The Daddy P.I. Casefiles: The First Collection by Frost, J (great novels .txt) 📕

I recognize her even through the crowd at the Museum’s entrance. Not from the horrible pictures in the box the stalker sent to Rick, but because she’s wearing an iridescent, white-and-green mini dress, white tights patterned to look like scales, and white, heeled boots that flare at the toes like claws. Her dark red hair is shaved at the sides and gelled up like a crest. She’s eye-catching and fierce and looks like she could breathe fire. I’m torn between running up to her and giving her a hug, or snatching her rolling luggage and pilfering her wardrobe. I’m wearing one of the pretty dresses Daddy bought me for the cruise with ankle socks and white Mary Janes and I feel cool and cute and little, but damn, I’d rather be a dragon.

Laurel makes the decision for me when she gives me a dragon-sized hug as soon as Daddy introduces us.

And she loves little Larry.

While Logan and Jiro, a stern-looking Japanese man with silver at his temples and even straighter posture than Daddy, go off to find a locker for the luggage, Laurel and I head up to the fourth floor to meet Larry. We walk through the Fossil Hall arm-in-arm to where the towering T-Rex skeleton stands. While I tell her about Larry, she tells me what it’s like to be a scaly. Before we even walk over to meet Terry the Triceratops, I decide I want to be a dragon when I grow up.

Laurel’s telling me about dragon names when I spot Daddy and Jiro crossing the Fossil Hall. I wave until I’m sure they’ve seen us. Laurel’s dragon name is Seighan, which means Emerald Wings. I love it, and the idea of having a dragon name, and can’t wait to tell Daddy.

But the words freeze in my throat when I see Daddy’s face. It’s drawn, with deep lines creasing his forehead. What happened? Is he in pain? I hope he didn’t do something stupidly manly like run up the stairs on his bad leg.

“Laurel,” Daddy says as he approaches. “I’m so very sorry I triggered you.”

Laurel draws into herself and begins twisting little Larry between her hands. “Tatsu, I said I was okay,” she says, glancing at her fiancée.

“It’s important that Logan understand, petto,” Jiro answers.

“I hope you can forgive me,” Daddy says.

Laurel gives Daddy a smile that’s only a little strained. “It’s not your fault, Mr. Logan.”

I shift around her towards Logan. He looks upset. Not that Daddy ever lets much emotional turmoil show, but the little he does, tells me he needs comfort. As soon as he puts his arm out, I wrap mine around his firm waist and slip a hand up under his T-shirt so I can rub his back.

“I can’t promise you that Theo won’t ask you questions about that weekend,” Daddy says to Laurel. “But I can promise that I will defend your right not to answer them, physically if I have to. I hate the idea that by helping Rick, you’re being hurt.” Daddy holds his hand out. “I really am sorry.”

Laurel shakes his hand before gripping little Larry again. “I had a flashback after I spoke with you. But I’m okay.”

We all stand around awkwardly for a moment. Daddy, who always knows what to say, breaks the ice. “Has Emily introduced you to Antony the Apatosaurus? He’s my favorite.”

“It’s Wyatt, Daddy.” I give his waist a squeeze. “Because he’s from Wyoming.”

Daddy chuckles and tucks me tight against his side as we walk towards the huge skeleton. “Wyatt the Apatosaurus? No way, little girl.”

“Totally, Daddy. He doesn’t even look like an Antony.”

Arguing happily over the best names for sauropods, we lead Laurel and Jiro through the rest of the Fossil Hall.

* * *

By the time we get to Saks, my body feels leaden: my legs, my bottom, my head, even my eyelids. Daddy notices, because Daddy notices everything. While Laurel drags her Dom off to the shoe department, Daddy takes me to the café for a Ginger Turmeric Latte, which tastes much better than it sounds. With my drink, he gives me more Advil, which helps some with the leaden feeling and my continuing sore throat.

As we sip our drinks and enjoy the view from the fifth floor, Daddy’s phone rings.

He takes it out of his pocket and scowls. “We forgot someone.”

“Who?”

“DirtyGurl wanted to visit today. I gave her permission as long as she didn’t bring any edibles.” He swipes the phone and says into it, “I hope you’ve called before setting off.”

Over the noises of the café, I can’t hear DirtyGurl’s response, but whatever she says makes Daddy’s scowl deeper.

“She let you in? Put her on the phone.”

Worry ruffles up my spine and I lean forward to hear better.

“Gina?” Daddy asks.

He must be talking to his housekeeper. She wasn’t due to come until tomorrow but when Daddy found out Laurel and Jiro were coming early, he asked Gina to come today so the house would be clean for them. My thoughtful Daddy.

“Yes, she’s a friend from my club,” Daddy says. “But I don’t want anyone in the house when Emily or I aren’t there.” There’s a long response during which Daddy pinches the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. “Those were unusual circumstances, Gina.” He listens again, then says, “Okay, please put Brenna back on.”

Is that DirtyGurl’s real name? I’d never ask, because club names are kind of sacred, but clearly Daddy knows it.

“Since you showed up without calling first, you can make yourself useful,” Daddy says. He pauses to listen to DirtyGurl’s response and grins. “I was thinking you could entertain Emily’s cat, but if you want to do that instead, I’m good with it.”

Her answer makes his grin even wider.

“Only Emily licks my boots. You’re lucky I don’t own a car or you’d be washing that. We should only be another hour or so. If Theo gets there before we get back, you can let him in. Tell him