Page 36 of Bargain with Fate
The most expensive house in the Neighborhood was located in the area known as the Divide, situated to the east of Palmetto. Its owner was Stella Von Hagen, the wealthy vampire known for her swanky key parties, which I actively avoided, and her selection of outrageous wigs that she changed to suit her mood. Stella was most known, however, for the Löwchen dog that she carried like an extra limb. Little Lord Ruffington wore a bow tie and matching vest that reflected the season or holiday. Today he was dressed in black like a fluffy ninja.
“Well, it’s about time, Maya,” Stella said by way of greeting. “I was beginning to think you’d deleted my report without reading it.”
I tried not to stare at her wig, which was designed to resemble a multitiered birthday cake. “No, ma’am. I would never consider such a thing.” I gestured to Vale. “Stella Von Hagen, I’d like you to meet Vale.”
She lifted a limp wrist. “You look every bit as delicious up close, young man.”
Vale indulged her with a chaste kiss on her hand. “Up close?”
“I’d see you on occasion, when I still lived on the mainland. You never accepted any of my invitations, sadly, so this is the closest to you I’ve managed to get.”
“Don’t take it personally. I’m not fond of parties.”
“Or people in general, from what I’ve heard.”
“I prefer to keep a low profile.”
That made two of us. If Vale and I had to work together again, it was nice to know we had common ground.
“May we come in?” I asked. “We’d like to talk to you about your report.”
“Of course.” Stella swept aside so we could enter the grand marble foyer. “Let’s talk in the library. It’ll be quietest in there.”
I swallowed a laugh. The house was as silent as the grave. Even Little Lord Ruffington was mute, staring at us with a solemn countenance.
Stella guided us to a room filled with walnut bookcases that stretched to the intricate ceiling of the rotunda.
“Your library is impressive,” Vale said.
“Thank you. I modeled it after the Morgan Library in New York. Do you know it?”
“I’ve heard of it, but I haven’t seen it firsthand.”
“Oh, you really should. He had a wonderful collection of French literature once upon a time. I wonder if it’s still there.” She waved an airy hand at a plush love seat. “Can I offer you a refreshment?”
“No, thank you. We won’t take up too much of your time,” I said.
“Good. At my age, there’s no telling how much of it is left.” She flashed a fanged smile. “My apologies. I shouldn’t make light of death under the circumstances, not while we’re all grieving again so soon after Belinda and Judd.” She held up the Löwchen in his black outfit. “Little Lord Ruffington is in mourning. He was very fond of Charlene.”
“You mean Darlene.”
Stella stroked the dog’s back. “Yes, of course.”
“I didn’t realize you and Darlene were friendly.”
“We weren’t, but she and Lord Ruffington wiled away many an hour together in the pool. She was exceedingly fond of dogs.”
“Your dog paddles with those tiny legs?” Vale asked.
“Heavens, no. Ruff has an inflatable chair with a built-in water bowl and treat dispenser.”
Of course he did.
“We’d like to know more about the heirloom you sold,” I said.
“It was more of a knickknack, really. A paperweight.” Stella pulled her phone from her pocket and scrolled to a photograph. “Here it is. I purchased it a century ago, give or take.”
I leaned forward to examine the palm-sized stone etched with runes. “Do you know anything about the runes?”
