“What did he just say?” Oscar demanded of Felix as he tilted his head.
“I think he’s suggesting Ofelia is a sex fiend,” Felix replied helpfully.
“That’s it! Get my gun!”
Ofelia let loose a heavy sigh as Sully attacked his eggs. He showed no signs of backing down, or running away. Oddly, the fact that he was poking her father and brother over breakfast made her feel better. The nerves that had been hopping for the better part of the morning settled.
“Nobody is shooting anybody,” she said finally, shaking her head when Oscar made a protesting sound. “It’s simply not going to happen. My relationship with Zach is my business. You don’t get a say in it, Dad, especially since you’ve been known to bring home a woman or two to my bar over the years and then leave them for me to get rid of after a few hours. I don’t think you have any moral high ground here.”
Felix smirked as Oscar worked his jaw.
“I don’t think he’s good enough for you,” Oscar said finally. “I mean ... what sort of guy forces a woman to get dressed up in criminal gear and then spends the night with her?”
Sully snorted as he mashed his eggs and potatoes together. “To be fair, I did not force her to dress up in criminal gear. She did that herself. As for us spending the night together ... it honestly wasn’t planned. It just happened.”
“You don’t have to explain yourself,” Ofelia supplied.
“Yes, please don’t explain yourself,” Felix intoned.
Sully ignored both of them. “I’m simply pleading my case. If all goes as planned, I’m going to be hanging around a lot. Honestly, I don’t care what your father thinks of me. You do, though. It would be nice if we could all get along.”
“Did you hear what he said?” Oscar was beside himself. “Seriously, Felix, I know you hid my gun. Where is it?”
“You don’t need a gun,” Felix shot back. “It’s not as if Fe is a teenager. She’s an adult. She can make her own decisions.”
“Not with a smooth talker like this one. He’s going to break her heart.”
Since that was exactly what she was afraid of, Ofelia thought the comment would hit harder. Instead, she smirked when she realized it didn’t hurt at all. Sully had been nothing but upfront with her. He’d stated his feelings and come up with a plan of action. Nothing was set in stone. That didn’t mean he was simply going to disappear like she initially feared.
“You need to let it go,” she ordered her father after a beat, causing Oscar to snap his eyes in her direction. “I get that you’re upset ... and you have a lot on your mind. You’re not part of this, though. My relationship with Zach is none of your business.”
“Oh, geez.” Oscar slapped his hand to his forehead. “Why does nobody ever listen to me? I could fix all the woes of the world if people would just listen to me.”
“There, there.” Felix absently patted his father’s arm and watched as Sully moved his hand to Ofelia’s shoulder and gave it a light rub. He was encouraging her, soothing her even. In that moment, Felix realized that something special was happening between the two of them ... and it didn’t necessarily revolve around sex. “Since we’re trying to get off the sex subject, what’s the plan for today? I’m assuming you guys are looking into the dead girls. Did you get anywhere last night?”
“Kind of,” Ofelia hedged. “We think we’re dealing with a ghoul, and we think it might be Robert Windsor.”
Oscar snapped up his head, surprised. “Are you serious? How did you come up with that theory?”
“It’s a long story,” Ofelia replied, refusing to get into it because she knew her father would run his mouth at the bar if she shared too much information. “I do have a question, though. You’re familiar with the Windsor family tree. To your knowledge, have they lost another member of the family in the past few years?”
“You mean other than Robert, right?” Oscar asked.
She nodded. “Yeah. We know he’s dead ... er, supposed to be dead. Did anyone else in the family die?”
“Not to my knowledge. Why?”
“It’s just a theory we’re working on.” She flicked her eyes to Sully. “We need to figure out who was in that vault. I think that’s the key to ending what’s happening.”
Sully leaned back in his chair and admired his view of her. She was an exceptionally beautiful woman, even when her hair was still wet and she didn’t wear a stitch of makeup. Honestly, he wanted nothing more than to drag her upstairs and spend the day in bed asking her a million questions so he could get to know her better.
