thought occurred to him. “Is the company helicopter on the roof pad? That was how we traveled to and from the house.”
“No, sir. We checked up there.” Officer Franks got to his feet, Dalton with him, his hand extended. “We’re sorry for your loss. We’ll be in touch with any developments.”
“Thank you, officers.” Dellan shook hands with them and watched as they left the building. He sagged into the couch, his breathing shaky.
“Police officers refusing free coffee? Now I’ve seen everything.” Hashtag’s eyes widened. “They were real cops, right? Did anyone take note of their badge numbers?”
Horvan sighed. “Give that steel trap mind of yours a day off. They were cops. And yes, I looked at their badges.” He poured Dellan a cup and handed it to him. “Well, that went better than I expected.” He regarded Dellan with obvious approval. “You were great. Again.”
“Are we thinking Anson’s ‘associate’ has the chopper?” Crank asked, hooking his fingers in the air. “Because if it’s not here…. And that’s how Anson would’ve gotten here, right?”
Dellan nodded. He glanced at Horvan, his chest tightening. “I want to go home.”
Horvan’s hand was gentle on his. “Then that’s what we’ll do. Let’s go back to my place, pack some bags, and then I’ll rent a car to take us to—where is your place anyway?”
“Homer Glen. It’s less than an hour’s drive, depending on traffic.”
Crank huffed. “Am I gonna be sharing a room with these two again?” Hashtag whacked him on the arm, and Crank glared at him. “Hey, quit hitting me.”
“I will when you quit bitching,” Hashtag told him, his eyes flashing. “We’re the ones who have to put up with you moaning in your sleep.”
Crank became very still. “Do… do I say anything?”
Roadkill smiled. “Oh yeah. Very illuminating.”
Before Crank could respond, Dellan cut in. “Crank, I don’t think Hashtag needs any more blackmail material, so you’ll have your own room, I promise.”
Crank beamed. “Aw, thanks.” A second or two later, he scowled. “Hey!” Everyone chuckled.
Hashtag patted Crank’s cheek. “You know I love ya, right? And I promise not to post any video where your mom can see it.”
Rael cocked his head to one side. “How big is this place? I know you said large, but….”
Dellan patted his hand. “I don’t want to spoil the surprise.” He couldn’t wait to see their faces. Then he thought about the house. “Guys? I have to make a call so Mrs. Landon knows to expect us.”
“Who’s Mrs. Landon?” Rael asked.
“The housekeeper. She’ll want to get the rooms ready.”
Rael peered at him. “You need a housekeeper?” When Dellan didn’t respond, he glared. You are such a tease.
Dellan grinned. You’re only just working that out now?
The thought made him smile. We have so much to learn about one another. He couldn’t wait to find out more about his mates.
ROADKILL PEERED through the windshield. “Nice neighborhood, Dellan. How long have you lived here?”
Dellan stared at the familiar landscape of abundant trees and lush green grass. He loved how the only indication in some cases that there were properties along the narrow lane were the mailboxes at the roadside. “Tom had this place built about sixteen years ago.” He smiled. “He built it for my mom.” He caught his breath as the house came into view.
God, I’ve missed this place.
“Holy fuck.” Crank let out a long whistle. “He really loved your mom, huh?”
“That’s not a house, that’s a fucking mansion,” Roadkill exclaimed. “How many bedrooms does it have?”
“Five. Eight bathrooms. Plus there’s a set of rooms in the basement for Mrs. Landon.” Dellan enjoyed their shock. He still recalled Tom bringing him to the site when the house was being built, showing him the plans and discussing what they would do with the grounds.
“Is that a lake over there?” Rael asked, his eyes wide.
“Yup. The house backs onto it.” He loved to swim in it, only wishing he could do it in tiger form. The neighbors across the water would have had heart attacks. He’d had to find other places where he could shift.
“What are we talking, seven or eight thousand square feet?” Hashtag asked.
“Ten,” Dellan replied with a smile. “And it’s set on five acres.”
Horvan shook his head. “Makes my apartment look about the size of a postage stamp.”
Which brought Dellan to the thought he’d hidden from his mates all day.
Before he had time to reveal it, Roadkill pulled up in front of the garages and switched off the engine. “Looks like I get to choose where to park,” he joked.