Page 22 of Vampire's Vixen

“That answers that. I tried to tell him to let go of the idea, but he’s the kind of man who doesn’t seem like he wants to accept anything unless he’s faced with it head-on. I told him I’d talk to you and find out the truth.” I shrugged, feeling uncomfortable. “I tried to get him to let it go, but…”

“But…he’s a man, and a vampire at that. Stubborn asshole. How dare he just assume that I’m…that I…” She began to sputter.

“Listen, for what it’s worth, I think by me getting a definitive no from you, he’ll probably back off. But just in case, I want to talk to the sheriff and just fill him in on what’s going on. Do you have any objections to me talking to Stuart?”

Denise thought for a moment, then said, “No, I don’t. In fact, I’d rather you did. Please, keep me updated on what happens. I’ve dealt with too many men who didn’t want to take no for an answer, or who believed that I just needed to get laid by the right guy. That if I opened my legs to them, all my gayness would fly away just like magic.”

I pulled out my phone. “Do you mind if I record you telling Zandre that you aren’t interested, and that you’re not who he thinks you are? I don’t know if he’s going to believe that I actually talked to you without some proof.”

“Be my guest,” Denise said. She straightened, then looked straight into the camera of my phone as I hit the record button.

“Denise, will you please tell my client what you told me?”

She had dropped any semblance of a smile. In a flat voice, she said, “I’m not your late wife. I’m gay, and I’m married. I’m sorry, but you’ve mistaken me for someone else. I’m not interested, and you’ll have to find your lost love somewhere else.”

I ended the recording. “I’ll still have a talk with the sheriff, just to make certain we’ve covered every base. I usually keep all my clients private, but this time I just felt that I needed to intervene—the longer he goes on believing that you’re back here for him, the messier it’s bound to get.”

“You’re right, and you did a good thing. Thank you,” Denise said. “Give me your card, in case any of my friends are ever looking for a dating service.”

I handed her my card. “Thanks, Denise, and I’ll let you know what the sheriff says.”

As I waved to her and watched her slowly walk back toward the field of playing children, I decided my next stop would be at Stuart’s office. Hopefully, Zandre would gracefully accept Denise’s video and give up the idea that she was Eugenia. But I wanted backup, just in case he didn’t.

CHAPTER TEN

Stuart was at his desk when I knocked on the door. He was waiting for me—the dispatcher had pinged him that I was in the building and wanting to see him.

He stood, looking lean and tall in his uniform, and so very official. “Maisy, what a pleasure. Have a seat, please.” He motioned to the chair opposite his desk.

Stuart’s office was small, a little cluttered, but it looked very utilitarian. Everything was positioned for the best use of the space, and there seemed nothing to interrupt the flow of business. The only thing that seemed remotely out of place were the three pictures on his desk. One was of a woman about his age, the second was a picture of Moonrise Waterfall—a waterfall in the Moonrise Preserve. It was tucked up in the corner of a high, narrow hike, accessible only by foot, and it was one of our pride and joys on the island. The third picture was a picture of a woman with two children. I recognized the woman as Stuart’s sister.

“Are those your nephews?” I asked, pointing at the photo.

“How did you guess?”

“I remember your sister and what she looked like,” I said. “So, I’m assuming those are her kids? They look like twins.”

“They are—identical twins. The boys are seven now. She and Jeff—her husband—live over on the peninsula now.”

“Did they move to Whisper Hollow?” I asked, shuddering.

“No, actually. They live in a cabin in the forest, closer to Port Angeles. He’s a park ranger, and they live close to his post.” Stuart leaned back, smiling. “Those boys sure keep her on her toes.”

“I bet they do,” I said. “Listen, Stuart, I have a dilemma I need to talk over with you.”

He leaned forward. “Whatever I can do to help, Maisy. What’s wrong?”

I laid everything out for him, down to showing him the video that Denise had recorded for me. “I’m not sure whether there’s anything to worry about. That’s why I came to you. I’ve been in a situation before where I chose not to contact the police and a friend was seriously injured. She had told me not to talk to the cops, but now…Denise gave me permission to come to you. I think she’s concerned too, especially since this involves a vampire.”

Stuart let out a sigh. “This isn’t the best timing. Vampires are up in arms—or should I say, up in fangs—over the groups attempting to strip them of their rights. But I’m glad you came to me. I’d be worried too, if I were Denise. Let me take a full report, and I’ll keep it off the record, until we know whether there’s more to worry about. If Zandre accepts the situation, then good enough. If not, then we’ll be able to get the ball rolling.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I guess that’s about it. Thank you for listening, Stuart.” I gathered up my purse and tablet.

“Let me know what Zandre says. We are walking a thin line here, given he’s connected to the governing body of the Pacific Northwest Vampire Collective. But regardless of that fact, I’d feel a lot easier if you told me he’s found his soulmate and has forgotten about…” He glanced at his notes. “Denise Rober.”

I was halfway to the door when a thought struck me. “Hey,” I said, turning. “I’d like to invite you and your girlfriend over to dinner some time.”

“I’ll talk to her and get back to you,” Stuart said. “See you later.”

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