An Unexpected Love (Hudson Brothers PI Book 1)

by J. Haney

  ***

  I jump as someone comes up behind me. It’s Caleb. I grab my chest. “What the hell?” I say.

  “Kyler, are you okay? I’ve been talking to you for the last five minutes, and you’ve been just staring at the phone.” Caleb looks at me like I’ve lost my mind.

  I take my seat. “I’m... yes, I’m okay. Well, at least I think I am.”

  “You’re sure? Do you need something?” he asks.

  I give him a small smile. “Yeah, I just need some water and then I’ll be okay.”

  He nods at me then goes to look for some water. I lay my head down. Damn flashbacks always drive me crazy. Those blasted phone calls don’t make me feel real safe either. Dammit, they’ve found me again. I’m going to take some time off so I don’t have to move again.

  I can feel someone watching me. I look out the window and see a man standing across the street. To hell with this. I grab a box and start putting things into it from my desk. I look up just as Ashlee and Micah walk over to me. I know they can tell by the look on my face that something’s wrong. They both know everything I’ve been through; hell, we’ve been friends since I moved here five years ago.

  “Ky, you okay?” Ash asks.

  “Ladies, I’m going to be working from home for a bit. Ash, that means you will have to take over the photography portion for a while. I can’t put you all or the kids in danger if I take them back into hiding for a bit.” I’m struggling to stay strong.

  They nod and grab a box and help me get my stuff together. They both keep looking at me every so often, which is driving me insane. I reach over, grab a notepad and a pencil, and write down my number and home address.

  “I’m going to find Mr. Hudson and the kids. Thanks for helping me get everything together.”

  Walking into the kitchen, I see Avaline talking to Caleb. Jaxson is looking down at his work, but every so often, he scowls at Ava and Mr. Hudson. I stand in the doorway and watch for a few moments. They aren’t used to talking with a man. The only one they’ve ever been around is Mr. Ryan, and they look to him like a grandfather.

  Chapter Eight ~ Caleb

  I turn and look for a door that may lead to a kitchen, but instead I see the redhead. What was her name again?

  “Where would I find some water or something cold to drink?” I ask as I turn back and see that Kyler is still quite pale.

  “Down the hall, second door on the right,” the redhead answers.

  I nod and turn toward the hall. As I close in on the kitchen I hear someone talking… no, make that two someone’s talking. I enter the kitchen, where a little boy and girl are sitting at the table with schoolbooks in front of them. They’re bickering over how to solve a math problem. It’s actually comical. They must know they aren’t alone because they both look up.

  “Who are you?” the little boy asks.

  “My name’s Caleb, and you are?”

  “I’m Jax and this is Ava.” He says, pointing at himself, then the girl.

  “I heard you arguing. Everything okay?” I look over at their papers, then back to them. Jax rolls his eyes at me then goes back to work.

  “I was trying to tell Jax his way is wrong and mine is right,” Ava says.

  “Ah, I see. How old are you?”

  “We’re twins and we are nine. Does our mom know you’re back here?” Ava looks behind me; before I can turn to look, I hear someone speak.

  “Yes, your mother knows Mr. Hudson is back here.” I turn to see Kyler in the doorway. She doesn’t look as pale anymore.

  “Are they yours?” I ask.

  “Yes, they are mine. Jaxson, Avaline gather up your stuff and go help Micah and Ashlee, please,” Kyler says. The kids gather up their stuff and then walk out. Kyler sits on a stool at the counter.

  “You okay?” I sit down beside her.

  “I’ll be fine. I need to take the kids home, and I’ll be working from there for a couple weeks. Here is my cell number, house number, and address. I will be taking my computer and work home with me. So that way you can ask any other questions you may have,” Kyler rambles. I can tell she is nervous about something.

  “Okay, how about I follow you home and we talk some more about this case?” Kyler looks away. “Or I can come over tomorrow?” She gets up and starts to walk out of the room.

  “Either is fine,” she says. “I just need to get out of here.”

