Chapter 8
Chloe
“He screwed the pooch, huh?”
The next morning, I worked the breakfast shift with Maya. We seemed to be scheduled together a lot. I wonder if Nettie was doing it deliberately, or if fate was being a jackass.
With a frown, I looked up at the mural of Kalfou on the wall and he seemed to be leering at me. As if to say, how do you like them apples?
Ugh. I’ve had enough of bad boys.
“Who?” I asked, being deliberately slow, hoping she’d drop it.
“Don’t be coy.” She placed a hand on her hip, turning to face me. We were both waiting for beignet orders. “My big brother pissed you off, huh?”
I didn’t know how to respond. My first impulse was to tell her to mind her own damn business. And yet part of me wanted to confide in Maya and see if she had any insight into Saint. At one time, we’d been best friends, even though it was a million years ago.
But I thought better of it. Her loyalty probably lied with her older brother, so I kept my mouth shut.
“No, we’re fine.”
“I already know. Roxy isn’t exactly discrete.”
“Then why did you ask me?” Jesus. What was taking Nettie so long? Was she grinding the flour for the donuts? I wanted to end this conversation. Now.
And yeah, I was in a crabby mood. I had been ever since Cleavage Girl showed up and ruined my night.
Or did she save you from more pain down the road?
“Just wanted to get your take on it. Between you and me, you’re better off. I love Saint, but he’s a real dick sometimes.”
“Are he and Roxy a regular thing?” Crap. The question slipped out before I could hold it back.
“No, not really. Saint doesn’t care about women at all. They’re interchangeable.” She said this matter-of-factly, without any malice.
Lovely.
The idea of being a disposable bedmate didn’t appeal to me. I’d almost made a huge mistake. So, Roxy’s interruption was a blessing in disguise. But I still hated her.
And I couldn’t stop thinking about Saint either. Every time I closed my eyes, I could feel Saint’s mouth on mine. His kiss had been intoxicating. I’m sure the rest of the evening would have been equally pleasurable.
I’d heard the rumor, of course, that he hadn’t slept with her. She’d said Saint couldn’t get it up, but he’d been hard and eager for me. Roxie had to be lying. There’s no way Saint would’ve passed up the opportunity. When I’d left them, she’d been stripping down to her skivvies. Of course, he’d nailed her. This had to be some sort of cover story. Although, you’d think he’d pick one that wasn’t so embarrassing.
When I glanced over at Maya again, she was wincing. I noticed earlier, she was favoring her right leg over her left.
“Are you okay?”
She rubbed her shin. “Yeah, I’m fine.” Her tone was tart, like a lemon.
Clearly, she didn’t wanna talk about it. Evidently, we both had something to hide.
Once again, she was wearing a lot of eye makeup and her mouth was crimson. Maya had a beautiful face, and I wondered why she covered it up. I like lip gloss, some powder to take away the shine, and I only use eyeshadow on special occasions because it makes my eyes itch.
“Hey, Nettie?” Maya asked. “Can I have a Ziploc full of ice?”
“Is your knee botherin’ you again, chère?” Nettie appeared in the doorway.
“Yes, it’s hurtin’ today.”
Nettie left and reappeared once more with a plastic baggie full of ice and four plates of beignets. We hurried the orders over to a couple of tables full of hungry bikers and then Maya pulled out a chair and sat down, balancing the ice on one of her knees.
This morning, we weren’t busy, which was a shame. I could’ve used the tips. Besides, if I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off, I wouldn’t have time to moon over Saint.
“What happened?”
“Nothin’. It’s an old injury. I just moved wrong last night and it’s actin’ up.” Maya tugged another chair out and put her foot up.
I sat down, too. Maya grimaced but didn’t tell me to go away. Maybe this was a chance to pick her brain.
“Just out of curiosity, did you talk to my grandmother much?”
Her features smoothed and for once, there wasn’t as much hostility in her eyes.
“No, not really. I saw her every now and then at Carrefore, but we only made polite chitchat.”
I sighed. Yet, another dead-end.
“I’m sorry for your loss. She was a nice lady,” Maya said, after a minute or two.
“Thank you.”
“The police haven’t found her killer yet, have they?”