That wasn’t really an option given the circumstances, though.
“But?” Ofelia prodded.
“But there’s only one way I can think to do it,” he replied. “We’ve got to talk to those kids again. They’re the ones in the know, although I don’t particularly believe they’ll be forthcoming. They’ll probably lie to us.”
Ofelia was intrigued at the prospect. “Why do you think that? Most people are afraid to lie to the police.”
“No, only some people are afraid to lie,” Sully countered. “These two don’t fall into that category. They think they’re above all this. That means they’re going to be difficult when we question them.”
“We?” Hope flitted through Ofelia’s chest. “Does that mean you’re taking me with you?”
He grinned. “Yeah. We’re a team, right? Nothing has changed on that front. You’re definitely coming with me. I need you to do that mind thing you do and see if they’re lying.”
“I can do that.” She was giddy at the prospect as she turned back to her breakfast. “I’ve always wanted to see inside of their house.”
“It’s impressive,” Sully conceded. “They’re not, though. They remind me of snakes in the grass. You need to be careful when we’re in there. They might try to manipulate you.”
“I’m always careful.”
He snorted. “Please. I spent last night with you. I know that’s not true. Just don’t get ahead of yourself today. We might only get one shot at this before they lawyer up. If that happens, my job becomes exponentially more difficult.”
“Then let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.”
“That’s the plan.”
SULLY HAD A CHANGE OF CLOTHES IN HIS truck — he was always prepared for a worst-case scenario — and Ofelia stood guard as he slid into fresh jeans and a button-down shirt. Even though she was supposed to be making sure nobody else caught sight of him, she couldn’t refrain from occasionally glancing over her shoulder to get a gander at his body in the bright light of day.
He was all muscles and taut skin ... and she was completely distracted.
“Later,” Sully promised, flicking her ear to direct her gaze.
“Ow!” She made a face and cupped her ear. “That hurt ... and was completely unnecessary.”
He smirked as he shoved his dirty clothes behind the seat. “I love how you were willing to fight to the death with a ghoul last night, but an ear flick is the worst thing that’s ever happened to you.”
“I didn’t say it was the worst thing. I just said it hurt.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” He brushed her hand away and leaned in so he could kiss the tender spot, causing a ripple of excitement to run through her. “Better?”
“I’m not seven,” she said defiantly. “I don’t need you to kiss it and make it better.”
His eyes lit with defiant intent. “I think we can arrange to play that game later.” He slammed the truck door. “For now, we have to focus on work.” To her utter surprise, he linked his fingers with hers as they started down the sidewalk. “You should be aware that these people are ... pretty nuts.”
She was fixated on their joined hands so she almost didn’t hear the comment. It took a moment for it to set in. “You’ve met my family. I can handle nuts.”
He smiled when he realized what she was doing. “Your family isn’t so bad. Don’t worry about your father. He’s going to learn to love me.”
That had her snapping her eyes up. “How can you be sure of that?”
“Because he loves you and wants you to be happy, the same as your brother. I have every intention of making you happy. They’re going to have no choice but to accept me.”
Ofelia went warm all over. “Oh, well ... .”
He grinned at her obvious discomfort. “Come on. It’s just around the corner. When we get inside, let me do the talking ... unless you sense something about either of them that’s important. They’re going to respond better to an authority figure because they’re snooty. Even then, they show me zero respect. I have a feeling they’re going to be worse with you.”
“I can handle them.”
They lapsed into amicable silence until they turned the final corner. There, a flurry of movement caught Sully’s attention and he slowly released her hand as he watched the scene play out.
“Who is that?” Ofelia queried, genuinely curious as she watched a woman wail and gesture wildly.
“That’s Maggie Windsor.” Sully licked his lips as he glanced up and down the street. As far as he could tell, the only ones out and about were the Windsor woman and the butler. They looked to be having a huge fight in the middle of the street. “That’s not very dignified, is it?”
