Page 36

Following the fragile mortal up the stairs, Adriel noted with concern the sharp blades of brittle bones that protruded beneath the woman’s clothing.

“Do you live alone?”

“Oh, yes. That’s why I’ve been so looking forward to your visit.” She pressed open the door to a large bedroom. By the scent of dust in the air, Adriel knew it had been unused for several decades.

A large canopy bed dominated the far wall. “Do you have children?”

“I lost my daughter a long time ago and my husband shortly after. Danny checks on me from time to time, but other than him, it’s just me.”

Just as she was about to ask who Danny was, Juniper screamed, “Adriel! Get down here—quick!”

She caught the woman’s fragile hand and looked into her eyes. “Don’t leave this room.”

Racing down the stairs, she burst into the kitchen, where Juniper pointed a wooden spoon at a middle-aged man.

“You must be Danny.”

“Where’s Ruth?” His gaze snapped to Juniper. “Who are you, and why are you going through her drawers?”

“We’re none of your business.”

He scoffed. “We’ll see about that. I’m calling the cops.”

Adriel quickly tried to defuse the situation as he pulled out what she assumed was a mobile telephone. “We’re Ruth’s nieces, Juniper and Adriel. She’s been expecting us?—”

“Ruth doesn’t have nieces.”

Juniper looked at her, and Adriel knew what she had to do. Leveling the man with a stare, shepushed into his mind and explained, “Ruth does have nieces—two of them.” She pointed to herself and then to Juniper. “We’re visiting on a private family matter. You will not call the police or tell anyone that we’re here.”

“He has a key,” Juniper pointed to his hand. “He let himself in.”

“So, what do you want me to do?”

“Take it from him.”

“Give me your key to the house.” He frowned as he dropped it into her hand.

“Find out what his connection is to the old lady.”

Adriel pressed her lips tight, uncomfortable with this level of pretense. “What is your relationship with Ruth?”

“I take care of the property. She makes me lunch, and we talk.”

Adriel sensed something else. She grabbed his arm, and deceit flooded her. “You’re harboring dishonest motives.”

“Of course he is. Did you see how shitty the plants out back look? His yard game is crap.”

“Enough.” She turned back to the man. “Tell me what you want from Ruth.”

His eyes glazed. “The house. She’s got no one to leave it to.”

As an immortal, she never considered what happens to mortal assets when their owners die. “Do you care for her?”

He shook his head. “I just want the house.”

“He preys on old people,” Juniper said withdisgust. “I watched a documentary about scumbags like him. They’re total con artists.”

“Is that true?” She looked into his eyes with stern disapproval. “You only come here because you want the house?”