Playing With Vampires - An Izzy Cooper Novel by Kendra Ashe Page A

joining a convent. Not only would that probably earn me lots of redemption points, but I’d be safe from insane men and serial killers.
    “Miss Dupree … it is a pleasure to meet you,” he greeted me in a deep voice that was as smooth as fine silk.
    When I took his offered hand, I felt a jolt of electricity run up my arm. At first I was too stunned to reply, and when I did find my voice, it was shaky.
    “Thank you Mister Dupree,” I muttered.
    “Please, you can call me Zane,” he said, the smile never leaving his face.
    “Thanks … Zane. You can call me Special Agent Cooper,” I told him, reclaiming some of my fire.
    This guy wasn’t going to knock me on my ass with nothing but a sexy smile. I wasn’t that weak. At least that’s what I kept telling myself.
    “What is it I can help you with, Special Agent Cooper?” He put so much emphasis on the special agent part, I knew he was mocking me.
    “Are you aware of the recent homicides in Storm Cove?” I asked, putting on my hard ass cop face.
    He tilted his head in what passed for a nod. “Of course. It’s all over the news.”
    “Do you mind telling me where you were between midnight and 4:00 this morning?”
    There was a slight arch in his left brow “Is there any particular reason why I am being asked to account for my whereabouts? Am I a suspect?” he asked.
    “Everyone is a suspect at this point,” I answered in an even - unemotional tone.
    I couldn’t see the sense in letting on that he and his business manager were our main persons of interest.
    “Well it sounds as if it might be a good idea for me to contact my attorney.”
    In contrast to his words, the expression on his face made it very clear that he wasn’t the least bit worried that we considered him a suspect.
    “Of course that is your right … but it’s completely unnecessary, unless you have something to hide,” I snapped at him.
    The fact that he was playing with me was really starting to get on my nerves.
    “Okay … I’ll play along.” He shrugged. “I was here all night.”
    “Can anyone verify this?”
    “Sure,” he replied with a touch of sarcasm. “I was with a lady friend.”
    “And what’s her name?” I pushed for more information.
    “I believe her first name is Missy. Sorry, but I can’t recall a last name.” He laughed.
    What a slut!
    Missy wasn’t satisfied with Julius. She had to go screwing around with every guy she came across. I couldn’t wait to run that woman in for killing her husband. All I needed was proof.
    “Would that happen to be Missy Rogers?” I asked, unable to keep the distain out of my voice.
    “Could be.” He gave me another nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.
    “Names are irrelevant,” he added.
    “It has recently come to our attention that one of the victims … Polly Nielson was in your employ.”
    “That’s correct. She worked for me in the evenings … part time.”
    “What was the nature of the work she did for you? I asked, double-checking my digital recorder to ensure it was recording.
    “I don’t think I have to answer that question,” he replied, tersely.
    “Okay Mister Dupree. I’ll be checking with Missy … and getting a court order for your employee records.”
    “Thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you at our grand opening.”
    I was being dismissed, though it was tough luck for Mister Dupree that I didn’t take too kindly to being dismissed.
    I decided it was time to take a shot in the dark. “I know what you are Mister Dupree.”
    I was prepared for anger, denial, maybe even a little mockery, but I wasn’t prepared for laughter.
    “And I know you know, Miss Cooper.” His eyes lit up with amusement.
    “What I don’t understand is why you’re not sleeping in some coffin at this time of the day.”
    That was something that had been bugging me since we met Mister Olsen at the door, but Dupree wasn’t about to satisfy my curiosity.
    “The world is a mysterious place,” he replied, evasively.