Ofelia didn’t bother to hide her amusement. “Nope. I wonder what they’re saying.”
“We’re about to find out.” Sully put his hand to the small of Ofelia’s back and prodded her to the east side of the street. They were almost on top of Maggie and the butler before they were noticed. “Good morning.” Sully was brutally pleasant as he smiled at the duo. “It’s a great morning for a walk, huh?”
“Is that supposed to be a joke?” Maggie narrowed her eyes to dangerous slits. The flirty attitude she’d put on display with Sully during his previous visit had disappeared. “It took you long enough to get here. We’ve been waiting for five hours.”
Sully furrowed his brow. “I think you have me confused with somebody else.”
“No. You’re the detective who visited us. I remember your face. It’s hard to forget.” She took a moment to let her eyes roam his body and then shook her head. “I called your department hours ago. They said they couldn’t do anything for me. I guess it’s good they sent you after all, even if you are late.”
Sully scrambled to keep up with the conversation. “I’m not sure I understand.” He flicked his eyes to the butler, who looked absolutely exhausted.
“Ms. Windsor is in a state,” the man volunteered stiffly. “She hasn’t slept a wink.”
“But why?”
“What do you mean?” Maggie made a face. “I told the person who answered the phone when I called. Michael is missing. Aren’t you here to find him?”
Sully exchanged a quick look with Ofelia before barreling forward. “I’m actually here for a different reason. I have more questions regarding the dead girls.”
Maggie made a disgusted sound deep in her throat. “How many times do I have to tell you that we had nothing to do with that? We’re not killers. My brother, however, is missing. I would like to find him before he becomes a victim of someone else.”
Sully held out his hands in a placating manner. “Okay, tell me what happened. I’ll see if I can arrange some help.”
“I don’t know what happened,” she snapped, her eyes flashing. “He went out for his normal walk last night and didn’t come back. That’s not like him. He always comes back.”
Sully turned his attention to the butler. “He goes out for a walk every night?”
The butler nodded stiffly. “Unless it happens to be downpouring.”
“Where does he go on these walks?”
“I’m not privy to that information.”
“He doesn’t tell you?” Sully’s mind was going a mile a minute. “I mean ... it seems to me that the smartest thing to do would be to give you a copy of his route in case something happens.”
“It’s a walk,” Maggie snapped. “He shouldn’t have to report his every move when he’s not breaking the law.”
“I wasn’t saying otherwise,” Sully reassured her. “The thing is ... do you think it’s possible he was hanging out in your family mausoleum in St. Louis Cemetery No. 2?”
The question obviously caught the butler off guard. “I ... why would he be doing that?”
“Yes, why would he be doing that?” Maggie spat. “Who enjoys hanging out in a cemetery, for crying out loud?”
“It’s just a question.” Sully forced himself to remain calm. “We happened to be in the cemetery close to your mausoleum last night and we saw ... something.”
“Something?” The butler arched an eyebrow. “Are you being purposely vague?”
That’s exactly what Sully was doing. He couldn’t exactly own up to it, though. “No. I’m simply curious. We thought we saw someone hanging out around the mausoleum. Perhaps it was Michael.”
“But ... why?” Maggie wrung her hands. “It makes no sense for him to hang out in the cemetery. I just ... need to rest.” She pressed the back of her hand to her forehead. “This is all too much for me, Gideon,” she said to the butler. “I need to close my eyes for a bit.”
“I think that’s a fine idea, ma’am.” The butler smiled indulgently at her. “I’ll get you inside.” He shot a warning look toward Sully. “She doesn’t need any more distractions. You should focus on finding Mr. Windsor and leave her alone.”
“Yeah, I’ll get right on that,” Sully said dryly, waiting until Gideon and Maggie disappeared inside the house to speak again. “Do you think it’s him?”
