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

“I’ll be a good boy, honest!” He said it in a cartoon voice that made me think of the little dog that was always harassing the bulldog in the old Warner Brothers cartoons.

I chuckled and strode to my baking cabinet. After making sure I had all the ingredients I needed, I hollered out to Alex that we could, indeed, make the cookies after all. I set everything on the counter and got out my mixing bowls. When I was done I went looking for Al. He should’ve called back to me, but I thought maybe he was in the restroom or something.

I walked through my living room and into my bedroom. Alex was sitting on my bed stark naked.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

“I wanted to show you something.”

“Well, clearly, you wanted to show me everything.” I attempted to avert my eyes but it was difficult.

He was far more well-endowed than I remembered from our one drunken romp in college.

“No, Sam. You dirty minded minx. That’s not what I meant.” Within seconds he had transformed into a tiger.

“But how?”

“I was bitten a few months ago. I felt I ought to tell you in person since you told me the same way. Figured I owed you that respect.”

So he was good looking, successful, brilliant, fun, loving, we had a solid foundation of friendship, and he was a cat? It was awesome. My cat took notice of his and seemed to change her opinion, slightly.

“How is it I couldn’t smell you?” I should have known immediately he was a shifter, and especially a cat of some sort.

“I found a deodorant that works. It masks my smell perfectly. I have it made special, but it’s entirely worth it.”

“I had no idea they made those for us. I knew about the zombie strength stuff, but, then again, I’ve never really had to cover my scent before.”

“What about when you have to question a shifter?”

“I ask them questions. I’ve found my feline side to be helpful in calming them and making them feel at ease enough to talk. I get sort of a, Hey, she’s one of us vibe.”

“I’ll let you know the name of my guy, so he can hook you up. You ought to try it. Some of the bad ones that think humans are nothing more than stupid food really show their true faces when they think you’re human. It can help a lot in an interview. At least give you a leg up in that they won’t know you’re a shifter.”

“Thanks. I’ll try it someday. Now, spill. You heard my story, what’s yours?”

“First pizza, then we can talk tails.” He shifted back and I didn’t find his nudity any less discomforting knowing he’d done it to show me his tiger.

“Can you maybe, uh, put some clothes on?”

“Never had a woman say that before. Especially one who is staring so intently.”

“First time for everything.” I stuck my tongue out at him.

“I suppose there is.” He sounded serious and I wasn’t quite ready so I left the room and called for Chinese. I ordered one orange chicken and one beef and broccoli and cued up Psych on the DVD player. Then I put all the cookie making supplies back in the cupboards and got out paper plates and napkins, instead.

Chapter 22

ALEX HAD COME OUT OF MY ROOM NOT LONG AFTER ME and we sat talking about how we were going to start our case together and which laser grid I wanted in my house. I didn’t think the grid was a good idea, but I did have to admit the concept of a good night’s sleep was tempting.

Sure, I know grids can be gotten through like any other security device, but the idea of having one in place did make me feel a little more comfortable. At least it ruled out amateurs. Of course, whoever corrupted Grisly may be highly skilled at breaking and entering and assassainry. Is that even a word? If not, it should be.

Alex also installed a proximity alarm around my bed. He grinned the entire time. If someone, mouse sized to elephant sized, moved near my bed when the system was on an alarm would sound and my bed would buck. I was sure to be awakened and the intruder would be surprised. Especially by the holster installed in my headboard.

Needless to say I was starting to feel more secure. I also felt a little uncomfortable because of the cost. The system he was planning to install was the type designed for eccentric millionaires. I was just an FBI agent from Alabama. I wasn’t sure I could afford Alex’s plan and, being me, I told him so.

“Sam, don’t worry about price. You’ve been one of my dearest friends for over a dozen years; I want you safe and I can afford it. If it is something important to you, then we can set up some financing and you can make payments.”

“Why do I get the feeling you wouldn’t cash those checks?”

“Would you if the shoe was on the other foot?”

“No.”

“There’s your answer.”

The doorbell rang and I opened the door and found Quinn standing there.

“Hey, Q.”

“Gerry called me. He told me you asked for me on some special case you’re working?”

“Yeah. I asked for you and Alex.”

“Alex is here?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“That explains it.”

“What explains what?”

“I ran into Ben at the Bureau and he looked a bit lost. He said he’d just seen you and a friend, then he said he had to run and he took off looking like the weight of the world was on his shoulders.”

“I never said I would date him. Never told him I wanted anything but friendship from him, so I hope like hell you’re not trying to make me feel guilty.”

“Of course not, Sam. You know I’d never do that. Besides, you’re a free agent; what team you choose is your business. I was just voicing aloud my understanding of why he looked so off.”

“Good.”

“Hey, you’re my little