The Vampire's Valentine Surprise: A Nocturne Falls Short Read Online Free Page A

real piece of work.”
    “What can I do to help? You want me to find a cop or something?”
    “No. I can’t prove anything.”
    Roxy looked around, her gaze stopping on the coffee cup Hugh had brought. “Is that the coffee?”
    Delaney nodded.
    Roxy stared at the cup for a second, tapping her bottom lip with one short pink fingernail. “You could get the coffee tested. Do you know anyone?”
    Delaney retied her apron, which had been slipping loose. “I know the sheriff. But I’m not sure our little town has the resources. He could probably send it off though.” Or she could get one of the witches to test it. That would be a hell of a lot faster, but she couldn’t quite explain that to Roxy.
    “Do it then. Why not? If this woman really did something, you can’t just let that go.”
    “And if she didn’t?”
    Roxy waggled her brows. “Then I won’t have to kill her off in a book.”
    Delaney grinned. “Please tell me that you’re moving and you’re here to stay.”
    “Not this time. I just came to have a look around at this place you keep telling me is so awesome.” She grinned. “It really is. At least what I’ve seen so far.”
    “And?”
    Roxy laughed. “And I’m coming back in a month or two to look at some houses. I talked to that realtor you hooked me up with, Pandora Williams. As soon as I finalize a few things at home, I’ll be back.” Her eyes lit up. “For good.”
    “You mean it?”
    Roxy nodded. “I need a fresh start and with my new series doing so well, I can afford a lot of things I couldn’t before. Really, though, it’s more about getting away from all the bad memories and creating new ones that have nothing to do with Dean.”
    Delaney sighed. Roxy’s ex-husband had been a controlling jerk. “You’ll love it here. I promise. And with what you write, this town is perfect. C’mon, a town that celebrates Halloween three hundred and sixty-five days a year? What better place for a paranormal romance author to live?”
    “Yeah, that part kind of got me. Plus, it feels like there’s a great sense of community here. A real small-town, neighborly kind of vibe. Except for the neighbors trying to poison you.”
    They both laughed, then Roxy tucked a strand of hair behind one ear. “Listen, we can catch up some more later, after you win this thing. I don’t want to be the reason that doesn’t happen.”
    “Thanks, I appreciate that. Hey, you know, there’s a chocolate sampling going on in the main tent.”
    “Why do you think I’m ditching you?” Roxy winked. “I’ll be back to watch you get crowned.”
    Delaney shook her head. “There’s no tiara involved.”
    “There should be. There should be tiaras for everything. Call me if you need anything. I need to see about getting some chocolate in my system. Writers live on that, you know.” Roxy gave Delaney another hug, then with a little wave she disappeared into the crowd.
    Delaney went back to work, her spirits lightened by the arrival of her friend. It would be great having her around. The coffee cup caught her eye again. She sighed. Whatever Vicky had slipped in there had not only made her queasy but forgetful. She picked up her phone and dialed Hugh again.

Chapter Three
    T ent One was in full pandemonium when Hugh arrived, so he didn’t have to lower his voice much to keep from being overheard. Even so, he edged closer to Delaney. “You want me to do what?”
    “Take the coffee to one of the witches and get them to test it,” Delaney said.
    “I’m happy to do that. But if you’re feeling poorly, maybe you should—”
    “Do not say quit.” She picked up her big wooden mixing spoon, the end of which was clotted with cookie dough or cake batter or frosting, and waved it at him. “Or so help me, I will swat you with this.”
    “I wasn’t going to say quit.” He straightened. “Never quit.” But he couldn’t help but be worried. She was everything to him. He’d almost lost her once. That wasn’t