“I don’t know.” Ofelia opted for honesty. “I think it’s interesting he didn’t come back last night. Maybe that fire blast I sent out hurt the creature more than I realized.”
“If Michael is the creature.”
“That goes without saying.” Ofelia tugged on her bottom lip, thoughtful. “Where would he go? If it’s him, and he’s injured, where would he take refuge? It’s not exactly like he can check himself into a hospital. The press would be all over that.”
“He needs a place to hide,” Sully agreed, something occurring to him. “Like perhaps a building his father used to own where bodies managed to go undiscovered for fifteen years.”
Ofelia widened her eyes. “You think he’s back in the building by Krewe.”
“It makes sense. It’s empty and, if he is our killer, he’s felt safe there in the past.”
“We should definitely check that out.”
“That’s exactly what we’re going to do right now ... but I’m in charge.” Sully was firm. “You didn’t listen to me last night, but you will today. When we go up there, you’re going to follow orders for a change.”
“Of course.” Ofelia beamed at him. “There’s little I love more than following orders.”
Sully scowled. “You’re going to be trouble. I just know it.”
“It’s too late to back out now.” Her tone was sickeningly sweet. “You’re stuck with me.”
Even though he fought it, he couldn’t contain his smile. “Something tells me I’ll survive.”
Eighteen
Ofelia sensed trouble when they were still climbing the stairs toward the room where they found the bodies.
“Sully.” She gripped his arm tightly.
“I thought you were calling me Zach,” he teased, initially missing the change in her demeanor. “How come you’re taking a step back now?”
Her expression reflected bewilderment. “What?”
That’s when he realized something was wrong and he immediately braced himself for an imminent attack. “What is it?” His nostrils flared as he stared up the steps, inhaling deeply as he scented for danger. What he found was something else entirely.
“Someone is dead up there,” Ofelia whispered, moving closer to his side.
Automatically, he slid his arm around her back. “Yeah.” He popped his lips and debated. “I think you should stay here,” he said finally. “Once I clear the floor, I�
�ll call you up.” As soon as I make sure the body isn’t someone you might know, he silently added. He had no idea why he felt the need to protect her. He couldn’t tamp down the instinct, though.
Ofelia immediately started shaking her head. “No way. We’re in this together. You can’t turn back now.”
He stared into her eyes. There was determination there. And, while he was still getting to know her, he recognized that she wasn’t the type to back down when she felt something ... and she clearly felt something today. “Fine.” He let loose a pent-up breath. “You stick close to me, though. If I tell you to run ... .”
“I’ll ignore that order and stand with you to fight,” she replied reasonably. “We’ve already been over this. I’m not going to abandon you if it comes to it. That’s not who I am.”
And that right there was one of the reasons he was so infatuated with her, he realized. She couldn’t be controlled. She was wild ... and loyal ... and fierce. She was everything he’d ever wanted, which made her assumption that he might somehow walk out on her after the night they shared all the more ludicrous.
“Stick close,” he ordered. “If you’re not going to protect yourself, I want the option of helping protect you if it pops up.”
“Oh, yeah?” Ofelia found she was amused with his obvious distress. “What if I feel the need to protect you?”
“Then I want us to do that together, too.”
“At least you’re learning.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.”
The scent of death only became stronger when they hit the hallway that led to the room. Sully was guarded as he stalked down the hallway, his senses on overdrive. There wasn’t a hint of movement in the shadows. Even the vermin had taken the day off. They made it to the room unencumbered, and when his gaze fell on the body in the middle of the room, he wasn’t surprised.
“Michael,” Ofelia breathed as she stood next to him. “That’s him, isn’t it? I recognize him from the newspapers.”
“That’s him,” Sully confirmed, moving closer to the body.
Michael was on his back, his eyes focused on the ceiling, unseeing. His mouth was twisted in an anguished cry and, if Ofelia had to guess, his death was far from easy.
Witch Confidential Page 17