“Nope and they’ve been stonewalling me.” I’d filled out the form to get her paperwork from the sheriff, but the trail was going colder every damn day, while I waded around in a sea of red tape.
“How do you mean?”
“I asked them for her file, but the sheriff told me it’ll take a month to process my request.”
“A month?” She made a face. “They could make you a copy in a day.”
“I think Daniels is hoping I’ll drop it, if he puts up enough roadblocks.”
“You have a right to all the information about your grandmamma.” She squared her shoulders. “I’ll make sure you have it by close of business tomorrow.”
“And just how are you going to do that?” Did Maya have some pull there? “Do you work at the sheriff’s office part-time, or something?”
Her eyes danced with a private sort of humor. “Nope, but I know the sheriff. I’ll light a fire under his ass, don’t you worry.”
“How do you know him?” What was I missing?
“Do you want my help or what?” she snapped.
“Of course, I do. Thanks, Maya.”
She nodded curtly. “You’re welcome.”
Wow. I didn’t expect her to come to my rescue. Maybe we could be friends again, after all?
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?” I asked defensively.
“Like we’re about to become besties again and braid each other’s hair or somethin’. I’m doin’ you a solid because the sheriff’s a prick sometimes and your grandma died. That’s all. Don’t read more into it.”
And yet, I don’t think Maya was as cold and unfeeling as she’d like others to think. In fact, underneath all her prickly armor, I bet she was compassionate. Why did she try to hide it from everyone? What happened to the kind little girl I’d known?
Before I had a chance to respond, Xav walked in. I was about to get up and offer him a menu, along with a table, when he sat down with us instead.
“Good morning, ladies.”
“Morning.” I smiled at him warmly.
Maya didn’t acknowledge his presence at all.
“Ready for our date tonight?” Xav asked.
You mean, my fact-finding mission? Yup, I’m ready to snoop.
“I’m looking forward to it. Where are we going?” I wanted an idea of what I should wear.
“Thought we’d stay in. I’ll make you dinner.”
“So, this is casual?”
“Yes.” Xav smiled.
Hmm. I was going to be all alone with him? I didn’t like the sound of it, but I didn’t think I could back out. Not now. Crap.
“I see your leg’s acting up on you again.” Fortunately, Xav wasn’t paying attention to my distress. He was too busy peering at Maya’s injury.
Maya shifted away from him, leaning toward me instead. Since she didn’t like me much either, she must really hate Xav.
“I could help you with that, if only you’d let me,” Xav offered.
“How? By givin’ me a massage?” Maya scowled. “No means no, dude.”
Over the past couple of days, I’d seen her in action. She could be fun and flirtatious one second, and emotionless the next. It kept men guessing. Clearly, she’d reeled Xav in, too, even though she wasn’t pleased with her catch of the day.
His lips thinned. “I was thinking more along the lines of physical therapy with a certified practitioner.”
“Can’t afford it,” Maya said. “I don’t have insurance.”
“I’d be happy to help you out.”
“Why?” Her body was rigid.
“Because I care about…this community and I want to give back.”
Yeah, it wasn’t the community he cared about. The revelation practically smacked me in the face.
Xav had a thing for Maya, even though she couldn’t care less. It made me feel better about this evening. At least I wouldn’t have to fend off any advances of the sexual variety tonight. I was ashamed to admit it, but I didn’t want anyone’s hands on me, except Saint’s, even if he was busy screwing the entire parish.
Although, Xav could turn out to be the killer, and then I’d have another set of problems to deal with, but I was trying to be optimistic.
“I don’t need your charity,” Maya hissed.
“It’s just a kind gesture, not charity.” Xav frowned. “And I won’t give up, Maya, I can be a very patient man.”
And by “patient,” he meant determined. Xav was ruthless and not used to accepting defeat. His interest in me had been almost an afterthought, and he hadn’t let it go either. Poor Maya. I doubted Xav would give up on her.
“In case you haven’t picked up on it? I don’t want your help. Now, if you don’t mind, we’re having a private conversation,” Maya said crisply. “Sit at another table.”
“I apologize for the intrusion.” With a bow, he stood and moved to an empty booth but kept Maya in his line of sight.
