to the dentist office?”

“I’ve barely looked into it. I’ve had more pressing issues.”

“You focus on your stuff; let me handle the dentist office. In the meantime, you need someone capable of watching your back. I can send someone from Aces.”

“No need. I have a partner.” I reached over and petted Beast’s head.

Spence chuckled before carrying his empty plate into the kitchen. While his back was turned, I snuck Beast a chunk of bacon.

“I saw that,” Spence said with his back still facing me.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Since when do you have a partner?” Kelsey asked. “Didn’t the last one hand his badge over after working one day with you?”

“That wasn’t my fault. He completely overreacted to the situation.”

“Right.” I could almost hear her eyes rolling. “Look, I need to go,” Kelsey said, sounding distracted. “But promise me you’ll stay safe and far away from the dentist case.”

“I can’t make either promise, and you know that. But I can give you a few days. I’ve got someone in a safe house, though, and that can’t remain permanent.”

“Now I’m intrigued, but I’ll heed your warning about not saying much over the phone. We’ll talk soon.” She disconnected abruptly, knowing that the customary salutations were not necessary between us.

Aunt Suzanne walked over and refilled my coffee cup. “Was it smart not to tell her you got your ass kicked twice in less than twenty-four hours?”

“She’s got a lot on her plate. Kelsey doesn’t have anyone she trusts to watch Nicholas if she were to fly down here. Her relationship with Grady crashed and burned. Wild Card’s out on a job. The only thing she can contribute right now is worry. And worrying helps no one.”

“I could watch Nicholas. I’d love to, in fact. We could go to the beach like we used to.”

“It would take an army of men guarding him to convince Kelsey it’s safe enough to bring him back to Florida. She’ll never forget walking into that apartment and finding him gone.”

“She doesn’t have to forget.” Aunt Suzanne rested a gentle hand on my shoulder. “She just has to get over her fear.”

“That’s a big ask, Aunt Suzanne. It took her over three years to bring him home.” I knew Spence was listening from the kitchen, but he stayed quiet as he washed the dishes. “I have work to do. Mind if I skip helping with the cleanup?”

“You know I don’t mind. Scat.” She walked into the kitchen. “You too,” she said to Spence.

“Thank you for breakfast,” Spence told her as he turned out of the kitchen and down the hall.

I followed him. In my bedroom, he threw himself on top of the bed, fully clothed. I didn’t have the energy to argue with him. I pulled some clothes from the dresser and took them to the bathroom. Twenty minutes later, I could hear him snoring when I opened the bathroom door. Walking down the hall, I confirmed the kitchen was empty before I grabbed my bag, phone, and keys, and led Beast out of the apartment.

~*~*~

The precinct was my first stop. I wasn’t going to leave Beast in a hot car so I took him inside with me. The desk officer raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything as he pressed the button to release the door to the inner offices.

On the second floor, Beast veered off and around a desk. He walked over to a bawling woman sitting in a guest chair and laid his head in her lap. She started absently petting him and he leaned his solid mass against her. Ford, a detective who’d been on the force long before I arrived, left the woman with Beast and walked toward me.

“What’s that all about?” I asked him.

“Her son was shot in a drive by last night. Only four goddamn years old.” Ford looked up at the ceiling, feeling the weight of the job on his shoulders.

“Let Beast keep her company for a bit. Go give yourself a minute to reset.”

He bowed his head and walked off, slipping into the men’s room.

I looked back at Beast. He had one of his paws across the woman’s lap, and his head nuzzled against her shoulder. Her arms were wrapped around him as she unleashed a world full of grief into his fur.

“Got a minute?” Quille asked in a quiet tone from behind me.

I followed him into his office. “Any idea who the shooter was?” I asked, tipping my head toward the main room as I crossed over to the credenza to sit.

“Dark colored four-door car. That’s