Takedown (An Alexandra Poe Thriller) by Brett Battles, Robert Gregory Browne Read Free Book Online

than an old shack in need of some tender loving care. “Although I’m not sure what you see in the place.”
    He smiled again. “Location, location, location…”
    They laughed and she said, “Apparently you aren’t the only one who feels that way.”
    His brows went up. “You’ve had another offer?”
    “No, but I’ve had an uninvited guest. Someone broke in and has been sleeping here. I’m not sure for how long.”
    “Have you called the police?”
    She shook her head. “I doubt there’s much they can do.”
    “But what if he comes back?”
    “He’ll find out soon enough that I’m no damsel in distress,” she said, then gestured toward the house. “Shall we take the ten-cent tour?”
    “By all means.”
    He followed her up the steps, and they spent the next several minutes moving from room to room, Gérard snapping photos with his phone. He had seen only the exterior of the house, and yes, he had assured her, it was practically a done deal, but he wanted to make sure his client knew exactly what he was getting into.  
    Alex was almost embarrassed by the condition of the place, which could only be described as Early Garage Sale. No wonder the rentals had dried up. Funny how she hadn’t noticed this when she was nine years old. Or even the last time she was here.
    Gérard had a quiet confidence about him that went well with the smile and good looks. She didn’t often find herself admiring men—her life was too complicated for such pursuits—but there was something about this guy she found…beguiling.
    When he was done snapping photos, he said, “I don’t see anything here that would change my client’s mind, but I’ll have to send these to him and make sure he’s still interested.”
    “So, is this what you usually do? Hunt for houses for anonymous clients?”
    “That all depends, but yes, I specialize in properties that are often difficult to acquire. And houses in the Keys are hard to come by.”
    Alex was about to respond when they heard a loud clunk and hum as the ancient refrigerator in the kitchen came to life.
    “Thank God,” she said. “I was hoping the electricity would kick in before dark. They told me it might take a while.”
    “So you’re staying overnight?”
    “For a couple days, at least. If I’m gonna unload this place there’s a lot to do. We’ve collected quite a bit of junk over the last few decades.”
    “Something I’m not familiar with,” he said. “I move around too much.”
    Alex nodded. “What kind of accent is that you’re hiding? On the phone I thought French, but now I’m not so sure.”
    He gave here another smile. She wished he’d stop doing that.  
    “I was born in Belgium, but I’ve lived and traveled all over the world. I seem to collect bad habits in lieu of possessions.”
    She wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but before her imagination could run wild, she started moving toward the front door, making it clear their meeting had come to an end. She had work to do and wanted to get started.
    He got the hint and followed her, offering a hand to shake.
    She shook it and said, “How soon will you hear from your client?”
    “Tomorrow, perhaps. Maybe even as early as tonight.”
    “I’ll look forward to your call, then.”
    He glanced toward the back of the house. “What about your intruder? You’re sure you’ll be safe here alone?”
    “Don’t worry, I can handle myself.”
    He studied her. “You haven’t told me what you do for a living.”
    “I’m kinda like you,” she said. “But I hunt for people instead of houses.”
    By his look, she could see he didn’t quite believe her, but he didn’t push it. Instead, he simply flashed that smile one last time and headed through the doorway. But as he reached the top of the steps, he stopped and turned. “I have a thought.”
    “Yes?”
    “Since you’re staying over, how would you feel about having dinner? Or drinks, if you’d prefer. I’ll be in the bar at the Largo Inn