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

“I got one for everyone in the family, including Grady, and one for Tyler, Bridget, Tech, and Trigger.”

“Wild Card can have Grady’s shirt, though I’m not sure how much help he’ll be after going six rounds on the matt with Grady. They both look like hell.”

Katie’s eyes narrowed as she leaned against the desk. “They’ve been keeping their distance from each other. Did something else happen?”

“Grady emailed Nicholas.”

Katie threw the shirt she was holding at the empty guest chair. “That bastard. Maybe it’s time for you to send Grady packing.”

“I might have to, when it’s safe. I’m not willing to risk Grady’s life until then. Despite the threat I just made, Grady’s funeral would be a lot harder for Nicholas to handle than an apology email.”

My phone beeped, alerting me to a text. I dug it out of my purse and checked the screen. It was from Mickey McNabe. Opening the message, I saw a picture of the dental clinic with flames shooting out the window. The message under the picture said the fire was bigger than anticipated and ETA on repairs would be two to three weeks.

I texted back a thumbs up before calling Uncle Hank.

“You still coming to Florida next week?” Uncle Hank asked when he answered.

“My schedule has changed, but my girls figured out how the prostitutes were disappearing and I had the operation shut down for a few weeks. It wasn’t exactly by legal methods, so don’t ask questions. I have a few problems at home to take care of before I make the trip south.”

“That sounds ominous.”

“I’ve got it handled at the moment.”

Uncle Hank chuckled. “I keep hoping you and Grady will settle down into a nice quiet life, get married and pop out a few brothers and sisters for Nicholas. I’m dreaming, aren’t I?”

“Grady’s sleeping with his ex-wife these days. Nicholas is having King Kong-sized anger issues. And a Mexican cartel keeps trying to kidnap me. So, no, I don’t think the quiet family life is on the agenda in my immediate future.”

Uncle Hank was silent for a beat. “Do I need to come beat the shit out of Grady?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Wild Card got to him first.”

“Always liked that boy. I wouldn’t be opposed if the two of you got back together. Your Aunt Suzanne likes him, too. Says he’s a good eater.”

I threw my free hand into the air as I rolled my eyes. “Because that’s the quality every girl looks for in a man.” I started moving toward the inventory room. “I have to go, but I should be in Miami in two weeks. I might need to bring Nicholas with me.”

“Your aunt and I will take him to the beach while you work the case. It will be fun.”

“Oh, sure. I see how it is. Sand and sunshine for you guys—prostitutes and human traffickers for me?”

“Sounds about right. See you in a few weeks. And… I’d tell you to be safe, but I know better. So instead—stay alive.”

“I can do that… I think.”

Uncle Hank hung up as he laughed.

“You ready?” I asked Wild Card, finding him at the loading dock talking to Goat. Wild Card had butterfly strips holding the cut above his eyebrow together, and his right hand was wrapped in gauze.

“Ready enough, but we’ve got a security problem. Goat says some employees were planning on watching the relay tonight.”

“Shit.” I ran a hand through my hair. “They’ll be safe enough from the cartel, but it could get messy keeping the border rules intact.”

“I’ll talk to Tyler,” Wild Card said. “If we keep friends and family close to the house, we can have Tyler’s security team protect them. Donovan can keep his guys off the front lawn.”

I nodded. “Tyler finally crashed. He’s barely slept the last few days, so I don’t want to wake him. You, Goat, Whiskey, and Renato arrange whatever you need. Fill Tyler in when he wakes.”

“You sure he won’t get mad? I don’t want to step on his toes.”

I grinned at Wild Card. “Are you afraid of Tyler?”

“No, but he does a hell of a job protecting your family, so I don’t want to do something that pisses him off and has him quitting.”

“Tyler’s not like that,” Goat said, standing to pull out his phone. “His first priority is what’s best for the family. His second priority is fucking with Donovan and James because their egos can’t handle it.” Goat looked up a number on his phone. “I’ll call Whiskey. You can talk to Renato.”

Haley drove me back to the house so I could help Nicholas finish his book cover while the boys worked out the security details. Upon entering through the garage, I saw that the kitchen and dining room were empty. Hearing laughter, I followed Hattie’s private staircase and found Nicholas, Sara, Beth, Tweedle, Hattie, Pops, and Tech upstairs watching something on her television. Farmer stood in the corner of the room with his eyes on Nicholas and his hands clasped in front of him. He nodded once to me before turning toward the stairs.

“Tech, rewind the video so Kelsey and Haley can see that,” Hattie said.

“Yeah. I want to watch it again too,” Nicholas said, giggling. “Maggie’s crazy.”

“What did Maggie do?” I asked as I walked over and lifted Sara, setting her on my lap after I sat on the bed.

“She’s pretending to be GI Joe’s girlfriend,” Tweedle said.

“GI Joe?”

“Billy Hobbs,” Tech said. “He’s a little…”

“Stuffy,” Hattie said, giggling.

Tech restarted the video, and it all made sense. Maggie walked across the gym and practically shoved her tongue down Billy Hobbs’ throat. He stood rigid with surprised eyes as he patted her back awkwardly. When she broke the kiss, she ran her fingers into