Amanda's Got This, Hailey

By June Kramin

Book three in the Hailey series is back full force, bringing you Hunt and Amanda from the Hunter’s Find series!

Vacationing at Parker’s Colorado home was nice, but unfortunately couldn’t last forever. Alexis once again needs their help. Someone is after her father’s business, even if it means eliminating her to get it.

Donny is forced to take out an unidentified assailant, which brings in Hunter and Amanda from the FBI, searching for answers. Parker is less than thrilled to have his toes stepped on by the feds, but agrees to partner with them for Alexis’ sake.

Donny’s brother, Tyler, and his crew are called in to help. Both to protect Alexis from the unknown as well as the one man who they think may be more involved than they want to admit. Hailey pays a hefty price on the gamble, searching for answers to keep Alexis from having to leave life as she knows it, and go permanently into their protective custody.

• Language: English
• Publisher: June Kramin
• Release date: Sep 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370756018

June Kramin

Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.Being hopelessly addicted to 80′s music is her super power.

Book preview

Amanda’s Got This,

Hailey

I Got Your Back,

Hailey III

By

June Kramin

Amanda’s Got This, Hailey

I Got Your Back, Hailey III

By June Kramin

Copyright © 2016 by June Kramin

V3

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All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

…

This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

Published by Pau Hana Books

September 2016

This book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this book can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.

ISBN-13: 9781370756018

Published in the United States of America

Cover Art by Valerie Kramin

Stock images: Dreamstime

Author’s Note

Two of my favorite characters have always been Hunt and Amanda from my Hunter’s Find series. I’ve received several e-mails about continuing with that series but wasn’t sure what I was going to do after that publisher closed.

Needless to say, when they came knocking on Parker’s beach house door, I was pleasantly surprised!

I hope you are, too!

Also - I couldn’t have done this one without my tribe.

Many thanks to Stacey, Maria, Barb, and Lola for their eyeballs!! I heart your faces!

~Bug

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

About the Author

Chapter One

With my feet firmly planted through the slats, I hung over the wooden gate in the barn, watching Seth as he cleaned out the stall. Not paying any attention to me, he swung the gate open to get the wheelbarrow, then again when he went back through. As far as pilots and drivers went, he was the best. Friendship and team-wise, even better. He was irreplaceable, and simply adorable.

You really don’t have to do this, you know, I said.

He scoffed. Yeah, right. You do it.

I never said that. This is just a little out of the boundaries of what Parker expects from you, that’s all.

He shrugged as he dug the pitchfork into the pile of hay and horse poop. I honestly don’t mind. It’s not like I didn’t grow up doing it.

Instead of simply opening the gate, I swung my legs over and hopped down beside him. You grew up on a farm?

He stopped working and leaned on the pitchfork handle. This surprises you?

Well, yes, you little turd. It’s not like we’ve had a lot of time to talk.

He resumed his non-assigned chore. I suppose you’re right. I guess you thought I grew up in Vegas where you found me.

This was true. We were in need of a pilot, and he was available. What our team did broke all rules of normal in every sense. Even the name, DOUCHE, Parker used to tease Donny about our group, had stuck. The Department of Understanding and Concern, Helping Everyone. Worst acronym in the world. Yes, I married that clever man. And yes, I still feel lucky.

Since I was rescued and happily joined the ranks, everything we did happened so fast, I didn’t get much time to know everyone individually. I was glad when Seth had wanted to join us at the ranch in Colorado.

I didn’t give it much thought. I kinda had you pegged for a military brat. You have so many odd skills.

Guns, cars, and airplanes? Throw in sex and I’m just your average man.

That depends on how you want her to throw in sex.

Both of us turned to face Parker. He was wearing crappy jeans and mud boots, as if he was ready to dive into the muck with Seth.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and met his perfect bare chest with my lips. This is one of those times you really shouldn’t walk into the middle of a conversation.

I suppose not, he said as he lowered his lips to mine for a proper kiss.

Seth continued working, knowing better than to think Parker was at all threatened by him.

I was on my way out to do this, Seth. This is a little above your pay grade.

Funny, boss. No worries. Taking this shit is a little better than taking it from Donny and Kev.

Parker laughed. I’ll do you a solid and not tell either one you said that.

I can take ‘em, he said without skipping a beat as he hefted another pile into the wheelbarrow.

One of the geldings came strolling in and didn’t hesitate at the company. He walked right over to Seth and nudged his back. Seth turned around and began stroking his nose.

Which one is this?

That’s Ringo. I haven’t seen him take to a stranger so fast.

I have apple slices in my pocket.

Parker grinned. You cheat.