“That was rude.”
“And what else is new?” Maya huffed. “You’ve met me, right?”
“Yikes, you’re in a mood.” She was even grouchier than usual, which was saying something.
“Yeah, well, I’ve had a long day, and it’s not over yet.”
“We both just got here.” It was only eight in the morning.
Maya said nothing. Did she have another job?
She adjusted the ice and I noticed the skin beneath it was red and raw, and her ankle was swollen.
“Ouch.” I flinched in sympathy.
“It’s fine.” Maya got to her feet. “Break’s over. Richelieu sat in my section, but you’re waitin’ on him.”
“Sure.”
What in the world could she be hiding?
***
Finally, it was time for my date with Xav.
I’d kept busy the rest of the day. After finishing my shift, and getting my first paycheck, I went to the grocery store and bought myself some food. And by some, I meant a lot. I filled my shelves with canned goods and other staples, like a winter storm was coming and I’d be snowed in for the duration.
Before I knew it, it was time to get ready.
I settled on a pair of dark bootcut jeans, black ballet flats, and a pink boatneck shirt. Because this was supposedly a special occasion, I’d added a little makeup. Xav had to think we had a date, instead of an interrogation. Thankfully, his house was just up the road, so I didn’t have to hoof it for a long distance.
When the Richelieu house came into view, I gasped.
My sightline had been obscured by the massive oak trees surrounding their property, and I hadn’t seen the place since I was a child. Xav owned a mansion. Unlike my place, it wasn’t rundown though. While I’ve never traveled to France before, I’ve seen pictures of Versailles online, and this home was every bit as opulent, although on a much smaller scale.
Unlike the wild mess going on in my front yard, his was neatly trimmed. I bet a gardener had done all the work. There was also a row of hedges bracketing the front porch, and they were smooth and even.
After ascending the crisp white porch stairs, I knocked on the front door.
After a moment or two, it swung open.
Xav stood in the doorway. He also wore a pair of dark jeans, which clung to his body like a second skin. His gray V-neck showed a dash of crisp hair at his throat. A pair of soft-looking gray suede boots completed the outfit.
He looked good enough to lick, if not eat.
While I only had eyes for Saint, I’m not oblivious to male beauty. How on earth could Maya keep refusing him? After all, she didn’t have any pesky morality issues to wade through.
But luckily, I came here on business. Not pleasure. So, I’d look, but I refused to touch.
“Come in,” he said, stepping back, so I could move past him.
I couldn’t help but gawk at the entryway as I walked in.
It had high ceilings, crown molding, and classical murals painted on the walls. All of the furniture was brocade, heavy-looking. It reminded me of a museum—beautiful, yet cold.
“I’ll give you a tour after dinner, if you like.”
“Yes, please.” There was no rule against enjoying myself, even if I was on a mission.
And then I realized he was staring at me.
“Forgive me, but I can’t help myself.” Before I could stop him, Xav leaned down to kiss me, brushing his mouth against mine. It was soft and welcoming, a gentle “hello” with the promise of more.
So much for keeping my distance.
When he moved away, I licked my lips and his eyes practically smoldered, there was so much heat in them.
Suddenly, I felt a little lightheaded, but my rumbling stomach broke the spell, gnawing so loud, we both heard it. Because I’d been so nervous, I’d skipped lunch and I smelled something delicious in the air.
“Do you like chicken?” he asked, and then frowned. “Although, I should’ve asked you sooner.”
“I do.”
“Then, let’s get you something to eat.” He ushered me into the next room.
The long oak dining table was already set for us. Instead of place-settings on either end, there were two of them together on one side. After pulling out a chair for me, he took a seat beside me.
Just then, a young woman appeared. She was wearing, I shit you not, a maid outfit. She carried a silver tray with two china plates laden with chicken and grilled veggies.
“Thank you, Maddie.”
“You’re welcome, Monsieur Richelieu.” She also had the slightest hint of a French accent. I wonder if he’d brought her over from Nice.
“It smells delicious.” My mouth was watering.
There was an ice bucket already on the table with a bottle of chilled white wine. Xav poured us both a glass and I sipped it cautiously because I wanted to keep a clear head.