  ****

  It’s been five minutes since I watched Kyler leave, and I’m completely baffled by what just happened. Replaying the events in my head… Phone call, freak-out, and then she left. I turn and walk back the way I had come so I can get out of here. Checking my watch, I see I need to make a pit stop at the office. “Good afternoon,” I nod to the other ladies as I walk by.

  Pulling into the office twenty minutes later, I see Nell’s car is still here. After I sign a few papers, I need to run a check on this woman. I stop as soon as I step into my office; I can hear arguing coming from Liam’s workspace. Turning down the hall, I walk in on him and Nell sitting opposite each other.

  “What the hell is going on?” I ask, and they jump, looking from one to the other. They both look like they’ve been caught with their hands in the cookie jar.

  “Oh, nothing,” Nell says, obviously furious. “Just your damn brother lost another account! I’m telling you now, Caleb, he is about to get it.”

  “I didn’t lose anything, woman!” Liam shouts. “You didn’t put it on my desk, or you lost it.”

  “Liam! “Shut the fuck up and don’t ever let me catch you shouting at a woman like that again. The old man will have your ass if he catches wind of it.” I shout, trying to calm his dumb ass down.

  “Caleb, she didn’t give me anything! I’m not even sure why you keep her around. She comes in and does nothing,” Liam says, finally starting to calm.

  “For one, I keep her around because she works her ass off. For another, she picks up your slack that I can’t handle and has my accounts to me on time. It’s not my fault you can’t keep track of your shit. Now either keep your mouth shut or take your ass on to Pop’s and let him know why you are pissed,” I tell him, a bit louder than I meant. Liam’s answer is to storm out and slam doors like a child.

  “Nell, I have some papers to sign quickly. Is there any way you can do a search on this woman for me? I also need you to give Liam the case I started today.” I hand her the card and file that Kyler gave me.

  “Sure thing, boss. Is this the lady you met today?”

  “Yeah, there is something going on. I just want to know a bit more about her,” I answer before heading to my office.

  Sitting at my desk, I pick up the stack of papers, review them quickly, then sign. I set them to the side and give the old man a call.

  “What the hell happened?” The old man says, no ‘Hey’ or ‘How are you, son?” This is the relationship we have… Not much of one!

  “Liam was shouting at Nell for his fuck-up,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm. “I am fucking done with his holier than thou attitude. Fuck, it’s like he’s a child.”

  “Calm down, Caleb,” the old man says. “All I wanted to know is what happened. The stubborn ass won’t talk. He pulled in, then went for a walk, so I knew something happened. I’ll take care of it. What time will you be here?”

  “That’s why I’m calling. I have work, but I’ll be there for brunch on Sunday. Promise… I have to go. Nell is finishing up a search so I can go find this girl.” I stand and gather my things to leave.

  “Okay, Caleb. Talk to you soon,” the old man says, then hangs up.

  Sliding my phone in my pocket with the rest of my things, I walk out front to Nell.

  “So what do you got for me?”

  “Well, let’s see… Miss Jefferson has never been married, had her twins at sixteen, just a few months after… Her family was murdered… She owns her business; she’s moved quite a bit. Um… She owns her home. Here is all of her account information, bank statements, the girl is q
uite loaded. Everything is printed and in here for you.” Nell hands me the file.

  “Damn, this woman has a lot of accounts. Wait, did you say her family was murdered when she was sixteen… and she kept her name? Was the killer found?” I ask while looking over the information.

  “Nope, never caught the perp.”

  “Okay, thanks. Shoot me a text if you find anything else. Oh, remember Liam is an ass. He was only mad because it was his fuck-up.”

  As I’m walking out the door I hear a faint, “Don’t I know it.” Hmm, got to figure out what is going on with them.

  Chapter Nine ~ Kyler

  Pulling into the driveway, I look behind me to see if Caleb decided to follow us. I am kind of glad he didn’t. I turn off the car and hand the keys to Jax.

  “Go unlock the door for me and set them on the table, please.”

