Mrs. Morris and the Vampire

by Traci Wilton

  “Wait!” Charlene turned back into the room. “Did Alaric know Serenity before he left New Orleans?”

  Orpheus, no longer in Brandy’s sight line, leaped from the edge of his mattress and shoved both women to the hall, slamming the door.

  The chain lock slid shut behind them.

  Charlene and Brandy stared at one another, then Brandy pounded on the door. “Let me in. Answer the question.”

  “I’m calling the cops if you don’t leave. Now,” Orpheus shouted.

  “We have to go,” Charlene said, pulling Brandy down the hall. “We can ask more questions later, but right now he’s probably a little ticked off at your show of witch power.”

  “Why did you ask him that?” Brandy demanded.

  “It was how he said that Alaric had told him he’d find a witch. Serenity. I could be completely wrong, but it made me wonder.”

  Brandy glared back at room 312, then pressed the elevator button. “You’re right. We’ll have to question him later. At least we have confirmation that Alaric had a ‘witch blood’ plan for immortality—not a thing, by the way. What an idiot. Desperate, or deluded, people will believe the strangest things.”

  “You’re pretty amazing, with your ability to get information like that. I’ve never seen you use your powers before.”

  “Why would I?” Brandy’s gaze hardened. “In a normal day, I believe in live and let live. Alaric messed with the wrong witch, and now Orpheus. Serenity must be cleared of any hint of responsibility in Alaric’s death.”

  “Do you believe Orpheus didn’t do it, as he said?”

  “Yes. Unfortunately.”

  “What about Elisabeta?”

  “Possibly her, that I believe.”

  The ladies reached the hotel lobby and went outside of the Longmire Hotel. The clerk acted as if she didn’t see them.

  Charlene zipped up her jacket as the afternoon had gotten colder. Gray clouds covered any hint of sun. “I have to be getting back to the B and B. What’s next for you?”

  “Pots full of cleansing sage tea for Serenity. Hopefully Mom and I can find out how Alaric found her.”

  They heard the sound of balcony doors opening above them on the third floor.

  “Isn’t that Orpheus’s room? Maybe he wants to tell us that secret about Alaric,” Charlene said, peering up through the elm trees.

  Brandy pushed her out of the way just as Orpheus hit the sidewalk next to them. “Orpheus?”

  Charlene gasped. He lay still and she knew in her bones that he was dead.

  CHAPTER 7

  Charlene shrieked when Orpheus’s hand twitched. His eyes were open, his jaw slack, his head at an odd angle. His legs were splayed, his dark curls snagged on the one visible diamond earring.

  Brandy tossed her long braid. “Let’s just leave him and call the cops on the way home, anonymously.”

  “We can’t do that!” Oh, but Charlene so didn’t want to be involved. Sam would give her hell for sure. She knelt down and bent her ear over Orpheus’s mouth, her gaze on his unmoving chest in the open black silk shirt. “He’s not breathing.” She put a finger to his wrist but found no pulse.

  The clerk raced outside. “What was that?” she asked, wide-eyed.

  “Is he dead?” Brandy snapped nervously.

  “Yes.” Charlene cringed at being so close to another death. They’d just been talking five minutes before when he’d been angry, but alive. “Call the police right away.”

  The clerk lifted her phone. “I’m doing it right now.”

  Oh, Sam. If only I could call you. But I know you’d never forgive me this time.

  Brandy unlocked her car with a beep of the fob in her hand. “Let’s go. Hanging around here won’t bring Orpheus back to life. Do you think he jumped because he’s guilty?”

  Blood pounded between Charlene’s temples and she winced. “I can’t leave. Isn’t it against the law to leave the scene of a crime?”

  “No crime, Charlene. It was a clear suicide brought on by intense guilt. You can call Sam on the way, but I want to get home to Serenity.”

  “I thought you believed him when he said he didn’t kill Alaric.”

  “You are such a goody-goody, aren’t you?” Brandy pulled at her sleeve and nudged her toward the passenger side of the Porsche. “Maybe I was wrong. It happens.”

  Charlene gritted her teeth. “I’m waiting for the police. Go on ahead and I’ll take a cab to your house to get my car.”

