He sounded so earnest. Someone without my years of experience likely would fall for it.
“Stop, Derek. You’re embarrassing yourself.”
Derek’s eyes narrowed. I knew that would strike a chord and I was right.
“Don’t be like that.” He smoothed out his face. “I’m just being friendly.”
“Sure. Whatever,” I responded flippantly. I didn’t know if he was here to produce a movie or to get me back, or some other reason he had not disclosed. Since he seemed to have been at the theater the night Jim and Monica were attacked, I needed to focus on my purpose in seeking him out to begin with – it certainly wasn’t to verbally spar with him until I wanted to vomit.
“Fine,” I said with a nicer tone. “What have you been doing since you’ve been in town?”
He appeared surprised by my conciliatory tone but went with it. I supposed because it fit in with his unshakable belief that he was irresistible. “A little of this and a little of that.”
“That sounds fun,” was my sarcastic response. “Any new clubs, shows, anything like that?”
My sly attempt to ask about the theater worked and he blathered on about the things he had been doing. I was only half-listening, waiting for something useful in the litany of descriptions of females he’d been with. And then he said what I’d been waiting for.
“And I went to this show at the Las Vegas Independent Theatre.”
“Oh, what show did you see?”
He frowned. “I don’t remember the name. It wasn’t very memorable.” He laughed.
“You watched an entire show yet can’t remember the name of it.” I tried for a teasing tone because his response could be critical.
“Not an entire show,” he corrected me. “I left at intermission. Because it was so bad,” he clarified.
“I gathered that, Captain Obvious.” He frowned, so I hurriedly continued. “You know, I had friends who went to see that show.”
“Oh yeah.” It was clear he didn’t care.
“Maybe you saw them? Either that night or later on the news. Jim and Monica. They were attacked that night in their home.”
“Wow, that’s terrible. I don’t remember meeting anybody with those names.”
Most humans would not have noticed the subtle change on Derek’s face, it came and went so quickly. Except, I wasn’t a human. And, I had history with the man. He knew something, I was sure of it.
“You didn’t see anything about it on the news?” I pushed a little.
“No, I didn’t. I don’t watch the news.” His answer was curt and his look more glacial and less seductive now. I definitely hit a nerve. He smiled suddenly. “I have to go,” he said, gesturing vaguely behind him. “I’ll be in touch. I told you why I’m really here. This isn’t over.”
No, it most definitely was not, I silently told his back while he walked away from me. Not by a long shot. And not just because he clearly knew something. Also because I got another whiff of the something from earlier. A woody scent. Like Jim smelled the night of the murder.
CHAPTER NINE
Are you awake?
I sent the text to Catherine, chuckling a little. This was getting to be a habit. But, I needed her help again. Besides, it was only just after midnight. I was sure she was awake.
Yep. Come on over.
Smiling, I exited my convertible and headed for the parking garage elevator. In mere minutes, I stood in front of Catherine’s door, knocking.
She answered with a smile. “This is getting to be a habit,” she joked.
“Did you read my mind?”
Shaking her head with a laugh, she held the door open for me to enter. I walked straight for the couch. I stared at the Las Vegas skyline for a beat while Catherine sat next to me, tucking her legs under her.
“What can I do to help?”
“First, thank you again for getting me the lists of the patrons for the theater.”
She waved this off. “Of course. You know, anything I can do to help.” She stared at me pointedly.
“Second,” I continued with a laugh, “Ryan and I eliminated almost everybody on the lists. He has five names we couldn’t truly account for, so he’s going to knock those out after work tomorrow. I mean, later today. That still doesn’t account for any cash buyers,” I said with a single-shoulder shrug, “but there’s nothing we can do about them anyway. Plus,” I said slowly, “we have a new lead.”
Catherine heard the change in my voice. “Who? Is it someone we know?”
“Someone I knew,” I answered, unable to disguise the bitterness. Catherine knew I was a vampire. She didn’t know my story. That wasn’t about to change tonight.