I didn’t want to waste any time. I appreciate the offer to come out here with you guys. I miss farm life more than I realized, but I really don’t want to be in the way.

Nonsense. We’re happy to have you, I said. If you’ve really got this, I’ll go and start on breakfast. I’ll ring the bell on the porch when it’s ready.

Sounds great, boss lady. I mean, Hailey.

I honestly didn’t think he’d ever stop calling me that. E for effort there, Seth. I turned to Parker. You going to stay and play with Seth or come in and help me?

You need me? I got all pumped to play in the horse shit, babe.

Laughing, I shook my head. You men are hopeless.

I wandered to the house alone, thinking about how fun it will be to have Seth here. He and Parker really needed some one-on-one time as well. Not that Parker and I didn’t, but our two months at his Colorado ranch were starting to be too much of it. I guess that would be our Colorado ranch. I still have a lot to get used to as far as us being married. I was still waiting for it to kick in.

Parker’s sister and her family stayed for almost two weeks. That was the most normal I’d felt in a long time. It was something else too: wonderful birth control. The kids were amazing and very well-behaved, but it was a good eye opener for us both about what it would mean to have kids running around. I was sure I wanted a little more time to ourselves, but Parker had brought kids up quite a bit in the beginning. I think it had more to do with the fact he couldn’t have kids because of his accident. I was certain that only made him more determined to have some. I imagine the break on the subject will be short-lived, but I’ll take the peace for as long as I can.

When Seth had called yesterday wondering how we were, I could tell there was something else in his voice. He’d never admit to having had enough fun, sun, and bachelor time with Donny at Parker’s home on the small island off Mexico. Even after two months, I was sure Donny wasn’t quite over Monique: our last rescue. I’d seen more than a handful of women come and go over our video chats, but I took them all for what they were: Miss Right Nows. He wasn’t looking to fill his heart, just his…Professor as he called it. I wondered when I’d stop being surprised by his Gilligan’s Island obsession.

Parker pretended to be a little put out by our alone time being interrupted, but I could tell he was ready for another face to look at other than mine. It’s not that spontaneous sex was getting old, but I was ready to dive into a book again. Old married couple indeed.

As I climbed the porch stairs, our cat, Arthur, wove himself through my legs.

You’re going to kill me someday, buddy. Aren’t there some mice for you to chase around here? As if he understood, he took off for a small shed. Good kitty.

My laptop dinged as my hand was on the doorknob. Knowing it had to be Donny, Kevin, or my parents, I ran for it. The list of people who called me wasn’t long. When I opened up the chat window, Donny was there, patiently waiting.

As gifted as Seth was with anything with an engine, Donny was ten times the genius with a computer. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do for us when it came to needing information. The way he smiled now reminded me of how I thought he and Parker were brothers when I’d first met them. They both topped the ten scale for handsome and had bods you wouldn’t be able to turn your head away from if you saw them shirtless.

Top of the mornin’ to ya, Hales, he said with a heavy Irish accent.

Are we Irish today?

He shrugged. I dunno. Does being plugged into one count?

Fighting an eyeroll, I crossed my arms. You man-whore. Isn’t that headboard filled up with notches yet?

He bit into an apple. Got an inch or so left. Seth get in okay last night?

Yup. He was up before we were, cleaning out the stable.

Where are Bert and Abby?

Of course, Donny would know the help’s names. I’m not sure why I even stopped to think about it.

Parker told them to take some time off since we were here. He really had to push them out the door.

Yeah, they aren’t ones for doing any kind of traveling. That ranch is their life.

They were beyond reluctant. Parker practically forced them to go. He said to stay away for two weeks, or they were fired.

Good for him. I’m surprised he didn’t call me to make reservations for them.

Hello…I’m capable of calling a travel agent.

He took another bite. I suppose. I’m still getting used to you too, pop tart.

I’d given up scolding him for that. After two weeks with his younger brother, Tyler, at the house with him, I imagined it wasn’t the only thing I’d have to break him of. Maybe once we were face-to-face again, he wouldn’t be so brave.

I need to get breakfast going. Did you need something?

Nah. Just checking up on the kid. He never did text and let me know he got there.

Maybe he figured you’d be tracking the plane.

True, but a little friendly courtesy would have been nice.

It wasn’t like Donny to get testy. Whatever it was, I wasn’t going to take the blunt of it. Courtesy? Uh-huh.

What’s that supposed to mean?

Immediately regretting what I had said, I had to recover before we got into another fight. I hated fighting with Donny.

Nothing, Donny. I promise. I don’t want this to turn into a fight.

He threw his head back with the pout I knew was coming. Awww, Hales. Come on. You couldn’t have stopped at the headboard comment?

