Chapter 12

TWELVE

K ira couldn’t help but laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. “Okay, okay, let’s focus. We need to figure out who has the means, motive, and opportunity to pull something like this off.”

They dove into the files, each of them taking a stack and combing through the information with a fine-toothed comb. As they worked, a few names began to stand out, each one more suspicious than the last.

“What about this guy?” Nash said, holding up a file with a photograph of a middle-aged man with a severe expression. “Jonson Gates. Apparently, he used to work for Gerri as an assistant, but she fired him a few years back for ‘unethical practices.’ Says here he was pretty bitter about it too. There’s also Silvia Henry who’s another disgruntled employee.”

Kira’s eyebrows shot up, and she snatched the file from Nash’s hand. “Back it up. Unethical practices? In a paranormal dating agency? That’s gotta be pretty bad.”

Rex leaned over her shoulder, his breath warm against her ear as he studied the file. “Looks like he’s got a history of manipulating matches for his own gain. Blackmail, extortion, you name it. Guy’s a real piece of work.”

Kira nodded, a feeling of unease settling in her gut. “Definitely worth looking into. Who else do we have?”

“So there’s Silvia, but that’s the only other employee,” Kira said.

“What about rival agencies?”

She nodded. “That’s a good possibility. Maybe look into rejected clients too?” she tapped her chin. “There’s really only one name there, Frank Dupont, but I’ll look into him too.” They continued to comb through the files, each new piece of information adding to the puzzle. There was the disgruntled client who had threatened to sue Gerri after a particularly disastrous match, the rival agency owner who had been trying to poach her clients for years, and the ex-employee who had been caught stealing confidential information.

“It’s like a paranormal version of Clue,” Nash joked, holding up three files with a flourish.

“All right, let’s start with this couple,” Kira suggested, pointing to the first names on their list. “An elderly vampire and a young witch. According to their complaint, the date was a total disaster.”

Rex and Nash nodded in agreement, and the trio headed out to interview the mismatched couple. They met at a cozy coffee shop, the neutral location putting the vampire and witch more at ease.

As the couple recounted their disastrous date, Kira had to stifle a laugh at the chaotic details. From mismatched interests to comical magical mishaps, the story was a mix of frustration and hilarity. She diligently took notes, trying to piece together any clues that might point to the fraudster.

Next up was an even more unlikely pair - a werewolf and a dolphin shifter. As they shared their equally calamitous date experience, complete with amusing anecdotes about water mishaps and cultural misunderstandings, Kira couldn’t help but chuckle. The absurdity of these mismatched dates provided some much-needed comic relief amid the serious nature of their investigation.

As they continued interviewing more mismatched couples, Kira started to notice patterns emerging in the sabotage. Each bad match seemed meticulously designed to create maximum chaos and dissatisfaction.

She discussed her observations with Rex and Nash, who readily agreed that the fraudster wasn’t just targeting Gerri’s business, but actively trying to cause as much disruption as possible.

Working together with Rex and Nash, Kira felt a growing sense of partnership. Their different approaches and strengths complemented each other perfectly, making the investigation more efficient and thorough. Rex’s commanding presence and Nash’s analytical mind balanced out her own investigative skills, creating a powerful team dynamic.

As lunchtime rolled around, Rex and Nash insisted that Kira join them at their house for a homemade meal. Kira hesitated at first, not wanting to impose, but the hopeful looks on their faces were impossible to resist.

“Come on, Kira,” Nash cajoled. “You can’t say no to Rex’s famous grilled steaks. They’re like little slices of heaven on a plate.”

Rex grinned, puffing out his chest with mock bravado. “It’s true. I’ve been known to make grown men weep with my culinary skills.”

Kira laughed, shaking her head in amusement. “Well, how can I say no to that? Lead the way, boys.”

When they arrived at Rex and Nash’s house, Kira was struck by how warm and inviting it felt. The walls were decorated with photos of the two of them and their families, the furniture cozy and well-worn. It was clear that this was a home, not just a place to sleep.

