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Her horrified expression revealed she’d already accepted the knowledge that Brenda Sanguis had been involved in the murder.
“What now?” she muttered, the words harsh as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her.
“Obviously, we can’t speak with your mother, but there was the mystery woman who now has Richard’s keys,” he reminded her. “I want to know who she is and her connection to the Masque Salon.”
Closing the security footage, Valen clicked on the second link that Renee had sent. It was the personal information he’d requested.
“Richard Pascal, sole proprietor of Masque Salon,” he read out loud. “Born in New Orleans 1968. Unmarried. No children.” He skimmed through the various organizations he belonged to and his charitable contributions. “No criminal history. No fines. Pays his taxes on time. No listed employees although he probably has a few that he pays off the books. Nothing here that helps us.”
Peri cleared her throat, her expression settling into grim lines. “Any family in the area?”
Valen skimmed through the report. “His parents died several years ago, but he has one sister.”
“Where?”
“New Orleans.” He typed in her name. “Stella Pascal Hansen.”
A picture of a middle-aged woman filled the screen. She had dyed red hair that was smoothed back from her square face and shrewd hazel eyes. Even in the photo she looked like the type of person who didn’t take shit from anyone.
Peri moved to study the computer screen, her arm pressing against his. “That’s the woman we saw leaving the auction house.”
Valen squashed the urge to turn to Peri and continue where they’d left off. As much as he hungered to haul her to the nearest bedroom and forget the world, he understood that keeping her safe was more important than easing his desire.
Once the threat had been eliminated, he would devote his entire existence to exploring their mutual passion.
Scrolling down, he read the bio that was published in the local business register.
“She’s a lawyer in town. She’s a recent widow. No children listed. Lots of professional affiliations, but nothing that helps us.”
“I’m assuming she doesn’t know that her brother is dead.”
“Let’s ask her.” Valen turned to cross the room.
“Now?” Peri sounded confused. “You might not have noticed, but it’s daylight out there.”
“I noticed.” He pulled open the door and motioned to the hovering servant. “I plan to have Stella brought to me.”
Peri rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”
Chapter 23
Peri was standing in the corner of the room when Stella Pascal Hansen was brought in and tied to a wooden chair. The woman sat stiffly with her chin in the air, her square body stuffed into black pants and matching jacket that was tight enough to reveal her clenched muscles. Peri was guessing she’d tried to struggle when she’d first been captured by the demons, but she’d grimly accepted she couldn’t escape from their ruthless grip. Now the woman was no doubt silently plotting her revenge.
“She doesn’t look happy,” she murmured softly.
Valen’s gaze remained locked on the woman, as if seeking to determine if she posed a threat.
“I told the staff I was in a hurry. It’s possible they weren’t very polite when they collected her from her home.”
Peri snorted. “Collected her?”
“It sounds nicer than kidnapping.”
“If you say so.”
Valen shrugged. “Trust me, she won’t remember this happened after we’re done with our conversation.”
Peri knew he was right. Valen could sweep away any memory of being taken from her home. But it was easier to focus on the dubious morals of kidnapping Stella Pascal Hansen than to let her mind dwell on her suspicion that her mother had returned to the Masque Salon and murdered a man in cold blood. It wasn’t like she didn’t know Brenda Sanguis was willing to kill to gain power. She had the scar to prove her mother’s ruthless ambition. But it was horrifying to see the evidence of her cruelty. She was going to have nightmares of stumbling across Richard’s mummified corpse.