Don’t, Donny. I didn’t mean to say anything. Really. I just found it funny that you out drank and out man-whored a kid almost ten years younger than you.

Hey…you vacation your way, and I’ll vacation mine.

I don’t care what you guys do. I—

So stop busting my balls. Mo’s gone, Hales, and she’s not coming back. I didn’t walk away, she did. Remember?

Donny, please. There was no winning this one. He was worse off than I thought. I was hoping to start talking him into looking for a new job for us, but he wasn’t done pouting. I love you, but I gotta start breakfast. Have a good day, okay?

Yeah. I’m really glad I called. He hit end.

I wanted to throw something, like him through a wall, but I’d be damned if I would give him the satisfaction of letting it ruin my day. I could never stay mad at him; I just wish he would stop lashing out at me. Before closing my laptop, I called my brother.

His sleepy face greeted me, his head still on a pillow.

Hey, big sis. What’s up?

Besides my blood pressure?

You fighting with Donny again?

That really pissed me off. I’m not fighting with him! I said a little too loudly.

Whoa. That tone tells me you are.

Is that what he says?

Don’t put me in the middle of it. He just says you keep busting his chops about sleeping around.

I do not.

Can we move on before you get pissed at me? What can I do for you?

You don’t need to do anything. I was just kind of hoping you and Dawn would go keep Donny company. Tyler had to get back to work and Seth showed up here last night.

He doesn’t need a babysitter, Comet. I really don’t think he could get into any more trouble on that island if he tried.

I just don’t think alone is the best thing for him.

Kevin sighed. He’ll know what we’re up to.

Talk to Dawn, would you?

You have the kid and the plane. She ain’t gonna want to fly commercial.

Would you at least call him in a day or so?

I will. I’ll call you after we talk. His eyes left the screen and he wolf-whistled. Gotta run. Dawn just got out of the shower. I like what she’s wearing.

You say nothing and I’ll puke.

He laughed and hit end.

Well, that was that. It wasn’t even eight o’clock and I’ve already been dissed for a pile of horse shit by two men, almost killed by a cat, fought with my best friend, and to top it off, now I have to fight envisioning my brother having sex with Parker’s flight attendant. Shoot me now.

I wasn’t sporting a hangover, but a Bloody Mary sounded good. We really weren’t big drinkers, but still, sometimes I worried if we all drank too much. Kevin’s voice came to mind. I’m not an alcoholic, I’m a drunk. Alcoholics have to go to those damn meetings. Although it made me smile, I capped the vodka back up and put it away. Bacon, eggs, and pancakes would have to settle for being accompanied by plain ol’ orange juice.

Parker walked in as I just finished cooking and was setting the table.

Looks great, babe. I’m going to do you a favor, though, and hop in the shower first.

My hand went to my nose. You do love me.

Join me?

Still covering my nose, I said, Pass.

Afraid Seth will know we have sex?

That made me laugh. You stink. And I mean that with the most affection possible.

Come on. The kid will have to shower, too.

Beat it, Peters.

He quirked an eyebrow. Beat it as in scram, or beat it as in—

He stopped his tease when Seth walked in. Another one of those moments where you shouldn’t walk into the conversation halfway, huh?

Parker was blushing. I don’t think I’d ever seen that before. He recovered nicely with a quick comeback.

Yeah, kid. You know the difference between a yankee and a quickie?

You think I spent several weeks with Donny and didn’t hear that one?

I stepped closer to Seth. I know I’m going to regret this, but what’s the difference?

He grinned. You do the yankee yourself.

You’re all twelve. I turned and headed for the vodka again. I swear to God, every last one of you is twelve.

Chapter Two

Parker and Seth took off immediately after breakfast. I’d say it was pointless to shower before breakfast only to go back out riding, but I was grateful over the meal for the smell of body wash versus what they smelled like earlier. I was also grateful for the alone time. I sat on the porch swing with my tablet for almost half an hour before I turned it on. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been alone since I’d met Parker.

A few chapters in, my screen came to life with Donny’s face. He was looking off to the distance, almost like he didn’t know I was there. I knew better. There wasn’t a device on this planet, and probably a few others, that Donny didn’t know how to run. He finally turned to me with a serious expression. It almost looked like he was fighting tears.

Before I could ask if he was okay, he said, I’m sorry.

No, I’m sorry, Donny. I don’t mean it to sound so whiny. I promise I’m not nagging you about Mo. I understand you need to blow off steam.

He shook his head. I’m being a douche, and not in a good sense. I do miss her more than I want to admit. Coming here was a mistake. I should have come back with the kid.

