Caliber Detective Agency - Box Set - Case Files 1-6 Read Online Free PDF Page A

over from head to toe.
    “Hello granddad, it’s been a long time.”
    The old man took him in his arms and whispered in his ear.
    “It’s good to have you home boy; I love you.”
    Chris whispered back, “I love you, too.” and then the two separated.
    Kelli grabbed a compact from her purse and stared into it.
    “Oh, my mascara is running, but I was so happy to see you Chris that I cried.”
    “You look good Kelli, how’s your mom?”
    “She’s great; you should stop by and say hello.”
    “I’ll do that, and I really wish I could stay here and catch up, but I’m meeting mom at the coffee shop around the corner and then I’m off to my job interview.”
    “I was wondering why you were dressed like a stiff.” Jake said.
    “It’s the uniform of the corporate world big brother; they would never let me in the door if I showed up in jeans.”
    “Good luck with the interview, and say hello to mother.”
    “I’ll be back later.” Chris said, and then he spoke to Velma. “I hope you’ll be around then?”
    Velma stared into his eyes. “I’ll be here.”
    “Good, now I better get going or I’ll be late, and you know how mom can be.”
    Velma watched him leave and then turned around to find everyone looking at her.
    “What?”
    “My little brother has a thing for you.”
    “He was just being friendly.”
    Kelli smirked. “Yes, Caliber men are known for their friendliness, particularly when it comes to good-looking women.”
    The old man clapped Jake on the back.
    “Come back into the office, you girls too; I want to plan some sort of welcome home dinner for Chris; it can also double as a congrats on the new job party.”
    “I’ll be in soon Mr. Caliber.” Kelli said. “I just have to fix my face first.”
    ***
    C hris galloped down the stairs two at a time and then rushed through the lobby and out onto the street. He went left, turned at the corner and walked a block over to the Pegasus Coffee House.
    As soon as he walked through the door, he was shoved from behind and landed on his backside. When he looked up, he saw the customers and staff bunched together over behind the counter, as two men held guns on them. His mother was standing on the left side of the crowd. Gail Caliber looked more worried than fearful, as she sent her son a weak smile of assurance.
    A third man walked up from behind and pointed a gun at him. The man’s face was covered by a ski mask, while the other men simply had bandana’s covering their noses and mouths. All three men bore reptilian eyes that held not a hint of compassion.
    “Be cool dude and hand over your phone and wallet.”
    After a slight hesitation, Chris did as he was told. The man then grabbed a cloth sack that was tucked into his belt and tossed the wallet and cell phone inside, afterward; he pointed the gun at Chris again.
    “Sit right there on your ass and don’t move. If you try to stand, I’ll shoot you, capice?”
    Chris nodded his understanding and the man moved over to the counter where he proceeded to fill the bag with the other customer’s belongings. When he got to the man standing beside Chris’s mother, he put the gun to his temple.
    “What do you mean you don’t have a phone? A yuppie like you?”
    “I... I left it home by mistake.” The man said. He was white, about forty, and dressed in a sports jacket and designer jeans.
    The man with the ski mask pressed the gun harder against the other man’s head. “You’re lying.”
    Moments later, a shot rang out.
    ***
    F or the second time in less than an hour, Kelli cried out, “Oh my God!”
    They rushed into the outer office to find her staring at the TV in the corner. It was an old, projection style set.
    “What the hell is going on?” The old man said.
    Kelli looked over at them with eyes brimming with tears as she pointed at the screen.
    “I received a phone call from downstairs telling me to turn on channel twelve, and when I did I... it’s Chris,”
    “This is Diane Gale with a