  Brandy blew out a breath. “Have it your way, then. But I’m not saying a word that will tie me to this wannabe vamp, got it? I have to protect Serenity until we find out more.”

  “I understand.” Charlene turned to Orpheus and studied his lax and broken body. His mouth had pulled back to reveal his elongated eyeteeth. “Brandy, check this out. Are those real, you think?”

  Brandy peered over at Orpheus. “He said he didn’t have supernatural powers—I’m assuming that means he didn’t have fangs.”

  The ambulance and police car arrived with blazing lights and loud sirens. Charlene was grateful that Sam’s blue SUV didn’t show up too.

  Brandy’s mouth was pinched, but she stayed by Charlene’s side.

  Officer Jimenez got out of the car and skewered her with stony gray eyes. The policewoman didn’t much care for Charlene and the last time they’d met, the officer had wanted to arrest Charlene and throw her in the slammer.

  “Ms. Morris. What’s going on?” Officer Jimenez asked.

  Charlene smiled politely, knowing she was screwed. Sam would find out about this before she had a chance to call him and her story about errands would go up in smoke.

  “Hi. We were just leaving when this man jumped from his window. We think.”

  Brandy stuffed her hands in her jacket pockets and gave her Porsche a longing look.

  The EMTs surrounded Orpheus and immediately loaded his body into the back of the ambulance. The driver murmured something to Officer Jimenez, and then the vehicle sped off toward Salem Hospital.

  “Can we go?” Brandy shuffled her feet to convey that she was chilled.

  The officer ignored Brandy and asked Charlene, “Did you know this man?”

  “I think his name is Orpheus, and I met him last night at the witch ball.”

  “What were you doing at his hotel?” The officer lifted a suspicious brow. “Spend the night?”

  “No, I did not.” Charlene bristled.

  The clerk waved to the officer, falling apart in tears. “I have all his information, Officer. I can show you.”

  Jimenez glared at Charlene, then Brandy. “I know where to reach you. I’ll be in touch later this afternoon. I suggest you go home and stay there.”

  She sauntered inside the hotel to deal with the clerk.

  Brandy clasped Charlene’s arm. “That woman loathes you.”

  “Yeah. It’s a long story. But for now? Let’s get out of here before she tries to toss me in jail again.”

  They hurried into the Porsche and Brandy put the pedal to the metal. Charlene gave Brandy a watered-down version of what had happened that summer, gasping as Brandy took a corner like a professional NASCAR driver. “Hey!”

  Normally having trees fly by in blurs would make Charlene sicker than a dog, but she clung to the seat and prayed to be delivered safely as they sped down narrow county roads at eighty miles an hour. No hurling. She pointed to the speedometer and stuttered, “You—trying—to—kill us?”

  Brandy laughed and pressed the pedal harder. “Witches fly and that’s what we’re doing now.”

  “I’d like to get to your house in one piece.”

  “You’re actually a bit green, so I’ll slow down.” Brandy glanced at Charlene. “That wasn’t the first time you’ve seen a dead body?”

  “No. It doesn’t get easier.” Charlene closed her eyes and rubbed the crease between her brow. “What about you?”

  “Not my first time either.” Brandy didn’t elaborate but inserted a CD into the player. Soothing
music sounded from the speakers—New Age stuff that actually calmed Charlene down.

  They reached the vineyard and the Flint home. “Here we are, in one piece as requested. Try some chamomile tea for your stomach, and a lavender sachet for ten minutes over your eyes in a dark room for your head. Trust me.” Brandy slipped out of the car and grabbed her bag and keys.

  “I won’t come in, but give my regards to Evelyn and Serenity. Thanks for an insane afternoon. Now to call Sam and confess everything, hopefully before that officer rats me out.”

  Charlene slid behind the wheel of her Pilot and waved goodbye to Brandy. She’d learned a lot about her friend this afternoon. Witches were real. Vampires, to her knowledge, were not.

  She arrived at Charlene’s after a slow, easy drive where her call to Sam went to voice mail—but she’d tried.

  “I’m home!” she called, entering the kitchen full of delicious smells—spice and sugar both.

  Minnie took one look at her and gave her a hug. “Are you all right?”

  “I’m much better now, thank you,” Charlene said. “Sorry that I was late. My errands ran over.”

