“What about the drinks?” I asked.
She pulled her long duster to the side before plopping down on the sofa. “Niko’s on his way up with the drinks. Since you’re hard at work, we thought you might want everything while it’s hot.”
Blue unwrapped her bacon burger. “Thanks. Where’s yours?”
“Alas, they didn’t have the salad I wanted, so I’m making one later.”
Blue held out her fries. “You can have these. I think two burgers will do it for me.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” She happily accepted the large container.
Blue finished chewing a mouthful of burger. “Are you sure Viktor doesn’t mind us eating in here?”
“He’s got his hands full with all the kids,” she said, her cheeks flushed. Some of the black liner around her violet eyes had smudged in the corners. “Shep and Wyatt are busy unloading food from the van. I think they’re going to sit in the dining room, because Claude was looking for extra chairs earlier.”
I pinched off a piece of cheese and ate it. “I bet Kira’s having a heart attack over the junk food.”
We all quietly snickered. Junk food made the stress melt away. The fries were deliciously salty, and the burger had the right amount of cheese and secret sauce. All I needed was a vanilla shake.
“Coyote Burger is the bomb,” Blue said, staring at her half-eaten burger. “It’s too bad they don’t have more locations.”
Niko walked in with a handsome grin on his face. “Who’s thirsty?”
I raised my hand and then felt instantly stupid. “Everyone.”
Niko approached with the cardboard carrier that held four drinks. I peered at the transparent lids and claimed the vanilla shake.
He approached the couch and sat between Gem and Blue.
“Thanks, amigo.” Blue’s cheeks hollowed as she sucked down the chocolate.
“Strawberry for me,” Gem said. “Unless you want it.”
Niko set the tray beside him. “I’m not picky. Whatever’s left is fine.”
Gem set her drink on the floor. “This is fun. We never get to eat dinner in here together.”
Niko finished sipping his drink. “How are your calls coming along?”
“Almost done,” Blue said, wiping sauce off her cheek. “Just a few people we can’t get ahold of. We’re also waiting on photographs. I think there are two left who haven’t sent us anything.”
I set down my burger and wiped my fingers on a napkin. “I think they’re afraid of getting in trouble. King’s ghost confirmed a few, so we didn’t have to call those people. I still haven’t been able to reach Harper.”
Blue licked her thumb. “Harper was the woman you and Christian met at the bar?”
I nodded. “I guess she’s busy with work. Either that or she’s done talking about her dead mate. We’re probably picking at old wounds.”
While digging into my fries, I watched Wyatt saunter into the room with his drink and a fast-food bag. He sat down at his desk, switched on the computer, and opened up his desk drawer.
“So disgusting,” Gem said as he cracked open a can of cheese dip.
“Another email,” Wyatt announced.
I flew up from my seat and stared over his shoulder. “From who?”
“Some guy named Andy.” Wyatt opened up the attachment and wolf whistled when a beautiful redhead smiled back at him. It looked like a private picture of Alisa, taken on the bed with her head resting on a pillow and a loving smile on her face.
“Well?” Blue asked.
