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

The security team had already ordered them to remove their guns, likely making them lock them in their vehicles. Spence raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Quille scowled. Detective Chambers looked confused. Gibson looked like he was about to pee himself, watching the guards’ every movement.

Tyler jogged up beside me, grasping my elbow. He turned to my guests. “I’m Tyler, head of security. Consider this afternoon a one-day pass to enter the crime-fighting version of Disney. If at any point you are asked to leave, you are to do so immediately. Visitors are not allowed to carry weapons past this point. We also ask you do not discuss this location or anyone here, once you leave. Is that clear?”

“Or what?” Quille asked.

The security guards pulled their guns and stepped forward.

“Okay, okay,” Quille said, holding his hands out with palms facing us. “Got it. Keep our mouths shut.” Quille turned to Gibson. “One slip up from you, and I’ll hand you over to these guys.”

Gibson swallowed. “Yes, sir.”

Quille turned to me and winked.

“One more hiccup,” I said, holding up a finger. “Kelsey doesn’t want anyone inside the house. It’s a security issue. If you need a bathroom, you’ll have to pee on a bush or something.”

“Smart in theory,” Spence said. “But this is a rental. I’m sure there’s enough pictures online to get the general layout. Still doesn’t hurt to keep people outside, though.”

“Actually,” Tyler said, turning to lead us around the house. “The real estate company might be having issues with their website right now.”

“Just their website?” Spence asked.

Tyler smirked over his shoulder at Spence. “From what I hear, the problem is affecting all the photos and descriptions online linked to this property. Even the real estate office’s files were corrupted, so they can’t email pictures either. Sounds like a headache to me.”

Spence laughed. “That must’ve taken hours.”

“Took ten minutes and a carton of blue moon ice cream,” I said. “We have a guy with mega skills, but a short attention span.”

“Can I borrow him?”

Tyler glanced back at Spence. “I’d love to say yes, but he’s family, so no.”

We entered the tiki lounge and introductions were made as necessary. The boys were offered their beverage of choice and everyone finally settled. Gibson had made several trips with his boxes and laptop and sat on the edge of a chair at a nearby table, practically bouncing with excitement.

Chambers sat down on one side of me and Spence on the other. Quille sat next to Uncle Hank.

Chambers leaned closer to whisper, “What exactly did I walk into? You said this was casual drinks to discuss the case. I get here and find my temporary boss here and a battalion of armed men.”

“It is casual. And don’t worry about the armed men. They’re family.”

“And my new work assignment?”

“Ah, yeah. That’s my fault. I needed your help. You mad?”

“Not even a little. I was bored in Belle Aire. Just wish I’d made a better first impression,” Chambers said as he tugged on his shirt to straighten it.

Chambers was a good decade older than me, had a bit more body fat, and wasn’t as snappy of a dresser. He also seemed to be slightly intimidated by his new surroundings, which was odd since he’d been working in the Belle Aire district.

Spence, on the other hand, was leaned back on the couch, one arm stretched across the back, and exchanging jokes with Bones who sat in the lounge chair with Bridget sitting on his lap.

Hearing a rattling noise, I turned to watch Katie push a large whiteboard across the patio and into the lounge.

“It’s not fancy,” Katie said. “But it should do the trick. I’ll take notes.”

“Which case are we starting with?” Bones asked.

“Start with the biggest,” Tech said. “Is that Kelsey’s human trafficking case or Charlie’s double homicide?”

“My double homicide might now be four bodies deep, with a possible fifth body in one of those boxes,” I said, pointing toward the stack of boxes next to Gibson.

“It’s also the case most likely linked to Mr. Tricky,” Kelsey said. “I agree, it’s the priority at the moment, but the dentist case—”

“Don’t,” Tech said, interrupting her. “One case at a time, please. Or my head is going to pop.”

“Fine,” Kelsey said, winking at me. “Give us the rundown, Charlie.”

“Wait,” Katie said, holding the uncapped marker. “Who’s Mr. Tricky?”

“The guy hired to kill me. He deserved a name given his expertise.” I stood, but my phone beeped. “Tyler,” I said after reading the text. “It appears I have another guest. Can you escort Tasha to the inner realm?”

Tyler looked at Kelsey, Kelsey looked at me, I raised an eyebrow, Kelsey sighed and gave Tyler the nod.

“Wild Card, she’s going to want a mojito. She’ll ask for it to be extra strong but make it weak. She can’t hold her liquor.”

Wild Card, still behind the bar, grabbed a glass and started mixing the drink.

A minute later Tasha stomped ahead of Tyler down the path, mumbling complaints. When she saw me, she veered through the decorative tall grass to cut the distance. “Those men out front need to learn some manners. They wanted to frisk me! Can you imagine?”

I pressed my lips together, trying to keep a straight face. “Tasha, you’ve just entered a black ops site. I’m afraid if you try to leave, you’ll be shot.”

Tasha looked at me, looked around at all the serious faces, noticed the guns that almost everyone was wearing at their sides, then looked back at me. “I need a drink.”

Everyone broke out laughing. Wild Card walked over and handed her a cocktail.

“I was just kidding about the black ops thing. Sit. We’re just getting started.” I turned to the