“Who?” she asked again, worried now.
I sighed dramatically, deliberately, trying to ease the tension. “My ex-husband.”
“Your ex-husband? I didn’t know you had been married.”
“It was a long time ago. A long, long, long time ago,” I added for emphasis.
“Oh, I get it. He’s a vampire?”
“Yep.”
“How can I help then?”
I silently thanked her for not asking additional questions. “His name is Derek Smith. And, yes, before you ask, that was his human name too. Smith makes a good alias, but some people really did – do – have that as their name.” I smiled and she laughed. “He says he’s here to produce a movie. Some kind of paranormal thing about vampires.” Her eyes widened and she jumped up, startling me.
“I got an email about something like that,” she called over her shoulder while she headed for her desk. I turned in my seat to watch her flip open the laptop and start tapping. “Yes, here it is. The working title is Vampire Nights. That’s creative,” she said as an aside. “Anyway, they’re seeking actor submissions. Oh, now I get it.” She realized why I was there. “You want me to submit you for an audition?”
“Me and Ryan,” I amended. “I’m certain I’ll get an audition, but I’d like to try to get Ryan on set.”
“How are you so certain you’ll get the audition?” she asked, lasering in on me when she returned to the couch.
I avoided eye contact. “Derek says he isn’t here only for the movie.”
“And?”
I sighed. “He says he’s here to win me back.” I snorted and Catherine laughed.
“Is that a possibility?”
My jaw dropped at the question. “Ugh, not at all. Derek and I have a—” I paused. “Complicated history,” I finished. “There is no chance I’d take him back.”
“Then you must want on the set for another reason?”
“I tracked Derek to an underground paranormal nightclub earlier tonight. That’s when he told me about the movie and wanting to win me back. But, there was more,” I said excitedly. “One, I’ve known him too long. I know he was hiding something. Two, he smelled woody. Exactly like Jim said his house smelled.”
“Do you think Derek is the killer?” Catherine appeared confused and I couldn’t blame her.
“Honestly, I don’t know what to think. Derek has no motive that I can guess, at this point anyway. Jim still looks like the most likely suspect. On the other hand, Derek is hiding something and smelled like Jim described. On the other, other hand,” I said with a smile, “playing devil’s advocate. If Jim smelled the scent at the theater and not really in the house, that would be a good non-clue to provide to try to throw people off the, um, scent, so to speak.”
Catherine chuckled at my statement but nodded. “Yeah, any of that could be the case. I can see why you want to be on set.”
“Time to put my detective skills to work,” I said, rubbing my hands together like an excited child.
“You have detective skills?” Catherine asked this and I threw a pillow at her. I rose to leave before she could kick me out, and we both paused when a tentative knock sounded at her door.
“Robin, what can I do for you?” Catherine asked the woman standing
on the other side of her open door. She pitched her voice pleasant but not exactly welcoming. I stood a few steps behind her and wondered about Robin’s presence.
I knew about Catherine’s encounters during the serial murders last spring with Robin Landon – and the woman who pulled her marionette strings, Councilwoman Barbara Knollman.
“I’m glad I caught you both here,” the slight woman began, and I laughed. She frowned at me.
“You showed up unannounced in the middle of the night – in a building with 24-hour security – without knowing we were here? Please,” Catherine snorted derisively.
Robin ignored our rudeness and continued speaking, voice smooth. “A certain interested party is aware that the two of you are investigating the Monica Freeman murder—”
“We know you work for the Councilwoman,” Catherine mumbled and I didn’t have to see her face to know she did a hard eye roll. I’d had enough of this cloak and dagger nonsense.
“You mean the demon,” I corrected Catherine and her mouth dropped open. Robin looked nonplussed. “Oh yeah, I guess you didn’t know,” I added with a wide smile. I stepped in front of Catherine. “And, our girl here is officially a minion.”
