Hearts and Aces (Kelsey's Burden Series Book 7) by Kaylie Hunter (great books for teens txt) 📗

“Just Hattie as far as I know,” Haley said. “She helps him find some of his more outrageous outfits.”

“The princess dress he wore last week?” Anne asked, laughing.

“Yeah, Hattie found that at a flea market in Texas and had it shipped to him. He spent a small fortune on the matching shoes.”

I glanced over at Haley. “How long have you and Alex been a couple?”

“Off and on for the last year. I told him I wouldn’t get serious about our relationship until he admitted to everyone that he’s heterosexual.”

Anne pouted. “Is he going to start dressing normal now?”

Haley laughed. “No. The outfits don’t bother me. In fact, I find them just as entertaining as you guys. I don’t give a shit what he wears during the day as long as he’s naked at night.”

“Eww,” I said, turning away. “I don’t want to picture Alex naked.”

“Why are we talking about Alex being naked?” Katie asked as she entered through the living room sliding door. “And why did he text me that he wasn’t working today? And why is everyone still at home and not at the store?”

“Sit,” I said, motioning to the table as I walked over.

“What’s wrong?” Katie asked, watching me closely. “I mean besides everything I already know like the cartel, Grady being an ass, and Nicholas’ meltdown.”

“Something’s wrong with Hattie,” I said, grasping her hand. “Alex is staying at the house today with me to keep an eye on her. Doc’s with her now.”

Katie turned her eyes to the fruit bowl on the table, focusing her attention away. “Anything I can do?”

“Not right now. I’ll keep you posted, though.”

Katie nodded, but her eyes stayed on the fruit. “I need to open the store. The employees will be wondering where I am.” Katie walked back through the living room, exiting through the slider.

“Shit,” I said to myself as I stared at the back sliding door.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and looked up as Tech gently squeezed. “I’m going to work in my old office at the store today. I’ll let Kemp know you’re working from home.”

“Take care of her, Tech.”

“We all will,” Anne said.

Tyler walked across the room and picked up Abigail, carrying her out to the garage. Lisa followed with the diaper bag, and Anne grabbed their purses and followed them. Tech left through the living room sliding door. I shook my head, scattering my thoughts before clearing the remaining dirty dishes from the dining room table.

Doc left, saying he’d have more information in a few days after the lab results came back. Until then, he said to keep Hattie off her feet, resting as much as she’d allow. Haley left shortly after Doc to meet him at the clinic. Bridget arrived with our laptops and a few files. Alex returned downstairs and said Hattie was napping. He was in the kitchen flipping through Hattie’s cookbook trying to decide on something she’d like for lunch.

Bridget tapped a pen on the table in front of me, startling me.

“Shit, sorry. Were you saying something?”

“No. I just saw you’d drifted somewhere else. You can dissolve later, but I need you in the present right now. What are we doing about the cartel?”

“Damn. I forgot about them,” I said as I ran a hand through my hair.

“I’d rather we figure out a plan before the next kidnapping.”

I picked up my cell phone and called Kierson.

“I’m busy,” he said as a way of answering.

“With work or my cousin?”

“She’s your half-sister, remember? But I’m at work. We just caught a case.”

“Can it wait? Your case that is.”

Kierson paused and I could hear him moving and then a door closing. “What’s wrong?”

“Everything.”

“Can you be more specific?”

“Santiago Remirez.”

“Not familiar with the name.”

“The DEA knows him. He’s a Mexican cartel dealer.”

“Not my expertise, but I can put you in touch with Sebrina. Grady and Donovan know her.”

“Word on the street is that Sebrina betrayed Santiago.”

“What does that mean?”

“I have no idea. Until I do, I’m not willing to make her my source of information.”

“I swear, you walk into more shit piles than a horse.”

“Thanks. You going to help or not?”

“What do you already know?” Kierson growled.

“Three names: Santiago Remirez, Miguel Remirez, and the woman known as Sebrina who I’m told by all works for the DEA.”

“That’s it?”

“Pretty much. Santiago’s daughter attends school at a university in Arizona, but she’s not on speaking terms with her father. I can also get you the names of the eight guys who kidnapped me last night, but they’re just hired muscle.”

“How do you expect me to get information on a DEA agent?”

“Beats me. Figured you’d have an angle.”

“I’m not that high up the food chain with the DOJ.”

“Tebbs?”

“Special Agent in Charge, Jack Tebbs, wouldn’t stick his neck on the line for me. He might for Maggie, though. She’s going to get us all fired if she keeps acting as crazy as you.”

“She and Tebbs are just messing with you. You make it too easy.”

“It’s called being a professional.”

“You’re grumpy.”

“Your cousin... sister… or whatever she is to you, is driving me crazy. We got into a huge fight this morning about coffee creamer. And, yes, I said coffee creamer!”

“Charlie drinks her coffee black.”

“I know!”

I laughed. “Hattie predicted that this little experiment of yours was a disaster.”

“She thinks we’ll split?” Kierson asked, sighing.

“That’s not what Hattie said. She said that Charlie can’t sit at home and play house. She’s too much like me. She needs a project. Something to keep her busy.”

“Like a hobby?”

“No—like a job. She’s a detective, Agent Kierson, and a damn good one. Find her work or I will.”

“Should I