Page 15 of Dead Heat

“Snacks with any sort of colorful layer will be banned from future games.”

“Rightfully so,” I lied. If you couldn’t dig your hand into a bag of orange-coated snacks, were you even playing a board game?

“We can play next time. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

“It’s fine. Like I said, my brain is on the fritz today. What can I contribute to the dinner effort?”

Otto chuckled. “I appreciate the gesture, but we both know it’s in vain. See you tonight.” He hung up.

“Hmm,” I said.

Ray scrutinized my face. “I thought you were happy about a free meal. Why do you look concerned?”

“Because I sense an ulterior motive.” I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew there was more to this invitation than a delicious meal.

“My father always said there’s no such thing as a free lunch,” Nana Pratt said.

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Although Otto had fed me plenty of times without a reason—well, other than the pleasure of my delightful company.

“If you’re concerned, why not ask him directly?” Ray said. “He seems like the type to tell you.”

“Because then I might not get the free dinner.”

Laughing, Ray shook his head. “Nobody can accuse you of not maximizing your opportunities.”

Nana Pratt looked me up and down. “You should run a brush through your hair and change your clothes. If you show up like that, he might reconsider his invitation.”

I ran my fingers through my hair, and they immediately snagged on a knot. “Point taken.”

I swapped the T-shirt with a hole at the hem for one with only the holes required to fit my head and arms. The Great Detangling took longer than expected and involved a string of curse words that chased Nana Pratt downstairs. If I was ever reborn again, I demanded silkier hair.

Once outside, I debated between the pickup truck and the motorcycle. The black cloud directly above the house made up my mind. I had no desire to enter Otto’s pristine house drenched to the bone. Been there, got the wet T-shirt.

Heidi answered the door with her usual scowl. “Good evening, Miss Clay.”

“I thought we’d be best friends by now,” I told her as I stepped past her into the house.

“Best friends are for teenagers and insecure adults, of which I am neither.” She inclined her head. “Mr. Visconti is in the Collections Room.”

“Is that where we’re having dinner?” It seemed a strange choice; if I recalled correctly, the only surfaces in that room were display tables.

“No, but that is where he asked me to send you first. Dinner will be waiting for you in the study afterward.”

I hoped my rumbly tummy behaved until then. I deliberately avoided any afternoon snacks to allow for more of Otto’s spread.

I walked along the corridor to the Collections Room. I’d only seen it once before; Otto was careful to safeguard his treasures, although it was nice to know he trusted me enough to share them with me.

The vampire sat in a plush velvet chair with his feet resting on an ottoman. Thanks to his diminutive stature, it looked like the chair was in the process of swallowing him whole.

“We’re in the special room today?” I asked.

He glanced in my direction. “All my rooms are special. It’s good to hear your voice, Lorelei.”

“You heard it a couple hours ago.”

“It sounds better when we’re in the same room. Less shrill.”

“Excuse me?”

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