“Maybe because they’re upset with me,” I pressed. “Maybe because they don’t want me exposing their world, they’re eager to expose me first?”
Bradley scowled. “Hold on a minute—”
But Mason held up a hand. “Are you accusing me of something?”
“I’m merely trying to uncover the truth,” I said. “I talked to my sire. He doesn’t seem to be the one. In fact, he used his song to compel me to find the culprit.”
“And what reason would I have, wouldanyof us have, to unmask you, Wickham?” Mason demanded. “Yes, we’re upset, but only because exposing you exposes us. Besides, look at them, do you really think any of them are capable of the diabolicalness that you suggest?”
I glanced over at the room of vampires. Alice had returned to taking pictures from every possible angle. I noticed the small heart-shaped cookies that sat next to Mason’s workspace that, no doubt, Bradley had been working on before I came. Lexa had collapsed in a chair after her long work hours and was snoring away. Mason was right. These were anything but criminal masterminds. I wouldn’t suspect any of them. I watched as Nathan jabbed a straw into another bag of blood, a bit trickling over his chin. His eyes glazed over when he placed the straw between his lips, and a slight shiver ran down my spine. Well, most of them I wouldn’t.
I rested a hand on Bradley’s shoulder, who still didn’t appear pleased that I suspected his beloved. “I didn’t actually believeany of you did it, but I need to ask if you know anyone who would?”
Mason and Bradley exchanged glances. “What about your ex?” Bradley asked.
I released a breath. Yes, Sephira. It meant a lot that they’d accuse one of their own, but we all knew Sephira and what she was like. Bradley had been the voice of caution before we even started dating. If only I had listened. She was next on my list of visits. “I’m not sure how to find her.”
“Do you have anything of hers?”
Actually, I did. “Her old beanie.”
Mason nodded. “Talk to Mary Bennet. She can help you.”
I raised my eyebrows in shock. “Mary? Lydia’s sister?” The last time I talked to Mary Bennet, she was helping Lydia and me track down the person who’d lit Cupid’s Confections on fire. Before that, she was accusing me of murdering a local resident by the name of Isabella Ravenswood—a young fae woman who’d made potions for werewolves and other illegal creatures.
“Mary took over for Isabella after she died,” Bradley added. “She may be able to hook you up with a local werewolf, if one is willing.”
It seemed worth the risk. “Thanks, guys.”
“Find this culprit and put a stop to this for all our sakes.” Mason paused in his baking and leveled me with a stern stare. “And you will be forgiven and allowed to rejoin the Midnight Kitchen Society.”
I frowned. “I wasn’t aware I’d been kicked out.” This little group was my only positive connection to my vampiric side. I didn’t wish to lose that.
“Now you know,” Mason said. He went back to his dough, gathering up the leftovers and smashing them together so he could roll it out again.
Seemed fair enough. I was already determined to find the killer. “I’ll keep you informed of what I discover,” I promised before turning and heading out of the kitchen.
Bradley followed me. “Geez, Wickham, if I thought you were going to come here and accuse my husband of all people—”
“I didn’t believe it was him, but I had to be sure.” I grabbed my coat and scarf off the coat rack. “Do you forgive me?”
“I’m not certain yet. What do you plan on doing about Lydia? Are you really going to annul the marriage?”
I pressed my lips together, still surprised at my fellow vampires’ reactions. “It’s harsh, and she may not want it, but it’s what will protect her.”
“And what do you want?”
I slid my arms into my coat. “What’s best for her.” If I was found out and imprisoned, Lydia might get accused of aiding me. That was also illegal. Not to mention dealing with a vampire killer was dangerous. I refused to let her be the killer’s next victim.
“I agreed that the Grey Doors would play at her upcoming birthday party next Friday.”
I ran a hand over my face. Lydia’s birthday. This was exactly what I didn’t need at the moment. “Our band isn’t in playing condition.” What with our manager and one band member dead, and another one a murderer.
“I've got it covered,” Bradley said with a smile. “I’ll find the people and train them up. You don’t even have to worry about coming to practice.”
“But you need me there for the performance.” My stomach twisted. How would Lydia feel about my attending her birthday party? By that time, we’d probably have annulled our marriage. Would she want me there? Of course she wouldn’t. I wouldn’t want me there.
“Wickham, hear me out.” Bradley held up his hands. “Let’s say you weren’t a vampire, and she wasn’t a fae-witch, and it wasn’t forbidden. Pretend for a moment you weren’t findingdead bodies everywhere. Then would you wish to stay married to her?”
