which stretched over hundreds of years, hadn’t told him very much about the elusive bloodsucker. But the last few pages, written by Trey 95, had included a name—Vivian Brown.
Shortly before his death, Trey 95 had taken the woman prisoner in hopes of using her as bait to trap the vampire. In so doing, he had jotted down the woman’s name and address. With no other leads, Ricardo 42 had spent the last few days tailing the woman’s every move, following her to work, secreting himself outside her apartment.
And listening to her phone calls, which had provided another name—Callie.
This morning, his vigilance had paid off.
Sometime in the next few days or weeks, Vivian Brown would meet with the vampire’s woman.
And he would be there when it happened.
Chapter 29
Callie had just finished breakfast when there was a knock at the door. She knew a moment of apprehension as she went to answer it. She didn’t know anyone here. Who could it be?
She peeked through the narrow, leaded window alongside the front door, surprised to see a tall, slender brunette clad in hip-hugger jeans and a bright pink sweater standing on the porch. The visitor held a covered dish in her hands.
Curious, Callie opened the door.
“Good morning,” the woman said brightly. “I’m your nearest neighbor, Brooke Jeffries. I just came by to welcome you to the neighborhood.”
“Hi. I’m Callie. Come in, won’t you?”
“Thanks. I hope you like apple pie,” Brooke said, offering her the dish. “I made it this morning.”
“It’s my favorite! Have a seat, won’t you, while I put this in the refrigerator? Oh, would you like a slice?”
“No, thank you. I have another one at home.”
After putting the pie in the fridge, Callie ran a hand through her hair, then went back into the living room.
Brooke sat perched on the edge of the easy chair across from the sofa. “We noticed the smoke from your fireplace the other night,” Brooke remarked. “My husband told me Quill was here with a young lady. We don’t get many new people, so I thought I’d come by and see if you needed anything.”
“Nothing I can think of. You say your husband knows Quill?”
“Yes. I guess they met some years ago.”
Callie nodded. Quill hadn’t said anything about knowing anyone here.
“Nolan and I have been married just over three years,” Brooke said. “I’m still adjusting. Are you and Quill . . . ?”
“Married? Not yet. But soon.” Callie leaned forward. “Do you have any children?”
Brooke shook her head. “No, but we’re trying.”
“What’s it like, being married to one of them? Is it so different from being married to an ordinary man?”
“Yes,” Brooke said slowly. “And no. Nolan told me that Quill has been a vampire for hundreds of years. He’s well-known among their kind. My Nolan has only been a vampire for fourteen years, so he’s not nearly as powerful.”
“Oh?”
“They grow stronger as they age,” Brooke said. “Didn’t Quill tell you that?”
“Not that I recall. But it makes sense, I guess. Are you . . . ?” Callie bit down on her lower lip.
“Am I what?”
“Are you happy with your husband?”
Brooke’s smile lit up her face. “Oh, yes.”
“No regrets?”
“None so far. He treats me like a queen. Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Nolan told me he sensed witchcraft coming from this direction. Is it you?”
“He sensed it?” Callie asked incredulously.
“Witchcraft leaves a signature. Didn’t you know that?”
“No.”
“Well, I didn’t, either, until I married Nolan. So, it’s true? You’re a witch?”
There didn’t seem to be any point in denying it. “Yes, but I’ve only recently discovered it.”
“Do you think . . . never mind.”
“What is it?”
Brooke made a vague gesture with her hand. “I shouldn’t ask. I mean, we just met and . . .”
Callie frowned, wondering what was so awful that the woman didn’t have the nerve to ask. Curious, she said, “Please, just tell me what it is. If I can help, I will.”
After taking a deep breath, Brooke blurted, “Is there any chance you could find my lost puppy?”
Callie stifled a grin. That was what she’d been afraid to ask? “How long has it been missing?”
“Since last night. Nolan left the back door open. Neither of us realized Lady was missing until early this morning.”
“I’ve never tried to locate anything missing before, but I’ll certainly try. Do you have anything that belongs to her?”
Brooke reached into her pocket and withdrew a small dog brush. Several short brown hairs were caught in the bristles. “Will this help?”
Callie nodded. “I’ll see what I can do. You’ll