Robin bristled at the word, eyes glittering angrily. “That’s offensive.”
“I’m not too politically correct about demons,” I retorted. I could hear Catherine spluttering to herself behind me about demons. I turned and placed my hand on her arm and made eye contact.
“I’m a vampire and you’re dating a half-incubus; can you really be so surprised that the head of the city council is a demon with minions?”
Catherine shrugged a shoulder. “When you put it that way…” She and I turned to face Robin. “What does the Councilwoman want?” Catherine asked.
“She has a vested interest in your investigation.”
My eyes narrowed. “Why?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
I laughed. “Probably because you don’t actually know,” I responded, meaner than normal. I’d never liked the minion. I sighed. “Apologies for my rudeness,” I backtracked. “Do you have a specific question for me or Catherine?”
Catherine’s mouth dropped open again at my conciliatory tone and offer to answer questions. She hadn’t learned yet; Barbara Knollman was easier to handle if you let her have the small things.
“We know Catherine gave you theater patron lists. We also know that you and Derek were seen out together tonight. What is his involvement in the murder?”
I inwardly cringed. Of course, this was really about Derek. “We don’t know yet,” I answered honestly. “What does Barbara want with him?”
“I’ll let the councilwoman know,” Robin responded to my statement and ignored my question; she inclined her head slightly and then turned silently to head toward the elevator.
“What was that about?” Catherine asked once the elevator door closed and Robin began her downward descent.
“I don’t know, but we need to have a talk with security about letting just anybody up here without calling first.”
Catherine’s barked laugh held a note of hysteria in it. I closed her door and placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Everything okay?”
She opened and closed her mouth a couple of times, processing. “You’re correct I’m aware of the supernatural underworld, including vampires and incubi,” she enunciated slowly. “But, demons with actual minions?”
The high pitch of her voice asking that question worried me and I hugged her.
“Catherine? An incubus is a demon, remember? Like Alex, your half-incubus boyfriend?”
She nodded. “Can you explain the demon and minion thing again?”
“I don’t know much, except that the councilwoman showed up a couple of decades ago. She quickly ascended to running things, on the council and in the paranormal world.” I waved a hand dismissively. “I don’t think she’s high in the demon hierarchy—”
“Demon hierarchy?”
“Um, yeah, I think that’s what it’s called. Vampires don’t really get involved in the political stuff. Well, the heads of vampire families do,” I corrected myself. “That’s not me.” I smiled.
“What about Robin?”
“She does the councilwoman’s bidding. Which you already knew. I don’t know her story.”
Catherine nodded and took a ragged breath. “Okay.”
I hugged her again. “I wish I knew their interest in the murder and my ex-husband.”
CHAPTER TEN
I checked my phone after I completed recharging the next evening. A flurry of texts awaited. Most were from Catherine and Ryan. I ignored the lift I felt seeing Ryan’s name. Get it together. This wasn’t a romantic comedy.
I was pleased to see Catherine had confirmed the auditions. Oh shoot, they were tonight. I texted her back, thanking her again, and assuring her that I’d be there.
Ryan sent several texts.
12:30 p.m. Catherine says I have an audition tonight. Did you get one too?
1:30 p.m. I just noticed that the producer’s name is Derek. Is that your ex?
3:30 p.m. Is everything okay? Did anything happen last night?
4:30 p.m. The audition is tonight at 7p. If you weren’t invited, maybe you can still crash it. Text or call me…
It was 5:19 p.m. now. I felt bad Ryan had been worried, and maybe a little happy he’d been thinking of me. I texted him back immediately.
Hey Ryan! Sorry for the delay in responding. Got in late and slept most of the day :) Yes, Catherine sent me the same text. And, yes, that’s my ex. I’ll explain when I pick you up in an hour. I assume you’d like a ride to the audition?
Ryan must have had his phone right next to him. I received a response before I could even place the cellphone back on the side table. I was still in bed and needed to get up to prepare for the audition.