  Jax jumps out and heads to the door Ava right behind him. As they barrel into the house, I get out of the car, pull everything out of the trunk, and take it into the house. Setting everything down in the entryway, I turn and take one more look out the door to make sure nothing seems off. I shut and lock the door, then listen for the kids.

  “Jax… Ava? Can you please pick your stuff up off the floor? How about you take it to the living room? I will be moving your desks in there, so you can finish your work and watch some TV.” I pick up my stuff and take it into my office and start setting everything up.

  “Mom, when’s dinner?” Jaxson asks.

  “I’m going to start cooking in a few. Get your work done, now.”

  Walking into the kitchen, I turn on my playlist on my phone and hit shuffle. Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood is the first song that plays. Pulling out what I need for barbecue chicken, I set everything on the counter. Just as I start mixing the ingredients, the song changes to Words I Couldn’t Say by Leighton Meester. I close my eyes and my body sways. I can’t help but start to sing the opening.

  Just as I get the last words out, I hear a man chuckle behind me.

  I grab the knife I am using and turn quickly to see who is with me, to find Caleb leaning up against the doorway, watching me with a raised eyebrow.

  “How in the hell did you get into my house?” I shout, a bit louder than I should, which just seems to amuse him more.

  “Your daughter let me in,” Caleb says.

  “Avaline Michelle!” I scream, and I can hear her running.

  “Yes, Mommy?”

  “What are you doing opening the door? You know you are supposed to come and get me if someone knocks on the door,” I say, trying to calm myself down.

  “I’m sorry, Mommy. I figured since it was Mr. Hudson I could let him in.”

  “I understand that, but I have told you many times never to open the door. Now go finish your work.”

  Ava hurries away, and I turn my focus back to Caleb. “What are you doing here?”

  “Well, I had a few more questions for you, and I also wanted to make sure you were okay,” he answers.

  “I’m fine. Can I answer your questions after I get dinner done? You’re more than welcome to eat with us.”

  “Yes, of course. Need any help?”

  “Um… no, I think I about have it done. You can just have a seat or go to the living room with the kids.” I can’t help but smile.

  Chapter Ten ~ Caleb

  Twenty-five minutes after I scare the piss out of Kyler, she lets us know dinner is ready. I follow the kids into the kitchen, where four plates with food are already on the table. Kyler pours milk into two cups as the kids take their seats. I sit in the nearest empty seat.

  “What’s your flavor?” Kyler asks me as she gives the kids their milk. “We have wine, whiskey, rum, brandy, tequila, vodka, and beer.”

  I wonder if she’s messing with me. “I’ll take a beer. Thanks”

  She sets down my beer, then a wine for herself before taking the final seat, which happens to be opposite mine.

  “Did you finish your work?” Kyler asks the kids.

  “Um…” Jax starts.

  “Uhh…” Ava finishes.

  I smile as Kyler gives them the “Mom” look.

  “I’m not liking these answers.”

  Jax and Ava start shaking their heads no.

  “That’s what I thought. No dessert after dinner, and I made your favorite, apple pie with vanilla ice cream.” As the kids start to pout, she says, “Instead you’ll finish your dinner, take your showers, and go straight to bed.”

  I chuckle a little but quickly stop when I too get the “Mom” look. I haven’t seen the “Mom” look in many years.

  Just as we finish eating, I wonder if the kids are going to argue with her, but instead they get up, put their dishes in the sink, and kiss their mom. Not many kids like that anymore; most would argue with their parents.

  “Good night, I love you.” Kyler hugs and kisses Ava and Jax. As they leave the room, she turns to me. “So, would you like to start with the questions or have some dessert?” she asks shyly.

  “Dessert would be great. Dinner was awesome. I haven’t had a home-cooked meal in quite some time.” I inspect her backside as she cuts the pie and scoops the ice cream into bowls. Setting a bowl in front of me, she smiles and takes her seat. We talk about nothing in particular. Kyler goes on about the kids for a bit, and I share about my family and Buddy, my boxer pit mix that I’ve had since I was twenty. He stays upstate with a neighbor because my apartment is just too small.