  Minnie indicated the platter of happy hour treats she’d created. “It was nice and quiet. I got to sit down and watch a little telly with my feet up. Lovely, I must admit.”

  Charlene eyed the almond-covered brie. The spinach tarts. “These look amazing.” She and Brandy never had eaten—no wonder she was starving. “I’m sure the guests will enjoy them. I know I will.”

  “The LaFleurs returned about a half hour ago. They’re upstairs resting, but will be down soon, I expect. The Chesterfield, Patterson, and Hernandez couples aren’t back yet, or the singles.”

  That eased the guilt Charlene had been feeling at leaving Minnie without Avery to assist while she’d been gone.

  Minnie grabbed her coat from the corner coat-tree, put it on, and then a hat with squirrel ears and tail. “Gift from the grandkids.” She shrugged, a good sport.

  Charlene laughed, her headache receding now that she was home. “Say ‘hello’ to that charming husband of yours.”

  “Will? I wouldn’t call him a charmer—he barely mumbles two words at dinnertime, then either works on a puzzle or watches TV until he falls asleep. My hero.” With a sunny smile, Minnie headed out the door. It was only half past four, but it would be dark by five now that it was fall.

  Charlene dashed off to take a quick shower and change her clothes, feeling dirty after the day she’d had.

  Jack was waiting for her when she made it to her sitting room, striding back and forth before the television he had on low. “Thank God you’re home!”

  “What?” Charlene sat at her desk, noting his alarm.

  “I was worried about you.” He gave her a sheepish look. “After our argument earlier concerning Sam, I wanted to apologize. I shouldn’t have sulked off. I waited, watching the clock. Then it was after four . . . You’re always home for happy hour with the guests.” He knelt and peered into her eyes. “You’re all right?”

  “I am, of course.” If she’d been in a better mood, she might have thought it was amusing—explaining herself to a ghost. But he cared about her, as she did him.

  “You had lunch with Brandy?”

  “Not exactly.” She folded her hands in front of her. “I know I’m going to get ambushed by Sam later, and I really can’t take it from you too.”

  He relaxed enough to give her a quick smile. “Tell me what you can.”

  “It’s complicated.” She pointed to the kitchen. “Minnie made snacks and I’ll need to get drinks for our guests.”

  “Fine. I know the drill.” He stood up. “I can follow you.”

  “And have everyone think I’m talking to myself?” She shook her head. “I’ll have to give you the short version.”

  “I’m all ears.”

  Charlene’s stomach rumbled. “As you know, I had a date with Brandy for lunch, but when I called, she asked me to come to their house instead and console Serenity.”

  “Oh?”

  “Serenity was a wreck. She loves Alaric, like, completely brokenhearted.”

  “Odd!” Jack tilted his head. “She’s only known him for such a brief time.”

  “Yes, well, she really fell for his spiel. You’d think an intelligent, beautiful girl with centuries of witches to lean on wouldn’t succumb to a self-proclaimed vampire.” She shivered, remembering the coffin at Elisabeta’s dark house. “Just the thought of spending an eternity with a man who sucks blood, or in his case drinks it from a cup, and sleeps in a coffin, makes my head spin.”

  Jack raised his arm to his side. “Vampires have a romantic reputation—maybe that appealed to her.”

  “Imagine never seeing daylight again, or going to a beach, hanging out with good friends and sharing a laugh or two—gone forever. That would be terrible. Surely you can concede that being a ghost is better than dead?”

  He chuckled. “You have a valid point.”

  “Well, after calming Serenity down, I was ready to come home, but Brandy said that I owed her for all the times I’d suspected her of nebulous misdoings and she insisted that I accompany her to Alaric’s rental house to ask Elisabeta about Alaric.” She gulped, recalling how Orpheus had died. “And Orpheus . . . he—”

  “Were they together?”

  “No, and that Elisabeta is a dingbat. Orpheus.” She clasped her fingers together tightly. “He’s dead, Jack.”

  “Oh no.”

  “We’d stopped by his hotel to ask him about Alaric, and he tossed himself off the balcony after answering Brandy’s questions.” Her headache returned and she stood up. “We were on the sidewalk, ready to leave. Bam.” She glanced to the kitchen. “I hear folks moving around. It was awful, and I know Sam is going to be furious that we were there.”