So glad to hear from you. Yes, would love a ride to the audition. Def curious to know how your ex is involved…
I deliberately ignored the unasked question in the text since I already told Ryan he’d hear all about it in the car.
Sounds good. See you soon!
Ryan responded with a thumbs-up emoji and now I knew I could set the phone down to get ready. Choosing what outfit to wear was a bit of a dilemma. I was confident Derek would cast me regardless, if he was telling the truth that his agenda was to win me back, though I shuddered at that. I didn’t want to mislead him in any way, shape, or form by dressing sexy. But I couldn’t really wear a burlap sack to an audition.
I sighed and chose to go with my standard audition outfit: dark blue jeans, green t-strap heels, pale green crepe de chine embroidered short-sleeve blouse over a spaghetti strap camisole, with a matching cloche hat. Although consisting of replicas, this outfit, except the jeans, was so reminiscent of my 1920s clothing that I always felt the most comfortable in it. Hence why I wore it to auditions. Even if I didn’t need the money, every actress wanted to be cast.
I carefully applied my natural makeup and dark red lipstick. Contrary to popular belief, most women in the 1920s did not do their makeup crazy heavy like in the movies. Other than the red lips, we kept it pretty light and basic.
I texted Ryan to let him know I was on my way. A short time later, I pulled into his driveway. I started to exit the vehicle when his front door opened. I pulled my door closed and watched him walk toward me. Man, he looked good. He’d opted for a blue short-sleeve knit top and dark blue jeans with, I think, brown boots. He looked good enough to eat. Well, not like that. I didn’t drink fresh human blood, remember?
Ryan’s pupils dilated when he entered the car and I knew it was a case of mutual admiration. The sexual tension in the car rolled around the enclosed space, nearly overwhelming; he coughed. Nervously. I heard his heartbeat accelerating.
I smiled. He smiled back. And just like that, the tension dissipated. For the time being at least.
“I’m gla
d you got the audition too,” Ryan started off, then made a face. “Although, I’m guessing you were a slam dunk for it, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you responsible for my audition too?”
“Yes and no,” I answered truthfully. “I asked Catherine to submit you for it, yes. Though, she likely would have anyway. And neither of us had any control over whether or not Derek would select you to audition.”
“Wouldn’t he have a casting director to do that?”
I nodded. “Oh sure, but I have no doubt that he’s the one calling the shots. He’s a bit of a control freak.” This was a massive understatement.
“Hmm. Okay,” Ryan responded, looking like he wanted to ask a follow up question. Interestingly, he chose not to. “I’m glad we both get to go. Tell me why it’s so important that we do. Is it related to Jim and Monica?”
“It seems to be,” I hedged.
“What happened last night?” His face pinched like he was choking on a sour lemon when he asked this and I laughed.
“I’m sorry to laugh, but you should see yourself. Trust me, I did not enjoy talking to Derek. I finally tracked him down and we had a mercifully brief conversation. He explained that he’s in town doing this movie. I could tell he was hiding something.”
“How?”
“It’s just something you learn after knowing somebody for so long,” I answered with a non-answer. “The reason I think he may know something was his smell. He smelled woody.”
“Exactly like Jim described.” Ryan thought for a moment. “Do you think he could be the killer?”
“Honestly, I don’t know. I have no idea what his motive would be.” I chose not to share the alternative theory that Jim smelled the scent at the theater and was using it for misdirection. I was fairly confident that Ryan would not be receptive to this theory. “The only way to find out more is to be around him; the movie set is the easiest way to do that naturally.”
“I agree. Good thinking.”
“Let’s head on over then.” I headed toward the strip mall location of the audition. “One more thing,” I said with as offhand a tone as I could muster. “When we get there, you should go in ahead of me and we should act like we don’t know each other.”
Paranormal Talent Agency Omnibus Page 13