  Once we finish dessert, I help her load the dishwasher. Our hands and arms brush each other a few times, but it worries me; she kind of tenses up every time we touch. I make a mental note to figure out what has happened to this woman.

  “So, do you want to stay in here or go to the living room?” Kyler asks

  “Either is fine with me,” I answer, pulling out my notebook.

  “Let’s go to the living room. That way I can hear if the kids are coming downstairs.”

  She grabs a bottle of vodka and two glasses and heads for the living room. I follow behind her. My eyes drift to her ass as it sways just right when she walks. I take a moment to adjust myself, and when I come into the living room I find Kyler on the couch with her feet curled under her, vodka bottle by her knee, and the glass already to her lips.

  Sitting at the other end of the couch, I turn to face her and notice she’s watching in an almost nervous way. I can tell she’s worried about something, I’m just not sure what. My eyes look over her not once, but twice. By the time I make it back to her eyes, she has calmed a bit.

  “Caleb, could you please quit looking at my tits, and just man up and start asking me the damn questions?” Kyler asks with a nervous giggle. A giggle that makes my cock stiffen.

  “Okay. I’ll start slow. If there is anything you don’t want to talk about, just say so and we will come back to that question.” I try to sound gentle. Kyler nods in understanding.

  “Who was on the phone this afternoon?” I come out with it watching for signs of her shutting me out.

  “Err... um… it was just someone breathing on the other end.” She immediately downs the remainder of her glass and pours herself another before offering me one. I shake my head no; one of us needs a clear head.

  “Why would that make you freak out, pack up, and leave work?”

  She acts as if she has been abused.

  “That means they are back and I need to get the kids and my stuff together and fall off the grid before they find us.” She tenses up but sets her glass and the bottle on the table.

  “What do you mean they are back? They who?”

  Kyler huffs at me, pulls her knees into her chest, and wraps her arms around them.

  “I am going to tell you something, but you have to promise not to feel sorry for me or try to be my knight in shining armor.”

  I give a slight nod for her to continue.

  “My family was murdered when I was sixteen years old. The cops never caught the person or people that were involved. I’
m sure you read about it. I go off the grid every so often.” Kyler grabs her drink and takes a big swig before she starts again. She looks back at me then opens her mouth to begin but stops as we both hear little feet upstairs moving around. “Excuse me for just a minute.” She’s up and out of the room in no time.

  Kyler rounds the corner of the stairs and looks at me. I check my watch; it’s well after eleven. She may be ready for me to go. I stand and walk over to her.

  “I’m going to head out so you can get some rest.” I pull out my card and hand it to her. “Call if you need anything. I’ll stop by tomorrow and we can finish this conversation.”

  Kyler starts to walk me out, but stops to look out the blinds before opening the door. She leans up and kisses me on the cheek. “Thank you for understanding. We’ll still be here tomorrow, as long as nothing else happens.” She opens the door to let me out.

  “Goodnight,” I say before heading to my car, where I dial Nell’s number. Nell picks up on the second ring.

  “He... hello?”

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?” I can hear movement and someone talking in the background.

  “Caleb. Hey, what can I do for you at almost midnight?” She sounds a bit ruffled.

  “I just need a squad to sit at Miss Jefferson’s house until I can get back here in the morning.”

  “Yeah, Caleb, I’ll call someone now for you and have them there in ten minutes.”

  “Thanks… and Nell?” I ask, getting her attention before she hangs up.

  “Yes, Caleb?” She asks curiously.

  “Uhh, never mind,” I mutter and hang up.

  Chapter Eleven ~ Kyler

  Shutting the door behind Caleb, I lock it and then do a walk-through of the house, checking windows and doors. Finally getting to my room, I check out my window to see if anything is out of place. I’m not sure at first what I’m looking at, but once I look harder, I realize it’s Caleb and a squad car parked on the other side of the street. I can’t help but laugh, because he keeps looking back at the house and pointing. Just when I think he’s finished, he looks toward the house, but instead of just generally looking, he is staring straight at my window, almost as if he can feel me watching him. Instead, he shakes it off and walks to his car.