Page 2 of Blood Magic

“Absolutely, I believe you. Most humans don’t understand such things exist because they never have to face them. I’m sorry you and your wife were forced to.”

He pressed his lips together. “Thank you.”

“Tell me about Brenda. How would she have gotten noticed by vampires? Usually, they go after the homeless, runaways, people who won’t be believed even if they remember they were bled by a monster.” I took a minute to calm myself as my temper began to rise. Wolves and vampires were natural enemies, and I was looking forward to grabbing my kill kit and going after the one who’d taken a human.

But I didn’t believe this was a rogue vampire I needed to hunt and stake. Stealing human women was not something rogues did. No vampire wanted to be noticed, but especially rogues, who didn’t have the protection or support of their clan. As a matter of fact, the clans would kill a rogue faster than I would, so it was vital for him to avoid attention.

I was going to have to meet with the vampire county master—if I could find him—and I would rather have been sprayed by a busload of skunks.

“We fell in love eight years ago.” Ferguson smiled, remembering. “I knew immediately that I’d met the love of my life. It hasn’t always been easy. She’s older than me.”

I nodded as I scribbled on my notepad. “How old is she?”

“She’s fifty-seven. Older than me by twenty-four years.” He put his phone away and crossed his arms. “Does that bother you?”

I frowned at him. “Why would it bother me?”

He shrugged. “Most people are judgmental assholes.”

“Most people should mind their business. What do the police think happened to your wife?”

“They think she left me.”

“Why?”

“Before she was taken, we’d had an argument. One of the neighbors heard Brenda say it would be best if we separated.” He rubbed his face. “God, what I wouldn’t give to be able to argue with her now.”

“What was the fight about, Mr. Ferguson?”

“Her mother, as always. The woman treats Brenda like shit, to be blunt. She beckons, Brenda runs—and gets beat up every single damn time. Oh not physically, but…” He sighed. “Her mother is a narcissist. Brenda knows it but doesn’t feel she can abandon the old bat. Her mother has no one else to torment.” He waved a hand, impatient. “It doesn’t matter. We’ve always argued about that woman. Brenda wasn’t really going to leave me and go back home to her mother. She was simply tired of being pulled and yanked by me on one end and Cheryl—her mother—on the other.”

“I’ll need Cheryl’s home address and phone number.”

He frowned. “Why?”

“I’ll need to talk to everyone, Mr. Ferguson.”

He gave it to me, but reluctantly. “Be prepared. The woman hates me.”

“I see. So she’s saying that you had something to do with her daughter’s disappearance?”

“She’s saying I killed her and disposed of the body somewhere,” he said flatly. “I loved Brenda, Ms. Silver. I would not have hurt her.”

I sat back in my chair, saying nothing. He didn’t seem to be aware that he’d spoken of his wife in past tense, as though he believed she was already dead. And maybe she was. The only thing I knew for certain was that people had secrets, and Paul Ferguson was likely no different.

“Where were you when you took the pictures?”

“In my house.”

“And the vampire?”

“Also in my house.” He clenched his fists. “She let him in. Said he was a friend from work, but I knew she was lying. I also knew she…”

“What, Mr. Ferguson?”

“She couldn’t help herself. I think she believed she was telling me the truth.”

I nodded slowly. “Why did he want in?”