Page 31 of Top Secret Vampire

“No,” Reese poked his chest, her face bright with color. “You watch out. Don’t think you can threatenme.”

A low growl rumbled in my chest, and Flint darted inside his office, slamming the door.

We left and went to her SUV, climbing inside again.

“I can’t believe those two have known each other for years and are getting married.” She white knuckled the steering wheel. “She hates this town, but she never mentioned knowing anyone here. However, this is a bonus for me. After his threat, I no longer need to give him an endorsement for his book.”

I squeezed her hand before releasing it so she could drive us into town. “If they’re both involved, we’ll ensure they pay.” In one way or another.

No one challenged the true mate of a vampire and came out the victor.

We parked in the lot across from Monsters, PI, and strolled down the road to the historical society’s office, but the door was closed and locked. The sign said they wouldn’t be open for a couple of days.

“Where next?” Reese leaned against the brick wall of the quaint building.

“Everything else I need to look into can be done online.”

“I have an idea.” The smile she gave me made everything inside me quiver. “Let’s go to the bookstore next to Mythical Muffin. They messaged me that they’d ordered a bunch of my books and asked if I’d stop in and sign them. Readers love buying books with the author’s signature. I’ve also got some swag on my backseat, and I can put a custom bookmark inside each as an extra goodie. After that, we can pick up some items for tomorrow’s breakfast at Mythical Muffin.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

After collecting the swag from her car, we strolled down the sidewalk, passing the bakery with a sweet scent drifting around us. We went inside Cryptid Book Den. While Reese walked up to the counter to speak with the older woman working there, I studied the choices on the shelves, looking specifically for Reese’s books. I wanted to buy a copy of each and read them.

Oddly enough, I couldn’t find any on the alphabetized shelf. Perhaps they’d put them on an endcap.

Not there, either.

Were they sold out? That would make sense. She was a local author, and they’d be sure to highlight that fact. Tourists loved buying things created by people living in the area.

“What do you mean?” Reese stood at the counter, her hand to her throat, horror filling her face.

I stalked over to stand with her, scowling at the woman standing behind the counter.

“They pulled all my books off the shelf.” Tears shimmered in Reese’s eyes.

“You do understand.” The woman squirmed under my glower. “Honestly, I don’t believe you plagiarized one bit, but I have to do what my boss says. He said the accusations are credible, and he told me in no uncertain terms that we were not going to sell even one book for you again.”

Chapter 13

Reese

Isat in my driver’s seat, struggling not to sob. “I didn’t plagiarize anyone,” I whispered, not daring to look Wolfram’s way. “You believe me, don’t you?”

I’d questioned the clerk further, and she admitted that rumors were circulating in all the book forums that I’d copied the work of a less famous thriller author. They’d showed examples, and while there was a similarity to the story in questions, and I’d pointed out that the book I was accused of copying had been published after hers, the clerk was insistent.

“I love your work,” she’d told me in a low voice, glancing toward the door to the office behind the long counter. “I’ve read all your books, and I don’t believe it for a minute, but I only work here. I spoke up for you, if that helps, but the boss was insistent.”

“Damn Tracy,” I snarled, smacking my palm on the steering wheel. “She’s involved in this. I know she is. And I’d bet anything Flint’s involved too.”

“We need to tell Detective Carter.”

I called him and explained, and he said he’d arranged to speak with Tracy tomorrow but that he’d also make a point of chatting with Flint. He told me to get a lawyer.

“Know any lawyers?” I asked after I hung up. “Good ones.”

“I know shark lawyers.” He held up his phone. “Would you like me to speak to one of my friends?”

“Please and thank you.” I couldn’t believe this was happening. How could I do damage control for something like this?

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