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I was relieved when Hailey dropped the subject. “You and me both,” she said. Her gaze drifted in the direction of the entrance. “Is the wreath really pointless?”
I sighed. “Yes, but it looks nice. I’d leave it.”
She nodded. “Thanks, I think I will.”
Otto Visconti’s house was one of the best-preserved historic buildings in Fairhaven, much like the vampire himself. He’d finally returned my call and invited me to pay a visit.
“Good afternoon, Miss Clay. Mr. Visconti is waiting for you in the study.”
“Thank you, Heidi.”
I wasn’t sure what to think of Otto when I first met the cursed vampire. He was something of a pariah in town, mainly because he wanted it that way. The curse had resulted in blindness and an inability to drink human blood, which he seemed to use as an excuse to isolate himself from society. I didn’t anticipate the two of us would become chummy, yet here I was, paying the vampire a social call. Voluntarily.
I stood outside the study and listened to the vampire playCome, Sweet Deathby Bach on the piano. It would be nice to visit and hearLike A VirginorShake It Offfor onceinstead of songs that made me want to bury myself in a dark hole.
I drew a deep breath and waltzed into the room. Otto immediately sensed my presence and stopped playing.
“You’re late,” he said.
“Got held up in traffic.”
“In Fairhaven? I find that difficult to believe.”
“It’s true. There was an Amish buggy on the road, and it was a no passing lane.”
“In that case, you’re a saint for holding your temper.”
“I’ve been practicing patience. You’re looking well, Otto. I’m digging the ascot. It’s very Fred.”
He swiveled to face me. “Fred?”
“FromScooby-Doo. Never mind.”
Otto toyed with the ascot. “My date the other night was with a woman obsessed with the 1920s. I unearthed a handful of old accessories, including this ascot.”
“It suits you.”
“I’m a vampire. We’re evergreen. Every decade suits me.”
I smiled. “And so humble about it.”
He motioned to the nearby table, where a Scrabble board was set up. “On that note, you should know my game has much improved since our last meeting.”
“I expected nothing less. How many times have you made Heidi play with you?”
“Only a few times, but she loves it. She says it’s her new favorite game.”
I bit back a smile. Poor Heidi was probably sick of forming words by now. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
He tapped the piano. “Would you like to play something?”
“Nice try.”
“Can’t blame me, can you?”
Otto was aware that I had perfect pitch, musical talent, and a deep appreciation of classical music. What he didn’t know, and I wouldn’t explain, was the reason I refused to indulge my interest. It was too personal and too painful.
He joined me at the small table. “I requested blackened salmon, sweet potato, and garlic spinach for lunch. I hope that’s acceptable.”