  Jack escorted her to the door. “Have fun if you’re able.”

  Charlene passed through the kitchen to the living room, where her guests were all accounted for, even the lanky guy with Celeste. Everyone seemed to be at ease. “Glad to see you found the wine. I’ll be right back with a platter of apps that Minnie made.”

  She returned to the kitchen, where the tray was already made and covered in Saran Wrap. All she had to do was remove the plastic and serve. Minnie was a certified angel.

  A few almonds helped tide her over as Charlene popped open another bottle of red and left it on the counter. She gathered together small plates, forks, and napkins, placed them on top of the heavy platter, and carried it to her guests.

  “Hey, Charlene? Need any help?” Celeste rose from her spot by the fire where she’d been talking to Tommy, Joey, and Asher. What was he still doing here?

  Joey and Tommy had been on either side of Celeste, and she wondered if the guys had competition for Celeste’s affections.

  “Thanks.” Charlene set the heavy dish on a sideboard. “If one of you bartenders would grab the open cabernet on the counter, that would be a big help.”

  “I’ll get it,” Tommy said.

  “And pour a glass for me, please?” She’d earned it after her rough day.

  Tommy gave her a thumbs-up and headed for the kitchen.

  Celeste went to the open bottle of white on the sideboard. “Anybody need a refill?” Emma and Malena raised their hands.

  What a sweetheart. Charlene put the plates and napkins on both sides and the two platters in the middle. “Help yourself, everyone. I apologize for the late start and hope it doesn’t interrupt your dinner plans.”

  The warm brie, baked in phyllo, was covered in almonds and berries with fancy crackers and small chunks of artisan bread on the side. Spinach tarts and pumpkin bread were on the other. Bean dip and chips. Her stomach rumbled, but she would wait until her guests had all eaten first.

  Tommy returned with the red and gave Charlene a wonderfully full glass. “Thank you—now get in line.” She sipped.

  Celeste brought the bottle to the sideboard and gestured for Charlene to come to the foyer, where sh
e murmured, “I hope it’s okay that Asher is staying with me in my room? I mean, I can pay more, if you want.” Her cheeks were pink. “Since there’s two of us.”

  The room had a full-sized bed, but if the girl wanted to share it, it made no difference to Charlene. “It’s fine. Will he be leaving with you on Wednesday?”

  Her pretty eyes glittered with infatuation. “I’ve been talking up Jersey City, but I don’t know that Tommy and Joey are quite as on board.”

  Charlene nodded but kept quiet. She’d seen how Tommy stole peeks at Celeste. Celeste might think they were all just friends, but she’d bet Tommy thought differently.

  Young love.

  “What’s his name? For my records, is all.”

  “Asher Torrance. Isn’t he cute?”

  “He is,” Charlene said. “Love his blue eyes.”

  “Me too.” Celeste sighed.

  Charlene bit her tongue before she warned the girl to be careful. It wasn’t her place. “Is he from around here?”

  Celeste shrugged. “I haven’t asked. Hard to believe we just met last night, but it was instant chemistry. Even if it’s only for a few more days, no regrets. Life is short, right? I mean, that Alaric guy is dead. Just like that.”

  “Life is short.” Charlene agreed wholeheartedly. “Where’d you hear about Alaric?”

  Celeste waved at Asher, distracted. “Dunno. Talk to you later?” But the young lady was already crossing to Asher, practically floating on air.

  Her skin dotted with a chill, then Jack said, “Celeste is besotted, but I’m not sure about her guy. Asher seems a little jumpy. Constantly looking over his shoulder.” Silva joined them, squeezing between Jack’s legs—or what should be his legs.

  Annoyed, the Persian’s tail shot up in the air, and she took off to the fourth step of the staircase, licking her paws.

  Charlene chuckled at Jack and Silva’s antics. “I’ll keep my eye on him.”

  The line for the buffet had shortened, and she got behind Tommy and Joey as they scooped up treats. She chose a plate, not too concerned about Asher. In the past year her business had hosted strangers week after week, but Charlene had an unseen protector. She never had to worry as long as she had Jack.