Second Story Men

By Edward Kendrick

What do you get when you put together a security guard and an electronics salesman? You get a married couple who are professional second-story men on the side.

When Amery and Myles decide to break into the home of a wealthy Denver couple, they find more than they were bargaining for -- the couple's dead bodies. Now all Amery and Myles want to do is avoid being arrested for the murders. That becomes more difficult when Fetch, a police detective and Amery's ex, shows up with questions they'd rather not answer.

Will they be able to help solve the murders without Fletch discovering that they had been at the scene of the crime -- and why?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Mar 3, 2018
• ISBN: 9781634865760

Edward Kendrick

Born and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.I began writing a few years ago after joining an on-line fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished no matter the genre or content. Since then, for the last six years, I've been writing for publication—my first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal to boot.

Book preview

7

Chapter 1

Myles looked at his husband over the top of the newspaper. When Amery caught his glance and cocked his head in question, Myles handed him the paper, tapping the item he’d been reading in the Sunday society column.

Amery’s expression brightened with anticipation as he scanned it. Very nice. The question is, will they keep it at their house, or stick it in a safety deposit box except when she’s going to show it off at some social event?

Oh, probably at their bank, unfortunately. So we’d better watch the society pages to find out which gala they’ll be attending next.

"And check out their home in the meantime. For sure, after the gala they won’t be able to get it back to the bank until the following Monday, if that is what they do with it."

Myles nodded in agreement. Tonight?

As far as casing the place? You bet. We won’t go in until we know both of them are gone.

Duh. Myles rolled his eyes.

Amery laughed. Yeah, obvious statement. Let’s take a look at a map site, to see what we’ll be dealing with initially.

Myles booted up the computer when they got to their office, went online, and input the address they needed into the map site. Bringing up the world view, in 3D, he zoomed in on the house.

Aren’t we the lucky ones, Amery said, tapping the screen. The Newells’ house has a fully roofed patio across the back. That’ll make for easier access when the time comes.

And the yard is fairly well concealed from nosey neighbors by all the trees. When will people learn that’s not their smartest move?

Hopefully never, Amery replied with a wink. There’s nice high wall around the back yard, although getting over it might be a problem, unless… He pointed to several tall pines at each end of the wall. They’re asking to be burglarized. Of course they undoubtedly have security up the wazoo.

"I’m sure. There’s stupid, and stupid. We can watch the front of the house from the parkway down the center of the avenue."

Yep. Amery checked the time. You’d better get ready for work.

Slave driver, Myles grumbled. He ceded his seat to Amery and headed upstairs to their bedroom. It was at the rear of the second floor, right off the landing—which had a railing opposite the stairs giving a view of the dining room below. Windows in the ceiling, and the exterior-facing one at the end of the bedroom, gave it and the en suite bathroom a light airy feel.

Myles changed from his sweats into slacks and a light blue shirt, checked his hair, and then got his wallet and keys from the dresser, putting them into his pockets. When he got downstairs, Amery was shutting down the computer.

I’ll see you when I get back, Myles said, giving his husband a hug.

Amery grinned. I might even have dinner ready.

Myles harrumphed. You’d better. You know how I get after putting in eight hours selling electronics to the uninformed on Sundays. A day when I’d much rather be home with you.

Grumpy and starving. Duly noted. Amery swatted his ass and kissed him seconds later, getting one in return. Love you.

Love you more, Myles replied with a wink before heading out through the living room door, crossing the back yard to the garage to get his car.

* * * *

Something smells delicious, Myles said almost nine hours later as he came into the kitchen.

Chicken and dumplings, and steamed cauliflower au gratin.

Great. Let me get changed then I’ll set the table. Or not, Myles added when he saw Amery had already done so. He went upstairs, traded his slacks and work shirt for black sweatpants and a dark blue T-shirt, and returned to the dining room. Amery had dinner on the table by the time he got there, so they sat down to eat.

How was your day? Amery asked.

Not bad. For a change, most of the people I dealt with knew what they wanted. Those that didn’t were willing to take my suggestions. Myles chuckled. Probably, because they wanted to get finished in a hurry so they could go home or wherever to enjoy the beautiful day.

It was a nice one. I took a long bike ride.

Myles arched an eyebrow. Let me guess. You rode past the Newells’ place.

I did. A Mercedes was parked in the driveway behind the house and I saw a Lexus in the garage. No, I didn’t sneak into the garage. The door was open. There wasn’t anything that indicated they have any kids still living at home.

One of the cars could belong to a son or daughter.

Nope, Amery replied. I checked when I got back. They’re both registered to Mr. Newell, although I’d bet the Lexus is his wife’s. I also found out the son is back east, visiting his mother and her new husband and the daughter’s upstate with her fiancé, all according to her Facebook page.

Good. One less thing to worry about. As soon as we’ve finished dinner, let’s take a stroll around their neighborhood.

An hour later, when it was beginning to get dark, the two of them were casually walking down the block in front of the Newells’ home.

Left at the next street corner, Amery said. It took them past the side of the house, and another left took them down a very well-maintained alley. Over the wall surrounding the Newells’ back yard, they could see the patio roofs and the second floor windows without any problem, as Amery pointed out. "Unfortunately, thanks to the wall, we can’t see the back yard