“I’m starting to think my family made a mistake by locating our headquarters in a city instead of on an island like this one,” Vale commented.
“Evermore and the other island retirement communities were inspired by Breasal’s Island.” Breasal’s Island was the home of the gods upon leaving mortal soil.
“Land of perpetual pleasure and feasting,” Vale said. “The origin of the name Brazil, I believe.”
“See that, Vale? You’re more than just a pretty face.” I nudged him with my shoulder. “Since you’re so knowledgeable, do you happen to know anything about shadows that have disconnected from their bodies?”
Vale coughed, then cleared his throat. “That’s not a question I think I’ve ever fielded. Are you missing a shadow, Maya?”
I chose my words carefully. “Between you and me, there seems to be one on the loose, and I’d like to track it down.”
“You have an island full of retirees with nothing but time on their hands. Couldn’t you request their help?”
“Not in this situation, no.”
He studied me. “Why do I get the sense this shadow is responsible for more than cutting the cord from its body?”
I lowered my voice, not that anyone else was within earshot. “It appears to have killed someone.”
“A killer shadow?”
I shushed him. “Please don’t repeat this. I can’t have Neighbors freaking out.”
“I can see how tracking down a killer shadow is presenting you with a few challenges.”
I stared at him. “Are you smirking?” I smacked his arm. “An innocent woman is dead, Vale. This is no laughing matter.”
“I know, I know. I’m sorry. It’s just that only you would have to hunt down a killer shadow.”
“There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the murder, which means he could strike again at any time.”
“Has anyone checked with Peter Pan?”
“Not funny.”
His shoulders shook as his laughter subsided. “Are you sure it’s a shadow, Maya? There could be a dozen other possibilities that make more sense.”
“It was a shadow. I’m certain. The victim said so.”
“Before she died? You spoke to her?”
“After she died, I spoke to her, but we don’t need to discuss that now.”
He eyed me closely. “There is so much about you I don’t know.”
And I intended to keep it that way. “It’s nothing that would violate the law, I promise.”
“I trust you.”
You shouldn’t, I nearly said, but caught myself in time. “Turn right and we’re there,” I said.
Vale pulled into the long driveway. “I thought the Neighbors lived in condos.”
“Not all of them.” And definitely not a vampire like Stella Von Hagen.
Chapter
Seven