While I ate my chicken with gusto, Xav picked at his. Was he nervous? Distracted?
“What’s wrong?” I asked, after a few minutes.
“I’m not a fan of rosemary.” He pushed the plate away. “We have a new cook and she doesn’t know my preferences yet.”
Or maybe he’s not hungry for people food.
Nettie’s vampire accusations still rang in my ears, like alarm bells. Stop it. Don’t be ridiculous. There was no such thing as vampires. I took a big gulp of wine though, to calm myself.
Although, Xav distracted me again by being completely charming. We made flirtatious small talk throughout the rest of dinner, while he told me about his misadventures in France.
And when supper was over, he took me on the grand tour. There were more rooms than I could count. My home was large, but his was massive in comparison.
“And through this door, is my bedroom.” We were at the end of an opulent hallway.
Xav threw the door open with a flourish, no doubt expecting me to walk inside. Instead, I hovered in the hallway.
His lips twitched. “You don’t want to see it?”
“No.” I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms over my chest. “What’s going on here?”
Xav lifted a brow. “What do you think?”
“What do you want with me?” If he wasn’t going to answer my question, I wouldn’t reply either.
He chuckled. “I think it should be obvious.”
I sighed. “This isn’t about me at all.”
“Oh?” Xav raised an inquisitive brow. “I assure you, you’re wrong.”
“No, I’ve seen the way you look at her.” If anything, I’d be a stand-in for who he truly wanted, which sounded empty. Why couldn’t a guy like me for me? Saint had been looking for a convenient bedwarmer.
I’m worth more than that, dammit.
“At who…?” He took a step closer. “Am I supposed to know who you’re talking about?”
I held my ground. “You know exactly who I’m talking about.”
“No, I don’t.”
I rolled my eyes. “Maya.” Seriously. The man had watched her every movement, like she was fascinating. “You like her.”
Crap. I almost sound jealous.
“Yes, I do, but if you were paying close attention, you’d notice she doesn’t reciprocate.”
“Right, but if you want her, what are you doing here with me?”
“I see.” He scratched his chin. “You want to know my intentions toward you?”
I nodded.
“Forgive me for the confusion.” He placed a hand on his chest, over his heart. “Allow me to make myself clear, my intentions aren’t gentlemanly. Not in the slightest.”
I blinked. “They aren’t?”
“No.” Xav licked his lips. “You’re delicious and I want much more than a taste.”
Eww. Did he have to use a food metaphor? It made me think of fangs in my neck. Xav was hoping to compliment me, tempt me into sleeping with him. Unfortunately, his comment had the opposite effect.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?” I asked.
“As if I might pounce on you.”
“No reason.” I self-consciously rubbed my throat.
Xav groaned as understanding dawned. “Let me guess, you’ve heard the rumors.”
“Um, which rumors?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Let’s put aside the pretense for a moment and be real with one another. You’ve heard I’m an immortal, blood-sucking fiend, yes…?”
“They say you’re a vampire.” Saying it out loud made me feel stupid.
“Very well, then, let’s put the gossip to bed.” He crooked a finger. “Come with me, I need to show you something.”
I followed Xav downstairs once more, into the living room. As soon as we were in the main part of the house again, I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn’t want to be alone in an isolated place with him.
“Meet my great-grandfather, Louis.” Xav waved a hand at the wall.
Over the mantle, hung a portrait of a man who could be Xav’s twin brother—same facial features, hair color, eye color, everything. He wore a black suit with a wide collar. Louis sat on a chair, arms folded in his lap and his features were stern, severe.
I gasped. “It looks like you, only in period clothes.”
“Yes, and the family resemblance has sparked a lot of rumors and legends. You know how Bayou Noir is about the supernatural.” He widened his eyes and I nodded in sympathy. “I’m sure the fact that we travel back and forth overseas doesn’t help matters, as if we have something to hide.”
It had all the makings of a good story, which is probably why people talked behind his back. Still, the resemblance was uncanny. And spooky.
“So, you see, I’m not a vampire. It’s just a genetic glitch.”
“Gotcha, so you aren’t a couple of hundred years old.” My laughter was a bit forced as I wiped a hand across my forehead. “Phew.”
