“Because I like a challenge. Besides, it’s only temporary. I’ve been working for an up-and-coming actor named Will Kandinsky, but he’s on hiatus and won’t need me again until the end of July when he starts work on his next picture. Will and Harper just finished filming a movie together, and I saw first-hand how scattered Harper’s become in my absence. So, my plan is to spend the next four months getting him organized, and then I’ll hire my successor, someone who’ll keep him on track.” Also, Harper kept throwing money at me to get me to come back to work for him. It got to the point where I just couldn’t refuse.
Kel said, with total sincerity, “I’ll be sorry to see you go in July.”
“You just met me.”
“I know, but you’re a nice person, Phoenix. Not everyone would have helped me catch those hens.”
Just then, a metallic blue Tesla convertible appeared over the crest of the hill, and a few moments later, Harper pulled up in front of us. He looked good, but then he always did. His white tank top showed off his big arms and shoulders, and his dark blond hair glistened in the midday sunlight as he flashed his perfect smile. He reminded me of a commercial designed to lure tourists to California.
“Hi, guys,” he said, as he moved his mirrored sunglasses to the top of his head. “What’re you doing?”
“Just waiting for roadside assistance. I locked my keys in the car,” I told him. “Kel’s keeping me company while I wait.”
“Do you two know each other?”
“We just met.” I left out the part about the chickens, because I didn’t want Kel to get in trouble.
Harper seemed confused. No wonder. My Bronco was sitting in the middle of the street about three blocks from his house with the motor running, and I’d given him no explanation for how I’d managed to lock myself out. Good thing he didn’t look at the SUV, because he would have seen the rust-colored hen peering at us through the tinted driver’s side window.
Instead of asking for clarification, he said, “Do you need anything?”
“Nope. We’re good.”
“Okay then. I’m running to the market, because Tris needs some scallions. I’ll be back in about twenty minutes. Let yourself in and make yourself comfortable if you finish up before I get back.”
I nodded, and after he drove off, I turned to Kel and asked, “Who’s Tris?”
“His name’s actually Tristan, and he’s the new chef Harper hired last week. He’s this super hot guy with tatts and big muscles, and it’s really fun to watch him cook.” Kel shook his head, like he couldn’t quite believe it. “That whole household is something else. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
I knew exactly what he meant. My job as a personal assistant had put me in a lot of truly over-the-top homes, but Harper’s won hands down for most chaos and excess.
We heard the click of a lock a moment later, and I leapt up and dove for the SUV. Before I could open the door, it clicked again. I jiggled the handle anyway to confirm I was still locked out, then spent a long moment staring at the chicken through the window as I asked, “What did you say this one is called?”
“Pox.”
“Seems appropriate.” I took off the flannel shirt I was wearing over a gray T-shirt and tied it around my waist. Then I leaned against the door with a sigh. It was warm for late March, even by Southern California standards.
After a pause, I asked, “So, who else is at the house today, besides the new chef?”
He thought about that before saying, “Hudson is probably home, since he never goes anywhere. The gardener, pool guy, and personal trainer already came and went, and the housekeeper is off today, so I guess that’s it.”
Hearing that name surprised me, because as far as I knew, Harper and his younger brother really didn’t get along. I asked, “How long has Hudson been there?”
“A month, I think? He’s recovering from surgery and super grumpy, so everyone tries to give him a lot of space.”
A few minutes later, the guy from roadside assistance arrived. He popped the lock, then frowned at the chickens and asked, “What the hell’s going on in there?”
“Long story.” I handed over a credit card and quickly grabbed the door, before Pox could jump onto the handle and lock me out again.
Kel hurried around to the passenger side and climbed into the SUV, then relocated the chickens into the backseat while the guy handed me my card and a receipt. Once he took off, I started to climb into the SUV, then noticed one of the chickens had crapped all over the driver’s seat. I shot Kel a look, and he said, “I’m sorry. I’ll clean it up as soon as we get to the house.”