Black & Brew (A Supernatural Speakeasy Cozy Mystery Book 10) by Lily Harper Hart

Author:Lily Harper Hart [Hart, Lily Harper]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperHart Publications
Published: 2022-12-05T16:00:00+00:00

PASCAL FONTAINE SAT ON WHAT COULD ONLY be described as a throne, all decked out in flamboyant vampire garb, and pretended he was above it all as Ofelia let herself into his store.

“Steal anything, and I’ll snap your neck and not turn you into a vampire,” Pascal said absently as he stared at a big book in his lap.

Ofelia was used to the taciturn vampire and his weird ways. She couldn’t think of a single other vampire who would pretend to be a human pretending to be a vampire just to cover up his identity. She found Pascal absolutely delightful, although other people found him to be utterly insufferable.

“What is Britney Spears up to today?” she asked as she crossed to him and sat in the chair adjacent to his without invitation. She happened to know that the big, scary book Pascal had on his lap was really an US Weekly in disguise.

“That poor girl.” Pascal made a clucking sound with his tongue. “It’s terrible the way she’s been treated. Her family are all grifters.”

“It is terrible,” Ofelia agreed.

“Unfortunately, I’m now worried about the man she married. She’s acting erratically. I don’t mind the naked photos—if the girl wants to show off her Pimm’s Cups that’s totally on her—but things seem messed up in her world. I don’t want her to turn into a cautionary tale.”

“I think she’s already there.” Ofelia crossed her legs. “You could always seek her out and offer your services.”

“And go to California?” Pascal’s dark expression told Ofelia exactly what she needed to know regarding his opinion of that suggestion. “Why do you hate me so?”

Ofelia let loose a low chuckle. “I was just trying to help.”

“I’m good here. This is my city.” Pascal’s gaze was probing as it roamed her face. “I heard about Oscar.” His voice was low and without pity. Sympathy radiated off of him, but he understood that pity was not what she needed. “How is he?”

Ofelia wasn’t sure how to answer. Pascal had known her father for a long time. He’d been there during Hurricane Katrina when Oscar had misjudged the severity of the storm and put himself—and young Ofelia—at risk. He’d walked them out himself, making sure they were safe, and then returned to the Quarter to protect those who were forced to stay behind.

“They won’t let me see him,” Ofelia replied, swallowing hard. “I was the one who committed him on the street when he had his meltdown. He … said some things.”

“I’m sure he did. You know he didn’t mean those things, don’t you?”

“That’s what I keep telling myself, but it’s hard to completely forget what he said.”

“I understand.” Pascal reached over and patted her forearm. “You did the right thing. I know it’s hard for you to accept that, but your father was never going to get better on his own. He was simply going to keep getting worse. At least this way, you’re giving him a chance at living a life that doesn’t revolve around constant meltdowns.

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