Hunter gave me a sharp look. “Almost fifteen years. Why?”
I held up one hand. “Just asking questions. Unlike Zane, I haven’t lived here since the town was established hundreds ofyears ago.” I gave him what I hoped was a reassuring smile. “How did you meet your wife?”
Hunter’s eyes cut to Zane. “Is this really necessary? Who cares how I met my wife? What matters is who killed her!”
Zane nodded. “We understand you’re upset, Hunter. And you have every right to be. But you also need to answer our questions. It will help with our investigation.”
Hunter sighed. “I’ve known Mari since we were in elementary school. We dated in high school and got married not long after we graduated.”
“And stayed here in Mystic Cove?” I asked.
“No,” he said somewhat defensively. “We both went to the same supernatural college, graduated, and then came back here to live.”
I knew my next question was going to send him over the edge, but recent rumors were that he and Mari were having marital problems. “How was your marriage? Were you and Mari getting along or having any marital—”
“Our relationship was just fine!” Hunter exclaimed, jumping up from the couch and facing me. “What are you implying?”
“Please sit down, Mr. Quinn.” I’d put enough steel in my voice to let him know it wasn’t a request but a command. I waited until he sat back down. “I’m simply asking about your marriage.”
Hunter opened his mouth, but before he could answer, a shrill cry rang out from the foyer.
“Dad! Mom! What’s going on?” A few seconds later, a young girl appeared in the living room doorway, her dark eyes wide and skin pale. I guessed her to be around twelve or thirteen. “Daddy? What’s going on?”
Hunter rose and held out his arms to the young girl who flew into them. I glanced back over at the doorway andsaw the vampire from yesterday, Eliza, standing there, looking uncertain. She met my eyes, and I gave her a small smile.
Eliza returned my smile, and then changed the cane in her hand to the other side and leaned against the doorway, watching the father and daughter.
“What’s happened?” the young girl demanded. “Why didn’t Mom come pick me up after cheerleading practice?”
Hunter held the girl away from him. “Jayla, I’m afraid I have terrible news. Your mother is…” He trailed off and swallowed. “Your mom is dead.”
Eliza gasped.
The gasp had been loud enough to make Hunter glance over at her, causing Eliza to straighten and lean on her cane.
“What are you doing here?” Hunter demanded.
I saw the look of surprise on Eliza’s and Jayla’s faces.
Jayla frowned. “Daddy, Ms. Nordic drove me home because no one came and got me.”
“That’s right,” Eliza said defensively. “I was the only adult left, and when five-thirty came around and Jayla still couldn’t get ahold of her mother, I offered to drive her home.”
“You’ve been trying to call Mari?” I asked.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Hunter snapped.
It was probably unprofessional of me, but I’d had enough of Hunter Quinn’s demanding behavior. “Because I’m wondering why we haven’t heard a cell phone ring.”
Hunter frowned. “Oh. I don’t know. Mari always has her phone on her.”
“May I leave?” Eliza asked from the doorway.
Zane nodded as he stood. “Of course, Eliza. Thank you for driving Ms. Quinn home.”
Eliza nodded to Zane before looking at Jayla. “I’m so sorry about your mother, Jayla.”
Tears leaked from Jayla’s eyes. “Thanks, Ms. Nordic.”
