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

forward and leaning my hands on the table. “One of the victims, Paul Leenstra, was a friend of mine. No way will I walk away from this case.”

“We could arrest you,” Deputy Wright threatened.

“Time out!” Maggie snapped. “I’d like to remind everyone, we’re on the same team. The good guys, remember?”

Wild Card laughed out loud which earned himself a glare from both suits and Quille.

Maggie ignored him and turned to face the marshals. “Your case is sinking fast. The way I see it, if you share information with Detective Harrison, she might find a way to salvage your case.” She turned to me and pointed. “And you! Did you ever consider they may have details that will help you solve Pauly’s murder? Huh?”

“What crawled up your ass?” I asked her.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “I was perfectly relaxed in a poolside chaise when my phone rang. I decided to get dressed and come down here to mediate this shit-show before you—” she pointed at me “—got yourself arrested. You’re welcome. And you owe me a margarita.”

Knowing she was right, I pulled out a chair and sat. “I’m willing to work together if I have to, but I’ll need full access in return. I’m running blind here.”

The deputies looked at each other, debating their next move.

“Quit wasting our time,” Bones barked.

Byron looked back at me. “What do you know?”

“Roseline and Pauly were both killed in her apartment late afternoon or early evening Saturday. Roseline’s cause of death was massive blood loss. Her heart stopped when there was more blood on the outside than inside. Her death was violent. There was a clear indication of overkill. Pauly, on the other hand, was likely choked until he lost consciousness before he was injected with enough morphine to kill an elephant. Then, his body was moved to the first floor under the staircase. Only someone who knew his habits would know to place him there. Either someone close to him or someone who’d been watching the building.”

“Roseline was likely killed by a hitman,” Deputy Wright said, shaking his head. “Someone hired by the Jameson crew out of New Jersey.”

“If it was a hitman—and I’m not saying it wasn’t because the rumor on the street is that it was—then it’s someone new. No way a seasoned killer would’ve lost control like that on Roseline.”

Byron snorted as he arrogantly inspected his tie. “You’re an expert on contract killers?”

Maggie leaned forward, toward Byron. “She has firsthand experience. How about you? Ever faced down a professional hitman? No? What about standing in the crosshairs of a rifle scope?” When he remained quiet, turning slightly pink along the cheekbones, she turned back to me. “What else you got, Kid?”

“I’m done sharing until I get some information in return.” I looked at the suits. “Tell me about the drug ring—the Jameson crew.”

“I’m afraid we can’t share those details,” Wright said, leaning back in his chair.

“Assholes,” Bones grumbled under his breath.

I winked at him as I pulled my phone. I looked through my contact list, finding Phillip Bianchi who was not only Lisa’s brother, but more importantly, he was the second in command of the New Jersey mafia. I pressed the call button before moving the phone to my ear.

“Good Morning, Charlie Harrison. Is everything okay with the family?” Phillip asked.

“I haven’t heard otherwise. But I’m calling about a case I’m working.”

“Why do you and your cousin keep assuming I’m one of the good guys?”

“I’m not asking you to register as an informant. I just need some background information.”

“Ask your question, but I won’t guarantee I’ll answer.”

“Need to know about an organization in your neighborhood. The Jameson crew.”

“New Jersey is a state, not a neighborhood. You make it sound like we all live on the same block.”

“And yet, I’m sure you’ve heard of them.”

Phillip sighed. “I have. What’s your interest?”

“Double homicide. The Feds think my murder cases are linked back to the Jameson crew’s pending legal troubles.”

“Doubtful. They’re dangerous, but not smart enough, powerful enough, or big enough to reach out of state. But whoever they distribute for could’ve agreed to handle it.”

“Who would that be?”

“I don’t know. And if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.” There was a break in conversation as I waited for Phillip to say more. “Between us, and only us, I’ll share that the Jameson crew dealt in everything from heroin to grass. Their pipeline was well established. I’ve heard rumors their supplier resides south of the border.”

“Shit. I was told they were hillbilly heroin dealers.”

“What the hell is hillbilly heroin?”

I imagined Phillip wearing an Armani suit and smoking a Cuban as he sat in his Italian leather chair, a confused look scrunching up his perfectly-sculpted facial features. “It’s OxyContin mostly. Prescription highs. Pharmaceutical pill poppers.”

“Then no. Before their arrests, they were the biggest coke dealers around, and from what I hear, the quality of their products was excellent.”

“That’s interesting. What about more difficult to acquire drugs? The kind usually only found in hospitals?”

“From what I heard, if there was a buyer, they could acquire the product.”

“Morphine?”

“Are you shopping for morphine?”

“One of my victims died of a morphine overdose. Liquid morphine.”

“I can’t imagine there’s a big market in liquid morphine, but then again, I have no interest in sticking needles in my arm for recreational purposes. I only know what I’ve been told, which is that the Jameson crew had a solid supply chain.”

“Anything else you’re willing to share?”

“Talk to Mickey. And don’t tell him I said that.” The phone went silent. He’d hung up on me.

I looked down at my phone. The last thing I wanted to do was talk to Mickey McNabe again. The man was… unsettling. Maybe Kelsey would talk to him for me.

“Well?” Maggie