You want me to have him get you?

Nah. He was excited to spend some time with you two. Well, Peters anyway.

Hey…

He laughed. Sorry. You know what I mean. He still thinks he needs to impress the guy.

I’m doing a terrible job if he still thinks he’s on some kind of probation period. Maybe I should have you draw up adoption papers.

Smiling wide, he said, I think I will. Hey…we good?

Of course we are. You know I hate fighting with you.

But we do it so well.

Watch it, Jonas.

His eyes widened. Jonas? Are you shitting me?

"Ha! You didn’t think I knew the Skipper’s real name on Gilligan’s Island was Jonas Grumby?"

Not many do. You searching the internet to try to stay ahead of me? You’ll go down, Hales.

No doubt, but I swear I didn’t cheat. It is just up there with a bunch of other useless shit and 80s lyrics.

"Gilligan’s Island trivia is not useless shit. Them’s fightin’ words."

I held a hand up. Truce, then pretended to lock my lips.

I’m hopping on a flight home in about an hour. I just wanted to call and give you a heads up. I tried Peters, but he didn’t have his phone. Color me surprised.

He and Seth are out riding.

He should still have his phone. What if he falls off and breaks his neck?

Then his phone wouldn’t do him any good.

What if he takes a tree trunk to the nuts?

That made me snort. I hated that it didn’t take much for Donny to do that to me. You stop it, I said through my laugh. You sure you don’t want to come here?

Maybe after a few days. I have quite a bit of catching up to do. I’ve ignored almost all of Peters’ charities while I was away. I’ll have some butt-kissing and such to do for a few days at least, then we’ll talk.

Sounds good. Have a good flight. Try to stay out of the flight attendants.

You just can’t help yourself, can you?

Guess not. Love you, BFF.

Love you back, pop-tart.

And he was gone. After placing the tablet on the porch, a nap sounded better than diving back into the book.

I’m not sure how long I’d been asleep before Parker woke me, but the sun was considerably lower in the sky. I stretched wide.

You guys have a good ride?

We did. Seth really loved Ringo. That damn Paint has always had too much spunk for me, but he ate it up.

Your wife bitched that you didn’t take your cell phone.

Sorry. Did you need me?

Your other wife.

He laughed and gave me a kiss. How’s Donny handling being alone?

I reached for Parker’s watch to take a peek at the time. He should be home shortly, actually.

He left the island?

Yeah. He wanted to let you know. He said he was tired of pouting about Mo.

Your words or his?

A little of both, actually. I guess he realized sleeping around wasn’t making it hurt any less.

Damn, I’m glad I’m off the market, he said as he kissed my hand.

He said he had a lot of work to catch up on with your charities.

I had Gary on most of that. I figured Donny’d be out of commission for a while. I’d better call him. He paused. He flew out commercial?

I assumed so since we have Seth. Why? Is that bad?

Just unlike him, that’s all.

Parker tried making a call but by the way he dropped his hand, I figured there was no answer. He sent a text then joined me again.

In all fairness, he did try to call you.

Yeah, yeah. Back off, woman. He leaned down and kissed me again. I’m going to call Gary and give him a heads up. I swear he shits himself every time I call now, worried you’re going to take over his job.

I’ve told him several times I have no desire to run your affairs, Parker. How many more ways do I need to spell it out?

I’ll keep reminding him.

He started to walk away but I stopped him. Where’s Seth?

We hooked up with some other riders. He hung back with them. They had a barrel course set up not far away. Seth thought with Ringo’s spunk that he’d be great at it.

Random riders?

Yeah. I didn’t know them, but they knew Bert and Abby. They recognized the horses.

And how old and pretty are these girls?

Parker grinned. Did I say they were girls?

Somehow I don’t think Seth would have been so eager if a couple of redneck gentlemen wanted to run some barrel course.

That’s why I hired you. You and that female intuition of yours.

Hired me, huh?

Yeah. That whole kidnapping thing was just a hiring test I like to perform.

Get out, Spiderman. Go shower again.

You mean beat it? He grinned.

I stood. Nah, I’ll help you make this one a quickie. I want you to take me to dinner. The breakfast dishes did me in.

He swooped me off my feet. You have a deal, wife.

When we walked through the door at eight, Seth was on the couch with Arthur curled up and purring away on his lap. I dropped his to-go bag in front of him.

They said they couldn’t do rare, so you got medium.

He reached for it with a Thanks. That caused Arthur to apparently feel put out. He hopped down and ran off to the kitchen. That’ll work fine. I keep forgetting they changed the rules. Party poopers.

"I didn’t think you were old enough for things like that to have