I nodded. “I needed to speak with Kai. Is he around?”
“He is almost always here. Come on in,” she said and pushed the screen door open to allow me through.
I stepped in and was astonished by all the changes Cassie had made to the place. I raked my gaze over the front room just admiring everything. The windows were free of dirt and dust, and allowed in the light from the outside which created a nice warmth to the space. The floorboards shone with fresh wax. All the dust that had coated everything was cleared. Even from in the corners of the ceiling. There was a strange scent that filled the air as well. What it was escaped my recollection, and I didn’t bother with trying to figure it out. I had other more pressing matters to address.
“Well, this place looks very different,” I said. “You definitely had a positive effect on things here.”
“Thank you. The place needed a more feminine touch, don’t you think?” she said.
I nodded. “It’s quite an improvement.”
“Make yourself at home,” Cassie said, gesturing toward the couch. “I’ll go let Kai know you’re here.”
Cassie took off down the hall that led to the bathroom and two bedrooms. I took another gander around the place as I took a seat on the couch. Even the fireplace was free from soot. And scrubbed clean to the point I could pick out each individual brick and where it’s mortar laid.
“Who’s here?” Chase called from the kitchen.
“It’s only me, Chase,” I said and twisted toward the kitchen.
Chase poked his head around the corner.
I nodded, meeting his gaze.
“Oh. Hey Marcus,” he said. “What brings you by?”
“I had some information for Kai,” I said.
Jasper stepped out of the hall and into the living room. “Marcus, what a nice surprise.”
“I’m afraid I’m not here for good reasons,” I said.
“Oh?” he asked, continuing to move into the living room he took a seat on the opposite end of the couch. “What’s up?”
“I have news regarding the traps,” I said. “Specifically, news for Kai.”
Jasper nodded and leaned against the back of the couch and crossed his arms over his chest. Cassie came back in and joined his side.
“He’s on his way,” she said.
“Thank you,” I said and nodded once. Seconds later, Kai entered the room, pulling down his t-shirt over the waistband of his jeans before running his hands through his hair as he made his way to the seat next to me.
“Hey Marcus,” he said. “You needed me?”
I nodded. “I have information about the traps. Particularly news involving you.”
“I’m listening,” he said. His eyes stared at me, filled with caution. His lips curved downward.
“You may want to take a seat,” I suggested.
He shook his head. “I’m fine. Tell me.”
“They were placed for you,” I said. “You wouldn’t happen to be able to tell me why that is, would you?”
Kai took a seat as his lungs deflated. He leaned forward, lowering his head to his chest. He huffed as he propped himself up on his knees. A few moments later, he nodded. In a low, barely audible voice he said, “I killed someone.”
I sucked in a breath and arched an eyebrow. “Who?”
“I would like to know when,” Chase said.