Tabitha figured the lady wasn’t used to having help or anyone offering. Tabitha had been raised in wealth, but other than having housekeepers, most of them cooked for themselves. Her uncle Rafael had Priscilla for many years, but once the human passed away, he and Kaya didn’t hire anyone to replace her. Tabitha had learned to cook from her dad, who was awesome in the kitchen. Tessa could cook too, but Gregor enjoyed it more. Anthony hated being in the kitchen, so he left that to Tabitha and Gregor.
Instead of the smaller table in the kitchen area, she chose the larger one in the dining room, setting a place for Florence. She was certain Craig would wrinkle his nose at the gesture, but Tabitha didn’t give a shit. After that was done, Tabitha went downstairs to where there was a wine fridge and grabbed two bottles. If the alcohol in the rental wasn’t part of the agreement, she’d reimburse them herself. She opened both bottles, allowing them to breathe. She didn’t care for wine, but she’d eaten with Trista enough to know the female preferred it with her dinner. Tabitha was her mother’sdaughter in that she liked beer. And tequila. Since they were working, she and Major had to keep up the pretense that alcohol was off limits, even though neither would get drunk because of their shifter metabolism.
Tabitha refilled her tea and poured one for Major. When Florence announced that the food was ready, Tabitha helped her place all the serving dishes on the table while Trista gathered the males. Tabitha gestured to the additional setting, telling Florence she should join them.
“I’m not sure about this. I’ve never been invited.”
“I insist. There’s no reason you should eat alone when there’s plenty of room at the table.”
Major was the first of the men to find them in the dining room. “Oh, this smells fabulous. Thank you, Florence.” He held out a chair for her, and the older woman flushed as she took her seat next to Tabitha. Major sat on Tabitha’s other side at the head of the table with Trista sitting next to Florence, leaving the four empty seats for the men.
As expected, Craig bristled upon seeing Florence seated, but he kept his mouth shut. He even grabbed his own drink without asking her to get it for him. Tabitha counted it as progress. Other than most everyone praising Florence’s cooking, supper was a quiet affair, which Tabitha didn’t mind. While Florence went to plate dessert, Tabitha and Major helped clear the table.
“You’re going to put me out of a job,” Florence huffed.
“Nah. You keep cooking like that, and I’ll hire you myself,” Major joked.
Major carried the tray that contained tarts and fresh fruit, and Tabitha helped with the coffee. Both Trista andCraig opted for fruit, but everyone else dug into the mini blackberry pies. Once again, Craig left his bowl on the table without offering to take it to the kitchen. When Tabitha began gathering empties, Florence waved her off. “I’ve got this, but I appreciate your help earlier.”
Major inclined his head to the back door, and Tabitha followed. When they were outside, he kept his voice low. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to Craig alone, but I’ll try after everyone else goes to bed.”
“Why don’t you take to your Eagle and do a flyover of the empty houses? Make sure no one is squatting when they shouldn’t be.”
Major hesitated, and Tabitha popped a hip and crossed her arms. “If you think I can’t take care of them—”
“Of course you can,” he interrupted. “Like I told Trista, you’re a badass. My hesitation was in what you’ll tell Daniel or Craig if they’re looking for me.”
“I’ll tell them you’re patrolling by the lake. That won’t be a lie.”
Major rubbed the back of his neck, looking over her shoulder. “Okay. But I want to wait until it’s fully dark. Maybe you can leave your patio door unlocked?”
Tabitha kept her face impassive, although her Goyle was bouncing inside like a kid on a trampoline. “Why, Major Lazlo, are you suggesting you want to sneak into my room?”
“Why, yes, I am. Do you honestly think I’m going to let you go to sleep without a goodnight kiss?”
“As long as that’s all you give me.”
Major’s lips tipped at the corner, but his phone made a chirp and his smile faded. He tapped the screen of his phone. “Fuck. Someone’s close to the dock.”
“Go. I’ll lock up the house.” Tabitha retreated inside. When Major returned, she was going to have him install the alerts on her phone so she could also check the camera feed. Once inside, Tabitha turned on the alarm, but it flashed orange, indicating one of the other doors was currently unarmed. She yelled out, “Everyone in lockdown, now,” as she rushed through the house, first to the side door, then the front. She opened the door and stepped outside, not seeing anyone. With her shifter hearing, she listened for movement. After a few seconds, she didn’t need to listen, as the unmistakable odor of weed wafted her way. She followed the smell to find Daniel hiding on the far side of the house with a blunt pressed between his fingertips.
“Daniel!”
The man choked on the smoke he’d just inhaled, coughing and pounding his chest. “What the hell?” he barked. “I’m not a fucking child for you to trail my every goddamn movement.”
“I’m not trailing you, jackass. One of the sensors went off by the dock, and we’re under lockdown. Get in the house or don’t, but I’m locking the doors and setting the alarm.”
Tabitha turned and jogged back to the porch. She wasn’t putting the actual clients in danger so he could get high. Daniel didn’t look at her when he slunk up the steps and shuffled inside.
“What’s going on?” Trista called from the upstairs railing.
“Someone’s down by the water. Major went to check it out. Is Perry up there with you?”
“Yes, he’s in his bedroom.”
“Thanks.” Now, to get eyes on Craig. Florence had been in the kitchen, so everyone else was accounted for. Tabitha eased her way down the hall to Craig’s room. She paused to listen before knocking.
“I miss you too. Be good, and I’ll call you again soon.”
