Youre not evil like your mother? I wonder if its possible to have those genes and not be just a little bit evil.
Allie narrowed her eyes. Was Glynis the vandal? Was she behaving like a potential stalker? Or just a jealous old girlfriend?
So whats going on? Glynis asked, switching tactics. Why did you stop by?
To harass you, Allie said in her drollest tone.
Very funny. What for?
As if you dont know.
Please, no games. Just tell me what this is about.
Someone broke into Allies loft and trashed her bedroom, Daniel said.
Much too dramatic, Glynis clutched a hand to her blouse, ruffling the boa-type feathers. Her fingernails were as red as her lips. And you think it was me?
It seems like a possibility.
I wouldnt waste my time.
Wouldnt you? he challenged. Not even for me?
No, dear boy. That isnt my style. But feel free to give my regards to whoever did it.
Any idea who that could be? Cynicism edged his voice. Besides you?
If youre asking me who else you slept with, I have no idea. You werent the type to kiss and tell. Speaking of kisses, why dont we have a drink?
He furrowed his brow. Apparently he wasnt following Glyniss logic. Allie was, but she remained silent.
He asked, What do drinks have to do with kisses?
Oh, thats right. You dont remember. I have a Vampires Kiss every day. Sometimes you had one with me. But mostly you preferred Gin and Nothing.
Ill have one of those. He made a thought-provoking expression, as if he were delving into his own
lost mind. Thats still what I prefer.
Then there you go. Some things dont change. The dragon lady looked at Allie. Would you like a drink, too?
I think Ill pass.
Afraid Ill poison it?
Allie coined Daniel from earlier. It seems like a possibility.
Glynis rolled her elegantly lined eyes and proceeded to fix the cocktails. For herself, she used a recipe that consisted of vodka, cranberry juice, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice. For Daniel, she poured a jigger of gin over ice and added a twist of lemon peel.
He accepted the drink and made himself at home on the sofa. Allie figured he had a plan, but she wasnt sure what it was. He patted the spot next to him, silently telling her to join him. She did, even if she wasnt comfortable staying any longer than necessary.
Glynis sat across from them and sipped her Vampires Kiss. Ignoring Allie, she gazed at Daniel. I cant get over how different you look. How different you seem.
The ice in his glass clinked, and he spoke above the Gin and Nothing sound. Do you like me better this way?
She crossed her legs, flashing her sexy high heels at him. Would it matter if I did?
He shrugged, then looked closely at her. I think I do remember something about you.
She squared her shoulders, lifting her bosom a bit higher. You do?
I seem to recall your pretty handwriting. He paused for effect. Calligraphy.
Aha, Allie thought. Daniel was trying to trap Glynis. They hadnt told her that calligraphy had been used during the vandalism. If she reacted defensively, she would give herself away.
She didnt get defensive. In fact, she stunned them by saying, No, no, darling. Thats Margaret. Shes the one with the lovely penmanship.
Margaret?
My housekeeper.
The bulldog who protected Glynis? Could she be the vandal? Had she done it for Glynis? Were they in on it together? And if they were, why was Glynis being so open about it?
Allie shot Daniel a quick glance. He seemed to be pondering the same questions.
Glynis popped up and walked over to an antique desk and opened the roll top. She returned with a fancy envelope. Margaret is going to address these for me and mail them later today. See? She already put my return address in her calligraphy.
Daniel took the sealed envelope. What is this?
An invitation. Im having a Christmas party. Oh, heres a novel idea. Why dont you come? She turned to Allie. You, too. Just think, you can stress all evening about me poisoning you. What fun that will be.
Hardy har har. Glynis had a twisted sense of humor. Under different circumstances, Allie might have learned to like her.
Or not.
Well think about it, Allie said, wondering if the party had been arranged for her and Daniels benefit.
Dont think too long. Youll need to RSVP.
Well let you know. Daniel stood up.
I do hope youll attend, darling boy. It was so very nice to see you.
Glynis didnt walk them out and neither did Margaret. Daniel and Allie left on their own, the invitation tucked safely into his pocket.
Daniel opened the truck door for Allie and watched her climb inside the vehicle. They didnt discuss the situation, not until he got behind the wheel and started the engine.
What do you think? she asked.
That was a loaded question. His mind was crowded and confused, his thoughts clinging like cobwebs. About Glynis? About Margarets calligraphy? About whether or not we should go to the party?
All of it. But start with Glynis.
He pulled away from the curb. I honestly dont remember her. Nor does she seem like my type. Which made his confusion that much greater.
You dont think shes attractive?