Fire Within - By Ally Shields Page 0,21

weeks. Perfect couple. He was so polite. Always asked how I was. Can’t imagine why anyone would harm him.”

The phone rang, and the efficient secretarial mask fell into place. Disappointed, Ari leaned back in the chair and waited for her to finish. They’d just gotten around to the good stuff. Ari knew she’d lost her opportunity to pump the receptionist when Shale stepped out of a nearby office and headed toward her. She gave Binderman a parting smile.

“Ms. Calin, sorry to keep you waiting.” Harold Shale favored her with a broad smile. He extended a large hand to grip hers briefly, generating the same pulse of Otherworld energy she had noticed before. If Shale was aware, his face didn’t show it. “How nice to see you again. I had no idea it would be this soon.” He ushered Ari into his office.

The rich furnishings were no doubt impressive, but the first thing that drew her attention was the unusual collection on the wall. Two display cases held an assortment of antique knives and short swords. Rather disconcerting in a business setting, especially a counseling agency.

Shale responded to her obvious surprise. “A hobby of mine, I’m afraid.” He waved a hand toward the wall. “I suppose I should take them down, but it took me years to collect them all. I enjoy sharing my treasures with others.”

That explained Ms. Binderman’s letter opener, a gift from her boss. Ari walked over to examine the exhibit. Some were simple instruments of death; others were ornate, heavily jeweled. Shale was a man of unique and expensive taste.

“Interesting collection.” She turned away. A weapon was just a weapon to her.

Shale wasn’t fooled. He gave her an indulgent smile. “Not everyone shares my love of the past.” He steered her away from the large executive desk that dominated the room, seating her at a smaller round table. A more intimate setting, casual, probably used during counseling sessions to promote conversation. A surprising choice for this interview. She had pegged Shale as a man who liked to be in charge. The desk would have been more in character.

Proving her assessment, Shale reasserted himself by taking the initiative in the conversation. He talked openly about Lorraine’s grief, Mrs. West’s motherly support, and how disruptive the murder had been to his clientele. After letting this go on for several minutes, Ari interrupted.

“I’m more interested in knowing specifics about the victim. His relationship with Lorraine. Problems they might have had. Maybe we could start with why Jules and Lorraine were in counseling?”

Shale frowned. “This is not a comfortable situation, Ms. Calin. I don’t like talking about my clients or the important work that goes on in counseling sessions. But, as Lorraine has given her permission, I’ll share what I can. She came to me five months ago, said she was considering a vampire bond, but her family was very much opposed. She wanted help in dealing with the issues. We talked. After a few sessions, she brought Jules in to join us.”

“And what was your impression of him?”

Shale gave a dismissive nod. “Mixed. He didn’t talk much about his present lifestyle or his past. Not even the most basic details—interests, friends, habits, financial condition. Unusually secretive.”

“Unusual, how? Most vampires are secretive.”

“Yes, of course, they are.” His nostrils flared briefly, and Shale drew himself up, as if feeling challenged. “When you’ve worked with vampires as long as I have, Ms. Calin, you pick up the nuances. Jules was holding back. He never elaborated, left most of the talking to Lorraine.”

“Hiding something in particular?” Ari’s interest quickened, distracting her from the counselor’s pompous attitude. Maybe Jules had a secret that had gotten him killed.

“I wouldn’t go that far. But not cooperative. Not at all.” His lips thinned in disapproval. “Jules was here only to placate Lorraine. He didn’t want my help. Obviously didn’t think he needed it.”

Well, jeez, she thought, somewhat deflated. Who wants to go to counseling? Especially if the shrink acted like Shale. The counselor’s snobbish manner was beginning to annoy her. “What else did you notice about him?”

“He was polite. Civil to our staff.”

Talk about damning with faint praise. Ari got the distinct feeling Shale had not liked Jules. Maybe it was the difference in personalities. Shale’s pushy manner, expecting all that personal information, might put any vampire on edge. That Shale had been irritated with Jules’s lack of response could have been predicted. A poor counseling match. Why hadn’t Shale reassigned the couple to another counselor?

Shale hadn’t given