As Rex fired up the grill and Nash chopped vegetables for a salad, Kira couldn’t help but watch in awe at the way they moved around the kitchen. It was like a carefully choreographed dance, each one anticipating the other’s needs and moving in perfect sync.

Nash would toss Rex a seasoning bottle without even looking, knowing instinctively which one he needed. Rex would slide a cutting board over to Nash just as he finished chopping one vegetable and was ready to move on to the next. They worked together seamlessly, their banter and laughter filling the air.

Kira felt a pang of longing as she watched them, a sense of yearning for the easy intimacy and companionship they shared. She had never had that before, had never allowed herself to get close enough to anyone to experience it.

She told them about her love of puzzles and mysteries, about the thrill she got from unraveling a particularly knotty case. And in return, they shared their own stories, their hopes, dreams, and fears.

By the time the steaks were sizzling on the grill and the salad was tossed and ready, Kira felt like she had known Rex and Nash for years. They had a way of making her feel seen, of making her feel like she mattered.

As they sat to eat, the conversation turned playful and flirtatious, Rex and Nash trading quips and innuendos with practiced ease. Kira found herself blushing and laughing, her heart racing every time one of them fixed her with a heated gaze or brushed against her arm.

“So, Kira,” Rex said, his voice low and teasing. “What do you think of our house? Think you could see yourself spending more time here? Like forever?”

Kira nearly choked on her steak, her eyes widening at the implication behind his words. “I...I don’t know,” she stammered, feeling suddenly flustered. “I mean, it’s a lovely home, but...”

“But what?” Nash asked, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. “Don’t tell me you’re scared of a couple of big, bad wolves.”

Kira huffed out a laugh, shaking her head. “Hardly. I just...I don’t want to overstep. I don’t even know what to call this.”

“This?” Rex prompted, his blue eyes intense and searching. “It’s a triad. A solid bond and connection between the three of us.”

Kira swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “I...I don’t know,” she admitted. “I’ve never felt like this, never wanted anyone the way I want you both. But...but we have a job to do, a case to solve. I can’t let my feelings get in the way of that.”

Nash reached out and took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “Kira, listen to me. What we’re doing, what we’re building here...it’s not just about the case. It’s about us, about the connection we share. And that’s not something you have to put on hold or push aside.”

Rex nodded, his expression serious and sincere. “Nash is right. We’re not asking you to choose between your feelings and your job. We’re asking you to trust us, to believe that we can have both. That we can solve this case and build something real and lasting, all at the same time.”

Rex took one of her hands and kissed her palm while Nash took the other and kissed the back of her hand. Her heart tripped over itself at the flood of emotions. They really cared. She didn’t understand it, but they did. She wasn’t sure how to come to grips with that.

As they wrapped up the day’s interviews, Kira felt an even stronger trust in Rex and Nash. Their dedication to helping her and genuine concern for Gerri’s plight was impressive and heartwarming. The bond between the three of them grew with Kira feeling more comfortable and open with each passing moment. She couldn’t help but start envisioning a future where she could be a part of their triad - a thought both thrilling and terrifying.

Back at Kira’s apartment, the trio reviewed their findings from the day and planned out their next steps. They compiled all the information gathered so far and strategized on how to approach the remaining suspects.

With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Kira was ready to tackle the next phase of the investigation. She couldn’t wait to see what challenges and triumphs the case would bring with Rex and Nash by her side every step of the way.

Just as Rex and Nash were about to leave, Kira remembered her plans with Nash for the evening - a date at the county fair. A thrill of anticipation ran through her as she ushered them out so she could get ready.

As the door closed behind them, Kira leaned against it and let out a contented sigh. The future was looking brighter than ever, filled with the promise of love, laughter, and endless adventures. She couldn’t wait to see where this journey would take her, but one thing was certain - with Rex and Nash by her side, anything was possible.