“You aren’t afraid of me, are you, Chloe?” He moved closer, and I couldn’t help but back up a step or two.
“Should I be?”
“Of course not, I mean you no harm.” He touched my shoulder and his fingers were cool, coaxing. “I could pleasure you all night long.”
Xav was handsome, wealthy, and flirtatious. I should be swooning right now, weak in the knees and ready to be kissed.
I didn’t feel so much as a twinge. Only one man tempted me to give in to my self-indulgent side. Unfortunately, he was a manwhore.
“Sorry, but I can’t.”
His eyes widened.
“I need to ask you something and it’s probably going to upset you.” I was tired of beating around the bush. The night was almost over, and I had to ask him before I lost my nerve.
“Go on then, ask away.” Xav sighed and backed away from me.
“Did you kill my grandmother?” I blurted out the words.
“Of course not!”
“Did you pay someone else to do it?” I fisted my hands at my sides, ready for a fight.
“You really know how to spoil the mood.”
“Well…?” I pressed. There’s no way I’d let him sidestep this question.
“You can’t honestly think I would stoop to killing a woman.” He laid a hand over his heart, as if I’d physically wounded him.
I wasn’t falling for his considerable charm. “That’s not a denial.”
“I haven’t killed anyone.” Maybe it was just me, but there was a slight emphasis on the word I.
“You’re the only person I know who had a motive.” And from what I could tell, he was the only one in town who did. Although, if I had access to the damn file, I might be able to find out more information.
“And you decided to confront me all alone, in my own home?”
I tilted my chin up. “Yes. I’m aware, it’s a flawed plan, but I want answers.”
“Which makes you brave, or foolish.” Xav studied me. “I think it’s the first one, with just a hint of the second.”
“Answer the freaking question, Xav.”
“No, I didn’t kill your grandmother.” He lifted a finger before I could follow up. “Nor, did I pay someone else to do it.”
“And why should I believe you?”
“Because I’ve gained nothing by her passing. The property went to you, so I’m in exactly the same set of circumstances.”
Aw, hell. He was right.
“Dammit.” I gasped, like the wind had been knocked out of me. Mamie’s death hadn’t benefited him in any way.
He chuckled. “You are upset that I’m not a murderer?”
“Yes, kinda. It means I’m back to square one.” It would’ve tied this case up so easily. But since when had anything ever been easy for me?
“So, where does this leave you and me?” Xav asked, slipping into his seductive tone once more.
Oh no. I had to let him down easy.
“Xav, you’re handsome, wealthy, charming, smart…” I trailed off. “And preoccupied with another woman.”
“It is a turn-off, non?”
“Oui.” I smiled. “Friends instead?” Apparently, my friendship was a consolation prize for unsuccessful suitors.
“Sure, why not? Although, I had far more pleasurable plans in mind.” Xav winked. “We could be friends with benefits.”
“No, we couldn’t. I’m not that kind of girl.”
“You sound put out about it.”
“I am.” Casual sex sounded fun, at least in theory.
“You are pining for Saint, aren’t you?” he asked shrewdly.
I was about to deny it, but what was the point? He’d already figured it out.
“Yes.”
Xav laughed. “We have much in common.”
“I guess so.”
“And you’re one hundred percent opposed to having a fling with me? Together, we could get past this annoying pair of siblings.”
“Positive.”
“Then, we are at an impasse.” Xav abruptly switched the subject. “So, you said you’re fresh out of suspects then?”
“Yup.” Hopefully, Maya would follow through on her offer and I’d get another lead from the police report.
“Well, I might have one for you.”
Hope sparked again. “Who?”
“Did you know your grandmother was seeing someone?”
I narrowed my eyes. “And it wasn’t you, right?”
Xav leered. “I admired her from afar, but I never had the pleasure.”
Eww. “You like older women?” I was momentarily distracted by the thought of Xav ogling Mamie.
“I like women. Period.” Xav frowned. “Do you want the man’s name, or not?”
“Yes, of course.” I had no idea she was dating anyone. To my knowledge, Mamie hadn’t had a “gentleman caller” in quite some time.
Xav’s expression was smug. “Jeb Jackson, our neighbor just up the road.”